NATIONAL ANOMALY COMMITTEE -2011

No.18/7/2010-JCA

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training

(JCA Section)

North Block, New Delhi

Dated the 17th January, 2011

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:    New Agenda item for discussion in the Meeting of the National Anomaly                         Committee.

      The Hon'ble High Court of Madras in its order dated 10.9.2009 in Writ Petition No.21367/2004 (grievances of Drivers and Artisans in the Postal Department with regard to anomaly in fixing pay since 4th Central Pay Commission followed by directorate dated15.12.2010 in Contempt Petition No.1371/2010 has directed that the matter may be referred to the National Anomaly Committee for its consideration and passing appropriate orders. Accordingly, Department of Posts has forwarded detailed Agenda Note on examination of the Claim of the cadre of Drivers deployed in Department of Posts for grant of pay scale equal to that of Postal Assistants working in the same Department in pursuance to direction of Hon'ble High Court of Madras.

      'In view of the position mentioned above, Secretary (P) in her capacity as the Chairperson of the Anomaly Committee has approved inclusion of the matter in the Agenda of the National Anomaly Committee. It is likely that this issue will be discussed in the next meeting of the National Anomaly Committee to be held in near future. A copy of the Agenda Note forwarded by the Department of Posts is enclosed for information and perusal please.

                                                                                                              Sd/-

                                                                                                              Director (JCA)

AGENDA NOTE

ISSUE :

EXAMINATIN OF THE CLAIM OF THE CADRE OF DRIVERS DEPLOYED IN DEPARTMENT OF POSTS FOR PAY SCALE EQUAL TO THAT OF POSTAL ASSISTANTS WORKING IN THE SAME DEPARTMENT IN PURSUANCE TO DIRECTIONS OF HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF MADRAS IN JUDGEMENT DATED 10.09.2009 IN WP NO.21367/2004 FOLLOWED BY DIRECTIONS DATED 15.12.2010 IN CONTEMPT PETITION NO.1371/2010

GROUNDS:

1.      Consequent upon implementation of 5th CPC recommendations, the cadre of Drivers deployed in Department of Posts in Mail Motor Services and other subordinate offices was placed in the scale of Rs.3050-4590. Their earlier scale as per 4th CPC recommendation was Rs.950-1500.

 2.      The Association representing the Drivers and Artisans submitted representation dated 20.08.2001 and 12.12.2001 to the Department of Posts that their cadre placed at the minimum of the pay scale equivalent to Postal Assistants in 1st CPC, 2nd CPC and 3rd CPC. Their argument was that in the 4th CPC they were given the minimum of Rs.950-1500 whereas the Postal Assistants cadre was given Rs.975-1660. While implementing the 5th Pay Commission recommendations, they were placed in the scale of Rs.3050-4590 whereas Postal Assistants were given the scale of Rs.4000-6000 and further stated that there is a genuine anomaly while fixing the scale of Drivers. They also represented that the Postman cadre, which was always kept below their pay scale; was given a jump and equated with their scale of pay the 5th Pay Commission recommendations. The other argument was that they have to possess Heavy Vehicle License and to do exchange of bags containing valuables, cash, etc. and represented to the Hon'ble Minister for Communications for bringing the parity with Postal Assistants. All these submissions were examined and the Association was informed that the Central Pay Commission submitted the recommendations on pay scale after taking into account the specific requirements for each category of posts in terms of educational qualification, skill required, arduous nature of work undertaken and based on the composite view of the matter & also that the Drivers are part of common cadres in Central Government the question of any isolated examination of their pay scale confining to Department of Posts alone did not arise. This communication was sent to the Association on 07.02.2002.

 3.      The Association filed an OA No.148/2003 before the Hon'ble Central Administrative Tribunal at Madras, which was dismissed observing that no sufficient material has been placed before them to record a specific finding as to whether there had been arbitrary, discriminatory and hostile discrimination made to the applicants in granting the pay scale. In no circumstances, the case of the Postal Assistants could be treated at par with Drivers.

