SAVING SCHEME IN POST OFFICES

The Minister of State for Communications & Information Technology Sh Sachin Pilot informed the Lok Sabhayesterday that the gross deposit of Small Savings Scheme in Post Offices declined in the financial year 2011-12 as compared to the year 2010-11.                                                                     The decline of gross deposit in small savings schemes is, among other things, due to investor’s choice of alternative instruments for effecting savings. The Government has taken following measures to make the small saving schemes more attractive:-  1.   The rate of interest on Post Office Savings Account (POSA) has been increased from 3.5% to 4%.  The ceiling of maximum balance in POSA 1 lakh in single account and 2 lakh in joint account) has been removed.  2.  The maturity period for Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) and National Savings Certificate (NSC) has been reduced from 6 years to 5 years.  3.   A new NSC instrument, with maturity period of 10 years, has been introduced.  4.  The annual ceiling on investment under Public Provident Fund (PPF) Scheme has been increased from ` 70,000 to ` 1lakh.  5.  Liquidity of Post Office Time Deposit (POTD) – 1, 2, 3 & 5 years – has been improved by allowing pre-mature withdrawal at a rate of interest 1% less than the time deposits of comparable maturity.  For pre-mature withdrawals between 6-12 months of investment,  Post Office Savings Account (POSA) rate of interest has been allowed.  6.         Central and State Governments take various measures from time to time to promote and popularise small saving scheme through print and electronic media as well as by holding seminars, meetings and providing training to the various agencies involved in mobilising deposits under various small savings schemes. The rate of interest on Small Savings Schemes has been aligned with Government-Security rates of similar maturity with a spread of 25 basis points (bps) in all schemes except 10 Years National Savings Certificates (IX-Issue) and Sr. Citizens Savings Scheme where the spread of 50 bps and 100 bps has been given respectively (100 bps are equal to 1%).  Interest rate for every financial year will now be notified before 1st April of that year.            There were 26,01,69,920   number of operational small savings accounts in the Post Offices as on 31.03.2012  and the amount deposited therein upto the end of March 2012  was  Rs. 190732.73 crore . 2,84,10,593 accounts were closed by customers during financial year 2011-12. * BK/AT (Release ID :87518)(PIB)

NFPE CIRCULAR - SOUTH ZONE STUDY CAMP-2012

NFPE CIRCULAR - SOUTH ZONE STUDY CAMP-2012   

No. PF-01(e)/2012                                                                                       DATED 05.09.2012

 CIRCULAR

To,

 All General Secretaries of Affiliated Unions

 All office bearers NFPE

            All Circle Secretaries of affiliated unions             (  Kerala, Karnataka,

            All Divisional Secretaries of affiliated unions      Tamil Nadu & AP Circle.)

NFPE SOUTH ZONE STUDY CAMP-2012

Dear Comrades,

            As decided by the Federal Secretariat of NFPE, this year’s NFPE Trade Union Study Camps are being organized on REGIONAL BASIS. “South Zone Study Camp “will be conducted at CHENNAI on 13^th and 14^th October, 2012.(13.10.2012 & 14.10.2012 Saturday & Sunday). Exact venue will be informed shortly. The Camp will commence at 10A.M. on 13.10.2012 and continue upto 5 P.M. on 14.10.2012 Participation of delegates from each Circle Union should be as per the quota shown below:

S.L.	Circle	P-3	P-4	R-3	R-4	GDS	Admn.	Postal A/C	SBCO	Civil Wing	Casual Labourer	Total
1.	Kerala	15	7	5	3	6	1	1	1	-	1	40
2.	Karnataka	12	8	6	4	6	1	1	1	-	1	40
3.	Tamil Nadu	20	15	6	4	10	1	2	1	-	1	60
4.	A.P.	20	15	6	4	10	1	1	1	1	1	60
Grand Total												200

1.        DELEGATE FEE PER DELEGATE IS FIXED AS Rs. 500/- (Rupees Five hundred only).

2.      Food for two days and Accommodation from 12^th night (for those reaching on 12^th) to 14^th evening will be provided.

