Retirement age at 58 is justified – High court (Danger bell for central govt emp after Delhi election )

Retirement age at 58 is justified – High court – Tribune News

The Punjab and Haryana High Court today ruled that the decision to enhance the employees’ retirement age from 58 to 60 by the previous Congress government led by Bhupinder Singh Hooda was an attempt to garner votes just before the Assembly elections; and was not an honest decision.

The scathing observations on the previous government’s conduct came as Justice Tejinder Singh Dhindsa upheld the Khattar government’s decision of reducing the age from 60 to 58.

Justice Dhindsa ruled: “The timing of such decision cannot be lost on this court. The state Assembly elections were around the corner. The Model Code of Conduct was on the verge of being imposed. The decision to enhance the age of retirement and that too in derogation of the relevant rule can only be seen as an attempt to garner a particular vote bank…

“This court would have no hesitation in holding that the action of the state government in reversing the earlier decision of enhancing the age of retirement from 58 years to 60 years by terming the same to be not honest is well founded”, he said.

The Hooda Government had last year increased the retirement age of the employees by two years to 60, shortly before the October 15 Assembly election.

Lashing out at the previous regime, the Khattar Government had claimed that the decision was taken to gain political mileage.

In an affidavit submitted before the high court, the government had claimed that the decision was “not honest” and was taken even though no such demand or representation was received from any association or union of Haryana Government employees.

The affidavit by Secretary to Haryana Government D Suresh said the Council of Ministers on its own decided that the age was to be increased. The issue was not even placed before the Finance Department for consideration, it was added.

The ruling came on a bunch of petitions by Baljit Kaur and other employees. Among other things, they had raised questions on the legality of council of ministers to take such decisions.

The petitioners argued that the council of ministers, headed by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, was unconstitutional as it lacked required minimum numbers. The petitioners claimed that the total strength of council of ministers was 10, including the Chief Minister. But, in terms of Article 164(1-A) of the Constitution, the number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, was not to be less than 12.

Dealing one by one with the issues raised by the petitioners, Justice Dhindsa asserted the provisions of Article 164 (1-A) were mandatory to the extent that the strength of the council of ministers, including the Chief Minister, was not to exceed 15 per cent of the total Members of the Legislative Assembly. It was not with regard to a minimum number of ministers.

Justice Dhindsa added the decision contained in the instructions dated August 26, 2014, for enhancing the age of superannuation from 58 years to 60 years “would not acquire the character of a statutory rule”. “Such executive instructions cannot be accepted to be a statutory amendment of the existing Rule governing the age of retirement….. Accordingly, it is held that there is no right that had come to vest in the petitioners to continue in service till the age of 60 years on the strength of instructions, which are in derogation of the relevant statutory rule.

Justice Tejinder Singh Dhindsa asserted that the relationship between the government and its employees was not “like an ordinary contract of service between a master and servant”. Once appointed to a post or office, an employee’s rights and obligations were determined by the statute, which may be framed by the government.

Justice Dhindsa added that the language of the relevant rule was “clear and unambiguous”. “Every government employee shall retire upon attaining 58 years of age and must not be retained in service thereafter except in exceptional circumstances. Such rule has not been amended till date”.

“This court does not find any infirmity in the decision of the state government in reducing the age of retirement of the petitioners from 60 years to 58 years,” Justice Dhindsa concluded.

The state Assembly elections were around the corner. The Model Code of Conduct was on the verge of being imposed. The decision to enhance the age of retirement and that too in derogation of the relevant rule can only be seen as an attempt to garner a particular vote bank…. — HC Bench

Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/courts/reducing-retirement-age-is-right-hc/32641.html

Indian Navy working on policy to allow women on-board warships

As armed forces prepare to showcase "Nari Shakti" at the Republic Day parade on January 26, the Navy is working on a policy to allow women officers on-board warships in the next few years.

"The living conditions in ships are entirely different. So now, we are modifying the ships and designing them as per the conditions required for women officers," Commodore B K Munjal, who is in-charge of the Navy's women contingent at Republic Day parade said.

