The Centre revises DA of its employees twice a year in January and July to set off inflation. When there is a high retail inflation, the chances of a higher increase in dearness allowance are more.
It is pertinent to mention here that the DA varies from employee to employee based on their work location- urban sector, semi-urban sector or rural sector.
Recently, the All-India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers increased by 1.7 points for April 2022 and stood at 127.7. On 1-month percentage change, it increased by 1.35 per cent with respect to March, compared to an increase of 0.42 per cent recorded between the corresponding months a year ago.
The year-on-year inflation for the month also stood at 6.33 per cent compared to 5.35 per cent for the previous month and 5.14 per cent during the corresponding month a year before while the food inflation stood at 7.05 per cent against 6.27 per cent of the previous month and 4.78 per cent during the corresponding month a year ago.
As the AICP Index is a crucial factor in determining DA, the rise in the index for April has increased the hope of a good hike for the central government employees this month.
Reports are abuzz that there could be a 5 per cent hike in DA, taking the total DA of the employees to 39 per cent. Besides, if latest media reports are any thing to go by, there could be a 6 per cent DA hike.
Moreover, the government is likely to make the hike announcement towards the end of this month or on July 31. However, an official confirmation (both on the DA hike and the date of announcement) is still awaited.
All the rumours related to the 8th Pay Commission are false and baseless as there is no such official hint or report to back the claims. Besides, if reports are to be believed, the Centre is working on measures to do away with the pay commissions and follow a performance based increment.
As per reports, the central government employees may soon get increments on the basis of their performance, similar to the norms in private sector undertakings.
Besides, in 2016, then Finance Minister and senior BJP leader late Arun Jaitley had said in the Parliament that the government should focus on their employees and not only on the pay commissions.
Meanwhile, it is believed that the performance-based increment in government jobs will lead to dominance of the seniors and employees will face pressure and problems in carrying out their duty honestly.
"At a time when corruption continues to haunt the entire system, don't know how will increment on performance basis serve the purpose. Who will evaluate the performance and on what basis? This might put extra pressure on employees," said a Central government employee.
However, the government needs to come up with a feasible measure to evaluate the performance to ensure an unbiased increment of the employees, he added.
In September 2021, the Supreme Court had "directed the government to issue instructions on 'reservation in promotion', as provided in Section 34 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016".
"In case of promotion, four per cent of the total number of vacancies in the cadre strength within Group 'C', from Group 'C to Group 'B', within Group 'B' and from Group 'B' to the lowest rung of Group 'A' shall be reserved for PwBDs," said an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to secretaries of all central government departments.
Reservation in promotion shall be applicable in the cadres in which the element of direct recruitment, if any, does not exceed 75 per cent, it said.
The DoPT has asked every government department to appoint a senior officer as the Grievance Redressal Officer.
The Grievance Redressal Officer shall maintain a register of complaints of persons with benchmark disabilities with details like date of complaint, name of the complainant, name of the establishment or person against whom the complaint is made, a gist of the complaint, date of disposal, and any other information, the order said.
"Any person aggrieved with any matter relating to discrimination in promotion may file a complaint with the Grievance Redressal Officer of the respective government establishment," it said.
Every complaint filed, shall be inquired into within two months of its registration, and the outcome thereof or action taken thereon shall be communicated to the complainant or PwBD, it added.
In terms of Section 20(3) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, promotion shall not be denied to a person merely on the ground of disability, the order said.
"Further, in terms of Section 20(4) of the Act, no government establishment shall dispense with or reduce in rank an employee who acquires a disability during his/her service," it stated.
As per the proviso to this sub-section, if an employee is not suitable for the post he was holding after acquiring disability, he shall be shifted to some other post with the same pay scale and service benefits, it said.
An employee who acquires disability after entering into service will be entitled to get the benefit of reservation in promotion as a PwBD, the order said.
"No benefit of reservation shall be given on the basis of temporary certificate of disability," it said.
The hike will be retrospectively effective from July 1, 2021 representing an increase of 3% over the existing rate of 28% of the Basic Pay or Pension, to compensate for price rise.
With the hike, the rate of allowance has now increased to 31% from 28 percent. This increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC). The move is likely to benefit about 47.14 lakh Central government employees and 68.62 lakh pensioners.
The Cabinet has said that the decision’s impact on the exchequer will be Rs 9,488.70 crore per annum. Earlier in July, the government had reinstated the dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR) and increased the rate of allowance from 17% to 28%.
Because, days after the hike in dearness allowance (DA), the Narendra Modi-led government has reportedly increased the House Rent Allowance (HRA) of the central government employees.
If reports are anything to go by, the central government employees would receive an enhanced salary from September 2021, thanks to increased HRA.
According to the Centre’s rules, the house rent allowance automatically increase and is revised when the DA exceeds 25%. This is also corroborated in an order of the Department of Expenditure issued in 2017.
The Centre has earlier stated the Central government employees would be granted HRA as per classification of their cities which come under X, Y and Z categories. And after the latest revision, the HRA for employees in X category cities will be revised to 27% of basic pay, while that for Y category cities HRA would be 18% of basic pay.
For the employees in Z category cities, the HRA will be 9% of basic pay. X class cities have population above 50 lakh. In case the population of a city crosses 5 lakh, then it gets upgraded from Z category to Y category, and the employees would receive enhanced HRA.
Under any given circumstances, the minimum HRA will not be less than Rs 5400, Rs 3600 and Rs 1800 at X, Y, and Z class cities respectively. The HRA of X, Y, Z class cities will be further revised to 30%, 20%, and 10% respectively when DA exceeds 50 per cent, the Centre’s order said.
As per national media reports, from July onwards the central government employees would receive Rs 5040 per month DA as per the 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix rules.
The Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance has recently issued a memorandum highlighting the revised and enhanced rates of Dearness Allowance (DA) for the Central Government employees and Central Autonomous bodies.
The notification has been issued for employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous Bodies who have been continuing to draw their pay in the pre-revised pay scale as per 5th and 6th Central Pay Commission (CPC).
The DA instalment of these employees due from January 2020, July 2020 and January 2021 were frozen. The department informed that the rate of DA for those employees receiving pay under 5th Pay Commission shall be enhanced to 356% of basic pay from the existing 312%.
This will come into effect from July 1, 2021. Similarly, the Finance Ministry also revised the rates of Dearness Allowance for the employees of Central Government and Central Autonomous Bodies who are continuing to draw their pay in the pre-revised pay scale as per 6th Central Pay Commission.
The rate of DA admissible to these categories of employees shall be enhanced to 189% of the Basic Pay from the existing 164% with effect from July 1, 2021.
The department clarified that the rate of Dearness Allowance for all employees under these two categories for the period from January 1, 2020 till June 30, 2021 will remain the same.
However, when will the government come up with the decision is not clear yet; but it is expected to be in March.
At present, the CG employees are getting a DA of 9%, which was recently increased by 2%. So, a employee with the present minimum pay (Rs 18,000) will now get a DA of around Rs 1620.
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However, NDA government's silence on the Central government employees' demand is seen as a bias attitude of the Centre towards the 50 lakh employee and pensioners.
The CG employees are presently getting a minimum pay of Rs 18,000 and demanding Rs 26,000- a hike of Rs 8000 or an increase in the fitment factor by 3.68 times from the existing 2.57 times.