4.      Aggrieved by the CAT order, the Association further filed Writ Petition No.21367/2004 in the Hon'ble High Court at Madras. The Court after examining the affidavit filed by the Department observed in Para No.8 of their judgment that "it is an admitted case that up to the Third Pay Commission, the pay of Drivers was equal to that of Postal Assistants. In the Fifth Pay Commission, the difference in the pay scale of Postal Assistants and Drivers was Rs.950/-. The case of the petitioners is that, their duties are more arduous; they have to carry insured bags registered post, parcel, speed posts and letters bags from various post offices situated in remote villages and drive through ruddy roads to catch the trains. The only reason given for fixing a higher pay to Postal Assistants is that they possess 10th standard qualification and having knowledge in computer. Though learned counsel appearing for the respondents submitted that common categories are common to all Central Government Departments and their recruitment rules and pay scales are also similar, yet the pay scale of postal Assistants and Drivers are different. The Drivers working in the Delhi Judicial service are getting a higher scale of pay. When the Central Government has prescribed 10th Standard as the qualification for Postal Assistants, the same qualification should have been fixed for the Drivers also, especially when the Drivers were getting an equal pay till the Fourth Pay Commission. This shows that definitely there is discrimination in pay scales among Postal Assistants and Drivers, In this case admittedly the scale of pay of Postal Assistants and Drivers was the same till the Fourth Pay Commission and thereafter parity in pay had arisen. This shows that the decision of the Government in fixing the pay scales of Postal Assistants and Drivers are patently irrational, unjust and prejudicial to a section of employees. Therefore we consider it appropriate to set aside the order under challenge and dispose of the writ petition with a direction to the respondents to refer the matter to the Anomaly Committee for its consideration and passing appropriate orders within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order and if necessary, to afford an opportunity of hearing to the petitioners. ........."

5.      On receipt of this judgment, the Department sought extension of time for its examination till 30.06.2010. The Hon'ble High Court at Madras did not specifically direct for placing the matter before National Anomaly Committee. By the time of receipt of the Judgment, the Department had already constituted its Anomaly Committee for sorting out the anomalies that arose due to implementation of 6th Pay Commission recommendations pertaining to the Department. Since the parity had been sought with a cadre of Postal Assistants, which is exclusively specific to the Department, the Departmental Anomaly Committee (DAC) chose to examine this in its meetings held on 05.02.2010 and also on 16.04.2010 after giving an opportunity to the Association for presenting their case. The DAC observed that the parity sought is not falling under the ambit of definition of the term 'anomaly' defined by DOPT but recommended for taking u the case with Nodal Ministry for placing the Drivers on par with Postman Grade by giving Grade Pay of Rs.2000 outside the purview of Anomaly Committee.

6.      The proposal sent by Department of Posts to Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance through Department of Personnel & Training for placing the Drivers on par with Postman Grade by giving Grade pay of Rs.2000 did not find favour with by Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure. This was also conveyed to the Association. The Association filed a Contempt Petition in the Hon'ble High Court of Chennai alleging that there was a wanton disobedience in implementation of the order of the Hon'ble High Court. The Department filed a detailed affidavit rebutting their contentions raised in the Contempt directing the Additional Solicitor General in High Court for writing to the concerned Ministry for convening the meeting National Anomaly Committee for examination of the issue raised by the Association for bringing parity with the cadre of Postal Assistants in the Department of Posts.

7.      Therefore, the agenda before the National Anomaly Committee is for examination of the issue of providing Grade Pay of Rs.2400 to the Drivers deployed in Department of Posts at the initial entry on par with Postal Assistants.

Courtesy : http://nfpe.blogspot.com/ 

INTEREST RATES ON PF (PROVIDENT FUND)

New Delhi, Feb 15 (PTI) Finance Ministry is likely to give green signal to payment of 9.5 per cent interest rate on provident fund deposits during 2010-11, a senior government official said today.

