Tributes paid to Babu Jagjivan Ram on Samta Diwas
Birth Anniversary of Babu Jagjivan Ram, the
veteran leader of the country, is being celebrated today as Samta Diwas by
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. On the occasion a prayer meeting
was held at the Samadhi of Babu Jagjivan Ram and tributes were paid.
Vice President of India, Mohammad Hamid Ansari led the nation in paying tributes, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, MoS, (IC), Labour & Employment, Shri Vijay Sampla, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment and dignitaries from various walks of life visited Samta sthal and paid their tributes to Babu Jagjivan Ram. | |
Showing posts with label NEWS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NEWS. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Tributes paid to Babu Jagjivan Ram on Samta Diwas
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Govt’s new sexual harassment guidelines: ‘Can transfer accused, give paid leave to complainant’
Govt’s new sexual harassment guidelines: ‘Can transfer accused, give paid leave to complainant’
A govt servant accused of sexual harassment ‘may also be placed under suspension before or after issue of a chargesheet where his continuance in office will prejudice the investigation’.
In a fresh set of instructions, the Centre has stated that the Complaint Committee examining a sexual harassment complaint will have the power to recommend — as initial relief — a three-month paid leave for the aggrieved woman. It will also have the authority to recommend the transfer of the complainant or the accused to another workplace, the guidelines said.
“The leave will not be deducted from her leave account,” the guidelines said.
The guidelines, issued by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), also said that a government servant accused of sexual harassment “may also be placed under suspension before or after issue of a chargesheet where his continuance in office will prejudice the investigation” or if there is an apprehension that he may tamper with witnesses or documents.
“Suspension may also be resorted to where continuance of the government servant in office will be against wider public interest, like if there is a public scandal and it is necessary to place the government servant under suspension to demonstrate the policy of the government to deal strictly with officers involved in such scandals. It may be desirable to resort to suspension in case of misdemeanour involving acts of moral turpitude,” the latest guidelines said.
The guidelines also stated that the disciplinary authority is not expected to dispense with the inquiry “lightly, arbitrarily or with ulterior motive or merely because the case against the government servant is weak”.
The guidelines also said that the charged officer has to be given an opportunity to cross-examine all witnesses that appear on behalf of the prosecution. Failure to do so may result in vitiation of the inquiry.
“If the complainant appears as a witness, she would also be examined and cross-examined. The inquiry officer may, however, disallow questions which are offensive, indecent or annoying to the witnesses, including the complainant,” the guidelines stated.
The guidelines further stated that the disciplinary authority may also take action without the inquiry if it concludes that it is not reasonably practicable to hold one. Circumstances where the accused threatens or intimidates witnesses will be considered reasons enough to take action without an inquiry.
The Complaints Committees, set up in all ministries and organisations under them in accordance with the Supreme Court judgement in the Vishakha case, are to be headed by a woman and at least half of its members should be women.
“In case a woman officer of sufficiently senior level is not available in an office, an officer from another office may be appointed. To prevent the possibility of any undue pressure or influence from senior levels, such complaints committees should involve a third party, either an
the issue of sexual harassment,” the government said.
The aggrieved woman or complainant is required to make a complaint within three months of the incident, the guidelines said.
Source:http://indianexpress.  | |
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
OROP: Ex-servicemen Warn of Upping Ante
OROP: Ex-servicemen Warn of Upping Ante
BENGALURU: Around 1,500 ex-servicemen descended on the Town Hall in the city on Sunday demanding that the government implement the one-rank-one-pension (OROP) scheme.
This was the second such agitation by the veterans in the last few weeks.
The veterans were miffed that the government has not implemented the scheme from 1973 when the issue was first raised.
The scheme entitles uniform pension for armed forces personnel retiring in the same rank with the same duration of service, irrespective of the date of retirement. On Sunday, many of the veterans expressed hope that OROP will be implemented soon. Col K D Shelley (retd) told Express that Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had recently said funds were not a problem.
