FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) ON MODIFIED ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) ON MODIFIED ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME

1. What is Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) ?

The MACP Scheme for Central Civilian Government Employees is in supersession of earlier ACP Scheme. Under the MACP Scheme three financial Up-gradations are allowed on completion of 10,20,30 years of regular service, counted from the direct entry grade. The MACPS envisages merely placement in the immediate next higher grade pay as given in Section I, Part-A of the first schedule of the CCS (Revised Pay) Rules 2008, in case no promotion has been earned by the employee during this period.

2. From which date the MACPS is effective?

The MACPS is effective w.e.f. 01.09.2008 or on completion of 10, 20 & 30 years of continuous regular service, whichever is later. Financial upgradation will also be admissible whenever a person has spent 10 years continuously in the same grade pay. (Para 9 of OM dated 19/5/2009)

3. Who are entitled for financial under the MACPS?

The MACPS is applicable to all Central Government Civilian Employees.

4. What norms are required to be fulfilled while granting the benefits under MACPS?

The financial upgradation would be on non-functional basis subject to fitness in the hierarchy of pay band and grade pay within PB- 1. Thereafter, only the benchmark of ‘Good’ would be applicable till the grade pay of Rs.6600 In PB-3. The benchmark will be ‘Very Good’ for Financial upgradation to the grade pay of Rs.7600 and above. However, where the Financial upgradation under the MACPS also happen to be in the promotional grade and benchmark for promotion is lower than the benchmark for granting the benefits under MACPS as mentioned in para 17 of the Scheme, the benchmark for promotion shall apply to MACP also.

O.M.N0.5034/3/2008-Estt(D) dated 01/11/2010

5. Whether Pay Band would be changed at the time of grant of financial upgradation under MACPS?

Yes.

OM.N0.35034/3/2008-Estt.(D) dated 09/09/2010

6. Whether the promotions in same grade would be counted for the purpose of MACPS?

The financial up-gradation under the MACPS is in the immediate next higher grade pay in the hierarchy of recommended revised pay bands and grade pay as given in CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008. However if the promotional hierarchy as per recruitment rules is such that promotions are earned in the same grade pay, then the same shall be counted for the purpose of MACPS.

7. How will the benefits of ACP be granted if due between 01 .01.2006 and 31.08.2008?

The revised pay structure has been changed w.e.f. 01.01.2006 and the benefits of ACPS have been allowed till 31.08.2008. Hence, the benefits of revised pay structure would be allowed for the purpose of ACPS.

(OM No.35034/3/2008-Estt. dated 9.9.2010)

8. Whether adhoc appointment would be counted towards qualifying service for MACPS?

No. Only continuous regular service is counted towards qualifying service for the purpose of MACPS. The regular service shall commence from the date of joining of a post in direct entry grade on a regular basis. (Para 9 of the MACPS)

9. Whether State Government service shall be reckoned for the purpose of MACPS?

No. Only regular service rendered in the Central Government’s Department/Office is to be counted for the purpose of MACPS, as the Scheme is applicable to the Central Government Civilian Employees only. ( MACPS , Para 10)

10. What are the periods included in the regular service?

All period spent on deputation/foreign service, study leave and all other kind of leave, duly sanctioned by the competent authority shall be included in the regular service. (Para 11. MACPS)

11. How is the MACPS to be extended to the employees of Autonomous and Statutory Bodies?

Procedure prescribed in OM No.35034/3/2010- Estt(D),Dated 03/08/2010 would be followed by the administrative Ministries/Departments concerned for extension of the MACPS to the employees of Autonomous and Statutory Bodies under their control.

12. Whether the cases of grant of financial upgradation allowed under the ACPS between 01.09.2008 and 19.05.2009, the date of issue of the Scheme are be reviewed?

Yes. Since the benefits of ACPS have been discontinued w.e.f. 01.09.2008, the cases settled between 01.09.2008 and 19.05.2009, in terms of previous ACP Scheme shall be reviewed.

13. Whether the past continuous regular service in another Govt.Deptt. in a post carrying same grade pay prior to regular appointment in a new Deptt. without a break shall be counted towards qualifying regular service for the purpose of MACPS?