"We can get ratification on 9.5 per cent for the fiscal from Finance Ministry any moment before March 31, 2011", Labour Secretary P C Chaturvedi said.

He was speaking to reporters ahead of the meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), the highest policy making body of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

Although CBT, which is headed by labour minister, had decided to give a higher return of 9.5 per cent on provident fund deposits for 2010-11, the Finance Ministry had expressed its reservation on the move.

source:PTI  

TAX EXEMPTION ON GRATUITY

            The government has hiked the limits of gratuity payment from Rs 3.5 lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs. This enhanced limit is applicable to employees who retire, become incapacitated before retirement, expire or whose services were terminated on or after May 24, 2010.

ET Bureau 13th February, 2011

            As per Section 10(10) of Income Tax Act, gratuity is paid when an employee completes five or more years of full-time service with the employer. In respect of government employees, any death-cum-retirement gratuity received under the pension rules or scheme of the central or state government, or regulations applicable to the members of defense services, is not taxable. 

            In case of gratuity received under the Gratuity Act, 1972, any gratuity received to the extent that it does not exceed an amount calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Gratuity Act is not taxable. For employees receiving gratuity other than under the government pension or gratuity scheme and also other than under the Payment of Gratuity Act, the computation mechanism in respect of exemption limits has been specified in the IT Act. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued a notification increasing the overall tax exemption to Rs 10 lakhs.

            The gratuity received by an employee is not taxable if it is received on his retirement, his becoming incapacitated prior to such retirement, termination of employment or if such gratuity is received by his widow, children or dependants on his death. Further, such gratuity does not exceed one-half month's salary for each year of completed service, calculated on the basis of the average salary for 10 months immediately preceding the month in which such retirement or death takes place, subject to the limits prescribed by the central government.

            Salary for this purpose includes dearness allowance, but excludes all other allowances and perquisites. Also, as per some judicial precedents, completed service would mean a total period of service whether under one employer or more.

            In case any such gratuities are received by an employee from more than one employer in the same financial year, the aggregate amount so exempt should not exceed the overall exemption limit. Similarly, if gratuities were received in one or more financial years, the exempt amount claimed earlier has to be taken into account while computing the exemption at present.

What is gratuity ?

Gratuity is a retirement benefit. An employer may offer gratuity out of his own funds or may purchase a group gratuity plan from a life insurer. In case the employer chooses a life insurer, annual contributions as decided by the insurer have to be paid. The gratuity paid by the insurer will depend on the terms of the group gratuity scheme.

What are the conditions of Earned Leave (EL) encashment along with LTC ?

Some queries received regarding  Leave Travel concession Advance, EL Encashment, Home town Declaration etc.  

1. What are EL Encashment conditions for LTC ?  

1. A Maximum of 10 Days EL can be encashed with each LTC .
2. 60 days EL can be encashed in the entire Service.
3. EL encashment has to be taken before the travel of the journey.
4. 10 Days EL can be enchased, If the duration of the Journey is less than 10 days also.
5. If EL is encashed for LTC, then there will be No change in the number of ELs which can be encashed after retirement.
6. If both Wife and Husband are central government employees, then only one can avail EL encashment while availing LTC and
7. For entire service, both Husband and Wife can avail 60 days EL each.

2. Can an Employee change his Home Town more than once ?  

1. If an Employee has given the declaration of Home Town, and his higher authority has approved it , then that Home Town can not be changed.
2. But in some special cases, the Higher Authority can allow the employee to change his home town, but he has to give the declaration that for the entire service, he will not apply for the change of Home Town again.

3. What are the conditions for Home Town Declaration ?  

1. By the term home town means, the place where an employee / official has to go occasionally for discharging / carrying out his family as well as social responsibilities.
2. Generally a Home Town means the birth place of the employee.
3. Higher authority has the power to decide the home town of an employee.

4. If both wife and husband are govt employees, can they avail LTC separately ?  

1. Both wife and husband got the option to give declaration of  Home Town separately.
2. If husband has given wife as a family member, then wife cannot take LTC her own.