The hike will be effective from July 1, 2018.
The announcement of the government to increase 2 per cent DA is seen as a 'Diwali gift' for the employees ahead of the festival of lights.
The employees were given a dearness allowance of 7 per cent which has now been hiked to 9 per cent.
Earlier, DA of Odisha government employees and pensioners were hiked by an additional two percent after a proposal in this regard was approved by the State Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
The DA is a cost of living adjustment allowance paid to government employees and also pensioners. It's a component of salary and is counted as a fixed percentage of the basic salary.
Also Read: 7th Pay Commission: Central Govt Employees ‘Just Look On Diwali Bonanzas’
On the other hand, the Central government employees are yet to get a further hike in their minimum pay under the 7th pay Commission. While the resentment against the Narendra Modi government is brewing, it is believed that the Modi govt will consider hiking their minimum pay soon.
After Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, in October, the Delhi government has approved the revision of pay scales for its employees as per the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission.
Considering a proposal, grant of revised pay scale to teachers and equivalent cadres and administrative posts in colleges and universities has been approved by the Cabinet.
The revised pay scale, effective from January 1, 2016, the teachers would get a revised pay along with arrears for 34 months.
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While reports were there that the government may consider and increase the minimum pay of the employees early next year, news are also there that there will be an increase in the minimum pay but it will not be Rs 8,000 as demanded by the CG employees, rather it will be around Rs 2000.
Also Read: Railway Recruitment 2018 Under 7th CPC Pay Matrix: Last Day to Apply For Vacancies
Of all, it is believed that the the Modi government will definitely pay heed to the employees' demand for two reasons... First, their demand is genuine and second, as elections are around the corner, the NDA government will not take risk of facing the wrath of around 50 lakh Central government employees.
Around 100,000 State government employees are likely to take out a rally under the banner of Uttar Pradesh State Employees Federation demanding pay hike, something that is yet to be met, including the pension-related issues.
The employees had already submitted a notice about their protest- strike from October 25 to October 27. However, the State government warned that the salaries of the employees taking part in the strike will be cut, ZeeBiz reported.
Reports are there that the UP government may announce 7th pay commission-linked dearness allowance (DA) and bonus for the employees in late October.
Moreover, reports are there that the Yogi government has accepted demands of the employees and the concerned department may act next month in this regard. If the reports are to be believed, the employees will not take out any protest rally today.
Also Read: 7th Pay Commission: Good News; Cabinet Clears Extra benefits for Employees
On the other hand, the Bihar government on Tuesday cleared a DA by two per cent beyond the recommendation of the 7th Pay Commission with effect from July 1, 2018.
Meanwhile, the demand of the Central government employee for the hike in their minimum pay is yet to be considered by the Narendra Modi government.
The Central government employees are presently getting a minimum pay of Rs 18,000 which they say not enough to have any impact on their financial position. They are demanding a hike of Rs 8000- Rs 26,000- an increase in the fitment factor by 3.68 times from the existing 2.57 times.
Informing the development, Bihar cabinet secretariat department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar said that the employees will now get nine per cent in place of the existing seven per cent, reported ZeeBiz.
As per reports, with the implementation of the new DA, the government will have to bear an additional annual burden of Rs 419 crore.
Meanwhile, the demand of the Central government employee for the hike in the minimum pay is yet to be considered by the Narendra Modi government.
Even though the CG employees have threatened the Modi government either to pay heed to their demand or face consequence in the upcoming election, the NDA government is yet to make any announcement in this regard.
However, news are also there the BJP government is in no mood to face the wrath of the 50 lakh CG employees considering the ensuing general elections and thus it is in close-door discussion and will soon come out with an announcement in this regard.
Besides, a news is also making rounds that the Modi government will announce the minimum pay hike of the CG employees in January.
The Central government employees are presently getting a minimum pay of Rs 18,000 which they say not enough to have any impact on their financial position. They are demanding a hike of Rs 8000- Rs 26,000- an increase in the fitment factor by 3.68 times from the existing 2.57 times.
However, the same has been repeated again as the Modi government is not going to make any announcement related to the minimum pay hike before the end of the festive season.
Besides, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had also promised on June 30, 2016 to hike the minimum pay of the CG employees and he also reportedly reiterated it in Rajya Sabha on July 19, 2016.
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The Central government employees are presently getting a minimum pay of Rs 18,000. They are demanding a hike of Rs 8000- Rs 26,000- an increase in the fitment factor by 3.68 times from the existing 2.57 times.
Of all, the Central government employees still hope that the Centre will consider their demand and some up with an announcement in this regard soon.
Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, while addressing a presser at the state secretariat yesterday, said that the revised pay scale would come into effect from October 1, 2018.
The new formula was reportedly prepared based on recommendations made by a committee headed by former Assam Chief Secretary PP Varma for implementing the 7th CPC awards in Tripura and it has been accepted in a special cabinet meeting , the CM said.
“The expert committee recommended the best possible package for employees, workers and pensioners of Tripura. After careful consideration of the position of state finances, the government has very promptly examined the recommendations and in a special meeting held today, the council of ministers approved the implementing of recommendations made by the committee”, Chief Minister Deb told the press conference.
Also Read: 7th Pay Commission: Central Govt Employees To Get Hike But ‘Below Demand’
As per the revised scale, minimum pay at the entry level of the pay matrix would be Rs. 18,000 per month for Group-C employees, which is at par with 7th CPC recommendations and Rs. 16,000 per month for Group-D employees, The Indian Express reported.
The government is not avoiding any issue or demand of the employees. Several things are taken into account, from inflation to its overall impact on the economy of the country, before taking such a decision that will empty crores from the government exchequer, said an official.
On the other hand, the resentment among the Central government employees is brewing as recently when a resolution was passed by a employees' union for protest, the NDA government warned the employees of pay cut and stern action if found absent from duty.
Neither did the government paying heed to our demands nor is it showing any sign of consideration towards it. And now it is trying to suppress our voice by issuing warning. We are losing hope and have no expectation on this government, lamented a CG employee.
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"We are waiting for the 2019 general elections when a change in the government will take place and our woes will be heard. This is not the party that we had voted to power," he added.
The Central government employees are presently getting a minimum pay of Rs 18,000. They are demanding a hike of Rs 8000- Rs 26,000- an increase in the fitment factor by 3.68 times from the existing 2.57 times.
It has already been 10 days since around 100,000 employees of various government departments of the state government are on cease-work agitation.
The government employees are demanding implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations, restoration of original grade pay and rectification of anomalies in promotions.
“People (Opposition) are evoking the sentiments of government employees. We are ready to agree to all their practical and legal demands, but if they ask for the moon, we are helpless to do anything,” The Economic Times quoted State agriculture minister Prabhu Lal Saini as saying.
However, Congress state president Sachin Pilot lashed out the Raje government alleging it of being insensitive towards the problems of people.
Also Read: 7th Pay Commission: Central Govt Employees’ 3.68 Times Fitment Factor Hike- Wait Continues
On the other hand, the Central government employees' demand is yet to be heard by the Modi government. They are demanding a further hike in the minimum pay as recommended by the Seventh Pay Commission.
The CG employees are presently getting a minimum pay of Rs 18,000 and are demanding a hike of Rs 8000- Rs 26,000- an increase in the fitment factor by 3.68 times from the existing 2.57 times.