Yes. ( Para 9, MACPS)

14. Upto what grade pay the benefits under the / MACPS is allowed?

The benefits of MACPS are being up-to HAG scale of Rs. 67000 – 79000/- (DOPT’s O.M.No.35034/3/2008-Estt.(D) dated 24.12.2010)

15. How the cases of pre-revised pay scales (Rs.5000-8000 & Rs.5500-9000 and Rs.6500-10500 & Rs.7450-11500) merged w.e.f. 01.01.2006 are to be decided under MACPS?

The cases would be regulated in accordance with para 5 of Annexure-I of MACPS. The Ministries/Departments are expected to re-organise cadres and frame common RRs for the post in merged scales.

16. Whether ‘Non-functional Scale’ of Rs.8000-13500 (revised to grade pay of Rs.5400 in PB-3) would be viewed as one financial upgradation for the purpose of MACPS?

Yes, in terms of para 8.1 of Annexure-I 01 MACPS dated 19.05.2009.

17. Whether time bound promotion’ scheme including ‘in-situ promotion’ scheme can run concurrently with MACPS?

No. ( Para 13 of MACPS)

18. Whether Staff Car Drive Scheme can run concurrently with MACPS?

DOPT vide O.M.No.35011/03/2008-Estt.(D),30/07/2010 has extended the benefits of MACPS to Staff Car Drivers as a fall back option

19. Whether the placement of erstwhile Gr. D employees as Staff Car Driver, ordinary grade would count as a promotion?

No. The model RRs for Staff Car Drivers provide deputation/absorption as a method of appointment for erstwhile Gr. D employees . The placement as staff Car Driver is not in the hierarchy hence the same would not be counted as promotion under MACPS. The regular service for the MACPS would be from the date of appointment as Staff Car Driver.

20. Whether designation classification or higher status would change on account of financial upgradation under MACPS?

There shall be no change in the designation classification or higher status on grant of financial upgradation under MACPS, as the upgradation under the Scheme is purely personal and merely placement in the nexl higher grade pay. (Para 16 of Annexure-l of MACPS refers)

21. If a financial upgradation under the MACPS is deferred due to the reason of the employees being ‘unfit’ or due to departmental proceedings, etc, whether this would have consequential effect on the subsequent financial upgradation?

Yes, this would have consequential effect on the subsequent financial upgradation, which would also get deferred to the extent of delay in grant of financial upgradation. ( MACPS, Para 15)

22. Whether the stepping up of pay would be admissible if a junior is getting more pay than the senior on account of grant of financial upgradation under MACPS?

No stepping up of pay in the band or grade pay would be admissible with regard to junior getting more pay than the senior on account of pay fixation under MACPS.

Para 10 of OM dated 19/5/2009

23. Whether the regular service rendered by an employee if declared surplus in his/her organisation and appointed in the same grade pay or lower grade pay shall be counted towards the regular service in a new organization for the purpose of MACPS?

Yes. (refer para 23 of Annexure-l of MACPS)

24. In case of transfer including unilateral transfer own request, whether regular service rendered in previous organisation/office shall be counted alongwith the regular service in the new organization for the purpose of MACPS?

Yes. OM No.35034/3/2008-Estt(D) dated 01/11/2010

25. If a regular promotion has been offered but was refused by the employees before becoming entitled to a financial upgradation under the MACPS, whether financial upgradation shall be allowed to such a Government servant?

If a regular promotion has been offered but was refused by the Government employee before becoming entitled to a financial upgradation, no financial upgradation shall be allowed and as such an employee has not been stagnated due to lack of opportunities. If, however, financial upgradation has been allowed due to stagnation and the employees subsequently refuse the promotion, it shall not be a ground to withdraw the financial upgradation. He shall, however, not be eligible to be considered for further financial upgradation till he agrees to be considered for promotion again and the next financial upgradation shall also be deferred to the extent of period of debarment due to the refusal.( Para 25 of MACPS)

Source: www.persmin.nic.in

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) ON RTI (AS ON JANURARY 2012)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) ON RTI (AS ON JANURARY 2012)

Q.1. What is Information?

Information is any material in any form. It includes records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data material held in any electronic form. It also includes information relating to any private body which can be accessed by the public authority under any law for the time being in force.

Q.2 What is a Public Authority?