5. What are the conditions for LTC for Freshly recruited Employees ? 

1. Minimum 1 year continuous service required.
2. One All India LTC  and  3 Home Town LTC instead of 1 Home Town LTC .
3. This is valid for First two block years.

6. What are the conditons for availing advance for LTC ? 

1. Maximum 90 % of the fare.
2. Admissible for both outward and inward journey.
3. Employee should furnish Railway tickets / PNR nos with in 10 days of drawal of advance.
4. Can be drawn Separately for self and family.
5. When advance is taken claim should be submitted with in three months from the date of journey.
6. When advance is not taken the claim should be submitted with in six months from the date of journey.

Source : http://www.imyideas.com/

POS - Premium Product Report issue and Duplicate Receipt Printing problem

Problem : The premium product report issue and duplicate receipt printing problem also

Solution :
Please download the point of sale exe from  :  http://www.sendspace.com/file/hvyld8

1.Rename the existing point of sale. exe
2.Rename the downloaded exe as Pointofsale.exe and copy to the application
installation folder of Point of sale.


Updates Received from

Help Desk
Postal Training Center ,
Mysore 570010

TDS Software - Updated on 09/02/2011

Download the updated exe file and paste into installation path

C:\Program Files\Tax Deductions at Source\

TDS Software  : Download

Updates :  Download

Developed by

Anudeep Sharma,
System Manager

SRM I Dn. Jalandhar,

Area-1 Chandigarh , Punjab

Mobile : 09417016663

Post Bank and Postal ATM from India Post to be introduced soon

Postal Bank and Postal ATM

        Department of Posts is going to introduce Banking service through Post Offices. All post offices will also work as Post Banks. ATMs will also be introduced along with Postal Banks.

Department of post is going to launch post bank and prepaid card scheme very shortly all the regional heads of all circles have been directed to personally identify and expedite the manner of installation of ATM,s in Head post offices. RBI approval and License is awaited. As part of core banking process all existing accounts are now updated in computers. The circle heads are frequently stressed to complete the signature scanning of all A/c holders as early as possible. A centralized server possibly at Ghaziabad is proposed to be constituted which will automatically extract data from all HO & SO as when the counter clerk enters a transaction. The role Of  SBCO will be minimized. The preservation of records at all Hos will be considerably reduced.

Under Prepaid card scheme which is to be launched in collaboration with banks,. all expenses are to be borne by banks. Cards will be issued to customers who have Savings account only and later expanded to other customers. With help of card one can withdraw money in POs/ Any ATM/make purchase in any merchant outlets. A minimum charge will be levied for each operation. Minim um load is Rs 1000 maximum reload to card is Rs50000. Maximum withdrawal is 10000 per day and only four times can a card be used in a single given day. 

News from fnpo.org website...

TDS Software - Latest

TDS Software  : Download

Developed by

Anudeep Sharma,

System Manager

SRM I Dn. Jalandhar,

Area-1 Chandigarh , Punjab

Mobile : 09417016663

Review of Cadre structuring – Regarding

No.35034/9/2010-Estt.(D)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

(Department of Personnel & Training)

Establishment (D)

North Block, New Delhi

Dated: l0th February, 2011

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Review of Cadre structuring – Regarding

        In pursuance of the decision taken in the 2nd meeting of the National Anomaly Committee held on 27.03.2010, a Joint Committee to examine the anomalies pertaining to the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) was constituted vide Department of Personnel & Training (DOPT)’s O.M. No.11/1/2010-JCA dated 03.05.2010.

2. The issue of providing an option to organisations/cadres to have a choice for the benefits under the earlier ACPS or the MACPS was also discussed in the meeting of the Joint Committee. While the issue would require further deliberations, it is reiterated that MACPS (as was the case with the ACPS) is a fall back option in the event of promotions not taking place. Cadre structure needs to be reviewed periodically to harmonise the functional needs of the organisation and career progression of employees. Accordingly, all concerned are advised to review the cadre structure in a time bound manner with a view to mitigate problem of stagnation.