“However, it is appalling that not one government representative visited us during our agitation. We, being a disciplined force, do not resort to arm-twisting tactics like rasta/rail roko. However, we will be forced to take up such measures if there is a delay in implementation of OROP,” added Shelley.
Most of those present blamed the delay in implementation of the scheme on bureaucrats, who they said, are throwing a spanner in the works.
Shelley was also surprised that the city police did not grant permission to the veterans to take out a rally.
Input from http://www.newindianexpress.  | |
Changes in labour laws
Changes in labour laws after consultation with trade unions: PM Narendra Modi
With labour reforms facing stiff resistance from trade unions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said changes in the laws will be carried out through consensus and in consultation with them.
Inaugurating the 46th Indian Labour Conference, he said “changes in the labour laws will be made with the concurrence of the unions and the consultation process will continue”.
The government has set up a high-level inter-ministerial committee under Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to hold discussions with the unions on issues concerning labour. The committee held its first meeting on Sunday during which a host of labour related issues were discussed.
Talking about different interest groups, Modi said that there was a thin line dividing the interest of industry and industrialists, government and nation, and labour and labour organisations.
Often one talks about saving the industry but ends up protecting industrialists, he said, adding there was a need to recognise this thin line and adopt a balanced approach to the deal with the issues and change the environment.
The Prime Minister also regretted that the number of apprentices in the country was very low and asked the industry to provide more opportunities to them with a view to increase their numbers from three lakh to at least 20 lakh.
The number of apprentices in China is two crore, Japan one crore and Germany 30 lakh as against only three lakh in India, he said.
“If we want to move ahead, we need to give opportunities to our youth. Giving opportunities to apprentices is the need of the hour,” Modi said, adding there was a need to focus on people who are unemployed.
Raising the labour issues, BJP-backed Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh president and Vice-Chairman of 46th ILC, B N Rai said that rapid economic growth should not be at the cost of the workers.
The Prime Minister underlined the need for encouraging and recognising innovations at every level by the industry as well as the government.
“Nobody recognises the capacity of labourers to innovate. I have to change this atmosphere,” he said.
Modi said the government, industry and trade unions would have to think about ways to improve respect for workers.
The government would give certificates to workers having traditional skills as part of the initiatives to recognise their importance, he added.
Observing that country cannot remain happy if labourers are unhappy, Modi said, they contribute immensely for nation building and businesses cannot run properly in absence of cordial relation between workers and employers.
The Prime Minister also expressed concern over the lack of respect for the workers in Indian society. “There is a wrong habit which has crept in, we do not respect our labour enough, he said,” adding the law was needed for those who do not treat labour as fellow human beings.
He also made a case for simplification of the labour laws which currently are complex and can be interpreted by all stake holders for their own benefit.
“It is my effort to simplify the laws so that even the poorest are able to understand their rights and avail them,” Modi said.
Modi said that he has seen poverty and does not need to take camera persons to see poverty.
“I have seen and experienced poverty, I do not need to go somewhere with a cameraman to know about poverty,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister asked industry to promote apprenticeship and make it as part of their corporate social responsibility.
“You (industry) cannot keep the door closed for apprentices for long time,” he added.
The government, he said, has taken several steps for the welfare of labour. These include raising minimum pension to Rs 1,000 per month, introduction of social security and pension schemes and online PF accounts. “We are empowering labour though technology.” he added.
Highlighting the social security schemes launched by the government, he said these schemes would also benefit workers in the unorganised sectors.
Observing that the schemes are not for rich, he said they would change the lives of poor. He even asked trade unions to promote these schemes.
Modi also raised the health issue of labour. “All their medical records will now be available online,” he said.
