Posting of husband and wife at the same station

F.NO.28034/9/2009-Estt.(A)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)

North Block,New Delhi,
Dated the 30th September, 2009.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Posting of husband and wife at the same station.

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In view of the utmost importance attached to the enhancement of women's status in all walks of life and to enable them to lead a normal family life as also to ensure the education and welfare of the ·children, guidelines were issued by DOP&T in O.M No. 28034/7/86-Estt.(A) dated 3.4.86 and No.28034/2/97-Estt.(A) dated 12.6.97 for posting of husband and wife who are in Government service, at the same station. Department had on 23.8.2004 issued instructions to all Mins.lDeptts. to follow the above guidelines in letter and spirit.

2. In the context of the need to make concerted efforts to increase representation of women in Central Government jobs, these guidelines have been reviewed to see whether the instructions could be made mandatory. It has been decided that when both spouses are in same Central Service or working in same Deptt. and if posts are available, they may mandatorily be posted at the same station. It is also necessary to make the provisions at Paras 3(iv) and (vi) of the a.M. dated 3.4.86 stronger as it is not always necessary that the service to which the spouse with longer service belongs has adequate number of posts and posting to the nearest station by either of the Department may become necessary.

3. On the basis of the 6th CPC Report, Govt. servants have already been allowed the facility of Child Care Leave which is admissible till the children attain 18 years of age. On similar lines, provisions of a.M. dated 12.6.97 have been amended.

4. The onsolidated guidelines will now be as follows:

(i) Where the spouses belong to the same All India Service or two of the All India Services, namely lAS, IPS and Indian Forest Service (Group 'A'); The spouse may be transferred to the same cadre by providing for a cadre transfer of one spouse to the Cadre of the other spouse, on the request of the member of service subject to the member of service not being posted under this process to his/her home cadre. Postings within the Cadre will, of course, fall within the purview of the State Govt.

(ii) Where one spouse belongs to one of the All India Services and the other spouse belongs' to one of the Central Services:- The cadre controlling authority of the Central Service may post the officer to the station or if there is no post in that station, to the State where the other spouse belonging to the All India service is posted.

(iii) Where the spouses belong to the same Central Service:

The Cadre controlling authority may post the spouses to the same station. (iv) Where the spouse belongs to one Central Service and the other spouse belongs to another Central Service:-

The spouse with the longer service at a station may apply to his/her appropriate cadre controlling authority and the said authority may post the said officer to the station or if there is no post in that station to the nearest station where the post exists. In case that authority, after consideration of the request, is not in a position to accede to the request, on the basis of non-availability of vacant post, the spouse with lesser service may apply to the appropriate cadre authority accordingly, and that authority will consider such requests for posting the said officer to the station or if there is no post in that station to the nearest station where the post exists.

(v) Where one spouse belongs to an All India Service and the other spouse belongs to a Public Sector Undertaking:

The spouse employed under the Public Sector Undertaking may apply to the competent authority and said authority may post the said officer to the station, or if there is no post under the PSU in that station, to the State where the other spouse is posted.

(vi) Where one spouse belongs to a Central Service and the other spouse belongs to a PSU:-

The spouse employed under the PSU 'may apply to the competent authority and the said authority may post the officer to the station or if there is no post under the PSU in that station, to the station nearest to the station where the other spouse is posted. If, however, the request cannot be granted because the PSU has no post in the said station, then the spouse belonging to the Central Service may apply to the appropriate cadre controlling authority and the said authority may post the said officer to the station or if there is no post in that station, to the station nearest to the station where the spouse employed under PSU is posted.

(vii) Where one spouse is employed under the Central Govt. and the other spouse is employed under the state Govt.:-

The spouse employed under the Central Govt. may apply to the competent authority and the competent authority may post the said officer to the station or if there is no post in that station to the State where the other spouse is posted.

(viii) "The husband

& wife, if working in the same Department and if the required level of post is available, should invariably be posted together in order to enable them to lead a normal family life and look after the welfare of their children especially till the children attain 18 years of age. This will not apply on appointment under the central Staffing Scheme. Where only wife is a Govt. servant, the above concessions would be applicable to the Govt. servant.

5. Complaints are sometimes received that even if posts are available in the station of posting of the spouse, the administrative authorities do not accommodate the employees citing administrative reasons. In all such cases, the cadre controlling authority should strive to post the employee at the station of the spouse and in case of inability to do so, specific reasons, therefor, may be communicated to the employee.