A “public authority” is any authority or body or institution of self government established or constituted by or under the Constitution; or by any other law made by the Parliament or a State Legislature; or by notification issued or order made by the Central Government or a State Government. The bodies owned, controlled or substantially financed by the Central Government or a State Government and non-Government organisations substantially financed by the Central Government or a State Government also fall within the definition of public authority. The financing of the body or the NGO by the Government may be direct or indirect.

Q.3 What is a Public Information Officer?

Public authorities have designated some of its officers as Public Information Officer. They are responsible to give information to a person who seeks information under the RTI Act.

Q.4 What is an Assistant Public Information Officer?

These are the officers at sub-divisional level to whom a person can give his RTI application or appeal. These officers send the application or appeal to the Public Information Officer of the public authority or the concerned appellate authority. An Assistant Public Information Officer is not responsible to supply the information. The Assistant Public Information Officers appointed by the Department of Posts in various post offices are working as Assistant Public 2 Information Officers for all the public authorities under the Government of India.

Q.5. What is the Fee for Seeking Information from Central Government Public Authorities?

A person who desires to seek some information from a Central Government Public Authority is required to send, along with the application, a demand draft or a banker’s cheque or an Indian Postal Order of Rs.10/- (Rupees ten), payable to the Accounts Officer of the public authority as fee prescribed for seeking information. The payment of fee can also be made by way of cash to the Accounts Officer of the public authority or to the Assistant Public Information Officer against proper receipt. However, the RTI Fee and the mode of payment may vary as under Section 27 and Section 28, of the RTI Act, 2005 the appropriate Government and the competent authority, respectively, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules to carry out the provisions of this Act.

Q.6. What is the Fee for the BPL applicant for Seeking Information?

If the applicant belongs to below poverty line (BPL) category, he is not required to pay any fee. However, he should submit a proof in support of his claim to belong to the below poverty line.

Q.7. Is there any specific Format of Application?

There is no prescribed format of application for seeking information. The application can be made on plain paper. The application should, however, have the name and complete postal address of the applicant.

Q.8. Is it required to give any reason for seeking information?

The information seeker is not required to give reasons for seeking information.

Q.9. Is there any provision for exemption from Disclosure of Information?

Sub-section (1) of section 8 and section 9 of the Act enumerate the types of information which is exempt from disclosure. Sub-section (2) of section 8, however, provides that information exempted under sub-section 3 (1) or exempted under the Official Secrets Act, 1923 can be disclosed if public interest in disclosure overweighs the harm to the protected interest.

Q.10. Is there any assistance available to the Applicant for filing RTI application?

If a person is unable to make a request in writing, he may seek the help of the Public Information Officer to write his application and the Public Information Officer should render him reasonable assistance. Where a decision is taken to give access to a sensorily disabled person to any document, the Public Information Officer, shall provide such assistance to the person as may be appropriate for inspection.

Q.11. What is the Time Period for Supply of Information?

In normal course, information to an applicant shall be supplied within 30 days from the receipt of application by the public authority. If information sought concerns the life or liberty of a person, it shall be supplied within 48 hours. In case the application is sent through the Assistant Public Information Officer or it is sent to a wrong public authority, five days shall be added to the period of thirty days or 48 hours, as the case may be.

Q.12. Is there any provision of Appeal under the RTI Act?

If an applicant is not supplied information within the prescribed time of thirty days or 48 hours, as the case may be, or is not satisfied with the information furnished to him, he may prefer an appeal to the first appellate authority who is an officer senior in rank to the Public Information Officer. Such an appeal, should be filed within a period of thirty days from the date on which the limit of 30 days of supply of information is expired or from the date on which the information or decision of the Public Information Officer is received. The appellate authority of the public authority shall dispose of the appeal within a period of thirty days or in exceptional cases within 45 days of the receipt of the appeal.

Q.13. Is there any scope for second appeal under the RTI Act?

If the first appellate authority fails to pass an order on the appeal within the prescribed period or if the appellant is not satisfied with the order of the first appellate authority, he may prefer a second appeal with the Central Information Commission within ninety days from the date on which the decision should have been made by the first appellate authority or was actually received by the appellant.

Q.14. Whether Complaints can be made under this Act? If yes, under what conditions?