He said the country will "soon" have women officers fighting shoulder to shoulder with men in every field.

Munjal said higher authorities in the Navy are working on the proposal and a decision should come soon.

"We are looking forward to it and hopefully it should be sorted out soon," he told PTI here.

While all the three wings of the armed forces have women officers on the roll, combat duties are not extended to them.

For the first time in history, all women contingents from the Navy, Air Force and the Army will march down the Rajpath this Republic Day following a suggestion from Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself.

"It was a suggestion by the Prime Minister that we should try and showcase Nari Shakti (women power)," a senior Navy officer said.

The women officers, who have been practicing for nearly a month for hours together, are looking forward to it.

"The experience is great, it is a proud feeling to march on Rajpath. It is the first time for lady officers. I guess we should set the tradition and every year they should march," lieutenant Nandita Bharadwaj said.

Asked whether she would want to go on a ship and serve shoulder to shoulder with men, she said, "Definitely yes. Nowadays all the warships which are coming in Indian Navy, have different provisions and different rooms for lady officers. In the next few years, lady officers will go onboard ships," she said.

Her views were echoed by Lt Deepika Chaudhary who said the Shivalik Class ships have been designed to accommodate women officers.

"The higher authorities have to decide when they want lady officers to sail," she said.

Originally conceived as a successor to the Talwar-class frigates, the new Shivalik class frigates feature improved stealth and land attacking capabilities.

A total of three ships were built between 2000 and 2010, and all three were in commission by 2012.

On an argument against having women officers or sailors on-board warships being that it involves physical labour, Chaudhary and Bharadwaj shot back saying Indian women have been doing physical work for ages.

The Naval all-women contingent will also have Sub Lieutenant Yamini Dalal, a fourth generation in armed forces.

Her great grandfather fought for India in World War II in North African contingent while her grandfather commanded the Madras Regiment and her father received the Sena Medal for his gallantry in Jammu and Kashmir.

"She is in Navy now. She does not have any brothers. They are two sisters and the family wanted to continue the tradition and hence the elder daughter joined the Navy," Commodore Munjal said.

Also among the contingents are two widows of Navy officers including Sub Lt Sandhya, wife of Commander Kuntal Wadhwa, the chief engineer-designate of INS Kolkata, who was killed in an accident on-board the ship last year in March.

The armed forces have a provision under which wife of an officers gets the opportunity to join the force after clearing written and physical tests.

"The only relaxation we give is of age. The senior-most of the two women officers is 40 years old and the other one is 25," an official said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interim relief of 20% and 100% DA merge with basic pay

CENTRAL TRADE UNIONS SUBMITS JOINT MEMORANDUM TO FINANCE MINISTER
17th January 2015

 

The Hon’ble Minister of Finance, Govt. of India,
North Block, New Delhi

 

Dear Sir,

 We thank you for inviting the central trade unions representing the working people in the country in both organized and unorganized sector for this pre-budget consultation

.

In the previous pre-budget consultation meeting with you held on 6th June 2014, we urged upon you to please consider a directional change in the economic policy regime from that pursued during the previous government which, you have also admitted, had landed the country’s economy in a bad situation. In fact, we had articulated our views and proposals on that premise. But we like to submit candidly that our proposals did not receive a positive response and the economic policies followed the same trajectory and made situation worse for the mass of the people during the intervening period.

 

Sir, the Mid Term Economic Analysis (2014-15) by Govt of India itself admitted that for the period under review despite increase in GDP growth rate, and a much bigger increase in profit of the corporate sector and big business lobby, the wages for the working people who actually create the GDP in both rural and urban areas plunged on the average. Overall standard of living of people deteriorated and unemployment situation in the country has not improved in the least. Much more jobs were lost owing to closure/lockout, retrenchment than created during the intervening period. And in the midst of such situation, the Govt has already decided to cut already budgeted expenditure in the social sector such as MNREGA, Health, Education etc which we strongly deplore. Such a phenomenon warranted serious reconsideration on directional change in the economic policy regime and we again urge you for the same.