6. Although, normal channels of representations/complaints redressal mechanism exist in the Min.lDeptts., added safeguards to prevent noncompliance may be provided by ensuring that the complaints against nonadherence to the instructions are be decided by the authorities at least one level above the authorities which took the original decision when they are below the level of secretary to the Govt. of India/Head of the PSU concerned and all such representations are considered and disposed off in time bound manner.

7. Hindi version will follow.

(C.B.Paliwal)
Joint Secretary to the Govt. of India

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RE-GRADING OF APAR (Previously known as ACR) BY DPC - DOPT Order

No.21011/1/2005-Estt.(A)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grivances and Pensions

Department of Personnel and Training

New Delhi, the 6th January,2010

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Effect on modification/expunction of adverse remarks in the ACRs and upgradation/down-gradation of the overall grading in the ACRs prior to the period 2008-2009.

The undersigned is directed to say that instructions were issued vide O.M. of even number dated 14th May, 2009 by which the complete APAR (previously known as ACR) including the overall grading and assessment of integrity shall be communicated to the concerned officer for representation if any, with effect from the reporting period 2008-09 which was to be initiated from 1.4.2008. Prior to that only adverse remarks in the ACR were required to be communicated for representation, if any. The then existing instructions further provided that the overall grading in the ACR should remain unchanged even after modification or expunction of the entire adverse remarks. It was left to the DPC to re-determine the overall grading if it considered that the expunction of such adverse remarks had so altered the quality of the ACR. The matter has been further considered and it has been decided that in those cases where the reckonable ACRs prior to the reporting period 2008-09 are to be considered in a future DPC on which the adverse remarks of Reporting I Reviewing / Accepting Authorities have been expunged or modified by the Competent Authority, the "overall grading" in the ACR be kept blank for appropriate re-grading by the DPCs. The existing grading shall be blocked in such cases. It has also been decided that where the authority has upgraded / downgraded the overall grading without giving sufficient reasons, the DPC shall treat such an exercise as non-estlinvalid. General terms, such as "I agree or disagree with the Reporting Officer / Reviewing Officer" used by the Reviewing I Accepting Authority shall not be construed as sufficient reason for upgrading / downgrading the overall grading given by the Reporting Authority 1 Reviewing Authority. The proposals for the DPC where ACRs upto the reporting period 2007-08 will be taken into account should specifically bring out these guidelines.

2. It is also made clear that past cases already decided will not be re-opened.

(C.A.Subrarnanian) Director

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Grant of incentive for acquiring higher qualification

No.1/3/2008-Esst (Pay-I)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training

7th Floor, Loknayak Bhavan, Khan Market
New Delhi the 7th January, 2010

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Grant of incentive for acquiring higher qualification - Inclusion of additional qualifications/Review of the qualifications listed in the Annexure to this Department's OM No. 1/2/89-Estt (Pay-I) dated 9.4.99.

*****

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's OM of even number dated 28.4.2009 and reminders of even number dated 17.6.2009 and 20/8/2009 and 30.10.2009 calling for suggestions regarding addition / deletion of qualifications listed in the Annexure to this Department's OM dated 9.4.1999. All the Ministries/Departments are requested to furnish their considered views/suggestions in this regard to this Department within 30 days from the date of issuance of this OM.

(B.K.Mukhopadhyay)
Director (Pay)

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Blacklisting of Defence Companies

The following decisions have been taken in respect of seven firms/companies/suppliers/vendors, supplying defence equipment to the armed forces during the last 2 years and the current year i.e. M/s Israeli Military Industries, Israel; M/s Singapore Technology, Singapore; M/s HYT Engg; M/s TS Kishan and Co. Pvt Ltd., New Delhi; M/s RK Machine Tools; M/s BBT, Poland; M/s Media Architects Pte, Ltd, Singapore:-

(a) Where contracts have been concluded and also executed, action should be taken against the companies, as per the provisions of the contract, on completion of the CBI investigation.

(b) In regard to the tender cases of procurement/execution, where the tender process has already been started and where the companies mentioned in the FIR are figuring, each case should be dealt as per the tender conditions, keeping in view of the FIR in question. No tender should be awarded to the companies mentioned in the FIR unless the CBI investigation clears them totally.

(c) The tender cases of procurement/execution, where the tender process has not yet started, there should be no dealing with the companies mentioned in the FIR, till the finalization of investigation.