Input from http://indianexpress.com/  | |
latest News OROP - One Rank One Pension Explained in 10 Points
One Rank One Pension Explained in 10 Points
NEW DELHI: One Rank One Pension or OROP, a longstanding demand of ex-servicemen, will grant retired armed forces personnel pension parity with officers and jawans of the same rank who are retiring now. Gandhian activist Anna Hazare has announced an indefinite fast in support of OROP from October 2.
Here is a 10-point guide:
Retired services personnel also expect a year's back pay in pensions at the new rate, which if approved will be a windfall for pensioners.
Unlike the civil services, where the retirement age is 60, 85 per cent soldiers are compulsorily retired between 35 and 37 years of age. Another 12-13 per cent soldiers retire between 40 and 54 years.
Protesters demanding OROP also point out that civil servants cannot be discharged by the government on account of disability until they reach their retirement age. But soldiers can be discharged any time on account of disability.
Currently, the pension for retired personnel is based on the Pay Commission recommendations at the time when they retired. So, a Major General who retired in 1996 draws less pension than a Lt. Colonel who retired after 1996.
Implementing OROP will cost the government at least an estimated Rs 8,300 crore annually and the Finance Ministry has to take the final call on it now. One Rank One Pension will benefit 25 lakh ex-servicemen.
One Rank One Pension was an election promise of the BJP. Ex-servicemen are now demanding that it fulfil that promise.
In its last Budget in 2014, months before the national election, the Congress-led UPA government announced that OROP would be implemented, but allocated a meagre Rs 500 crore.
The BJP government says that was grossly inadequate and that it has, since it came to power, been working hard to implement OROP.
The Supreme Court had ordered the implementation of OROP six years ago in 2009, and in February this year, reminded the government that it is yet to do so. In 1983, the Supreme Court said, "Pension is not a bounty nor a matter of grace depending upon the sweet will of the employer."
A group of ex-servicemen leading protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi claim ex-jawans are willing to fast unto death for OROP. With Anna Hazare on board, the ex-servicemen say they will also protest in election-bound states such as Bihar.
Input from http://www.ndtv.com/cheat-  | |
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Kerala State pay panel hands over report to govt
Kerala State pay panel hands over report to govt
Thiruvananthapuram: The Justice C.N. Ramachandran
Nair Commission submitted its report recommending a hike in government
employees’ salary here today.
Ramachandran Nair handed over the report to Chief
Minister Oommen Chandy. The report recommends a hike ranging between Rs 2,000
to Rs. 12,000. It has been recommended that the revision be implemented with
effect from July 1, 2014.
Other major recommendations include; promote high
school teachers to the post of deputy headmaster on completion of 28 years and
bring in a hike of house allowance ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000.
The commission recommends a minimum wage of
Rs.17,000 and maximum of Rs 1.2 lakh for the employees working under the state
government. It suggests that government increase the retiring age to 58 from
the present 56. It also proposes to lower the ceiling of minimum service needed
for awarding pension from 30 years to 25.
Proposed scale and existing scale in bracket
LD Clerk: Rs 21,000 – 43,000 ( Rs 9,940-15,380); UD
Clerk: Rs 26,500 – 53,000 ( Rs 13,210 -22,370); HSA : Rs 30,700 – 62,000 ( Rs
14,620 – 23,480); Last grade: Rs 17,000 – 35,000 (Rs 8,730 – 12,550)
If the government approves it, the recommendations
will be implemented with effect from July 2014. The due amounts are likely to
be merged with the provident fund.
Source: www.english.manoramaonline.com
Kerala 10th Pay Commission Report – Download link (Official
Website of Pay Revision Commission)
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Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Aadhaar Seeding cum Registration Camp
Aadhaar Seeding cum Registration Camp being held in Laxmi Nagar today
The Aadhaar Seeding and Regularization for pensioner in Delhi NCR in collaboration with the Punjab National Bank is being held at Auditorium Hall, Scope Tower, Laxmi Nagar of Delhi NCR, today. These camps are being held by the Department of Pension and Pensioner’s Welfare for the benefit of the pensioners. Similar camps were held in Rajendra Place and Civil Lines areas of Delhi NCR on July 13, 2015 and July 14, 2015 respectively.