3.    Names of the delegates participating from each Circle should be intimated to the Reception Committee by the concerned Circle Secretaries before 20.09.2012. Address and contact number, email ID of the Reception Committee will be intimated shortly.

4.     All General Secretaries are requested to issue instructions to their Circle/Divisional Unions to ensure participation of delegates from each Circle as per the quota shown above.

5.         Delegates may be advised to book their up and down tickets well in advance.

6.         Programme and other details of the Study Camp will be intimated before 20.09.2012.

Yours fraternally,

(M. KRISHNAN)

Secretary General

NEW HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME FOR CG EMPLOYEES AND PENSIONERS

We all know Sixth Pay Commission recommended for New Health Insurance Scheme in lieu of present CGHS. Though employees covered under CGHS have apprehensions whether this proposed new scheme would be better than existing CGHS, in respect of employees residing in Non-CGHS area this scheme is definitely a boon.

The present CS Medical Attendance Rules under which employees residing under non-CGHS area are covered has no real intention to provide for proper medical treatment be it In-Patient or Out-Patient treatment as the cost reimbursed under CS Medical Attendance Rules would be a paltry sum compared to the actual cost of medical treatment in non-CGHS areas.

In the case of Pensioners too residing in non-CGHS areas, the fixed medical Allowance of Rs.300 per month provided to them may not be even sufficient to meet out the cost for one visit to a nearby Doctor for cold.

Under these circumstances, Central Government Employees and Pensioners residing in non-CGHS are really in need of good medical treatment at par with their colleagues in CGHS Areas. When New Medical Insurance Scheme was proposed by Government in the year 2008 as per the recommendations of 6CPC, it was believed that it would come as a relief for employees and pensioners in non-CGHS area.

But this scheme is still not a reality as in spite of repeated promises in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha that the scheme would be implemented soon, it it yet to take off.

Now, on 28.08.2012, there was another query regarding implementation of this Scheme for which Health Ministry has replied as follows

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

RAJYA SABHA

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR CGHS BENEFICIARIES

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1775 by SHRI BASHISTHA NARAIN SINGH

a) whether it is a fact that in the year 2010, Government mooted a plan to provide health insurance scheme to its serving and retired employees;

(b) if so, the present status of that scheme;

(c) whether it is also a fact that beneficiaries including Members of Parliament are not getting required medicines from dispensaries specially Ayurvedic dispensary of North Avenue and elsewhere; and

(d) if so, by when Government would seriously consider providing health insurance cover to CGHS beneficiaries in order to provide better healthcare?

ANSWERED ON-28.08.2012

(a) & (b): There is a proposal for introduction of a health insurance scheme for central government employees and pensioners on pan-India basis with special focus on pensioners living in non-CGHS areas. As per the directions of the ‘Committee of Secretaries’, a proposal for inclusion of this scheme in the 12th Five Year Plan has been sent for consideration of the Steering Committee of the Planning Commission, before placing the same for approval of the competent authority.

(c) : No.

(d): No specific time frame can be given for introduction of the proposed health insurance scheme.

DOPT published some important instructions and standing orders through an order regarding MACP Scheme as FAQ.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) ON MODIFIED ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME

1. What is Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) ?

The MACP Scheme for Central Civilian Government Employees is in supersession of earlier ACP Scheme. Under the MACP Scheme three financial Up-gradations are allowed on completion of 10,20,30 years of regular service, counted from the direct entry grade. The MACPS envisages merely placement in the immediate next higher grade pay as given in Section I, Part-A of the first schedule of the CCS (Revised Pay) Rules 2008, in case no promotion has been earned by the employee during this period.

  

2. From which date the MACPS is effective?

The MACPS is effective w.e.f. 01.09.2008 or on completion of 10, 20 & 30 years of continuous regular service, whichever is later. Financial upgradation will also be admissible whenever a person has spent 10 years continuously in the same grade pay. (Para 9 of OM dated 19/5/2009)

3. Who are entitled for financial under the MACPS?

The MACPS is applicable to all Central Government Civilian Employees.