The day was observed by the employees despite warning from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) which warned deduction in wages and appropriate disciplinary action against all those who participate in the protest.
The DoPT had said that participating in any form of strike including mass casual leave, go slow etc. or any action that abet any form of strike in violation of Rule 7 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 and will have to face the consequences along with deduction of wages, may also include appropriate disciplinary action.
However, such warning was something that didn't go well with the employees. The DoPT warning may have posed a hindrance before the employees taking part in the protest but it only added to their resentment against the Narendra Modi-led Central government.
Also Read: 7th Pay Commission: Employees’ resentment might prove costly for NDA govt
"We are demanding what we deserve. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had promised hike when the recommendations of the pay commission was implemented last year. Now, no one is listening to our genuine demands. Besides, issue of such warning to curtail our voice is unacceptable," rued a CG employee.
Around 50 lakh CG employee have been demanding a hike in the minimum pay since long. Instead of listening to their demand, warning was issued like a dictator's rule in the country. This big number of the CG employees may hurt the Modi government in the ensuing general elections, believe political experts.
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The Central government employees have been demanding a hike of Rs 8000 in the minimum pay. They are presently getting a minimum pay of Rs 18,000and are demanding Rs 26,000- an increase in the fitment factor by 3.68 times from the existing 2.57 times.
Breaking News: Odisha govt employees to get salary hike by Sept
The Centre had the Commission report with it lying idle for over a year. Later, the cabinet approved the 7th Pay Commission recommendations, but it was approved only on June 28 enabling employees to get the revised pay from July, 2017 without arrears.
The government had been the ‘villain’ in the implementation of the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission. It not only delayed the implementation but also failed to handle the employees’ financial situation, The Sen Times quoted a top most central employees’ union leader as saying.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had made false promises. The employees had been of views that allowance with arrears would be paid by the government from July 2016 onwards but the allowances were only given from July 2017, the leader added.
Also Read: 7th Pay Commission Implementation Not So Soon For Odisha Govt Employees
The government had said cash crunch, state elections and demonetisation forced it to delay to announce the 7th Pay Commission recommendations, but the actual reason is different. The delaying tactics of the government was only to save the money to be paid as higher allowances from August 16.
The delay in implementation of the allowances was done for mere financial gains that enabled the Modi government to save around Rs 40,000 crore, the Central employees alleged.
It is worth mentioning that the government’s decision disappointed the employess and resulted in resentment over the announcement of non payment of arrears on allowances.
Also Read: 7th Pay Commission: Govt doubles allowances for child care
Besides, the employees feel that the 7th Pay Commission recommendations’ impact has been much lesser as against what they had got from the 6th Pay Commission; rather they believe the revisions under the 7th Pay has grossly failed as it has no effect on their finances.
An order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) says: The amount fixed for reimbursement of hostel subsidy will be Rs 6,750 per month.
However, in case both the spouses are government servants, only one of them can avail reimbursement under children education allowance, the order said.
"The above limits would be automatically raised by 25 per cent every time the Dearness Allowance on the revised pay structure goes up by 50 per cent. The allowance will be double for differently-abled children," said the DoPT order.
Important to Note
Reimbursement will be done just once a year, after completion of the financial year. For reimbursement of CEA, a certificate from the head of institution, where the ward of government employee studies, will be sufficient. The certificate should confirm that the child studied in the school during the previous academic year.
Also Read: 7th Pay Commission is ‘the last’: No more pay commission in future
For Hostel Subsidy, a similar certificate from the head of institution will suffice, with the additional requirement that the certificate should mention the amount of expenditure incurred by the government servant towards lodging and boarding in the residential complex. The amount of expenditure mentioned, or the ceiling as mentioned above, whichever is lower, shall be paid to the employee.
On the other hand, DoPT has abolished desk allowance granted to Desk Officers in the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) and other headquarters services at a rate of Rs 900 per month.
The pay commission had also recommended abolishing this allowance as it is virtually non-existent since 2010.
Also Read: 7th Pay Commission: Govt doubles allowances for child care
All these orders shall be effective from July 1, 2017.
On the other hand, the Narendra Modi-led BJP government has recently cleared that it will not reconsider on the basic pay, hike in salary and allowances as recommended by the 7th Pay Commission and approved by the Cabinet.
It, simply, ruled out any change in the minimum pay, Rs 18,000, under the 7th Pay Commission.
Also Read: 7th Pay Commission: No More Hike In Basic Pay, Allowances
At present, the differently-abled female employees are getting an allowance of Rs 1,500 per month but now on they will get Rs 3,000 per month for taking care of their newborn child.
An order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) says: Women with disabilities shall be paid Rs 3,000 per month as special allowance for child care. The allowance shall be payable from the time of the child's birth till the child is two years old. It shall be payable for a maximum of two eldest surviving children.
"The above limit would be automatically raised by 25 per cent every time the Dearness Allowance on the revised pay structure goes up by 50 per cent," said the DoPT order.
Also Read: 7th Pay Commission: Govt orders refund of education allowance, abolishes desk allowance
The Centre has increased the allowance as per the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission which had in its report said these women have a huge responsibility of raising their children; therefore, instead of the factor of 1.5 that we have mostly used for semi-DA indexed allowances, a factor of 2 to Rs 3,000 per month should be fixed.
Here are the Details
(I) Women with disabilities shall be paid Rs 3000 per month as Special Allowance for Child care. The allowance shall be payable from the time of the child's birth till the child is two years old.
(II) It shall be payable for a maximum of two eldest surviving children.
(III) Disability means a person having a minimum Disability of 40% as elaborated in Ministry of Welfare's Notification No. 16-18/97-NLI dated 1.6.2001 and amended from time to time.
(IV) The above limit would be automatically raised by 25% every time the Dearness Allowance on the revised pay structure goes up by 50%.
Also Read: Cabinet approves 7th Pay Commission recommendations with 34 changes
All these orders shall be effective from July 1, 2017.
On the other hand, the government has issued an official order stating that the constant attendant allowance for the retired government employees has increased from the existing Rs 4,500 to Rs 6,750 per month.
As per the order issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, the allowance has been hiked to Rs 6,750 from Rs 4,500 per month.
Also Read: 7th Pay Commission: No More Hike In Basic Pay, Allowances
The government has ruled out any change in the minimum pay, Rs 18,000, under the 7th Pay Commission, reports The Sen Times citing a Finance Ministry source.
The government employees will get nothing more than what has been approved, the source said, adding, “there is no scope to change in pay”.
The Central government employees had demanded through the Joint Council of Action (NJAC) for increasing the minimum pay to Rs 26,000 from the present Rs 18,000. They had also threatened indefinite strike if the government doesn't increase the minimum pay.
Also Read: 7th Pay Commission: Resentment brews as Central government employees feel betrayed
The National Anomaly Committee may consider their demand, but the government is in no mood to listen to any changes in the approved recommendations and it has already decided not to heed any demand.
The employees of the Public Sector Units had also made a similar demand and wanted the government to increase their minimum pay to Rs 26,000.
Worth mentioning that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had earlier said, prior to the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, that the salaries for central government employees need to be taken to a respectable level as compared to the ones in the private sector. This had added to the expectation of the government employees from the pay commission.
Also Read: Make merry of salary hike post 7th pay commission implementation
Meanwhile, frustration among the Central government employees is building. They are not satisfied with the hike in salary and allowances and are feeling betrayed.