 

We express our serious concern and dismay over the manner the Govt have been pushing various major economic policy related decisions through promulgation of Ordinances. At least eight Ordinances were promulgated during last eight months of the new Govt. We record our determined opposition to such practice of Ordinance route of governance. In particular we also oppose the Ordinance on coal sector, insurance sector and on Land Acquisition Act and want you to please take note of the rousing opposition and struggles by the workers and the farmers against such disastrous exercises. We demand all such Ordinances should be withdrawn forthwith.

 

We wish that our candid observations, considered views and concrete proposals are taken in the right spirit and responded with all seriousness and given appropriate reflections in the ensuing budget 2014-15.

 

Our proposals:

 Some of these specific proposals have time and again been placed by us in various policy making fora including the earlier pre-budget consultations. However, we would like to reiterate them, urging your positive response:

 

Take effective measures to arrest the spiraling price rise and to contain inflation; Ban speculative forward trading in commodities; Universalise and strengthen the Public Distribution System; Ensure proper check on hoarding; Rationalise, with a view to reduce the burden on people, the tax/duty/cess on petroleum products.

 

There must be massive investment in the infrastructure in order to stimulate the economy for job creation. The Mid Term Economic Analysis(2014-15) published by Govt of India has clearly mentioned about the failure of the PPP experiments in infrastructure development and opined for public investment. It is our considered view that the Public sector should take the leading role in this regard. The plan & non-plan expenditure should be increased in the budget to stimulate jobs creation and guarantee consistent income to people.

 

Minimum wage linked to Consumer Price Index must be guaranteed to all workers, taking into consideration the recommendations of the 15th Indian Labour Conference as enriched by Apex Court of the country as reiterated in 44th ILC in 2012. In any case, it should not be less than Rs.15,000/- p.m.

 

FDI should not be allowed in crucial sectors like defence production, telecommunications, Railways, financial sector, retail trade, education, health and media.

 

The public sector units played a crucial role during the year of severe contraction of private capital investment immediately following the outbreak of global financial crisis. PSUs should be strengthened and expanded. Disinvestment of shares of profit making public sector units should be stopped forthwith. Budgetary support should be given for revival of potentially viable Sick CPSUs

In view of huge joblosses and mounting unemployment problem, the ban on recruitment in Govt. deptts, PSUs and autonomous institutions (including recent Finance Ministry’s instruction to abolish those posts not filled for one year) should be lifted as recommended by 43rdSession of Indian Labour Conference. Condition of surrender of posts in govt. departments and PSUs should be scrapped and new posts be created keeping in view the new work and increased workload.

 § Proper allocation of funds be made for interim relief of 20% and 100% DA merge with basic pay and allowances including neutralization percentage be paid on merged DA in view of 7th CPC to all Govt. employees. Similarly, 100% DA of PSU employees be also merged with basic pay.

 

The scope of MGNREGA be extended to agriculture operations and urban areas as well and employment for minimum period of 200 days with guaranteed statutory wage be provided, as unanimously recommended by 43rd Session of Indian Labour Conference. The drastic cut already inflicted on the MNREGA allocation should be restored.

 The massive workforce engaged in ICDS, Mid-day meal scheme, Vidya volunteers, Guest Teachers, Siksha Mitra, the workers engaged in the Accredited Social Health Activities (ASHA) and other schemes be regularized. No to privatization of centrally funded schemes. Universalisation of ICDS be done as per Supreme Court directions by making adequate budgetary allocations.

 

Steps be taken for removal of all restrictive provisions based on poverty line in respect of eligibility coverage of the schemes under the Unorganised Workers Social Security Act 2008 and allocation of adequate resources for the National Fund for Unorganised Workers to provide for Social Security to all unorganized workers including the contract/casual and migrant workers in line with the recommendations of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour and also the 43rd Session of Indian Labour Conference.