Pensioners residing in the Laxmi Nagar area of Delhi NCR may visit an Aadhaar Camp held today at Auditorium Hall, Scope Tower, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi with original PPO, Aadhaar Card, and bank pass book along with photocopies of these documents before 5.00 pm.
Pensioners who do not have Aadhaar number yet may in addition carry a photo ID like Voters Card. Jeevan Pramaan is in addition to the other existing facilities for submission of Life Certificate. All the Nationalised banks, as also UIDAI will participate in these camps which are proposed to be held later in other parts of the country.
Aadhaar camp will be held in Sector 1, Noida on July 16, 2015 at Punjab National Bank, C-13 Sector -1 Noida near Sec 15 Metro Station.
For implementation of Jeevan Pramaan- an Aadhaar based life certification system - all pensioners are requested to furnish their Aadhaar Numbers to their bank, if not already done. The pensioners who do not have “Aadhaar” are requested to obtain Aadhaar number.
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Pay revision recommendations
Pay revision recommendations evoke mixed response
Kottayam: The recommendations submitted to the state government on Monday by the 10th Kerala Pay Revision Commission, headed by Justice Ramachandran Nair, evoked mixed response from employees associations of both ruling and opposition parties.
The report drew flak from opposition party’s employees association, while the association affiliated to the ruling party approved it raising the flag over some points.
The main concern raised against the report was that it overthrows the current wage system of a revision every five years. Left-lenient Kerala Secretariat Employees Association (KSEA) members lambasted the pay panel report and complained that despite the fact they have tried to indicate a revision, the report has got many disapproving details.
KSEA general secretary M.S. Bijukuttan told Onmanorama that 'the supposedly revised report topples the existing wage system of the government employees.'
“The present wage system is based on a change in every five years, which is the base for Kerala’s development and it resulted in better job facilities. That has been squashed by this report that suggests a 10-year change instead, which will create a disagreeable situation amongst the people in Kerala,” Bijukuttan said.
The pro-UDF Kerala Secretariat Association cautiously welcomed the pay panel's suggestions, which according to them would work well for the workers in the lower levels of pay structure.
Kerala Secretariat Association general secretary Sarath said, “The pay panel commission's proposal, in its initial analysis, appears to be useful for the public. An appreciable hike in wages can be observed in the first 13 stages, especially for the employees in the lower-levels of pay package.”
Five or Ten
Top officials of both the associations disagreed to the ten-year revision suggested by the 10th pay panel.
Clarifying why the commission recommended a 10-year revision in place of a five-year, member secretary of the commission K.V. Thomas said, “The Finance Commission is against it, State Expenditure Review Committee is against it, Government of India is against a revision every five years. So having considered all that and having given a good revision, the Commission thinks that a next revision is needed only after ten years.”
“We have given a considerably good revision. We expect that the government will accept the recommendations with least modifications.”
Leave Transfer Concession
Presently, the Kerala government employees are entitled to leave encashment every year entitling them for 13 months salary for the 12 months work. However, no such benefit is available for Central Government employees, states the Commission report.
The Commission has now proposed, “Leave Travel Concession (LTC) will be given at the central rate only in lieu of accrued leave encashment. Employees, who have completed 15 years of service are eligible for LTC. It is allowed once in an employee’s service,” and this has disheartened both the parties' trade unions.
“This is totally objectionable as surrendering the leave is entitled to us. It reminds us of 2002, when A.K. Antony was the chief minister and he too suggested a similar move,” said Bijukuttan.
According to Bijukuttan, the number of days which could be surrendered previously was 45 days, it was reduced to 15 during the course of time and the LDF government increased it to 30 days later.
Responding to this issue, K. V. Thomas said, “We have not said anything against leave surrender.”
