Grant of Fixed Medical Allowance to Central Government Civil Pensioners residing in areas not covered under CGHS

F.No.4/34/2017-P&PW(D)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,

Khan Market, New Delhi

Dated: 31/01/2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Grant of Fixed Medical Allowance to Central Government Civil Pensioners residing in areas not covered under Central Government Health Scheme -reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s OM No.38/99/99-P&PW(C) dated 17-4-2000 on the subject mentioned above and to say that in accordance with the instructions contained therein, Central Government Civil Pensioners, residing in an area not served by any CGHS dispensary or any corresponding Health Schemes administered by other Ministries/Departments, as the case may be, even though their places of residence may fall within the limits of a CGHS covered cities, are required to submit the following documents for claiming Fixed Medical Allowance:

a) An undertaking in the prescribed format.

b) A certificate from the Medical Authorities of CGHS or from authorities of corresponding Health Schemes of the concerned Ministries/Departments, as the case may be, that the area where the pensioner is residing is not served by any dispensary under CGHS or the corresponding Health Scheme administered by the Ministry/Department.

2. Keeping in view the difficulties being faced by the pensioners in obtaining the required certificate from the concerned Medical Authorities, the matter has been reconsidered in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It has now been decided that the pensioners, residing in areas not covered by CGHS or any corresponding Health Schemes administered by other Ministries/Departments, as the case may be, would no longer be required to submit a certificate referred to in para 1 (b) above.

However, such pensioners would continue to submit an undertaking in the

following format:

I , a retired employee of _____ (Office Address) declare that I am residing at (Residential Address indicated in PPO) , which area is not covered under CGHS or any corresponding Health Scheme administered by the Ministry/Department of , (as the case may be). I have also not obtained and do not wish to obtain a CGHS Card for availing out-door facilities under CGHS/Corresponding Health Scheme of other Ministries/Departments from any dispensary situated in an adjoining area.

3. A Central Government Civil Pensioner is also required to fill the enclosed Form along with above mentioned undertaking.

4. All the pension disbursing authorities are required to obtain the above undertaking along with the Form, as mentioned in Para 3 above, from such pensioners before sanctioning Fixed Medical Allowance. An entry to this effect should also be made in their PPOs.

sd/-

(Sanjay Wadhawan)

Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India

Authority: www.pensionersportal.gov.in

Relief to Salaried Taxpayers – Standard Deduction of Rs 40,000 Allowed

Relief to salaried taxpayers: standard deduction of Rs 40,000 allowed in lieu of present exemptions

2.5 Crores salaried employees and pensioners to benefit Differently-Abled will continue to get transport allowance at enhanced rate

In order to provide relief to salaried taxpayer, the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley, proposed to allow a standard deduction of Rs. 40,000/- in lieu of the present exemption in respect of transport allowance and reimbursement of miscellaneous medical expenses. However, the transport allowance at enhanced rate shall continue to be available to differently-abled persons. Also, other medical reimbursement benefits in case of hospitalisation etc., for all employees shall continue.

Presenting the General Budget 2018-19 in the Parliament here today, the Finance Minister said, “Standard deduction shall significantly benefit the pensioners also, who normally do not enjoy any allowance on account of transport and medical expenses. The revenue cost of this decision is approximately Rs.8,000 crores. The total number of salaried employees and pensioners who will benefit from this decision is around 2.5 crores.”

Shri Jaitley said, “The Government had made many positive changes in the personal income-tax rate applicable to individuals in the last three years. Therefore, I do not propose to make any further change in the structure of the income tax rates for individuals. There is a general perception in the society that individual business persons have better income as compared to salaried class.”

The Finance Minister further said, “Apart from reducing paper work and compliance, this will help middle class employees even more in terms of reduction in their tax liability.”