(d) Contracts that have been entered into and are being executed or pending execution, shall remain on hold. In these cases, further action will be taken as per the contractual provisions on receipt of the investigation report of the CBI. Some restrictions on procurement cases in respect of M/s IAI or M/s Rafael have also been placed.

Government has laid down elaborate procedures for procurement of defence equipments, weapons and stores. The procedures prescribed include “Defence Procurement Procedure” for capital acquisition and “Defence Procurement Manual” for revenue purchases. These procedures are also reviewed periodically.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Naveen Jindal in Lok Sabha today.

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Inclusion in Scheduled Tribes List

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has over the years received proposals and requests for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes’ list in excess of 1000 from various Individuals/Organizations and State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. The recommendations of the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations only are processed in terms of the Article 342 of the Constitution and the modalities laid down by the Government on 15/06/1999 for this purpose. Inclusion and exclusion in the Scheduled Tribes’ lists of States/Union Territories is an ongoing process.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs Dr. Tushar A. Chaudhary in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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AICPIN for Agricultural and Rural Labourers on base 1986-87=100 – October, 2009

All-India Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural and Rural Labourers on base 1986-87=100 – October, 2009

The All-India Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers (Base: 1986-87=100) for October, 2009 increased by 7 points each to stand at 522 (Five hundred and twenty two) points for Agricultural Labourers and 521 (Five hundred and twenty one) points for Rural Labourers.

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Calculation of monthly contribution towards cost of Pension payable during foreign service

No. 2/34/2008-Estt. (Pay II)
Government of lndia
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
***********

New Delhi, Dated 19th November, 2009.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Calculation of monthly contribution towards cost of Pension payable during foreign service.

The undersigned is directed to invite reference to this Department's O.M. No. 2/3/2000-Estt. (Pay II) dated isth May, 2000 on the above subject and to say that according to that order w.e.f. 1.1.1996 the pension contribution payable in respect of a Government servant during the active period of his foreign service shall be based on the maximum of the pay as defined in Rule 9(21)(a)(i) of the Fundamental Rule of the revisedpay scale of the post held by a Government servant at the time of proceeding on foreign service or to which he may receive proforma promotion while on foreign service.

2. Consequent upon revision of Central Government pay scales in Pay Bands and Grade Pay w.e.f. 1.1.2006 after implementation of the Sixth Central Pay Commission's recommendations, the question of issuing necessary revised orders on the above subject has been engaging the attention of the Government of India. The President is now pleased to decide that pension contribution payable in respect of a Government servant during the active period of his foreign service shall be based on the existing basic pay (Pay in the Pay Band plus Grade Pay) of the post held by a Government servant at the time of proceeding on foreign service and ip case he receives proforma promotion/financial up-gradation while on foreign service, on the basic pay (Pay in the Pay Band plus Grade Pay) fixed on such promotion/financial up-gradation.

3. These orders will apply w.e.f. 1.1.2006. In respect of persons who are already on foreign service as on 1.1.2006, the rates of pension contribution will be calculated as per above formula with effect from the date they opt to come over to the revised scale in their parent cadres. For the earlier period, the pension contributions will be as per extant orders i.e. the orders in force period prior to 1.1.2006 from time to time.

4. In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit & Accounts Department are concerned, these orders are being issued after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of lndia.

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Revision of pay of the Chairpersons and Members of the Regulatory Authorities/Bodies consequent to the implementation of the Sixth CPC

No. 6/12/2008-Estt. (Pay 11)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training

2nd Floor, Loknayak Bhavan, Khan Market
New Delhi, the 18th November, 2009

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:-Revision of pay of the Chairpersons and Members of the Regulatory Authorities/Bodies consequent to the implementation of the Sixth Central Pay Commission recommendations.

Reference is invited to this Department's O.M.of even no. dated 14'" November, 2008. Consequent upon the issue of Department of Expenditure's notification dated ltith ~uly, 2009 amending the CCS (RP) rules, 2008 to the extent that the pre-revised S-30 scale is replaced by the new HAG scale of Rs. 67000(annual increment @3%)-79000. Accordingly, the provisions regarding the pay indicated in the O.M. dated 14Ih ~ovember, 2008 may be read as under:

Pay - The Chairperson would be eligible for pay not exceeding Rs. 80,000/- p.m. (fixed) and Members would be eligible for pay in HAG scale of Rs. 67000-(annual increment @3%)-79000. The pay will be fixed in accordance with the prevailing orders viz. pay minus pension.