 

Remunerative Prices should be ensured for the agricultural produce and Govt. investment public investment in agriculture sector must be substantially augmented as a proportion of GDP and total budgetary expenditure. It should also be ensured that benefits of the increase reach the small, marginal and medium cultivators only;

 Budgetary provision should be made for providing essential services including housing, public transport, sanitation, water, schools, crèche health care etc. to workers in the new emerging industrial areas. Working women’s hostels should be set up where there is a concentration of women workers.

Requisite budgetary support for addressing crisis in traditional sectors like Jute, Textiles, Plantation, Handloom, Carpet and Coir etc.

 Budgetary provision for elementary education should be increased, particularly in the context of the implementation of the ‘Right to Education’ as this is the most effective tool to combat child labour.

The system of computation of Consumer Price Index should be reviewed as the present index is causing heavy financial loss to the workers.

 Income Tax exemption ceiling for the salaried persons should be raised to Rs.5 lakh per annum and fringe benefits like housing, medical and educational facilities and running allowances, Railways Running Staff and a staff in other deptts should be exempted from the income tax net in totality.

Threshold limit of 20 employees in EPF Scheme be brought down to 10 as recommended by CBT-EPF. Pension benefits under EPS unilaterally withdrawn by the Govt. should be restored. Govt. and Employers contribution be increased to allow sustainability of Employees Pension Scheme and for provision of minimum pension of Rs.3000/- p.m.

 New Pension Scheme be withdrawn and newly recruited employees of central and state govts on or after 1.1.2004 be covered under Old Pension Scheme;

 Demand for Dearness Allowance merger by Central Govt. and PSUs employees be accepted and adequate allocation of fund for this be made in the budget;

 All interests and social security of the domestic workers to be statutorily protected on the lines of the ILO Convention on domestic workers.

 The Cess Management of the construction workers is the responsibility of the Finance Ministry under the Act and the several irregularities found in collection of cess be rectified as well as their proper utilization must be ensured.

 

In regard to resource mobilization, we would like to emphasize the following:

 

A progressive taxation system should be put in place to ensure taxing the rich and the affluent sections who have the capacity to pay at a higher degree. The corporate service sector, traders, wholesale business, private hospitals and institutions etc. should be brought under broader and higher tax net. Increase taxes on luxury goods and reduce indirect taxes on essential commodities as at present the overwhelming majority of the populations are subjected to Indirect taxes that constitute 86% of the revenue.

 

§ Concrete steps must be taken to recover huge accumulated unpaid tax arrears which has already crossed more than Rs.5 lakh crore on direct and corporate tax account alone, and has been increasing at a geometric proportion. Such huge tax-evasion over and above the liberal tax concessions already given in the last two budgets should not be allowed to continue.

 

The SIT constituted for unearthing black money must deliver visible result which is yet to be seen. Effective measures should be taken to unearth huge accumulation of black money in the economy including the huge unaccounted money in tax heavens abroad and within the country. Finance Minister should make provisions to bring back the illicit flows from India which are at present more than twice the current external debt of US $ 230 billion. This money should be directed towards providing social security.

 

Concrete measures be expedited for recovering the NPAs of the banking system which is on the increasing trend again from the willfully defaulting corporate and business houses. By making provision in Banking Regulations Act, CMDs and Executives to be made accountable for creation of NPAs.

 

Tax on Long term capital gains to be introduced; so also higher taxes on the security transactions to be levied.

 

The rate of wealth tax, corporate tax, gift tax etc. to be expanded and enhanced.

ITES, outsourcing sector, Educational Institutions and Health Services etc. run on commercial basis should be brought under Service Tax net. Govt.

 

Small saving instruments under postal and other agencies be encouraged by incentivizing commission agents of these scheme

 

OUR SERIOUS CONCERN:

 We would like to express our strong resentment that the previous Govt. failed to positively respond to the collective voice of the Central Trade Unions on the very important issues concerning the working people of India, both organized and unorganized, consistently repeated in the form of a ‘10 point charter’ backed by several collective nationwide programmes. We expect that this Govt. will take initiative to discuss these issues with the Central Trade Unions in order to find a solution.