Source: PIB News

Final Result of Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2017

UPSC

Final Result of Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2017

The following are the lists, in order of merit, in respect of 232 (181*+ 51 ^) candidates who have finally qualified on the basis of the results of the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2017 conducted by the Union Public Service Commission and Interviews held by the Services Selection Board of the Ministry of Defence for admission to the (i) *Officers Training Academy, Chennai, for 107th Short Service Commission Course (for Men) and (ii) ^Officers Training Academy, Chennai, 21st Short Service Commission Women (Non-Technical) Course, commencing in April, 2018. The list of 107th Short Service Commission Course (for Men) also includes the names of the candidates who were recommended earlier on the basis of the result of the same examination for admission to Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala and Air Force Academy, Hyderabad (Pre-Flying) Training Course(s).

2.The number of vacancies as intimated by the Government, for (i) 107thShort Service Commission Course (for Men) is 225and for (ii) 21stShort Service Commission Women (Non-Technical) Course is 11.

3.The results of Medical Examination of candidates have not been taken into account in preparing the merit list. The candidature of all the candidates is Provisional. Verification of Date of Birth and Educational Qualification of these Candidates will be done by Army Head Quarter.

4.Candidates can also obtain information regarding results by accessing to UPSC website http://www.upsc.gov.in. However, marks of the candidates will be available within 15 days from the date of declaration of final results on Commission’s website for 30 days.

5.Union Public Service Commission has a Facilitation Counter near Examination Hall Building in its Campus. Candidates may obtain any information/clarification regarding their examination on working days between 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM, in person or over telephone No. 011-23385271, 011-23381125 and 011-23098543.

Click here for full list

Budget 2018-19 - New Railways In New India Budget

Ministry of Railways

New Railways in New India Budget

New India Budget to transform Railways into a modern, safe, green, affordable and comfortable mode of transport

Drastically scaling up investments by almost three times to Rs 1,48,528 cr. in 2018-19 (BE) as against Rs 53,989 cr. in 2013-14

Highest priority to safety – total expenditure planned on safety activities including is Rs. 73,065 cr in 2018-19 (BE)

Railways to electrify the entire network

600 Stations are to be developed with world class facilities. Escalators to be provided at all stations with passenger footfall above 25,000. Stations and trains will be provided with wi-fi facility for information and entertainment; CCTV cameras across all stations and trains for security

Improved suburban services to Mumbai with 90 kms line doubling of around Rs. 11,000 cr & 150 kms additional lines worth Rs. 40,000 cr for enhancing transportation in Mumbai with expansion of suburban railway system

160 kms suburban network worth Rs. 17,000 cr in Bengaluruto help reduce congestion there and save commuting time of passengers

Rail University at Vadodara to be set up

Operating ratio of 2018-19 (BE) is estimated at 92.8% as against 96% in 2017-18 (RE)

Total Revenue receipts in 2018-19 (BE) are estimated to increase by 7% to Rs. 2,01,090 cr.

Total Revenue expenditure in 2018-19 BE is estimated to increase by 4% to Rs. 1,88,100 cr.

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley, in his speech for General Budget 2018-19 has laid out a roadmap for Indian Railways, which is in line with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of New India by 2022. In the past four years, Government has taken several decisions to transform Railways into a modern, safe, green, affordable and comfortable mode of transport.

Subsequent to the presentation of the Budget in Parliament today, The Union Minister for Railways and Coal Shri Piyush Goyal informed that Government is drastically scaling up investments by almost three times to Rs 1,46,500 cr. in 2018-19 as against Rs 53,989 cr. in 2013-14to reduce accumulated backlog in capacity creation.Shri Goyal pointed out that this is 22% higher than 2017-18 (RE), and includes budgetary support of Rs. 53,060 cr; internal resources of Rs. 11,500 cr; IRFC to raise Rs. 28,500 cr; Institutional Finance (LIC) to support with Rs. 26,440 cr; and investment through PPP of Rs. 27,000 cr. Briefing the mediapersons, the Minister explained that Government has provided Rs.19,40Cr towards reimbursement of losses on operation of strategic lines and Rs 88Cr towards reimbursement of operational cost of e ticketing to IRCTC.