  

4. What norms are required to be fulfilled while granting the benefits under MACPS?

The financial upgradation would be on non-functional basis subject to fitness in the hierarchy of pay band and grade pay within PB- 1. Thereafter, only the benchmark of ‘Good’ would be applicable till the grade pay of Rs.6600 In PB-3. The benchmark will be ‘Very Good’ for Financial upgradation to the grade pay of Rs.7600 and above. However, where the Financial upgradation under the MACPS also happen to be in the promotional grade and benchmark for promotion is lower than the benchmark for granting the benefits under MACPS as mentioned in para 17 of the Scheme, the benchmark for promotion shall apply to MACP also.

O.M.N0.5034/3/2008-Estt(D) dated 01/11/2010

  

5. Whether Pay Band would be changed at the time of grant of financial upgradation under MACPS?

Yes.

OM.N0.35034/3/2008-Estt.(D) dated 09/09/2010

  

6. Whether the promotions in same grade would be counted for the purpose of MACPS?

The financial up-gradation under the MACPS is in the immediate next higher grade pay in the hierarchy of recommended revised pay bands and grade pay as given in CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008. However if the promotional hierarchy as per recruitment rules is such that promotions are earned in the same grade pay, then the same shall be counted for the purpose of MACPS.

  

7. How will the benefits of ACP be granted if due between 01 .01.2006 and 31.08.2008?

The revised pay structure has been changed w.e.f. 01.01.2006 and the benefits of ACPS have been allowed till 31.08.2008. Hence, the benefits of revised pay structure would be allowed for the purpose of ACPS.

(OM No.35034/3/2008-Estt. dated 9.9.2010)

8. Whether adhoc appointment would be counted towards qualifying service for MACPS?

No. Only continuous regular service is counted towards qualifying service for the purpose of MACPS. The regular service shall commence from the date of joining of a post in direct entry grade on a regular basis. (Para 9 of the MACPS)

  

9. Whether State Government service shall be reckoned for the purpose of MACPS?

No. Only regular service rendered in the Central Government’s Department/Office is to be counted for the purpose of MACPS, as the Scheme is applicable to the Central Government Civilian Employees only. ( MACPS , Para 10)

  

10. What are the periods included in the regular service?

All period spent on deputation/foreign service, study leave and all other kind of leave, duly sanctioned by the competent authority shall be included in the regular service. (Para 11. MACPS)

  

11. How is the MACPS to be extended to the employees of Autonomous and Statutory Bodies?

Procedure prescribed in OM No.35034/3/2010- Estt(D),Dated 03/08/2010 would be followed by the administrative Ministries/Departments concerned for extension of the MACPS to the employees of Autonomous and Statutory Bodies under their control.

  

12. Whether the cases of grant of financial upgradation allowed under the ACPS between 01.09.2008 and 19.05.2009, the date of issue of the Scheme are be reviewed?

Yes. Since the benefits of ACPS have been discontinued w.e.f. 01.09.2008, the cases settled between 01.09.2008 and 19.05.2009, in terms of previous ACP Scheme shall be reviewed.

  

13. Whether the past continuous regular service in another Govt.Deptt. in a post carrying same grade pay prior to regular appointment in a new Deptt. without a break shall be counted towards qualifying regular service for the purpose of MACPS?

Yes. ( Para 9, MACPS)

  

14. Upto what grade pay the benefits under the / MACPS is allowed?

The benefits of MACPS are being up-to HAG scale of Rs. 67000 – 79000/- (DOPT’s O.M.No.35034/3/2008-Estt.(D) dated 24.12.2010)

  

15. How the cases of pre-revised pay scales (Rs.5000-8000 & Rs.5500-9000 and Rs.6500-10500 & Rs.7450-11500) merged w.e.f. 01.01.2006 are to be decided under MACPS?

The cases would be regulated in accordance with para 5 of Annexure-I of MACPS. The Ministries/Departments are expected to re-organise cadres and frame common RRs for the post in merged scales.

  

16. Whether ‘Non-functional Scale’ of Rs.8000-13500 (revised to grade pay of Rs.5400 in PB-3) would be viewed as one financial upgradation for the purpose of MACPS?