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Health insurance scheme for govt employees on anvil

The government has formulated a scheme that will allow its employees to choose between a health insurance plan provided by an insurer or that from state-run Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).

At present, the Central government employees are covered under the CHGS scheme, being operated by the health ministry.

"The scheme is already formulated...It will open the choice for government servants," G C Chaturvedi, Additional Secretary in the Finance Ministry told news agency.

The new scheme, which will be placed before the Union Cabinet for approval soon, will immediately benefit at least three lakh Central government employees, he said.

The new scheme, Chaturvedi said, will be more beneficial to the employees who are posted at places where there are no CGHS dispensaries or they are far away from the place of posting.

CGHS dispensaries and hospitals are located only in 26 places in the country.

"Those who are residing outside CGHS dispensaries areas will immediately opt for it... There are over three lakh employees which will immediately opt for it, others will take some time," Chaturvedi said.

The government had earlier appointed a inter-ministerial committee to work out a health insurance scheme to supplement the CGHS scheme to provide better coverage to its employees.

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Acceptance of castes certificates produced by candidates

NO.1/412009-1R Government of lndia Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi Dated: the 05th October, 2009

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Acceptance of castes certificates produced by candidates. The undersigned is directed to say that this Department's O.M. No.3601216188-Estt.(SCT) dated 24.4.1990 and 0.M. No.36012122193- Estt.(Res.)dated 15.11.1993 provide that the Casterrribel Community certificates in the proforrna prescribed and issued by any of the authorities stated in the said OMS will only be accepted by the appointing authorities as sufficient proof in support of a candidate's claim to belong to Scheduled Caste1 Schedule Tribe1 Other Backward Class. It has been brought to the notice of this Department that some Organisations do not accept the certificates in the proforma so prescribed and ask the candidates to submit certificates in some other format. It is ernphasised that instructions referred to above should be followed scrupulously. 2. All the Ministries1 Departments etc. are requested to bring the contents of this OM to the notice of all concerned. Click here to open the Order

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‘Incredible India’ Wins World Travel Award

The Incredible India campaign of ministry of tourism received yet another feather in its cap, when it was conferred with the World Travel Award for the best destination marketing campaign. The Minister of Tourism, Kumari Selja received this award at the glittering event organized in London on 9th November, 2009. The promotional video being used for the overseas campaign was broadcast during the event, much to the delight and appreciation of the audience. The others present were Devesh Chaturvedi, Additional Director General (Tourism) and Director, India Tourism, London Mr Jagdish Chander.

INAUGURATION OF INDIA PAVILION AT WTM-2009

On 10th November, 2009 the Tourism Minister inaugurated the India pavilion at the World Travel Mart by lighting of the traditional lamp. Those present were High Commissioner of India to U.K and senior office bearers of travel trade.

World Travel Market (WTM) is one of the premier international travel related events, which provides an effective platform for showcasing and sourcing new products and services and to learn about the latest international trends and patterns affecting tourism to various regions.

Incredible India has an imposing presence in the mart with a total of 83 participants as co-exhibitors in the India Pavilion. These include Air India, ITDC/ Organizing Committee (Commonwealth Games 2010), 60 Travel Agents / Tour Operators / Hotels and 21 State Governments / UTs.

The theme of the India Pavilion this year is the “Commonwealth Games 2010” to be hosted in Delhi in 2010. The new creatives of the Ministry for promoting the Games as well as images of the mascot “Shera” are being displayed prominently in the Pavilion.

ASIAN GUILDS AWARD

Later in the day, the Union Minister tourism, received the ASIAN GUILD AWARD at the House of Lords, which recognized the contribution made by the Incredible India campaign in spreading awareness about India among the Asians living in U.K.

The eminent personalities present during the event were Lord Peter Archer, President, The Asian Guild, Lord King of West Bromwich, the chairman, The Asian Guild and Tom Watson, MP, Advisor to PM, Tourism Ministers of the state of Jammu & Kashmir, Mr Nawang Rigzin Jora and Mr Nasir Aslam Wani and the High Commissioner of India in U.K Mr Nalin Surie.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of Tourism stated that the “Incredible India” initiative was conceived with an objective to brand the country as a unique, vibrant and inclusive identity. The “Incredible India” brand line and campaigns have since grown by leaps and bounds, so much so that the terms “Incredible” and “India” are now almost synonymous - and not only while referring to the immense tourism potential of the country.