Physical Achievements and Initiatives

Shri Goyal also emphasized that in this Budget 2018-19, Government has accorded highest priority to safety in line with its philosophy of every life is precious. The total expenditure planned on safety activities including Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) is Rs. 68,725 cr in RE 2017-18 and Rs. 73,065 cr in BE 2018-19. The RRSK will comprise Rs. 5,000 cr from Capital (Budgetary Support), Rs. 10,000 cr from Railway Safety Fund received as Railways’ share from Central Road fund & Rs. 5,000 cr from Railways’ revenue. Apart from elimination of Unmanned Level Crossings on all busy routes and shift to production of safer LHB coaches, there is focus on track renewal with the highest ever outlay ever.

The Union Minister for Railways and Coal Shri Piyush Goyal said Indian Railways is powering India by being the main transporter of coal. Soon the power sector will give added energy to railways, which will electrify the entire network within the next 5 years. This will lead to an estimated saving of Rs. 10,000 cr per annum, help in reducing carbon emissions and promote sustainable development, besides increasing India’s energy security by saving foreign exchange on imported fuels.

The Minister also informed that 600 Stations are to be developed with world class facilities. Escalators will be provided at all stations with passenger footfall above 25,000. All railway stations and trains will be provided with wi-fi facility for information and entertainment. This will also enable people in rural areas, including women and youth, to access the internet and enhance their knowledge and skills. To enhance safety and security of passengers, Indian Railways will set up CCTV cameras across all stations and trains to enhance security.

Considering that Railways is one of the safest, economical and sustainable modes of transport, Shri Goyal said Railways will focus on providing improved suburban services to metros like Mumbai with90 kms line doubling of around Rs. 11,000 cr. In addition, 150 kilometers of additional suburban network is being planned Rs. 40,000 crore for enhancing transportation in Mumbai with expansion of suburban railway system. Railways will also build 160 kms suburban network worth Rs. 17,000 cr in Bengaluru to help reduce congestion there and save commuting time of passengers.

In the General Budget 2018-19, Government has also approved settingup of India’s first Rail and Transportation University in Vadodara, Gujarat.

Railways has ambitiously increased targets in capacity building to ease the network and ensure highest standards of safety, speed and service for customers.

Financial and operating performance

Replying to queries regarding operating ratio, Minister said as of 2018-19 (BE) Operating Ratio is estimated at 92.8% as against 96% in 2017-18 (RE). The excess of revenue over expenditure is Rs. 12,990 cr in 2018-19 (BE).

Total Revenue receipts in 2018-19 (BE) are estimated to increase by 7% to Rs. 2,01,090 cr. Gross Traffic Receipts are also estimated to increase by 7% to Rs. 2,00,840 cr. Sundry other earnings are estimated to increase by 49% to Rs. 20,790 cr.

Total Revenue expenditure in 2018-19 (BE) is estimated to increase by 4% to Rs. 1,88,100 cr. Major components include Ordinary Working Expenses (Rs. 1,38,000 cr.), appropriation to DRF (Rs. 500 cr.) and appropriation to Pension Fund from Revenue (Rs. 47,500 cr.).

It was also noted that there is focus on freight earnings with estimated increase of 51MT in 2018-19 (BE) over 2017-18 (RE). 2017-18 has seen a reversal of the trend of low growth in freight loading over the previous 2 years. Incremental loading in April-January 2018 is 45 MT over the same period last year. There has been incremental loading of 6 MT in January itself. This highlights move towards sustainable railway operations.

Source: PIB

Budget disappointing for the Labour – Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh

Press Statement Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh

Ref-BMS/D-20/37/2018

Dated-01-02-2018

Press statement issued by Sri Virjesh Upadhyay , General Secretary ,BMS ON 1st February 2018.

Budget disappointing for the Labour – BMS to hold countrywide demonstrations on 2nd February

Even though today’s budget for the first time has given more thrust to rural development, agriculture, health, infrastructure etc., it has totally neglected the woes of labour. Anganwadi workers, ASHA karmis and other scheme workers who belong to the poorest paid workers appointed under the Central Government have nothing as relief in the budget. Middle class employees are unhappy with no increase in their ceiling for tax exemption; at the same time the cess on income tax is increased from 3% to 4%. This was done at a time when the budget claimes 41% increase in the tax payers’ net.