Yes, in terms of para 8.1 of Annexure-I 01 MACPS dated 19.05.2009.

  

17. Whether time bound promotion’ scheme including ‘in-situ promotion’ scheme can run concurrently with MACPS?

No. ( Para 13 of MACPS)

  

18. Whether Staff Car Drive Scheme can run concurrently with MACPS?

DOPT vide O.M.No.35011/03/2008-Estt.(D),30/07/2010 has extended the benefits of MACPS to Staff Car Drivers as a fall back option

19. Whether the placement of erstwhile Gr. D employees as Staff Car Driver, ordinary grade would count as a promotion?

No. The model RRs for Staff Car Drivers provide deputation/absorption as a method of appointment for erstwhile Gr. D employees . The placement as staff Car Driver is not in the hierarchy hence the same would not be counted as promotion under MACPS. The regular service for the MACPS would be from the date of appointment as Staff Car Driver.

  

20. Whether designation classification or higher status would change on account of financial upgradation under MACPS?

There shall be no change in the designation classification or higher status on grant of financial upgradation under MACPS, as the upgradation under the Scheme is purely personal and merely placement in the nexl higher grade pay. (Para 16 of Annexure-l of MACPS refers)

21. If a financial upgradation under the MACPS is deferred due to the reason of the employees being ‘unfit’ or due to departmental proceedings, etc, whether this would have consequential effect on the subsequent financial upgradation?

Yes, this would have consequential effect on the subsequent financial upgradation, which would also get deferred to the extent of delay in grant of financial upgradation. ( MACPS, Para 15)

  

22. Whether the stepping up of pay would be admissible if a junior is getting more pay than the senior on account of grant of financial upgradation under MACPS?

No stepping up of pay in the band or grade pay would be admissible with regard to junior getting more pay than the senior on account of pay fixation under MACPS.

Para 10 of OM dated 19/5/2009

  

23. Whether the regular service rendered by an employee if declared surplus in his/her organisation and appointed in the same grade pay or lower grade pay shall be counted towards the regular service in a new organization for the purpose of MACPS?

Yes. (refer para 23 of Annexure-l of MACPS)

  

24. In case of transfer including unilateral transfer own request, whether regular service rendered in previous organisation/office shall be counted alongwith the regular service in the new organization for the purpose of MACPS?

Yes. OM No.35034/3/2008-Estt(D) dated 01/11/2010

25. If a regular promotion has been offered but was refused by the employees before becoming entitled to a financial upgradation under the MACPS, whether financial upgradation shall be allowed to such a Government servant?

If a regular promotion has been offered but was refused by the Government employee before becoming entitled to a financial upgradation, no financial upgradation shall be allowed and as such an employee has not been stagnated due to lack of opportunities. If, however, financial upgradation has been allowed due to stagnation and the employees subsequently refuse the promotion, it shall not be a ground to withdraw the financial upgradation. He shall, however, not be eligible to be considered for further financial upgradation till he agrees to be considered for promotion again and the next financial upgradation shall also be deferred to the extent of period of debarment due to the refusal.( Para 25 of MACPS)

Source: www.persmin.nic.in

CAG flays DoP for fraudulent encashment of postal savings scheme

CAG flays DoP for fraudulent encashment of postal savings scheme

New Delhi, Aug 30: 

A fraudulent encashment of Kisan Vikas Patra/National Savings Certificates worth Rs 9.01 crore between 1996 and 2004 could have been prevented if the Head Post Office in Varanasi had sent the statement of unsold cash certificates to Director of Accounts (Postal), CAG said today.

”...statement of unsold cash certificates was not being sent by HPO (Head Post of office) Varanasi Cantt to Director of Accounts (Postal), Lucknow. If the prescribed procedure ...had been scrupulously followed that would have prevented the fraudulent encashment of KVPs/NSCs worth Rs 9.01 crore,” a CAG report tabled in Parliament said.

In another incident, the auditor has found irregularity in payment of interest amounting to Rs 2.26 crore to subscribers of Public Provident Fund Scheme as provisions relating to the scheme were not scrupulously followed.