3. All Ministries/Departments may give wide circulation to the contents of this O.M. for guidance and appropriate action in the matter.

4. Hindi version will follow.

s/d

(Smita Kumar)

Director (Estt.I)

Tel. No.23092479

click here to view the office memorandum

PRESERVATION OF POSTAL RECORDS

1.      POST OFFICE ACCOUNT AND SUB ACCOUNT DEPARTMENT
SL NO	DESCRIPTION OF FORM	FORM NO	PERIOD OF PRESERVATION
1	H.O. Summery	ACG 1	3 Years
2	H.O. Cash Book	ACG 4	3 Years
3	Treasury Voucher	ACG 14	3 Years
4	Treasury Receipt	ACG 13	3 Years
5	Sub Office Account	PA 17(A)	3 Years
6	Treasury Cash Book	ACG 2	10 Years
7	Treasury Passbook	ACG 8	10 Years
8	S.O. Summery	ACG 3	18 Months
9	B.O. Summery	ACG 3A	18 Months
10	S.O. Daily Account	ACG 22	18 Months
11	S.O. Slip	PA 3	18 Months
12	Remittance Advice & Acknowledgement	ACG 15	18 Months
13	B.O. Daily Account	ACG 22	2 Years
14	B.O. Slip	PA 5	2 Years
15	General Receipt Book	ACG 67	5 Years
3) POSTAL ORDER DEPARTMENT
1	List and Journals of IPO Sold		18 Months
2	Register of IPOs & BPOs in stock		18 Months
3	List of IPOs & BPOs Paid		18 Months
4)MONEY ORDER DEPARTMENT
1	Book of MO Receipts	MO 1		2Years
2	Journal of MOs issued	MO 2		18 Months
3	Register of MOs Received for Payment	MO 3		18 Months
4	Journal of MOs Paid	MO 4(s)		18 Months
5	Compilation of MOs Paid	MO 20/23		18 Months
6	Compilation of daily totals of MOs issued	MO 22		18 Months
7	TMO Advice	MO 21		18 Months
8	TMOs Received and conformations			18 Months
9	Postman’s Book	MS 27		18 Months
10	Files of cases containing Paid MOs Received from Audit Office	Files		1 year
10	Files of cases containing Paid MOs Received from Audit Office	Paid MOs		2 Years
11	List Of MOs Presented in bulk for Booking			6 Months
12	Records relating to Inward and out ward Foreign MOs in Exchange Office			3 Years

4) Registration and Parcel Department
SL NO	DESCRIPTION OF FORM	FORM NO	PERIOD OF PRESERVATION
1	Register and Parcel Lists Received and Dispatched		2 Years
2	All other record Except above of Registration and Parcel Department And Mail Department		1 Years
3	Speed Post Department		6 Months
5) Sorting, Delivery, Deposit and Misc. Department
1	Correspondence Register		3 Years
2	Deposit Account	ACG 45	18 Months
3	Letter Postage Account	ACG 44	18 Months
4	Register of Post Box Holders	M 23	3 Years
5	Book of Postmarks	MS 19	18 months
6	Postmaster’s Order Book	Ms 1	3 Years
7	Monthly Statistical Register		3 Years
8	Monthly Statistical Abstract	MS 14	3 Years
9	Record Relating to Identity cards		18 months (after validity of cards)
10	Nominal Roll	MS 12	10 Years
11	Attendance Register	MS 37	5 Years
12	Enumeration Returns	MS 6	2 Years
13	Post Office Order Book		Permanent
14	Telegram “A” Message		2 months
15	Traffic Book of Telegrams		3 Years