Moreover the Government treasury has been hugely benefitted by the new GST regime, demonetization and digitalized bank transactions. Now there is a system by which last paise to be paid as direct or indirect tax will reach the Govt. treasury.

The unorganized sector workers’ Social security fund is also not given any support in the budget. Budget says the women employees need to pay only 8% contribution to EPF in startups. The increase in take home salary for women will reduce 16% of their future savings in the EPF when they leave their establishment within few years. The burden of merger of Insurance Companies also will be on the workers, and there is no Government’s assurance on their job security, transfer, promotion etc.

There is also no provision for revival of viable sick CPSUs, instead the Government is focusing its attention on Strategic sale of 24PSUs; increase in EPF pension from the current Rs.1000/- and budget allocation for cess withdraw from 9 labour welfare funds. Budget also omitted to increase allocation for MGNREGA so that it can increase the wage and number of working days.

Budget unilaterally announces fixed term employment to be extended to all employment. All labour related changes in law has to be discussed in the tripartite forum and then finalized. Now the draft notification on fixed term employment issued on 8th January is pending consultation with trade unions. In the meanwhile it is totally unfair on the part of Government to unilaterally announce it in Budget.

All these shows the total neglect of Government on labour. It is a labour unfriendly budget.

Hence, BMS decided to protest against Budget. It directs all its units to hold demonstrations demanding review on budget proposals.

its future course on unsettled issues related to labour will be decided in the coming National Executive Committee meeting to be held on 6-8 February .

Yours faithfully,

sd/-

(Virjesh Upadhyay)

General Secretary

Source: Confederation

New Scheme for Assessment in Electronic Mode – Finance Minister

Ministry of Finance

Amendments in the income-tax act proposed to notify a new scheme for assessment in electronic mode.

E-assessment to be rolled-out across the country to transform age-old assessment procedure

In the General Budget 2018-19 presented in Parliament today, the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley proposed to amend the Income-tax Act to notify a new scheme for assessment. Shri Jaitley said the assessment will be done in electronic mode which will almost eliminate person to person contact leading to greater efficiency and transparency.

The Finance Minister added that the e-assessment system was introduced in 2016 on a pilot basis. In 2017, it was extended to 102 cities with the objective of reducing the interface between the department and the taxpayers. “With the experience gained so far, we are now ready to roll out the E-assessment across the country, which will transform the age-old assessment procedure of the income tax department and the manner in which they interact with taxpayers and other stakeholders” Shri Jaitley said.

Exemption of Interest Income on deposits increased to Rs 50,000 to Senior Citizens

Ministry of Finance

Relief to Senior Citizens: Exemption of Interest Income on deposits increased to Rs 50,000

Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana extended up to March 2020

Existed limit on investment under PMVVY enhanced to Rs 15 lakhs

With the objective of providing a dignified life to senior citizens, the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley, announced significant incentives for senior citizens.

Presenting the General Budget 2018-19 in Parliament here today, the Finance Minister said that the exemption of interest income on deposits with banks and post offices to be increased from Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 50,000/- and TDS shall not be required to be deducted on such income, under section 194A. This benefit shall be available also for interest from all fixed deposits schemes and recurring deposit schemes.

The Finance Minister also announced raising the limit of deduction for health insurance premium and/ or medical expenditure from Rs. 30,000/- to Rs. 50,000/-, under section 80D. All senior citizens will now be able to claim benefit of deduction up to Rs. 50,000/- per annum in respect of any health insurance premium and/or any general medical expenditure incurred.

Further, the Finance Minister proposed raising the limit of deduction for medical expenditure in respect of certain critical illness from Rs. 60,000/- in case of senior citizens and from Rs. 80,000/- in case of very senior citizens, to Rs. 1 lakh in respect of all senior citizens, under section 80DDB.

These concessions will give extra tax benefit of Rs. 4,000 crores to senior citizens.