There is no doubt that the Incredible India initiative has positioned the country in the mind of the discerning traveller, re-enforced interest in the country and contributed in generating awareness about India among the younger generations. The successful campaigns have also created a sense of pride amongst the Indian communities residing in different parts of the world, including the United Kingdom. The present award is in recognition of these efforts.

The minister stated that the Indian Government, in close association and collaboration with all stakeholders in the tourism industry will continue to work towards building of the “Incredible India” brand. Initiatives have been taken to develop tourism infrastructure, improve the quality of services and develop new tourism products such as Medical, Wellness and Rural Tourism, which offer the visiting tourist a rejuvenating and enriching experience.

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PM’s address at the Inauguration of ‘National Education Day’ Celebrations

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh addressed the National Education Day celebrations to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Union Education Minister, in New Delhi today. Following is the text of Prime Minister’s address on the occasion:

It is a great pleasure for me to participate in these National Education Day celebrations. Today we commemorate the memory of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a great visionary, a great freedom fighter, a great scholar, an eminent educationist and the first Education Minister of Independent India.

Throughout his life, Maulana Azad served the twin causes of freedom and justice. He was a champion of liberal and secular values. He worked for the unity and integrity of India both during the freedom movement and after independence. It was he who laid the foundation of India's educational policy and planning.

Maulana Azad was also a great institution builder. He created the University Grants Commission (UGC), the National Academies-the Sangeet Natak Akademy, Sahitya Akademy, Lalit Kala Akademy, and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. He strengthened the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and oversaw the establishment of a chain of top class technical institutions that now represent the best in the Indian Education System. Under his distinguished leadership, the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur was established in 1951, which was followed by a chain of IITs at Mumbai, Chennai, Kanpur and Delhi.

The celebration of Maulana Azad's birth anniversary as the National Education Day is a befitting homage to one of our greatest leaders. Today is also an occasion when all of us should re-dedicate ourselves to the cause of education, and through it to building India as a modern, knowledge society.

As you all know, education has received the highest priority from the Central Govt. in the last 5 years or so. Our commitment to this important area of national endeavour has seen the strengthening and expansion of the education system at all levels – primary, secondary, higher, professional and technical education. We had earlier taken important steps in providing quality education to all children through our flagship programme of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Now we have extended our initiatives to the secondary level. The objective of the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) is to achieve an enrolment ratio of 75% for classes IX-X within five years and to provide universal secondary education by the year 2017. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009 creates a legal entitlement for compulsory and free education for all our children between the ages of 6 and 14 years. We have recently launched a new literacy initiative, SAAKSHAR BHARAT, on the International Literacy Day on 8th September, 2009.

In higher education, the outlay has been increased by 10 times in the Eleventh Five Year Plan as compared to the Tenth Five Year Plan. A number of new institutions - Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management, Indian Institutes for Science Education & Research, Indian Institutes of Information Technology and others - are being established.

I am also very happy to note that a National Mission on Education through ICT has been launched in February 2009 with an outlay of about Rs. 5000 crore. This will provide internet connectivity to about 20,000 colleges and educational institutions and will be a major harbinger of use of modern technology in the field of education. As UNESCO plays a very important role as a global clearing house of ideas and knowledge and creation of knowledge based societies, I would like to offer our willingness to share with them the e-learning material prepared under this technical mission by the Indian Institutes of Technologies (IITs).

Improving access to education is not enough. It should be accompanied by efforts to ensure equity and improve quality. Our Government stands committed to provide good and quality education to each and every child in our country, especially those who belong to the underprivileged sections of our society. It is with this end in view that we have started a number of scholarship schemes for those who cannot afford to study on their own - the SCs/STs/Minorities and other such disadvantaged groups. We especially recognize the importance of educating women and they are being given special attention in the SAAKSHAR BHARAT mission.

Improvement in quality at all levels is also receiving increasing emphasis. In higher education this will be achieved through structural reforms on the basis of the recommendations of the National Knowledge Commission and the Yashpal Committee.

The realization of the Right to Education does not depend merely on expansion of educational infrastructure but, equally importantly on availability of trained and qualified teachers with commitment to their profession. UNESCO in its Oslo Declaration 2008 relating to Education for All, has projected a requirement of 18 million new primary teachers throughout the world in the next seven years to achieve universal primary education at the global level. In India too, we would need an extra 1 million teachers to implement the Right to Education Act. For this purpose, apart from the need of augmenting teacher’s training institutes and use of ICT for mass learning, it is necessary to restore the prestige and status of the teaching profession in our society.