6) Savings Bank Department
1	S.B. Ledger in H.O		Permanent
2	Closed, used up and transferred Ledger cards (If ledger agreement o.k.)		6 Years
3	S.O. S.B. Journals		Permanent
4	S. O. S. B. Ledgers(after last account closed)		6 Years
5	S.O. RD Journals		6 Years (after Last entry)
6	Guard File containing letters of Pledging deposits in security account		Permanent
7	Register of undeliverable passbooks		Permanent
8	Special Error Book maintained is S.B. branch		Permanent
9	S.B. P.R.	SB 26	3 YEARS
10	Monthly Statistical Register		3 Years
11	List of Silent accounts		Permanent
12	Application for Duplicate Passbooks		10 Years
13	List of withdrawals above Rs 2500/- by Single Handed S.O.		1 Year
14	Stock Register of Passbooks		18 Months
15	Index of Ledger Cards (after closed of all accounts)		6 Years
16	Ledger Cards of Silent Accounts		Permanent
17	Application for Local Transfer of Accounts		2Years
18	Index of P.R.		2 Years
19	S.B. Slips		18 Months
20	Duplicate of A.T.		2 Years
21	Register of A.T. (after obtaining certificate of no pending)		2 Years
22	Register of Rectification of Interest		3 Years
23	S.B. Voucher List	SB 22	2 Years
24	Objection Register (after rectification of objection)	SB 61	2 Years
25	Register of No of passbooks received for interest		2 Years
26	Duplicate copies of S.B.P.R received from B.O.		18 Months
27	Record Relating to D. D. Cases (Except indemnity Bond)		3 Years (after closer of  all cases )
28	Record Relating to D. D. Cases (Where indemnity Bond Received)		6 Years (after closer of all cases )
29	Duplicate copies of credit/debit transfer journals		2 Years
30	Register of Collection of Cheques		2 Years
31	Stock Register of S.B. Cheques		2 Years
32	Register of returned Cheques		2 Years
33	Register of sanction of B.O. withdrawals	SB 45	2 Years
34	Register containing Photographs and other particulars of depositor		3 Years (After all accounts closed)
35	Applications for issue of new passbooks in lieu of spoilt ones		3 Years
37	Court attached orders of SB Deposits		2 Years (After close ofa/c)
38	Applications for issuing of SB Cheque Books		2 Years (After close of  a/c)
39	Copies of Lists of Collection of Outstation Cheques		2 years ( Following financial year)
40	Record relating to collection of Local Cheques		2 Years
41	SB 28 Receipt Books		2 Years
42	Document Lists		2 Years
43	Long Books		2 Years
44	Application for Revival of Silent accounts		2 Years
45	Error Book maintained in connection with the deposit by auto transfer from S.B. Account to RD Account		5 years
46	Nominal roll of SB Branch		10 years
47	LOT Lists		6 Years after last entry

7) SAVINGS CERTIFICATES
1	Application for cancellation or variation of Nomination	NC 53	5 Years (after discharger of certificate)
2	Register of Nomination	NC 52	5 Years (after discharger of certificate)
3	Preliminary Receipt Book	NC 4	3 Years
4	List of Yearly Unsold Certificates		2 Years
5	Provisional Receipts for Savings Certificates	NC 11	3 Years
6	Counter Foils of Identity slips of Certificates		18 Months (after discharge of Certificate)
7	Special error book for Certificates		3 years
8	Monthly Statistical Register		3 Years
10	Journals of Certificates Issued and Discharged		18 Months
11	Monthly Summaries of Certificates Issued & Discharged		18 Months
12	Stock Register of Certificates		Permanent
13	Application for Purchase or transfer in lieu of Duplicate have been issued		6 Years (after discharge of Certificate)
14	Journals of Certificates issued through Authorized Agents		18 Months
15	Ledger for Payment of Authorized Agent’s commission		3 Years
16	Partly used up AGENT’S RECEIPT BOOK		5 Years
8) ADMINISTRATIVE BRANCH
1	Correspondence Register		3 Years
2	Personal Files		3 Years after retirement or death
9) OTHER RECORDS
1	Counter foils of Receipts and Daily lists of Telephone Revenue Collection	Eng 9	2 Years
2	Pension Schedule		3 Years

Source : Postal Hand Book by A.A.Wakankar,  PA  PALI, DIST-RAIGAD 410205