In addition to tax concessions, the Finance Minister proposed to extend the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana up to March 2020 under which an assured return of 8% is given by Life Insurance Corporation of India. The existing limit on investment of Rs. 7.5 lakh per senior citizen under this scheme is also being enhanced to Rs. 15 lakh.

Source: PIB

Defence Budget 2018-19 : Allocate 12.10 percent of the total Central Government expenditure

Union Budget for the financial year 2018-19, presented by the Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley in the Parliament today, envisaged a total outlay of Rs. 24,42,213 crore. Out of this, Rs 2,95,511.41 crore has been earmarked for Defence. This accounts for 12.10 percent of the total Central Government expenditure for the year 2018-19.

The allocation of Rs. 2,95,511.41 crore represents a growth of 7.81 percent over Budget Estimates (Rs. 2,74,114.12 crore) and 5.91 percent over Revised Estimates (Rs. 2,79,003.85 crore), respectively for the financial year 2017-18.

Out of Rs. 2,95,511.41 crore allocated for the financial year 2018-19, Rs. 1,95,947.55 crore has been allocated for Revenue (Net) expenditure and Rs. 99,563.86 crore for Capital expenditure for the Defence Services and the Organizations/ Departments under Ministry of Defence. The amount of Rs. 99,563.86 crore, allocated for Capital expenditure, includes modernization related expenditure. The Capital allocation for Ministry of Defence under BE 2018-19 is 33.1 percent of the total Central Government Expenditure on Capital Account, which is Rs 3,00,441 crore.

For Defence Pension, which is over and above the outlay mentioned above, an amount of Rs. 1,08,853.30 crore has been provided in BE 2018-19. This is 26.60 percent above the BE 2017-18 of Rs. 85,740 crore and 14.26 percent over RE 2017-18 of Rs. 95,000 crore.

The approval for the construction of Sela pass has given further impetus to the Defence preparedness.

Source: PIB

7th CPC Daily Allowance Rules – Clarification Orders issued by Finmin on 1.2.2018

F.No.19030/1/2017-E.IV

Government of India

Department of Expenditure

E.IV Branch

North Block, New Delhi.

Dated 01st February, 2018

Office Memorandum

Sub: Travelling Allowance Rules – Implementation of the Recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission.

Consequent upon the issuance of this Department’s O.M. of even number dated 13.07.2017 regarding implementation of recommendations of 7th CPC on Travelling Allowance (TA), various references are being received in this Department seeking clarification regarding admissibility of Daily Allowance (DA) in case Govt. employee avails free boarding and lodging.

2. The 6th CPC had changed the old concept of Daily Allowance by introducing reimbursement of Hotel Accommodation, Food Bill and Taxi Charges on production of vouchers for the same. Since this was a new concept, therefore, option was given to the employees to choose either the old 5th CPC single rate of DA or the new system of DA based on reimbursement of expenses as per 6th CPC. The 7th CPC has recommended to continue the concept of reimbursement of Hotel Accommodation, Food Bill and Taxi Charges with the exception that vouchers are not required to be produced for Food Bills.

3. The matter regarding admissibility of DA in case of free boarding and lodging, has been considered in this Department. Daily Allowance is given to the Govt. employees as a reimbursement of the expenditure incurred by him on tour for his stay, food and travel at that station. ln case of free boarding and lodging, the Govt. employee, if incurring any expenditure on local travel, can claim the same as per para 2 E (i) and (iii) of the Annexure to 0.M. of even No. dated 13.07.2017. The earlier system of giving 25% of DA is being discontinued. Also, after implementation of 7th CPC recommendations, the facility of DA at 5th CPC rates is done away with.

4. This is issued with the approval of Secretary (Expenditure). Hindi version is attached.

sd/-

(Nirmala Dev)

Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

Entitlements of Daily Allowance on Tour

To

All Ministries and Departments of the Govt. of lndia etc. as per standard distribution list.

Copy to: C&AG and U.P.S.C., etc. as per standard endorsement list.

Authority: www.doe.gov.in

Original link: http://www.doe.gov.in/