If the revised allowances come under the ambit of Income tax, the central government employees will have to pay tax on the allowances they get under the 7th Pay Commission in 2018 fiscal.
The government has proposed imposition of income tax on the employees’ basic salary, bonus, and all other allowances in the Finance Bill 2017.
As per reports, this decision of the government came against the backdrop of the allegations that exempting the Central government employees from paying taxes on the basic salary is like discrimination against the private employees or others.
Also Read: 7th Pay Commission: Resentment brews as Central government employees feel betrayed
“We have been paying tax on allowances. Exemption was there only on a few allowances. Nothing can be worse for the central government employees than making them to pay tax on allowances that an employee gets for spending on works meant for the government only,” said an official of Central Income Tax department.
Soon after the approval of the recommendation of the 7th Pay Commission, employee unions raised their voices against the revised salary and allowances.
On the other hand, some financial experts are defending the government’s decision, and believe that tight fiscal situation forced the government to take such steps.
Also Read: 7th Pay Commission is ‘the last’: No more pay commission in future
However, the employees are confident that the government will reconsider on the recommendations and also accept their proposal to pay the allowances and arrears with effect from July 2016 instead of July 2017.
The Central government recently made several major announcements in order to give relief to its employees and pensioners amid this Covid pandemic. These key announcements are likely to benefit nearly 52 lakh central government employees and around 60 lakh pensioners.
Let's take a look at the major 5 schemes that will benefit as many as 1.12 crore employees and pensioners:
DR and DA Restoration
The Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) of central government employees and pensioners is stuck for the past one and half years. But the benefits are now expected to come by September 2021. Union Minister Anurag Thakur had earlier informed that the Centre would restore 7th Pay Commission DA and DR benefits of the central government employees and pensioners respectively from 1st July 2021. However, that was again put on hold due to reasons unknown. Meanwhile, National Council of JCM, which is a Government of India-recognised platform that fights for the cause of central government employees, said that the government is considering restoration of DA and DR benefits from September 2021.
House Building Advance (HBA)
The Central Government has updated the House Building Advance (HBA) for its employees. This updated scheme will help all those employees who want to construct their own house. The central government had reduced the interest rate of HBA to 7.9 percent and this benefit will be available till 31st March 2022.
Pension Benefits
The Finance Ministry has simplified the family pension rules for central government servants. As per the updated rules of family pension, benefits would be extended as soon as the death certificate is received. Eligible family member will no longer have to wait for other formalities or procedural requirements to be completed.
Receive Pension Slip Via email, SMS, WhatsApp
This comes as a big relief for the central government pensioners as they are no longer required to go to banks for pension slips. With an aim to ensure 'Ease of Living' for all the pensioners, the Central Government recently directed the pension disbursing banks to issue pension slip to the pensioners through their email, SMS, WhatsApp along with a complete break-up. The orders came into effect from 1st July 2021.
Traveling Allowance (TA)
The Centre recently made several announcements for retired government employees. Retired employees will now get 180 days time to give details of their Travelling Allowance (TA) as the government has extended the time-limit for submission of Travelling Allowance claims from 60 days to 180 days. This new rule has come into effect from 15th June 2021.
At a time when several states across the country have announced hike in dearness allowance or pay for their employees ahead of the Diwali, it's unfortunate that the CG employees demand for the hike in the minimum pay got such a treatment, he added.
States like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and the Delhi government have approved revision of pay scales for their employees as per the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission. Even, eastern Indian state of Odisha also raised the DA for the employees of its state-run public sector undertakings on Monday.
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However, the silence of the NDA government is seen as a step-motherly behaviour of the government towards the 50 lakh employee and pensioners.
While reports were there that the government may consider and increase the minimum pay of the employees early next year eying the 2019 polls and may use the pay hike as the weapon and last trick to strengthen its prospects in the general election.
While many believe that the government will definitely consider the demand of the employees as elections are on the cards, as of now, the CG employees will have to wait for some more time till the big announcement is made, as believed, in the very interest of the employees.
[caption id="attachment_312329" align="aligncenter" width="698"] Representative Image- Street Times[/caption]
Modi also added that CCTV would be installed at the colleges and hostels of the Patna University. He further said that the students availing loan under 'Students Credit Card' for pursuing higher education can repay the loan after getting job.
Speaking on the occasion, Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar stressed the importance of innovation and reminded students of schemes such as "Smart India Hackathon" and "Prime Minister Research Fellowship" to change their orientation towards research.
[caption id="attachment_237702" align="aligncenter" width="683"] Representative Image[/caption]
On the other hand, uncertainty continue to looms large over the announcement of further hike in the minimum pay of the Central government employees. Though expectations were high that the Narendra Modi-government would announce something related to the same on August 15, it just went away as 'Independence Day Disappointment'.
However, if media reports are to believed, with the return of Arun Jaitley as the Finance Minister hopes has again ignited among the employees and believe that good news is on the cards.
So, what are the expectations... will there be an announcement?
Even though there is no confirmation from the concerned department, rumours are making rounds that there is possibility of an announcement as the saffron party will not take risk of disappointing the employees at a time when the general elections are around the corner.
Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had said that the Indian economy is getting stronger and labelled the country as one the fastest growing economies in the world for 2018 at 7.4 per cent.
Rating agency like Fitch had also showed confidence on Indian economy and predicted growth to accelerate to 7.3 per cent in 2019 fiscal.
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Besides, seventh pay benefits have been announced in several BJP-ruled states recently. So, expectation of an announcement in this regard seems quite feasible irrespective of the extra burden it will put on the exchequer.
The Central government employees have been demanding a hike in the minimum pay by Rs 8,000. At present they are getting Rs 18,000 and want Rs 26,000- an increase in the fitment factor by 3.68 times from the existing 2.57 times.
The announcement is seen as a significant step by the State government in view of the ensuing Assembly elections next year.
As per reports, the implementation will put an additional burden of Rs 21,000 crore on the State exchequer.
Fadnavis said that Rs 4,800 crore would be allocated for the implementation of the Pay Commission in the Budget.
"The arrears of 7th Pay Commission will be given retrospective from January 2016 while the Dearness Allowance will be retrospective for the last 14 months," he said in a statement.
The State government reportedly took the decision related to the pay commission implementation following the threatening of the Maharashtra State Employees Organisation and the Maharashtra State Class Four Employees Association to go on a three-day strike from August 7 for various demands including pay hike.
The present minimum pay of the CG employees is Rs 18,000 but they are demanding the government to increase it to Rs 26,000- a hike of Rs 8,000.
Also Read: EPF Cut: 2% Hike in Salary of Govt, Private Employees in the offing
It is to see whether the NDA-led Central government will look into the demands of the CG employees or all their hopes will be crushed again on August 15.
Be practical! Never ever think that the money would never run out and your bank account will always be that "fatty". Rather it’s time to step back, avoid irrational spending or impulsive buying. Hold yourself back; give yourself a few days and think about your goals and objectives, say financial experts.
Also Read: 7th Pay Commission Is ‘The Last’: No More Pay Commission In Future
You can also draw up a balance sheet to get an overview of your financial situation. It will give you a detailed picture of your available amount and also give a better idea of your expenditure/investment.
Importantly, never be lethargic in your approach towards the issue and determine what’s most important to you or in other words- list your choices in order of priority.