If any person is unable to submit a request to a Public Information Officer either by reason that such an officer has not been appointed by the concerned public authority; or the Assistant Public Information Officer has refused to accept his or her application or appeal for forwarding the same to the Public Information Officer or the appellate authority, as the case may be; or he has been refused access to any information requested by him under the RTI Act; or he has not been given a response to a request for information within the time limit specified in the Act; or he has been required to pay an amount of fee which he considers unreasonable; or he believes that he has been given incomplete, misleading or false information, he can make a complaint to the Information Commission.

Q.15. What is Third Party Information?

Third party in relation to the Act means a person other than the citizen who has made request for information. The definition of third party includes a public authority other than the public authority to whom the request has been made.

Q.16. What is the Method of Seeking Information?

A citizen who desires to obtain any information under the Act, should make an application to the Public Information Officer of the concerned public authority in writing in English or Hindi or in the official language of the area in which the application is made. The application should be precise and specific. He should make payment of application fee at the time of submitting the application as prescribed in the Fee Rules.

Q.17. Is there any organization(s) exempt from providing information under RTI Act?

Yes, certain intelligence and security organisations specified in the Second Schedule, are exempted from providing information excepting the information pertaining to the allegations of corruption and human rights violations.

Source : DOPT

Retirement Age of High Court Judges

Ministry of Law & Justice
Retirement Age of High Court Judges

The Constitution (One Hundred and Fourteenth Amendment ) Bill, 2010 provides to increase the retirement age of Judges of High Courts from 62 to 65 i.e. at par with the retirement age of Judges of the Supreme Court. Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Shri Salman Khurshid, Minister of Law & Justice, said that the Bill was taken up for discussion in the Lok Sabha on 28.12.2011. However, the discussion has remained inconclusive due to adjournment of the Winter Session.

Low cost Aakash Tablet- Latest Development

The Minister of Human Resource Development Dr.D.Purandeswari replied in present session of Lok Sabha regarding supply of Low Cost Tablet Aakash to students which was proposed Under the National Mission on Education through Information Communication Technology (NMEICT) scheme, a Low Cost-Access-cum-Computing Device (LCAD) named Aakash was launched on 5th October, 2011.

As per information given by the Minister IIT, Rajsathan which handled this project procured 1,00,000 tablets in the first phase for supply to Higher Technical Education Institutions.

After the launch of this project, feedback were received from the users of these tablets. It revealed the machine needed improvement in the following aspects.

• heating of the device
• need for longer battery life
• need for capacitive instead of resistive touch screen
• need for better processor etc.

The matter was taken up with the vendor and he agreed to make changes including upgrading the processor from 366 MHz Arm 11 based processor to 700 MHz Arm Cortex A8 processor, improving firmware, replacing the battery of 2100 mAH with a battery of 3200 mAH capacity and replacement of resistive touch screen with capacitive one with no enhancement in cost. As no payment was made by IIT Rajasthan to the vendor, hence, no loss has been incurred to the Government.

Courtesy- Gconnect

Maternity and Paternity leave (in case of adoption)

.

As per Office Memorandum No. 13018/1/2009-Estt.(L) dated 22.07.2009 (Click here to download this OM) issued by DOPT, A male Government servant (including an apprentice) with less than two surviving children, on valid adoption of a child below the age of one year, may be sanctioned Paternity Leave for a period of 15 days within a period of six months from the date of valid adoption.

We also provide here the details of Maternity and Paternity Leave

Maternity Leave:

(1) A female Government servant (including an apprentice) with less than two surviving children may be granted maternity leave by an authority competent to grant leave for a period of 180 days from the date of its commencement.

(2) During such period, she shall be paid leave salary equal to the pay drawn immediately before proceeding on leave.

NOTE:- In the case of a person to whom Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 (34 of 1948), applies, the amount of leave salary payable under this rule shall be reduced by the amount of benefit payable under the said Act for the corresponding period.

(3) Maternity leave not exceeding 45 days may also be granted to a female Government servant (irrespective of the number of surviving children) during the entire service of that female Government in case of miscarriage including abortion on production of medical certificate as laid down in Rule 19:

Provided that the maternity leave granted and availed of before the commencement of the CCS (Leave) Amendment Rules, 1995, shall not be taken into account for the purpose of this sub-rule.

(4) (a) Maternity leave may be combined with leave of any other kind.