“The state government employees have an extra benefit, which is encashment of leave unlike the central government of employees. This is not right, you cannot have both,” he added.
The employees associations can have a discussion with the state government and decide what they want accordingly, added Thomas.
Special Pay Discontinued
The commission report also recommends discontinuing the special pay in Higher Time Scale.
K. V. Thomas, the only one who has disagreed to this rule in the report, explained, “It is given under the rule 12 of Kerala Services. It states that if a person is discharging some higher responsibilities then they can take a Class 1 special pay which includes people such as deputy secretaries, joint secretaries, additional secretaries of the secretariat. They are given this pay as their duties involve—attending to cabinet papers, confidential files going to the cabinet. They are also members of several committees constituted at the government level, they are members of the board of directors of several government companies, they act as company directors, they have assembly duties to look after, etc. No other officer is fulfilling duties of this stature. It is very important and serious which is to be done with precision and quality. This is why special pay is given to them.”
Both the association secretaries were of the same opinion when it came to special pay for senior secretariat employees. Bijukuttan said that they are not happy with special pay being discontinued and Sarath said that they could not agree to this point at all.
Voicing his aversion to the point, Thomas said that it has been mentioned in the report even though he has not agreed to it as 'other members might have felt the need for it'.
“Those who spoke against the special pay must have done it because they must have heard from representatives that it is not needed simply because they don’t get it and somebody else is getting it,” Thomas added.
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Commencement of Electronic Verification of Income Tax Returns for AY 2015-16
Commencement of Electronic Verification of Income Tax Returns for AY 2015-16
To facilitate the taxpayers and to provide end-to-end e-enabled services, the Income Tax Return for A.Y. 2015-16 can now be verified electronically.
A taxpayer may verify his return through Internet Banking or through Aadhar based authentication process. Persons using this facility will not be required to submit a signed paper copy of ITR-Verification form (ITR-V) to CPC Bengaluru.
For the convenience of small taxpayers having total income of Rs. 5 lakhs or below without any claim of refund, facility for generating Electronic Verification Code (EVC) has also been provided on the E-filing website of the Department. In such cases EVC will be sent to the Registered Email ID and Mobile Number of person to enable him to thereafter use this code to verify the return.
In case a taxpayer is unable to electronically verify the ITR using the EVC for any reason, then, the signed copy of ITR-V may be sent within the specified time of 120 days to CPC Bengaluru by Ordinary post or Speed post.
Details regarding e-verification are available in Notification 2/2015 in issued on 13th July 2015 at http://incometaxindia.gov.in/
Taxpayers are requested to use Electronic Verification facility in view of the convenience and flexibility offered. Taxpayers are also requested to e-file their returns early to avoid the rush closer to the last date.
Source:http://www.pib.nic.in/ | |
“Make in India” wins the 2015- Economic Development Innovation Award for Policy and Program Implementation Excellence
“Make in India” wins the 2015- Economic Development Innovation Award for Policy and Program Implementation Excellence
Frost and Sullivan, USA today presented the 2015 Asia – Pacific Economic Development Innovation: Policy and Program Implementation Excellence Award in Manufacturing to Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion for the Make in India initiative.
Frost & Sullivan, a US based Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation, and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages 54 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 40 offices on 6 continents.
The award is in recognition of the outstanding contribution of the Make in India program’s vision and implementation excellence to simplify the regulatory framework, reinforce connectivity and incentivize investments.