The report said Post offices in Delhi have also not been able realise revenue to the extent of Rs 98.36 lakh due to failure of Chief Post Master General in Delhi to deduct commission in advance on purchase of revenue stamps from the state government.

The CAG Report for the year ended March, 2011 noted an infructuous expenditure worth Rs 64.62 lakh due to failure of Department of Post (DoP) to construct a postal complex on a plot acquired in 1990. 

Source : The Hindu Business Line

Flash : PA / SA Direct Rect applications available in ONLINE

Flash : PA / SA Direct Rect applications available in ONLINE

Good news for applicants of PA / SA Recruitment 2011 & 2012. You can get it through Online.

Dte has requested the outsourced agency to print 10 lacs OMR kits for sale throughout India thro selected POs. Due to huge sale of forms, it is difficult to print within short period. Hence Dte is decided to upload the forms in www.indiapost.gov.in so as to download by the applicants.

Online application kits will be available in www.indiapost.gov.in from 03.09.12 to 25.09.12 only.

Those applied thro OMR kits need not apply again.

Online Procedure :

Click “Register Online” link.

Enter the details like a. Name b.DoB c.e mail ID d. Alternative e mail ID.

Click Submit button.

The following forms will be sent to the provided e mail ID within 24 hrs.

a. Special instruction sheet.

b. Application form.

c. Instruction sheet / Information brochure (11 sheets).

Fees :

Cost of Application form - Rs.50

Exam fee – Rs.200. Female, SC, ST & PH applicants are exempted, however they should pay Rs.50.

Total Rs.250 should be paid under Unclassified Receipts thro any POs and attach Original alongwith the Application form. Applicants can keep Xerox copies.

Applications should forward thro either Speed Post of Regd Post (other meant not accepted) to the following address.

Direct Recruitment Cell,

New Delhi HO,

New Delhi 110 001

Applicants can check the status of receipt of Cell on www.indiapost.gov.in

For more details, pl refer the advertisement of the concerned Circles.

Dte Memo No : A-34012 / 5 /2011-DE Dt. 31.08.12.

PM Grade -1 training

PTC, Mysore is planned to conduct Induction training for Postmaster Grade I officials is scheduled to be held for a period of 5 weeks from 10.09.2012 to 12.10.2012. The trainees are required to report on 09.09.2012 before 6 PM.

The following officials deputed for the above said training.

Sl.	Name & designation S/s	Division / Region
1.	M.Mohan Babu, Kattumannarkoil  SO	Cuddalore / CR
2.	R.Rajendran, Komaratchi SO	Cuddalore / CR
3.	S.Rengaiyan, Lalpet SO	Cuddalore / CR
4.	C.Shanmuganathan, Manaparai SO	Karur / CR
5.	R.Subramaniyan, SPM,  Tiruvarur North SO	Nagapattinam / CR
6.	S.Meikandan, SPM,  Vailankanni SO	Nagapattinam / CR
7.	M.Murgaiyan, Muthupet SO	Pattukottai / CR
8.	S.Jeyanthi, Alangudi SO	Pudukottai / CR
9.	C.Kalaimani, SPM, Nidamangalam SO	Thanjavur / CR
10.	N.Kamaraj, SPM,  Tiruvaiyaru SO	Thanjavur / CR
11.	K.Srinivasan, Rajajinagar SO	Tiruchirappalli / CR
12.	K.Suresh, Salem Steel Plant SO	Salem West  / WR
13.	K.R. Lakshmi, SB Mission SO	Coimbatore / W
14.	C. Chandrasekar, Peelamedu SO	Coimbatore / WR
15.	S. Pameela, Pappanaickenpalayam SO	Coimbatore / WR
16.	B. Vijayachandran, CB Bazaar SO on deptn at DO	Coimbatore / WR
17.	R.Nathiya, Valayapatti SO	Namakkal  / WR
18.	K.M.Manimegan, SPM, Kalavi SO	Krishnagiri allotted to Salem west Dn / WR
19.	V.Jayaraman, SPM, Sholinghur SO	Allotted to Salem West Dn / WR
20.	L.Mohan, SPM, Selaiyur SO	Tambaram Dn / CCR
21.	Ra.Ve.Balavinayagar, SPM , Tambaram IAF SO	Tambaram Dn / CCR
22.	J.Vijayasankar, LRPA	Kanchipuram Dn / CCR
23.	C.Palanichamy, Oddanchatram SO	Dindigul / SR
24.	P.Shanmuga Raja, K.Pudur SO	Madurai / SR
25.	N.Pandeeswari, Ilayangudi SO	Sivaganga / SR
26.	S.Kumarappan, Tiruppuvanam SO	Sivaganga  / SR
27.	A.Sudervelmurugan, Kadayam SO	Tirunelveli / SR
28.	M.Chellaiah, Vilathikulam SO	Kovilpatti / SR
29.	S.Banumathi, Tirunagar SO	Madurai / SR
30.	S.Subash Chandra Bose,, Vedasandur SO	Dindigul / SR
31.	V.Dhanasekar, Kamudhi SO	Ramanathapuram / SR