(b) Notwithstanding the requirement of production of medical certificate contained in sub-rule (1) of Rule 30 or sub-rule (1) of Rule 31, leave of the kind due and admissible (including commuted leave for a period not exceeding 60 days and leave not due) up to a maximum oftwo years may, if applied for, be granted in continuation of maternity leave granted under sub-rule (1).

(5) Maternity leave shall not be debited against the leave account.

Paternity leave:

(1) A male Government servant (including an apprentice) with less than two surviving children, may be granted Paternity Leave by an authority competent to grant leave for a period of 15 days, during the confinement of his wife for childbirth, i.e., up to 15 days before, or up to six months from the date of delivery of the child.

(2) During such period of 15 days, he shall be paid leave salary equal to the pay drawn immediately before proceeding on leave.

(3) The paternity Leave may be combined with leave of any other kind.

(4) The paternity leave shall not be debited against the leave account.

(5) If Paternity Leave is not availed of within the period specified in sub-rule (1), such leave shall be treated as lapsed.

NOTE:- The Paternity Leave shall not normally be refused under any circumstances.

Courtesy - gconnect.in

APPEAL TO COUNTRYMEN

Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high;
Where knowledge is free;
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by domestic walls;
Where words come out from the depth of truth;
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection;
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit;
Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action--
Into that heaven of freedom, my father, let my country awake.

Rabindranath TagoreGitanjali

Reservation to Ex-servicemen in Central Government

Central Government provides 10% reservation for Ex- servicemen in civil jobs in Group ‘C’ posts and 20% in Group ‘D’ posts. Most State Governments provide reservation for Ex-servicemen which varies from State to State as it is based on the total population of Ex- servicemen domiciled in the State and the rehabilitation policy of the concerned State. It is the responsibility of the concerned Government to implement the reservation policy. Since applying for Government jobs by Ex-servicemen is voluntary, data in this regard is not maintained.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Shri MM PallamRajuin a written reply to Shri Anurag Singh Thakur in Lok Sabha today.

Source: PIB

Filling up vacancies of Judicial Member in the Central Administrative

                                                       No. A-11013/14/2012-AT

                                                           Government of India

                                            Department of Personnel and Training

                                                                 Circular

Subject- Filling up vacancies of Judicial Member in the Central Administrative

Tribunal for the year 2013

Applications from eligible candidates are invited for filling up seven

vacancies of Judicial Members in the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) arising

during the year 2013.

2. The Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 was amended by the

Administrative Tribunals (Amendment) Act, 2006 (No. 1 of 2007). As per subsections

(2) and (3) of Section 8 of the Act:

"8(2) A Member shall hold office as such for a term of five years from the date

on which he enters upon his office extendable by one more term of five years:

Provided that no Member shall hold office as such after he has attained

the age of sixty-five years.

_

8(3) The conditions of service of Chairman and Members shall be the

same as applicable to Judges of the High Court°

3. Regarding the eligibility conditions, Sub-Section 2(b) of Section 6 of the

Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 as amended by the Administrative Tribunals

(Amendment) Act, 2006 provides that-

"6(2) A person shall not be qualified for appointment,-

(b) as a Judicial Member unless he is or qualified to be a Judge of a High

Court or he has for atleast two years held the post of a Secretary to the

Government of India in the Department of Legal Affairs or the Legislative

Department including Member-Sebretary, Law Commission of India or held a post

of Additional Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Legal

Affairs and Legislative Department at least for a period of five years.'

4. Names of eligible officers who have enough judicial experience with

special knowledge and experience of service laws and are willing to be considered

for the post of Judicial Member in the Central Administrative Tribunal may be sent

along with their application/bio-data in the enclosed Proforma. The candidates

may indicate their preference to join the Tribunal in column 16 of the Annexure. It

is requested that while forwarding the applications of candidates, the following

points may be kept in mind:

(i) It should be clearly stated that the officer(s) is/are clear from vigilance

angle. In case any penalty had been imposed in the past against any

officer under the relevant Service Rules, the details of the same may

also be furnished.

(ii) Original CR/APAR dossiers, failing which certified copies of CR/APAR

for the last ten years in respect of applicants, may also be sent

positively along with the applications.