Also Read: 7th Pay Commission For Kendriya Vidyalaya Employees Approved!
On a lighter note, the experts believe that one must enjoy the hike in salary but don't mar one's future for the sake of present and vice versa. It’s always advisable to have one's own retirement plan in place even though he/she will get a pension after retirement.
The government is considering to chalk out an alternative for increasing salaries and allowances of the central government employees and pensioners in future instead of forming a pay commission or the 8th Pay Commission.
The Narendra Modi-led BJP government will soon take a policy decision in this regard, The Sen Times reported citing a Finance Ministry official on condition of anonymity.
The 7th Pay Commission Chairman Justice A K Mathur was earlier of the view that the central government employees’ salary be revised every year taking into account the available data and price index.
Besides, the 7th Pay Commission recommended reviewing the pay matrix periodically instead of waiting for long ten years to revise the salary and allowances.
The commission also suggested the use of Aykroyd formula to recommend the pay hike of the central government employess.
Also Read: 7th Pay Commission: Did Govt Cheat Employees On Allowances?
Note: Aykroyd formula is attributed to Dr Aykroyd who worked on nutrition for nearly 30 years and was director of the Nutrition Division, Food and Agriculture Organisation, United Nations. In 1935, he was appointed director of the government's nutritional research centre in India. This formula takes into account the three basic needs of human being while considering pay hike and salary structure.
Earlier, the union of the central government employees had alleged that they have been cheated by the government on several grounds in the 7th Pay Commission. Being ‘upset, angry and dissatisfied’ with the government decision, the employees Federation had also decided to take up the matter with the government.
Also Read: 7th Pay Commission: Details Of Allowances In Different Posts, Pensioners
The LTC allows the grant of leave and ticket reimbursement to employees who are entitled under the rules to travel to their home towns and other places.
Employees were earlier entitled to an allowance which varied with their ranks.
Any incidental expenses and the expenditure incurred on local journeys shall not be admissible under LTC, said the order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) yesterday.
However, travel by premium or suvidha trains and services such as tatkal will now be allowed on LTC, it said.
"Further, reimbursement of tatkal charges or premium tatkal charges shall also be admissible for the purpose of LTC," the order said.
The new rules will be applicable from July 1, 2017, it said.
"Flexi fare (dynamic fare) applicable in Rajdhani/ Shatabdi/Duronto trains shall be admissible for the journey(s) performed by these trains on LTC. This dynamic fare component shall not be admissible in cases where a non-entitled government servant travels by air and claims reimbursement for the entitled class of Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Duronto trains," it clarified.
Reimbursement for the purpose of LTC shall be admissible for journeys performed in vehicles operated by the government or any corporation in the public sector run by the central or state government or a local body, the DoPT order said.
In case of a journey between places not connected by any public means of transport, the government employee will be allowed reimbursement for journey on transfer for a maximum limit of 100km covered by the private/personal transport based on self-certification, it said.
"Beyond this, the expenditure shall be borne by the government servant," the order said.
The move follows the implementation of recommendations of the seventh Central pay commission relating to Travelling Allowance (TA) entitlements of central government employees.
The TA rules have undergone changes.
The travel entitlements of government servants for the purpose of LTC shall be the same as TA entitlements, it said.
There are about 49.26 lakh central government employees.
Around 52 lakh Central government employees and over 65 lakh pensioners are all set to start receiving hiked Dearness Allowances (DA) and other related benefits approved under the 7th Pay Commission from July 1.
However, Central government employees, as well as pensioners, are still in confusion regarding the DA benefits they will be receiving from next month according to the 7th Pay Commission matrix.
Currently, the Central government employees are receiving DA at 17 per cent of basic pay. As per the latest revision, the DA will increase by 11 per cent to 28 per cent from July 2021 onwards.
The 11 per cent hike announcement comes after adding three pending DA hikes which includes a 3 per cent jump in DA from January to June 2020, a 4 per cent rise from July to December 2020 and a 4 per cent increase from January to June 2021.
Calculate Your Salary After DA Hike
As per the 7th Pay Commission matrix, the salary of a Central government employee includes three components, i.e. basic salary, allowances and deductibles. The minimum basic salary of Central government employees according to the pay matrix is Rs 18,000.
As per the existing pay matrix, Rs 2,700 per month will be directly added to the basic salary of the Central government employees. With the hike, employees’ total dearness allowance is set to increase by Rs 32,400 on annual basis.
The salient features of the pension entitlements of employees retiring from the Central Government are as under:
A Government servant retiring in accordance with the rules, after completing a qualifying service of not less than 10 years, is entitled to a pension @ 50% of his last pay or 50% of average emoluments for the last 10 months, whichever is more beneficial to him/her.
After completion of 80 years of age or above, additional pension @ 20% to 100% is payable to the retired Government servant.
A retired/retiring Government servant is entitled to, at his/her option, a lump sum payment, by commutation of a maximum of 40% of his/her pension.
On retirement, a Government employee is entitled to a retirement gratuity based on his/her emoluments and length of qualifying service.
On death of a Central Government pensioner, the family is entitled to a family pension the amount of which is 50% of the last pay for a period of seven years, or for a period up to the date on which the retired deceased Government servant would have attained the age of 67 years had he/she survived, whichever is earlier. Thereafter, the amount of family pension is 30% of his last pay. The amount of family pension is also increased by 20% to 100% after the family pensioner attains the age of 80 years and above.
The family of a Government servant, who dies while in service after having rendered not less than seven years’ continuous service, is entitled to a family pension 50% of the last pay for a period of ten years. Thereafter, the amount of family pension is 30% of his/her last pay.
The combined impact on the exchequer on account of both Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief would be Rs 6112.20 crore per annum and Rs 4074.80 crore in the financial year 2018-19 (for a period of 8 months from July, 2018 to February, 2019).
This will benefit about 48.41 lakh Central Government employees and 62.03 lakh pensioners, sources said.
The CG employees are currently getting a minimum pay of Rs 18,000. They are demanding an increase in the fitment factor by 3.68 times from the existing 2.57 times. With the hike in the fitment factor, the salary of the employees will be increased to Rs 26,000.
While the disappointment continues for the CG employees, a good news has come for them. According to an order issued by the Personnel Ministry, Centre has increased the monetary limit on disclosure of investment in shares and mutual funds by employees to six months of their basic pay.
As per the 1992 rule, disclosure of details related to transaction in shares, securities or mutual fund schemes exceeding Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000 during a calendar year was mandatory for Group 'A' - 'B' officers and Group 'C' - 'D' employees respectively.
The government has now decided that all government employees need to send intimation if total transactions in shares, securities, debentures, mutual funds scheme and the like exceed six months' basic pay during the calendar year, reported Zeebiz.com citing the ministry order issued to secretaries of all Central government departments on Thursday.
As per a notification issued by the State government, the dearness allowance hike will come into effect retrospectively from January 1, 2019. A proposal in connection with this was approved by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today.
The move comes after the Union Cabinet on February 19 increased the DA by 3% for its employees and pensioners. The decision in this regard was taken at the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Earlier, in April 2018, the DA for Odisha government employees was hiked by two percent. However, the demand of hike in the minimum pay of the Central government employees beyond the recommendation of the 7th pay Commission is yet to be considered by the Narendra Modi government.