 

We also express our opposition to the so called Banking Reforms encouraging private sector/capitalists banking at the cost of public sector banks which saved the economy to an extent during the last global financial meltdown. We also oppose increase in limit of FDI and disinvestment of equity in insurance sector and FDI in pension. We strongly oppose the FDI in Defence and Retail Sector. Several such measures against the working men and women in this country including anti workers proposals contained in the New Manufacturing Policy have our strong opposition, as in our experience these kinds of measures have helped the growth of only a small section of the capitalists while the larger sections of the working population continue to be marginalized and impoverished.

 

We also oppose the hectic measures of changing labour laws in the name of labour reform both by the central and the state governments which are basically aimed at legitimizing ongoing widespread violations by the employers’ class and also throw out overwhelming majority of the workforce of the purview of the labour laws themselves at the total mercy of the employers.

 

POST BUDGET MEETING WITH TRADE UNIONS

 

Successive Finance Ministers have agreed to hold post budget meetings / consultations with the central trade unions. However, it has not been materialized except for one occasion. We understand such meetings did take place with the Corporate Associations/Employers Federations. We would like to importunate upon you to arrange such post budget meeting with trade unions also.

 

With regards,
Yours sincerely,

 

Brijesh Upadhyay S Q Jama Harbhajan Singh Sidhu D L Sachdeva
BMS INTUC HMS AITUC

Tapan Sen R K Sharma S P Tewari Monali Santosh Roy
CITU AIUTUC TUCC SEWA AICCTU

Ashok Ghosh Shanmugan
UCTU LPF

7th cpc Important Demands(46 points)

1. Pay scales are calculated on the basis of pay drawn pay in pay band + GP + 100% DA by employees as on 01.01.2014.

 

2. 7th CPC report should be implemented w.e.f. 01-01-2014. In future five year wage revision.

 

3. Scrap New Pension Scheme and cover all employees under Old Pension and Family Pension Scheme.

 

4. JCM has proposed minimum wage for MTS (Skilled) Rs.26,000 p.m.

 

5. Ratio of minimum and maximum wage should be 1:8.

 

6. General formula for determination of pay scale based on minimum living wage demanded for MTS is pay in PB+GP x 3.7.

 

7. Annual rate of increment @ 5% of the pay.

 

8. Fixation of pay on promotion = minimum two increments

 

9 (a) The pay structure demanded is as under:- (open ended pay scales – Total 14 pay scales)

PB-1, GP Rs. 1800	26,000
PB-1, GP Rs. 1900PB-1, GP Rs. 2000	33,000
PB-1, GP Rs. 2400 PB-1, GP Rs. 2800	46,000
PB-2, GP Rs. 4200	56,000
PB-2, GP Rs. 4600PB-2, GP Rs. 4800	74000
PB-2, GP Rs. 5400	78,000
PB-3, GP 5400	88000
PB-3, GP 6600	102000
PB-3, GP 7600	120000
PB-4, GP 8900	148000
P4-4, GP 10000	162000
HAG	193000
Apex Scale	213000
Cabinet Secretary	240000

9 (b) New Pay scales minimum in comparison with Sixth CPC Grade Pay.

Sl.	Grade Pay of 6th CPC	Minimum of the new pay scale
1	1800	26000
2	1900	31000
3	2000	33000
4	2400	41000
5	2800	46000
6	4200	56000
7	4600	66000
8	4800	74000
9	5400	78000
10	5400 in PB-3	88000
11	6600	102000
12	7600	120000
13	8700	139000
14	8900	148000
15	10000	162000
16	12000	193000
17	75000-80000	202000
18	80000 fixed	213000
19	90000 fixed	240000

9 (c) Wages and service conditions of Gramin Dak Sevaks is to be examined by 7th CPC itself. Detailed Memorandum will be submitted by Postal Federations and GDS Unions.