(iv) The Cadre Controlling Authority/Registrar of the High Court/Supreme

Court while forwarding the applications may clearly indicate (with

dates) that the officer fulfills the eligibility criterion i.e. held the post of

Secretary for two years/Additional Secretary for five years as

mentioned in para 3 above or that the officer is qualified for

appointment as a High Court Judge as per Article 217(2) of the

Constitution of India.

(iv) Interested officers may also send advance copies of their applications.

Advance copies of the applications would be considered only if the

actual applications are later received with all the above necessary

requirements from the cadre controlling authorities.

5. Retired Judges of the High Court and Members of the Bai

l may send

their applications directly.

6. In the case of the Members of Bar, column 10(f) of the proforma of

bio-data regarding details of income in the last three years should invariably

be filled up, failing which their candidature is liable to be rejected

summarily. (Copies of the Income Tax Returns shall also be attached). Such

applicants should attach documentary proof of fulfillment of the

qualification to become High Court Judge as per Article 217(2) of the

Constitution of India.

7. The applications should reach the Secretary, Department of Personnel

and Training, North Block, New Delhi —

110001 on or before 1 st October, 2012.

Applications received after closing date of receipt of application will not be

considered.

8. The Central Administrative Tribunal has seventeen regular Benches

across the country. The appointment in the Central Administrative Tribunal shall

carry an. All India transfer liability. The selected persons are liable to be posted to

any place having a Bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal depending on the

availability of the vacancies / exigencies of

work.

9. Sometimes persons selected for appointment seek extension of time

on one pretext or the other and quite often decline to join later. It is made clear

that persons selected would have to join within three weeks from the date of issue

of appointment order failing which the appointment would be cancelled.

Mama_

(Mona Sing

Furnishing DPC proposal to the UPSC in a time bound manner as laid down in DoP&T OM dated 24.03.2011- Regarding

Furnishing DPC proposal to the UPSC in a time bound manner as laid down in DoP&T OM dated 24.03.2011- Regarding

No.22011/1/2011-Estt(D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)

New Delhi 110001
Dated : 06.08.2012

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Furnishing DPC proposal to the UPSC in a time bound manner as laid down in DoP&T OM dated 24.03.2011- Regarding.

The undersigned is directed to invite reference to the Department of Personnel and Training Office Memorandum No. 22011/1/2011-Estt(D) dated March 24, 2011 requesting all the Ministries/Departments to complete all the pending DPC proposals in respect of previous years upto 31.3.2012. It was also impressed upon that for the vacancy years 2012-13 onwards, timeline as prescribed in Model Calendar for DPC circulated vide this Department’s OM No. 22011/9/98-Estt.(D) dated 08.9.1998 should be adhered to for strict compliance. All the Ministries/Departments have been requested from time-to-time for strict compliance of the instructions in order to achieve the desired objectives of timely convening of DPCs/preparation of approved select panels within the prescribed time frame.

2. The Union Public Service Commission has pointed out that while reviewing the up-to-date progress of DPC meetings convened for various Departments in consultation with the UPSC in pursuance of the DoP&T guideline dated 24.03.2011, it was observed that almost 700 posts/grades of the organized services wherein DPCs are convened in consultation with UPSC, in only 40 odd cases panels for the year 2012-13 have been got prepared till June, 2012. Further, in 120 cases the Ministries/Departments have got their approved panels upto the year 2011-12. Most of the Ministries/Departments have failed to submit up-to-date proposals even for the year 2011-12. Further, in some cases no DPC proposals have been received after 2008-09 or even earlier.

3. Another important area required to be addressed is deficient DPC proposals furnished by Ministries/Departments to the UPSC. The UPSC has pointed out that the introduction of Single Window System for accepting only complete proposals has significantly improved the situation, as may be seen from the fact that a record number of 523 DPCs were held under the aegis of the Commission during the year 2011-12. In comparison, the figures for the previous three financial years are 351,485 and 447 respectively. Further, average time taken for disposal of a DPC case has also drastically come down to 53 days as compared to 120 days taken normally earlier. Significantly, in a number of cases the DPCs were held within a month from the date of receipt of proposal from the Ministries/Departments. Thus needless to say that the deficient proposals also contribute heavily for delay in preparation of approved panels.