The Personnel Ministry has amended a 20 years old rule in this regard to increase the amount of incentives provided for the employees, PTI reported. A statement in this regard was issued on Monday. The amount of incentive will be hiked from a minimum of Rs 10,000 to a maximum of Rs 30,000 for acquiring higher qualifications like Ph.D.
Now, the increase in the amount will be a minimum of Rs 10,000 to a maximum of Rs 30,000, the Personnel Ministry order stated.
As per the order, Rs 15,000 will be given for acquiring degree/diploma having duration of more than three years while Rs 10,000 will be given for acquiring degree/diploma of duration of three years or less.
A amount of Rs 20,000 will be given for earning post graduate degree/diploma with one year or less. Such qualification having duration of more than one year will get Rs 25,000 to the employees, it added.
A highest incentive of Rs 30,000 will be given to those getting Ph.D or equivalent, it stated while clarifying that no incentive shall be allowed for acquiring higher qualification purely on academic or literary subjects.
Moreover, it stated that, "The incentive would be given only for higher qualification acquired after induction into service."
Further, the incentive shall be limited to maximum two times in an employee's career, with a minimum gap of two years between successive grants. Besides, those earning post graduate degree of Ph.D were entitled for a maximum of Rs 10,000 while Rs 2,000 was applicable incentive for passing intermediate examination.
"As per the order, the payment of the due Dearness Allowance for the period of January 1, 2019 to February 28, 2019 will be done in cash as soon as possible in this Financial Year only. The DA for the month of March will be paid along with the salary in the month of April," ZeeBiz reported quoting an official notification of Uttar Pradesh government dated March 20.
The increase in DA will come into effect retrospectively from January 1, 2019. "The 10 per cent from the DA arrears of the employees covered under National Pension Scheme (NPS) will be deposited into their Tier- I pension account and the state government will also contribute a similar amount into the employees' pension accounts," the notification further read.
Earlier in February, the DA of the Central government employees was increased by 3 per cent effective from January 1, 2019, to “compensate” for price rise. This move of the Modi government will benefit 1.1 crore central government employees and pensioners.
This increase was in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission, benefiting about 48.41 lakh central government employees and 62.03 lakh pensioners.
On the other hand, the CG employees are presently getting a minimum pay of Rs 18,000. They have been demanding a hike of Rs 8000 or an increase in the fitment factor by 3.68 times from the existing 2.57 times. However, the government is yet to look into their demand.
While the Delhi government has made it clear that "unjustified fee hike" by some private schools was not related to the implementation of the seventh Pay Commission recommendations for the teachers, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia came forward and alleged that attempts are being made to create a "false impression" by vested interests that the AAP government is against the implementation of the Commission's recommendation, which is "completely baseless".
The new ran high after the Delhi High Court stayed the interim hike in fees by private unaided schools in the city till April 8.
"Unjustified fee hike by some private schools has nothing to do with the implementation of the seventh Pay Commission's recommendations for the teachers working in private schools," PTI quoted Sisodia.
"There are 325 private schools situated in the government land allotted by the DDA. Out of these, 260 schools had applied for fees hike, but 32 schools withdrew their applications. During audit of accounts, it was found that nearly 150 schools had sufficient surplus to implement seventh Pay Commission and were therefore denied permission to hike the fees. Rest of the applications are under the process," he added.
Sisodia further said that his government is against "extortion" from the parents by the private schools in the name of fees, he said.
On the other hand, the Central government employees are yet to get a hike in minimum pay as per their demand. They have been demanding a hike in the fitment factor and increase the present basic pay of Rs 18,000 to Rs 26,000.
According to media reports, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) has agreed to consider the demand of army personnel, which includes the exemption of ration money, and risk and hardship allowance from taxes.
A report of news agency PTI said that if the new decision comes into force, about nine lakh personnel of paramilitary forces like CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB, will be benefitted.
In a recent letter to the home ministry, the finance ministry conveyed that the long-standing demand of forces would be examined during the ensuring budgetary exercise, the news agency reported citing a home ministry official.
On the other hand, the Central government employees still wait for the hike in their minimum pay. They have been demanding a hike in the basic salary from the present Rs 18,000 to Rs 26,000. While the Modi government reportedly took a few steps towards the same, the matter received a setback due to the ongoing general polls.
The Department of Personnel & Training under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions (MoPPP) released a notification announcing a five-fold incentives to the employees who will pass a higher degree after coming into service.
As per the released notification, the Central government employees acquiring fresh higher qualifications after coming into service would be granted incentive ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 10,000 (as one-time lump-sum amount).
Similarly, those CG employees, who will acquire Degree/Diploma of duration three years or less, or equivalent after coming into service, will get Rs 10,000 incentive.
Earlier the central government employees acquiring fresh higher qualifications after coming into service were used to be granted Rs 2000 to Rs 10,000 as one-time lump sum amount.
On the other hand, the CG employees are presently getting a minimum pay of Rs 18,000, but they have been demanding a hike of Rs 8000 or an increase in the fitment factor by 3.68 times from the existing 2.57 times. However, the government is yet to look into their demand.
While several reports were seen making rounds about the possible hike of the minimum pay last year, it is believed that no concrete decision was taken by the Narendra Modi government due to various unavoidable reasons. However, with the new Finance Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman taking charge of the office, has given a new ray of hope for the lakhs of CG employees.
At present, the CG employees are getting a minimum pay of Rs 18,000, and they demand an increase of Rs 8000. Which means, they want the Centre to hike the fitment factor to get a revised pay of Rs 26,000.
However, rumours were also there that the government may consider a hike in the minimum pay of the Central government employees but it would not be Rs 8000, as demanded by the employees. While it is speculated that the government is considering a hike of Rs 6000 for the CG employees, there is nothing to prove this news.
Earlier, then Home Minister Rajnath Singh had held a discussion with officials concerned over the matter giving a hint that the Modi government was serious and concerned about the demand of the employees. However, the general elections marred the faith of the CG employees then.
On the other hand, the pay commission had earlier recommended that the pay matrix could be reviewed periodically without waiting for long ten years and the CG employees’ salary can be reviewed on the basis of the Aykroyd formula which takes into consideration the changes prices of the commodities that constitute a common man’s basket.
However, there seems to be a good news in the offing for the central government employees. According to a report of Zee Business, the CG may get an increment in Dearness Allowance (DA) of up to 5 per cent. The DA is a cost of living adjustment allowance paid to government employees and pensioners to help them cope up with the increasing prices.
The reason due to which one can expect a hike in DA is the increase in inflation rates in Consumer Price Index (CPI) data in April and May, Harishankar Tiwari, Former Secretary and Assistant Secretary of All India Audit and Accounts Association, who calculates government employees DA, told Zee Business.
The Modi government had earlier increased the DA of the CG employees by 3 per cent in January.
The CG employees were expecting that Modi 2.0 would bring some good news for them as the former Home Minister Rajnath Singh was earlier reportedly appraised about the matter by Shiv Gopal Mishra, the Chief of National Joint Council of Action (NJCA). Following the meeting, expectations were high; however, it couldn’t be materialised due to the 2019 polls.
The Central government employees have been demanding a hike in their present basic pay. They are presently getting a minimum pay of Rs 18,000, but demanding an increase of Rs 8000.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the PM Modi on Friday approved to release an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to Central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners w.e.f. 01.01.2020.