The importance of good teachers cannot be over-emphasized. Good teachers not only educate- they also inspire. Good teachers make good students. Good teachers make good citizens. We must therefore find ways and means of improving the quality of our teachers. We must find ways of attracting the best talent as faculty in our premier institutions. We today face difficulty in finding top level professors and lecturers in the newly created IITs, IISERs and other such institutions. This state of affairs cannot be allowed to persist and I urge all of you to work to address these problems of deficiency in the quality of teaching in our schools, in our colleges, and in our universities.

A system of education which is built on the premises of quality and equity is central as it must be to India's rapid progress as a modern, dynamic society. Let me reaffirm today our government's commitment to the cause of education. But in the mammoth task that lies ahead, we will need the contribution of all our citizens and all actors in the civil society. I urge all of you to work for this noble cause with renewed energy and vigour that will be a befitting tribute to the memory of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.

With these words, I wish your celebrations all success. I also wish all of you the very best in your efforts to make our educational system stronger, better and more equitable.

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Antony presents awards to Defence PSUs /Ordnance Factories

Shri AK Antony presented the Defence Minister's Awards for Excellence for the year 2007-08 to Ordnance Factories and Defence Public Sector Undertakings at a function here today. The list of recipients is as follows:-

Institutional Awards

(a) Excellence in Performance (Trophy) – Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.

(b) Best Performance in Exports (Trophy) – BEML Ltd.

Division / Factory / Shipyard Awards

(a) Best Performing Division - Bharat Electronics Ltd., among DPSUs(Trophy) Hyderabad

(b) Best Performing Factory - Ammunition Factory, Khadki, of OFB (Trophy) Pune, Maharashtra

(c) Best Performing - Mazagon Dock Limited, Shipyard (Trophy) Mumbai

Group / Individual Awards (Rs. 1,00,000 each)

Import Substitution

(a) Bharat Electronics Limited, Ghaziabad for Engineering and realization of Rohini Radar D & E Model in collaboration with LRDE (The design agency).

(b) Garden Reach shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd., Kolkata for Indigenization of Centrifugal Pumps of Russian Origin for Warships/Submarines in Indian Navy.

Design Efforts

(a) MILCOM SBU unit of BEL, Bangalore for Design and development of STARS V- Mk II 5W / 25W Radio Sets and its various accessories.

(b) Ordnance Factory, Dehu Road, Maharashtra for Development of modified igniter NP- Type II Mk-1 for 455 Litre container bombs for Air Force.

Innovation

(a) Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai for Innovative approach in overhaul of propulsion Motor and their mounts of German origin Submarines of Indian Navy without resorting to usual practice of cutting pressure hull which is usual practice at OEM and also world over.

(b) CRL, BEL, Bangalore for Development of Hand Held Computer, part of the Shakti- Tactical Network project for Artillery of Indian Army.

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Govt staff to shed grey, tired look for chic

There is a silent transformation in government offices these days. The faded and often wrinkled work uniforms worn by some government employees are now being replaced by classier corporate workwear, thanks to new cloth sourcing norms by the government’s purchase departments.

The Central Vigilance Commission office, a central regulatory authority, which decides on the rules and regulations for the government’s tendering process, has asked all public sector units, armed forces and state-governed bodies to insist on “composite mills” in their tenders for procuring any kind of textiles. Simply put, only composite mills — a textile facility where weaving,spinning and processing is integrated and done under a single roof — can bid for textile-related tenders.

The advantage of such mills is that since the three crucial stages of making textiles happens under single roof, quality is consistent even in large-scale production. Whereas, in the case of power looms the production capacities are not as big as composite ones, due to which one has to often compromise on colour or quality. Additionally, with composite mills, the customer can be supplied with cloth as per his specifications while a powerloom-made cloth cannot by uniform in its specifications. Till now, unorganised players or commission agents used to walk away with such tenders after quoting the lowest price. The cheap quotations ensured that these agents delivered inferior quality cloth often procured from individual powerlooms.

Apart from the general public and employees who will welcome the sartorial change, organised textile players are also cheering, especially as these firms had been hit by the slowdown in textiles. The CVC diktat has provided a good business opportunity for such textile mills as the size of a typical government textile tender is estimated to be over Rs 2,000 crore a year.