10. Dearness Allowances on the basis of 12 monthly average of CPI, Payment on 1st Jan and 1st July every year.

11. Overtime Allowances on the basis of total Pay + DA + Full TA.

12 Liabilities of all Government dues of persons died in harness be waived.

13. Transfer Policy – Group `C and `D Staff should not be transferred. DoPT should issue clear cut guideline as per 5th CPC recommendation. Govt. should from a Transfer Policy in each department for transferring on mutual basis on promotion. Any order issued in violation of policy framed be cancelled by head of department on representation.

14. Transport Allowance –
     

X Classified City	Other Places
Rs. 7500 + DA	Rs. 3750 +DA

The stipulation for TA that the Govt. employee should be on duty in his headquarters for certain number of days during the calendar month should be removed.

 

15. Deputation Allowance double the rates and should be paid 10% of the pay at same station and 20% of the pay at outside station.

 

16. Classification of the post should be executive and non-executive instead of present Group A,B.C.

 

17. Special Pay which was replaced with Special/Allowance by 4th CPC be bring back to curtail pay scales.

 

18. Scrap downsizing, outsourcing and contracting of govt. jobs.

 

19. Regularize all casual labour and count their entire service after first two year, as a regular service for pension and all other benefits. They should not be thrown out by engaging contractors workers.

 

20. The present MACPs Scheme be replaced by giving five promotion after completion of 8,15,21,26 and 30 year of service with benefits of stepping up of pay with junior and also hierarchical pay scales.

 

21. PLB being bilateral agreement, it should be out of 7th CPC perview.

 

22. Housing facility:-

(a) To achieve 70% houses in Delhi and 40% in all other towns to take lease accommodation and allot to the govt. employees.

(b) Land and building acquired by it department may be used for constructing houses for govt. employees.

 

23. House Building Allowance :-

(a) Simplify the procedure of HBA

(b) Entitle to purchase second and used houses

 

24. Common Category – Equal Pay for similar nature of work be provided.

 

25. Compassionate appointment – remove ceiling of 5% and give appointment within Three months.

 

26. Traveling Allowance:-           

Category	A1, A Class City	Other Cities
Executive	Rs. 5000 per day + DA	Rs. 3500 per day + DA
Non-Executive	Rs. 4000 per day + DA	Rs. 2500 per day + DA

27. Composite Transfer Grant: –
Executive Class 6000 kg by Goods Train/ Rate per km by road 8 Wheeler Wagon Rs.50+DA(Rs.1 per kg and single container per km)
Non-Executive Class 3000 kg – do – -do-

28. Children Education Allowance should be allowed up to Graduate, Post Graduate, and all Professional Courses. Allow any two children for Children Education
Allowance.

29. Fixation of pay on promotion – two increments in feeder grade with minimum benefit of Rs.3000.

30. House Rent Allowance

X Class Cities 60%
Other Classified Cities 40%
Unclassified Locations 20%

 31. Compensatory City Allowance.
`X’ Class Cities `Y’ Class Cities
A. Pay up to Rs.50,000 10% 5%
B. Pay above Rs.50,000 6% minimum Rs 5000 3% minimum Rs.2500

32. Patient Care Allowance to all para-medical and staff working in hospitals.

33. All allowances to be increased by three times.

34. NE Region benefits – Payment of Special Duty Allowance @ 37.5% of pay.

35. Training: – Sufficient budget for in-service training.

36. Leave Entitlement
(i) Increase Casual Leave 08 to 12 days & 10 days to 15 days.
(ii) Declare May Day as National Holiday
(iii) In case of Hospital Leave, remove the ceiling of maximum 24 months leave and 120 days full payment and remaining half payment.
(iv) Allow accumulation of 400 days Earned Leave
(v) Allow encashment of 50% leave while in service at the credit after 20 years Qualifying Service.
(vi) National Holiday Allowance (NHA) – Minimum one day salary and eligibility criteria to be removed for all Non Executive Staff.
(vii) Permit encashment of Half Pay Leave.
(viii) Increase Maternity Leave to 240 days to female employees & increase 30 days Paternity Leave to male employees.