There will be an increase of 4 per cent over the existing rate of 17 per cent of the Basic Pay/Pension, to compensate for price rise.
The hike in DA will reportedly benefit about 48.34 lakh Central government employees and 65.26 lakh pensioners.
Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur had earlier informed Rajya Sabha that DA and DR of Central government employees under the 7th Pay Commission had been due from January 1.
"DA and DR are granted to serving employees and pensioners of the Central government respectively each year with effect from January 1 and July 1, and normally paid in March and September, respectively," he had said.
Also Read: Amid 7th Pay Commission Pay Hike Demand, Here’s A Big News On Pension
In October 2019, the government had increased the DA from 12% to 17%, which was the highest increase in one go. Announcing the same, Union minister Prakash Javadekar had said that a 5 per cent increase in DA was the highest in the last seven years as it was used to be around 2-3 per cent.
“This is the highest ever 5 percentage points increase in DA in one go by the central government,” Union Minister Prakash Javadekar had said then while making the announcement.
On the other hand, the Central government employees who are presently getting Rs 18,000 basic pay, have been demanding an increase of Rs 8000 in the minimum pay. If their present fitment factor (2.57 times) is hiked to 3.68 times (as per the demand), they will get Rs 26,000 as the basic pay.
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"There is no cut in DA and DR. It’s a temporary HOLD on the additional HIKE, which will be reinstated. DA and DR at the current rate, the highest ever rate at 17% brought by Modi government, will continue to be paid," the ruling-BJP said in a tweet.
"When the government decides to release the instalments of DA and DR from 1 July, 2021, the effective rates from January 2020, July 2020 and January 2021 will be restored prospectively and will be subsumed in the cumulative revised rate effective from 1 July, 2021.
There is no cut in DA & DR. The additional HIKE over 17% currently paid will be reinstated prospectively, effective Jan 2020.
Congress, with legacy of Compulsory Deposit Schemes that mandated 3-18% deposit of incomes for 3-5 years, should introspect before showing concern! pic.twitter.com/YwxkBmRzVq
— BJP (@BJP4India) April 25, 2020
On Saturday, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh opposed the Modi government's decision to cut back hike in DA of the employees and pensioners. He said that he did not think that at this 'stage such cuts were necessary'.
In a video message released by the Congress, Manmohan Singh, former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and several other top leaders slammed the government over the freezing of DA.
"We should be on the side of people whose DA is being cut. I sincerely believe that it is not necessary that it is the stage to enforce hardship to government servants and armed forces personnel," said Singh.
The remarks of the Congress leaders came a couple of days after the Centre decided to freeze payment of additional instalment of DA to all its employees and DR to pensioners falling due from January 1, 2020.
Earlier on March 14, the Union Cabinet had approved a four per cent hike in DA to 21 per cent for 1.13 crore Central government employees and pensioners applicable from January, 2020.
“In view of the crisis arising out of COVID-19, it has been decided that additional instalment of dearness allowance payable to central government employees and dearness relief (DR) to central government pensioners due from January 1, 2020, shall not be paid. The additional instalment of DA and DR due from July 1, 2020, and January 1, 2021, shall also not be paid,” the Department of Expenditure said in an office memorandum.
However, DA and DR at current rates will continue to be paid, it added.
On the other hand, the Central government employees had been demanding an increase in the basic pay as recommended by the 7th Pay Commission. They were demanding a minimum pay of Rs 26,000 against the current pay of Rs 18,000.
As regards the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) benches that are in Red and Orange zones, the cases of urgent nature can be filed through electronic mail service (e-mail) by contacting the registrar of the concerned bench, who in turn shall furnish the e-mail id to the intending advocate or party, it said.
If the Registry is satisfied that the OA (original application or petition) is otherwise in order and needs to be dealt with urgently, the head of department (HoD) of the bench shall be informed of the same.
The HoD in turn shall decide whether or not to take up the case. If it is proposed to hear the case, it shall be done through CISCO WEBEX online video conferencing facility, the statement said.
The details thereof shall be worked out by the HoD of the benches in consultation with the registry of the principal bench, it said.
It shall be ensured that the participants in the video conference put on the apparel or at least, are properly dressed, the Personnel Ministry said.
If the advocates of the bar association of such benches are agreeable for hearing of pending cases through such mechanism, the cases shall be identified by the registry and hearing thereof shall take place through the same system in a time slot that may be decided by the HoD on a daily basis, it said.
The CAT benches located in the green zone areas would resume work from Monday.
The tribunal has not worked since the announcement of the nationwide lockdown in March-end.
Wherever the benches/courts are located in green zones, they shall function duly following the guidelines that are issued by the Home Affairs Ministry such as maintaining the social distance, making the sanitary arrangements and avoiding the direct contact, it said in a statement.
To the extent possible, the method of functioning of the high courts in the concerned area shall be adopted, the ministry said.
The HoD of the concerned bench shall take decisions on this behalf in consultation with the president of the bar association, it said.
The feedback as to the convenience of the employees and their method of functioning shall be taken from the registrar of the bench. The decisions taken in this regard shall be forthwith forwarded to the registry of the principal bench, the statement said.
The government has recently issued the guidelines for identification of the red, green and orange zones, depending on the severity of COVID-19 cases and the nature of activities that are prohibited and permitted in the zones so declared.
This arrangement shall be in force till May 17, 2020 or until further orders, it added.
(PTI)
Following reports that the government is planning to impose pay cut on some categories of the central government employees to deal with the fund crunch during the lockdown, the Union Finance Ministry said on Monday.
"There is no proposal under consideration of Govt for any cut whatsoever in the existing salary of any category of central government employees. The reports in some section of media are false and have no basis whatsoever," the Finance Ministry said in a tweet.
The reports in some section of media are false and have no basis whatsoever, it added.
There is no proposal under consideration of Govt for any cut whatsoever in the existing salary of any category of central government employees.
The reports in some section of media are false and have no basis whatsoever.@nsitharamanoffc @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts— Ministry of Finance ?? #StayHome #StaySafe (@FinMinIndia) May 11, 2020
Earlier, the Modi government had frozen Dearness Allowance (DA) of the central government employees and dearness relief (DR) of pensioners due to the COVID-19 crisis.
However, the ruling-BJP soon came up with a clarification (after rumours related to the move started making rounds) that there was no cut in DA and DR and the additional hike over 17% currently paid would be reinstated prospectively, effective January 2020.
“There is no cut in DA and DR. It’s a temporary HOLD on the additional HIKE, which will be reinstated. DA and DR at the current rate, the highest ever rate at 17% brought by Modi government, will continue to be paid,” the BJP said in a tweet.
“When the government decides to release the instalments of DA and DR from 1 July, 2021, the effective rates from January 2020, July 2020 and January 2021 will be restored prospectively and will be subsumed in the cumulative revised rate effective from 1 July, 2021," it added.
There is no cut in DA & DR. The additional HIKE over 17% currently paid will be reinstated prospectively, effective Jan 2020.
Congress, with legacy of Compulsory Deposit Schemes that mandated 3-18% deposit of incomes for 3-5 years, should introspect before showing concern! pic.twitter.com/YwxkBmRzVq
— BJP (@BJP4India) April 25, 2020
Meanwhile, several state governments also either deferred or put hold hike in DA of their employees to ease financial burden arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Delhi government has put on hold hike in the dearness allowance of around 2.2 lakh employees and pensioners till July 2021.