Nitin S Kasliwal, CEO and MD of S Kumars Nationwide said: “This move will help in checking the activities of small and medium level players who are awarded tenders due to the cost advantage. However, such players are unable to deliver on time and compromise on quality as they depend on smaller manufacturers to fulfil the order.”

SKNL is supplier to ONGC, Air India, BPCL and Indian Army. “State-owned mills will benefit since now they will have better quality textiles, but they should be more specific while floating tenders,” says RK Dalmiya, president of the Mumbai-based Century Textiles. “Often tenders are not clear about particular needs which confuse participants. This will make the process more transparent as the tender also insists on prior experience and ISO certifications,” he added.

Raghunath MB, a director with Mafatlal Fabrics says the step will help both textile mills and the government. “As all processes are done in a single location, it ensures consistent quality which is not possible otherwise. Also, such a large order scale for organised players has come at the right time.”

The Mafatlal group supplies cloth to state-owned firms such as Hindustan Aeronautics, ONGC, BPCL and Airports Authority of India.
Source:Economic Times

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Listing of Central Public Sector Enterprises on Stock Exchanges to develop ‘People-Ownership’

The President’s Address to Joint Session of Parliament on 4th June 2009 and Finance Minister’s Budget Speech on 6th July, 2009, articulated the intention of the Government to encourage people participation in the disinvestment programme. It had been mentioned that public sector undertakings are the wealth of the nation, and part of this wealth should rest in the hands of the people while retaining at least 51% Government equity in our enterprises.

Now, Government has decided: (i) all profitable listed CPSEs should meet the mandatory listing of 10% public ownership; and (ii) all unlisted CPSEs having positive networth, no accumulated losses and having a net profit in the three preceding consecutive years should get listed on the stock exchanges.

The disinvestment proceeds would be channelized into the National Investment Fund (NIF). The corpus comprising deposits from April 2009 till March 2012 would be available in full for investment as capital expenditure in specific social sector schemes determined by Planning Commission and Department of Expenditure. The status quo ante of NIF will be restored from April 2012.

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Casual worker not entitled to compensation: HC

The Delhi High Court has said a casual worker is not entitled to claim compensation from the principal employer in case he suffers an accident while performing the work under the direction and supervision of a contractor.

Justice V B Gupta said those availing the services of such casual employees through a contractor for their trade or business do not have to pay compensation in case any injury is caused to such workers in the course of work.

The court passed the order on an appeal filed by M/s Bhasin petrol pump challenging the order of Workmen's Compensation Commissioner awarding damages to a worker, Md Shoibuddin Khan on the ground that he was an "employee" under the meaning of the Workmen's Compensation Act.
Source: PTI

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Centre plans to set up 7,000 libraries

With an aim to encourage reading habit among people, the Centre is planning to set up about 7,000 libraries having computers with internet facility across the country, a large chunk of which may go to rural areas.

These libraries will be opened as part of the National Mission on Libraries (NML), the Centre's initiative to revitalise the public library movement in the country.

Sources said the Culture Ministry has sent a set of recommendations in this regard to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who holds charge of the ministry.

The new libraries, if the proposals are accepted, will be equipped with modern gadgets and broadband connectivity besides being networked with other leading libraries, educational and cultural institutions.
Source:PTI

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THREE NEW SCHEMES INCLUDED IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S NEW 15 POINT PROGRAMME FOR THE WELFARE OF MINORITIES

The Union Cabinet today decided to include three schemes namely, National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) of the Department of Drinking Water and Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) and Urban Infrastructure and Governance (UIG) scheme of the Ministry of Urban Development in the Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme where the flow of fund to minority concentration areas up to the extent of 15% would be monitored.

The Cabinet approved inclusion of Mewat district in place of Gurgaon in Haryana as one of the minority concentration districts.

The Cabinet also decided to include Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assembly in the State and District level committees to monitor the implementation of the 15-point programme. This modification would also make them members in the State and District Level Committees for implementation of Multi-Sectoral Development Programme (MSDP).

There has been a steady improvement in the recruitment of minorities in the Central Government and the Public Sector Undertakings since issuing of guidelines by the Department of Personnel and Training on 8th January, 2007 for giving special consideration to the recruitment of minorities. The percentage of recruitment of minorities which stood at 6.95% in 2006-07 went up to 8.22% in 2007-08 and was 9.18% in 2008-09. In respect of maintenance of Communal Harmony the Ministry of Home Affairs has revised the Communal Harmony guidelines in July, 2008. States/UTs have been advised to submit reports to review the progress of implementation of these guidelines.