Instructions : 

Ø  No leave will be granted during the training period.

Ø  Dress code is Pant / shirts for Men and Chudidhar / Sarees for Women. Other dresses like Jeans not allowed.

Ø  Mobiles not permitted in the academic block.

Ø  The trainees should bring Three recent passport / stamp size photographs.

Ø  Fees :

Food charges Rs.96 per day                             96 * 34                  3,264

Accommodation charges                                                                 1,014

Total amount                                                                                 4,278

Ø  Uniform for PT Class.

Men – white track suit with India Post logo / white canvas shoes with socks– 1 pair.

Women – white track suit with India Post logo / white canvas shoes with socks– 1 pair.

Ø  PT uniforms will be supplied by PTC, Mysore at a cost of Rs.650.

Ø  And also bring 1 pair of Black / Brown shoes and Tie.

How to reach :

Ø  Mysore is very well connected by Train. 135 kms from Bangalore.

Ø  PTC is located just opp to Nazarbad Police Station.

Ø  From Bus stand : 3 kms - Auto fare Rs.35 appx  - 10 mts walk from Sub urban Bus stand.

Ø  From Railway station : 5 kms – Auto fare Rs.45 appx.

Revision in IQ charges

Revision of tariff for occupation of Inspection Quarters / Inspection Rooms in the Department of Posts.

This has a reference to Department of Posts (Estate Division) earlier Letter No. 6-2/2004-Bldg. dated 4-8-2005. As communicated vide Department of Posts (Estate Division) Letter No.6-5/2009-Bldg dated 27-08-2012 the rates for occupation of Inspection Quarters / Inspection Rooms is rationalized as follows:-

A)   Inspection Quarters / Inspection Rooms:

i)             For Officers of the Department of Posts while on duty / leave, retired officers of Department of Posts, other Government / PSU Officers on official visit and others for period of 10 days:

Sl. No.	Category of visitor in Inspection Quarters / Inspection Rooms	Rent per Day (More than six Hours)
		X Class Cities	Y & Z Class Cities
1.	Officers of Department of Posts on official visit	R.25/-	Rs.25/-
2.	Officers and dependent family members of Department of Posts on personal Visit	Rs.100/-	Rs.50/-
3.	Retired Officers of Department of Posts	Rs.100/-	Rs.50/-
4.	Other Government / PSU Officers on official visit and others	Rs.250/-	Rs.150/-

ii)           The charges for the use of ,

Air conditions        :       Rs.20/- per day or a part thereof

Room Heaters        :       Rs.10/- per day or a part thereof

B)   Rates for officers for stay in Inspection Quarters/Inspection Rooms for periods exceeding 10 days:-

i)             For period exceeding 10 days and upto 60 days:-Same as in para (A) above {With permission of the Controlling Authority i.e. Head of the Circle}

ii)            For period beyond 60 days:-10% of Basic pay (including special pay) [With permission of the DG Posts]

The revised rates indicated above will take place with immediate effect