As per media reports, the central government employees who perform night duty will get a hike in their salary as Night Duty Allowance (NDA) will now be implemented on the 7th Central Pay Commission's recommendations.
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) reportedly issued new instructions for the allowance after the Modi government's decision to implement the same amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
With this, the Centre has ended the earlier practice of giving out night duty allowance to all employees with one Grade Pay, said reports.
However, no further compensation will be admissible wherever the working hours have been arrived at after taking into account the night weightage factor, The Financial Express reported.
7th Pay Commission Night Duty Allowance - Key Takeaways:
1. Duty performed between 10 pm and 6 am will be considered as night duty.
2. Ceiling of basic pay for entitlement of NDA shall be Rs 43600 per month.
3. A 10-minute uniform weightage for every hour of night duty performed.
4. Government not to pay the allowance at the hourly rate equal to BP+DA/200.
5. Basic pay and DA for the calculation of the night allowance rates will be the basic pay and DA prevalent as per the 7th Pay Commission.
6. Central government employees will get their NDA based on the basic pay on the day they perform night duty.
Read More:
7th Pay Commission: There’s No Cut In DA, DR Of Central Govt Employees, BJP Clarifies
An Office Memorandum (OM) of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said that the new norms of increment will be applicable with effect from June 1, 2016.
The stenographer who is recruited on the basis of speed test in the shorthand at 80 w.p.m. may be granted one advance increment on qualifying speed test in shorthand at 100 w.p.m. and one more advance increment on qualifying speed test in shorthand at 120 w.p.m. while in service.
However, if a stenographer, who is recruited on the basis of speed test in the shorthand at 80 w.p.m. directly qualifies the speed test in shorthand at 120 w.p.m. while in service, he/she may be granted two advance increments.
The stenographer, who is recruited on the basis of speed test in the shorthand at 100 w.p.m., may be granted one advance increment on qualifying speed test in shorthand at 120 w.p.m. while in service.
These speed tests shall be conducted by properly constituted Authorities including Departmental Authorities. These advance increments shall be granted from the date of passing the test, the OM read.
These advance increments shall not be absorbed in future increments and the date of next increment after the grant of these advance increments shall remain the same. No option for fixation of pay from the Date of Next Increment shall be available/ allowed for fixation of pay on account of these advance increments.
The amount of these advance increments shall be treated as a separate element in addition to the basic pay and it should be counted as pay for all purposes. Further, once these advance increments are taken into account for the purpose of fixation of pay on promotion or being placed in a higher scale on the grant of MACP or due to revision of Pay Scale or Pay Structure etc., these advance increments no longer continue as a separate element, the OM added.
Meanwhile, the DoPT informed that the benefit of these advance increments will not be treated as an anomaly for the purpose of stepping of the pay of seniors.
On the other hand, reports are there that the Central government employees may get Dearness Allowance in the next couple of months on the recommendation of the 7th Pay Commission.
Read More:
7th Pay Commission: Salary Hike For Central Government Employees Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
As per Labour Ministry’s AICPI (All India Consumer Price Index), a rise in the inflation in the inflation during the January-June 2020 period by 2 per cent may result a hike in DA for the central government employees.
Due to that rise in inflation, the government employees may get a 3 per cent hike in their DA, reported Zee Business.
However, an official confirmation related to the same is yet to be made.
“DA hike is announced on the basis of AICPI hike. Since the AICPI number rose from 330 to 332 during January 2020 to June 2020. We can expect the DA hike to the tune of 3 per cent," said Harishankar Tiwari, Former Chairman at Pragyagraj-based AG Office Brotherhood.
The central government employees are presently getting 17 per cent DA. Meanwhile, the Centre recently freezed the DA till June 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This decision of the Centre was misinterpreted by many with the Congress lashing out at the Narendra Modi government for freezing the DA.
However, the BJP later clarified that there was no cut in DA and dearness relief (DR). The additional hike over 17 per cent, currently paid, will be reinstated prospectively, effective January 2020.
“There is no cut in DA and DR. It’s a temporary HOLD on the additional HIKE, which will be reinstated. DA and DR at the current rate, the highest ever rate at 17% brought by Modi government, will continue to be paid,” the ruling-BJP said in a tweet.
There is no cut in DA & DR. The additional HIKE over 17% currently paid will be reinstated prospectively, effective Jan 2020.
Congress, with legacy of Compulsory Deposit Schemes that mandated 3-18% deposit of incomes for 3-5 years, should introspect before showing concern! pic.twitter.com/YwxkBmRzVq
— BJP (@BJP4India) April 25, 2020
It further said, “When the government decides to release the instalments of DA and DR from 1 July, 2021, the effective rates from January 2020, July 2020 and January 2021 will be restored prospectively and will be subsumed in the cumulative revised rate effective from 1 July, 2021.”
Read More:
7th Pay Commission: Salary Hike For Central Government Employees Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
7th Pay Commission: New Increment Norms For These Central Govt Employees
The latest DoPT order read, "The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M. of even no. dated 19.05.2015 on the subject noted above regarding the treatment of VRS notice given by a Government servant on medical grounds or on account of disability.
In this regard, it is stated that the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 (PWD Act) has been repealed by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPWD Act, 2016), which came into force on 19th April, 2017. Hence, section 47 of PWD Act, 1995 as stated in DoPT's O.M. of even no. 19.05.2015 is replaced by the provisions of section 20 of the RPWD Act, 2016."
7th Pay Commission: VRS Order For These Central Government Employees, Key Takeaways:
No government establishment shall discriminate against any person with disability in any matter relating to employment: Provided that the appropriate government may, having regard to the type of work carried on in any establishment, by notification and subject to such conditions, if any, exempt any establishment from the provisions of this section.
Every government establishment shall provide reasonable accommodation and appropriate barrier free and conducive environment to employees with disability.
No promotion shall be denied to a person merely on the ground of disability.
No Government establishment shall dispense with or reduce in rank, an employee who acquires a disability during his or her service.
However, it further said that in case a disabled government servant reconsiders his decision and withdraws the notice for voluntary retirement, his case shall be dealt with the aforesaid provisions of Section 20 of RPWD Act, 2016.
If however, in spite of being so advised, such government servant still wishes to take voluntary retirement, the request may be processed as per the applicable rules, it added.
As per the recommendation of 7th Pay Commission, the government employees' may soon get Dearness Allowance (DA) for the January-June 2020 period from July 2021 onwards.
The central government employees are presently getting 17 per cent DA and they have been waiting for the hike in the allowance for the last several months.
Meanwhile, it is believed that the government employees may get a 3 per cent hike in their DA due to the rise in inflation.
As per Labour Ministry’s AICPI (All India Consumer Price Index), a rise in the inflation in the inflation during the January-June 2020 period by 2 per cent may result a hike in DA for the central government employees, Zee Business had earlier reported.
However, the government is yet to make any such official confirmation related to the same.
“DA hike is announced on the basis of AICPI hike. Since the AICPI number rose from 330 to 332 during January 2020 to June 2020. We can expect the DA hike to the tune of 3 per cent," Harishankar Tiwari, Former Chairman at Pragyagraj-based AG Office Brotherhood, had said.
With the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, the Centre had to freeze the DA till June 2021.
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