Under Priority Sector lending, Rs.82864.65 crores, amounting to 12.41% of total lending, was disbursed by the public sector banks to minority communities.

BACKGROUND :

Prime Minister’s New 15-Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities was introduced in 2006 with a view to incorporate programme specific interventions so that benefit of various Government schemes for the underprivileged reach the disadvantaged sections of the minority communities. The New Programme envisages location of certain proportions of development projects in minority concentration areas. It also provides that, wherever possible, 15% of targets and outlays under various schemes should be earmarked for minorities.

It has been three years since the Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme was introduced. The Cabinet has held the review meetings six times, including today’s meeting, since the introduction of the new programme. It has been ensured that 15% of the targets and outlays, for schemes considered amenable to earmarking has been allocated in respect of seven components of SSA, operationalisation of Anganwadi Centres under ECDS, assistance to Swarojgaris under SGSY, housing for the rural poor under IAY and enhanced credit support through priority sector lending. It has also been ensured that at least 15% funds flow to minority concentration areas under Basic Services For Urban Poor (BSUP) and Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP).

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Workshop on EPI for Identification of Assessment of Critically Polluted Areas

One Day Workshop on Development of Environmental Pollution Index (EPI) for Identification and Assessment of Critically Polluted Areas begins here tomorrow. The aim of this workshop is to develop an Environmental Pollution Index (EPI) for the quantification of the environment health of industrial areas. The EPI helps in synthesizing the available information on environmental status of the area by using quantitative criteria, thus reducing complex information into a smaller, more easily retained, amount of information. EPI also helps in determining the effectiveness and comparing alternative plans and policies and assists environmental decision-makers in initiating appropriate measures in ranking the critically polluted areas. Subsequently, the decision makers can devise an effective and efficient management plans to improve the environmental quality of the identified critically polluted areas.

The new EPI will help to yield information about linkages between causes and effects and cross-link them. It will be possible to analyze adequately complex, multidisciplinary, large-scale, global phenomena.

Objectives of the workshop are to identify the adequacy of the available data and monitoring protocols in terms of air, water and soil quality parameters which could be used for representing the environmental health of the area, to get feedback on the proposed EPI which is based on the concept, Source -> Pathways -> Receptor, which is simple to use, transparent, and expandable across other issues, apply the proposed EPI to selected polluted area and relatively rank them in terms of their environmental health and propose a guideline for preparing action plan (industry specific as well as infrastructure specific) as corrective and preventive measures for the critically polluted areas.

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Fixation of pay in case of employees who seek transfer to a lower post under FR 15(a)

F.No. 13/9/2009-Estt(Pay-I)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training
Esst(Pay-I) Section

North Block, New Delhi-03
dated 21st October, 2009

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Fixation of pay in case of employees who seek transfer to a lower post under FR 15(a) - clarification regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to instructions issued vide this Department's OM NO. 16/6/2001-Estt(Pay-I) dated 14.2.2006 on the above subject. It was clarified therein that on transfer to the lower post/scale under FR 15(a), the pay of a Government servant holding a post on regular basis will be fixed at a stage equal to the pay drawn by him in the higher grade. If no such stage is available, the pay will be fixed at the stage next below the pay drawn by him in the higher post and the difference may be granted as personal pay to be absorbed in future increments. If the maximum of the pay scale of the lower post is less than the pay drawn by him in the higher post,his pay may be restricted to the maximum under FR 22(a)(a)3).

2.Consequent upon implementation of the revised pay structure comprising grade pays and running Pay Bands, w.e.f. 1.1.2006 in cases of appointment of Government servants to posts carrying lower Grade Pay under FR 15(a) on their own request, the pay in the pay band of the Government servant will be fixed at a stage equal to the pay in the pay band drawn by him prior to his appointment against the lower post. However, he will be granted grade pay of lower post. Further, in all cases, hewill continue to draw his increments based on his pay in the pay band +grade p(lower).

3. Where transfer to a lower post is made subject to certain terms and conditions then the pay may be fixed according to such terms and conditions.

4. In so far as persons serving in the Indian Audit & Accounts Department are concerned, these orders issue after consultation with the Comptroller & Auditor General of India.

5. This order takes effect from 1.1.2006.

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