4. These undesirable trends negate the very purpose of Model Calendar for DPCs, prescribed vide this Department’s O.M. No.22011/9/1998-Est(D) dated September 8,1998. Delay in holding the DPCs not only affect the manpower planning in various Ministries/Departments but also impedes the career progression across the board and is the main reason for litigation before CAT and various High Courts.

5.All the Ministries/Departments are again counselled to ensure compliance of instructions in order to achieve the desired objectives of timely convening of DPCs/preparation of approved select panels within the prescribed time frame.

6. Ministries/Departments are requested to give wide circulation to these instructions to ensure strict adherence to the time-schedule prescribed as per the Model Calendar for DPCs.

sd/-
(Mukta Goel)
Director(E-I)

Subject: Expenditure Management-Economy measures and rationalization of expenditure

No.7(1)/E.Coord/2012

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE

New Delhi dated: 31st May, 2012

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Expenditure Management-Economy measures and rationalization of expenditure

Background:

With a view to containing non-developmental expenditure and thereby releasing additional resources for meeting the objectives of the priority schemes, Ministry of Finance has been issuing guidelines on austerity measures in the government from time to time.

2.  Economy Measures
In the context of the current fiscal situation where there is a tremendous pressure on government’s resources, there is an urgent need for rationalization of expenditure and optimization of available resources with a view to improve the macroeconomic environment.  With this objective, the following measures for fiscal prudence and economy will come into force with immediate effect :-

2.1 Cut in Non Plan expenditure
For the year 2012-13, every Ministry/Department shall effect a mandatory 10 % cut in non-Plan expenditure excluding Interest payment, repayment of debt, Defence capital, salaries, pension and the Finance Commission grants to the States.  No re-appropriation of funds to augment the non-Plan heads of expenditure on which cuts have been imposed, shall be allowed during the current fiscal year.

2.2  Seminars and Conferences
i) utmost economy shall be observed in organizing conferences/Seminars/Workshops.  Only such conferences, workshops, seminars etc. which are absolutely essential, should be held and even there a 10 % cut on budgetary allocations for seminars/conferences shall be effected.

ii) Holding fo exhibitions/seminars/conferences abroad is strongly discouraged except in the case of exhibitions for trade promotion.

iii) There will be a ban on holding of meetings and conferences at five star hotels.

2.3  Purchase of vehicles
i)  Purchase of vehicles is banned until further orders, including against condemned vehicles.

2.4 Foreign travel

i)  It would be responsibility of the Secretary of each Ministry/Department to ensure that foreign travel is restricted to most necessary and unavoidable Official engagements based on functional necessity and extant instructions, including on the number of visits, are strictly followed.

ii) where travel is unavoidable, it will be ensured that officers of the appropriate level dealing with the subject are sponsored instead of those at higher levels.  The size of the delegation and duration of visit will be kept to the absolute minimum.

iii)  proposals for participation in study tours, workshops/conferences/seminars/presentation of papers abroad at government cost will not be entertained except those that are fully funded by sponsoring agencies.

iv) Foreign visits should be so regulated as to ensure that each ministry remains within the allocated budget (after 10 % cut) for the same.  Re-appropriation proposals on this account would not be approved.

2.5 Creation of posts

There will be a total ban on creation of Plan and Non-Plan posts.

3. Observance of discipline in fiscal transfers to states, Public Sector Undertakings and Autonomous Bodies at Central / State/Local level.

3.1  No amount shall be released to any entity (including state Governments), which has defaulted in furnishing Utilisation Certificates for grants-in-aid released by the Central Government without prior approval of the Ministry of Finance.

3.2 Ministries/Departments shall not transfer funds under any Plan schemes in relaxation of conditionalities attached to such transfers (such as matching funding).

3.3. The State Governments are required to furnish monthly returns of Plan expenditure – Central, Centrally sponsored or State Plan – to respective Ministries/Departments along with a report on amounts outstanding in their Public account in respect of Central and Centrally sponsored Schemes.  This requirement may be scrupulously enforced.

3.4  The following specific steps may be adopted :
a) The unspent balances available with the states and implementation agencies must be taken into account before further releases are made.

b) The sanction for payment must clearly specify either that the payee has no utilization certifications as ‘due for rendition” under the Rules under the Scheme in question or that the payment has been authorised by Department of Expenditure.

c) for any deviation from the above, the case should be referred to the Department of Expenditure.

d) The Chief Controller of Accounts must ensure compliance with the above as part of pre-payment scrutiny.