After a detailed 10 step process the independent global experts arrived at the GIL-100 Index: Manufacturing Index for 2015 on Manufacturing Excellence. The Make in India program has scored the highest in this data driven GIL Index on vision and implementation, among 100 Countries. The two underlying principles of evaluation were:
Enabling Vision: Vision for Development Strategy and Vision Congruence, Role of Agency in Policy Design, Industry Focus and Funding and Innovative Programs
Implementation Excellence: Effective Channelization of Resources, Effective Program Coordination and Execution, Program Reach and Accessibility, Infrastructure Development and Implementation Success
The award recognizes that the Make in India initiative has become a catalyst to India’s booming domestic manufacturing sector. The initiative has propelled progress towards high value-added manufacturing growth and heavy investment attraction. With the help of operational and legal relaxations, effective infrastructure programs and schemes, and focusing focus on upgrading the strength of skill sets, the Make in India initiative has facilitated the government’s persistent efforts to attract investments from around the world. The initiative’s aggressive efforts towards reinforcing connectivity, channelizing production methodologies, and maximizing effective investment incentives have put India on a path to excellence. The award is a mark of recognition for Make in India’s outstanding contributions to nurture the country’s economic and industrial transformation, and for steering the country towards an environment conducive to domestic and global manufacturing and investment.
The 360 degree research methodology acknowledges the fact that achieving excellence in Policy and Program Implementation is never an easy task; it is even more difficult with today’s competitive intensity and economic uncertainty—not to mention the challenge of gaining global and regional mindshare with industry captains, governments, and trade agencies. In this context, your receipt of this award signifies an even greater accomplishment.
The Award was received by Mr. Amitabh Kant, Secretary Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion on 14th July, 2015.
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48% Growth in FDI Equity Inflows after Make in India
48% Growth in FDI Equity Inflows after Make in India
The growth in FDI has been significant after the launch of Make in India initiatives in September 2014, with 48 percent increase in FDI equity inflows during October 2014 to April 2015 over the corresponding period last year. In 2014-15, country witnessed unprecedented growth of 717 percent, to US $ 40.92 billion of Investment by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs). The FDI inflow under the approval route saw a growth of 87% during 2014-15 with inflow of US$ 2.22 billion despite more sectors having been liberalized during this period and with more than 90 percent of FDI being on automatic route. These indicators showcases remarkable pace of approval being accorded by the government and confidence of investors in the resurgent India.
The increased inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India especially in a climate of contracting worldwide investments indicates the faith that overseas investors have imposed in the country's economy and the reforms initiated by the Government towards ease of doing business. The Make in India initiatives of the Government and its outreach to all investors have made a positive investment climate for India which is evidenced in the results for the last financial year especially the second half.
The FDI inflow during the financial year 2014-15 was spread across the sectors evidencing the fact of positive eco-system of investment opportunities which India is now providing- Services Sector (US$ 3.2 billion), Telecommunication (US$2.8 billion), Trading (US$ 2.7 billion), Automobile Industry (US$ 2.5 billion), Computer Software & Hardware (US$ 2.2 billion), Drugs & Pharmaceuticals (US$1.5 billion) and Construction (Infra) activities ( US$ 0.75 billion).
Government amended the FDI policy to further enable a positive investment climate and sync it with the vision and focus areas of the present Government such as affordable housing, smart cities, financial inclusion and reforms in railway infrastructure. The Construction Development Sector was allowed easy exit norms with rationalized area restrictions and due emphasis on affordable housing. The FDI cap in insurance and pension sector has been raised to 49 per cent. 100 per cent FDI has been allowed in railway infrastructure (excluding operations) and also in the medical devices sector. Further the definition of NRI was expanded to include OCI cardholders as well as PIO cardholders. NRIs investment under Schedule 4 of FEMA (Transfer or Issue of Security by Persons Resident Outside India) Regulations will be deemed to be domestic investment made by residents, thereby giving flexibility to NRIs to invest in India.
The Foreign Policy Magazine in its present analysis on a vast number of parameters has rated India as the No.1 destination in the world. Frost & Sullivan, a US based agency has on number of indicators selected the Make in India initiative as the best initiative to drive manufacturing.
India stands committed to have a FDI policy and regime which is investor friendly and also promotes investment leading to increased manufacturing, job creation and overall economic growth of the country
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