4. Balanced Pace of Expenditure
4.1 Rush of expenditure towards the end of the financial year continues to be an area of concern.  As per the extant instructions, not more than one-third (33%) of the budget estimates may be spent in the last quarter of the financial year.  Besides the stipulation that during the month of March the expenditure should be limited to 15 % of the Budget Estimates, is reiterated.

Ministries/Departments which are covered by the Monthly Expenditure Plan (MEP) may ensure that the MEP is folowed strictly.

4.2  It is also considered desirable that in the last month of the year payments may be made only for the goods and services actually procured and for reimbursement of expenditure already incurred. Hence, no amount should be released in advance (in the last month) with the exception of the following :

i) Advance payments to contractors under terms of duly executed contracts so that Government would not renege on its legal or contractual obligations.

ii) Any loans or advances to Government servants etc. or private individuals as a measure of relief and rehabilitation as per service conditions or on compassionate grounds.

iii) Any other exceptional case with the approval of the Financial Advisor.  However, a list of such cases may be sent by the FA to the Department of Expenditure by 30th April of the following year for information.

4.3  Rush of expenditure on procurement should be avoided during the last quarter of the fiscal year and, in particular, the last month of the year, so as to ensure that all procedures are complied with and there is no infructuous or wasteful expenditure.  FA’s are advised to specially monitor this aspect during their reviews.

5.      No fresh financial commitments should be made on items which are not provided for in the budget approved by Parliament.

Secretaries of the Ministries/Departments being the Chief Accounting authorities as per Rule 64 of GFR shall be fully charged with the responsibility of ensuring compliance of the measures outlined above. Financial Advisors shall assist the respective Departments in securing compliance with these measures and also submit an overall report to the Minister-in-Charge and to the Ministry of Finance on a quarterly basis regarding various actions taken on these measures/guidelines.

                                                                                                                                       (Sumit Bose)
                                                                                                                          Secretary( Expenditure)

Extension of orders for grant of Child Care Leave to all Civilian Female Industrial Employees of the Central Government

                                                               No.12012/2/2009-Estt.(L)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, P.G. & Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training

New Delhi, the 1st August, 2012

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject- Extension of orders for grant of Child Care Leave to all Civilian Female Industrial Employees of the Central Government.

The undersigned is directed to state that the matter regarding extension of benefit of Child Care Leave to all Civilian Female Industrial Employees of the Central Government at par with the civilian female industrial employees of Defence Establishment covered by the CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972 has been under consideration of this Department. It has been decided in consultation with the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) to extend the benefit of Child Care Leave to all Civilian Female Industrial Employees of the Central Government at par with the civilian female industrial employees of Defence Establishment covered by the CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972 subject to condition provided in rule 43-C of he CCS (Leave) Rules. 1972, as amended from time to time.

2. These order shall take effect from the date of 01.9.2008. Earned Leave, if any availed by these employees between 01.9.2008 to till date specifically for the purpose of taking care of needs of their eldest two minor children may be converted into Child Care Leave.

Hindi version will follow.

sd/-

(Vibha G. Mishra)

Director

Financial assistance for Setting up RTI Cells

                                                                    1/12/2012-IR
                                                             Government of India
                                   Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
                                             Department of Personnel and Training

North Block, New Delhi – 100001
Dated : 2.8.2012

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : Financial assistance for Setting up RTI Cells

The undersigned is directed to refer to O.M. of even number dated 19.5.2011 regarding setting up RTI Cells in the Public Authorities and a one time grant of Rs.50,000 by DOPT for procuring a computer, scanner, printer, etc under the Centrally sponsored scheme "Improving transparency and accountability in the government through effective implementation of RTI".

2. It is reiterated that Ministries/Departments desirous of availing the facility of financial assistance mentioned above, may send their proposals in the proforma enclosed to Director(IR), Room No.280, North Block, New Delhi-1 by post or through email at osdrti-dopt@nic.in

3. O.M. dated 19.5.2011 referred to above is available on the website of DOPT (persmin > OMs & Orders > RTI)

sd/-
(Sarita Nair)
Under Secretary to the Govt of India