37. LTC
(a) Permission to travel by air within and outside the NE Region.
(b) To increase the periodicity once in a two year.
(c) One visit outside country in a lifetime

38. Income Tax:
(i) Allow 30% standard deduction to salaried employees.
(ii) Exempt all allowances.
(iii) Raise the ceiling limit as under:
(a) General – 2 Lakh to 5 Lakh
(b) Sr. Citizen – 2.5 Lakh to 7 Lakh
(c) Sr. Citizen above 80 years of age – 5 Lakh to 10 Lakh
(iv) No Income Tax on pension and family pension and Dearness Relief.

39. (a) Effective grievance handling machinery for all non-executive staff.
(b) Spot settlement
(c) Maintain schedule of three meetings in a year
(d) Department Council be revived at all levels
(e) Arbitration Award be implemented within six month, if not be discussed with Staff Side before rejection for finding out some modified form of agreement.

40. Appoint Arbitrator for shorting all pending anomalies of the 6th CPC.

41. Date of Increment – 1st January and 1st July every year. In case of employees retiring on 31st December and 30th June, they should be given one increment on last day of service, i.e. 31st December and 30th June, and their retirements benefits should be calculated by adding the same.

42. General Insurance: Active Insurance Scheme covering risk upto Rs. 7,50,000/- to Non Executive & Rs. 3,50,000/- to Skilled staff by monthly contribution of Rs. 750/- & Rs. 350/- respectively.

43. Point to point fixation of pay.

44. Extra benefits to Women employees (i) 30% reservation for women.
(ii) Posting of husband and wife at same station.
(iii) One month special rest for chronic disease
(iv) Conversion of Child Care Leave into Family Care Leave
(v) Flexi time

45. Gratuity:
Existing ceiling of 16 ½ months be removed and Gratuity be paid @ half month salary for every year of qualifying service.
Remove ceiling limit of Rs.10 Lakh for Gratuity.

46. Pension:
(i) Pension @ 67% of Last Pay Drawn (LPD) instead of 50% presently.
(ii) Pension after 10 years of qualifying service in case of resignation.
(iii) Increase pension age-based as under:
65 Years – 70% of Las Pay Drawn (LPD)
70 Years – 75% of LPD
75 Years – 80% of LPD
80 Years – 85% of LPD
85 Years – 90% of LPD
90 Years – 100% of LPD
(iv) Parity of pension to retirees before 1.1.2006.
(v) Enhanced family pension should be same in case of death in harness and normal death.
(vi) After 10 years, family pension should be 50% of LPD.
(vii) Family pension to son upto the age of 28 years looking to the recruitment age.
(viii) Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) @ Rs.2500/- per month.
(ix) Extend medical facilities to parents also.
(x) HRA to pensioners.
(xi) Improvement in ex-gratia pension to CPF/SRPF retirees up to 1/3rd of full pension.
 

Forces seek new pension formula

Even as the retired veterans from forces are asking for one-rank-one pension (OROP), the ‘joint services’ memorandum submitted to the 7th pay commission has recommend a pension formula that is based on the last pay drawn.

Sources told the Tribune that the memorandum submitted on behalf of the three services, the Army, the IAF and the Navy, to the commission has suggested that 75 per cent of the last pay drawn should be the benchmark for calculating pension for jawans. In case of officers, 60 per cent of last pay drawn be the benchmark for calculating pension.

This demand has been put forward as the government is yet to implement the one rank-one pension (OROP). On its part, the government has accepted the OROP. Its modalities are being worked out over the past 12 months.

The Rajya Sabha Petitions Committee chaired by Bhagat Singh Koshyari in December 2011 stated that clubbing the defence personnel with the civilian employees for pension purposes was not a considered decision.

The committee laid down the definition of OROP: “It implies that uniform pension be paid to Armed Forces personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service, irrespective of their date of retirement, and any future enhancement in the rates of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners.

This implies bridging the gap between the rate of pensions of the current pensioners and the past pensioners and also future enhancements in the rate of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners.”

Three weeks ago, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had promised “OROP will be implemented....it has a lot of financial implications which are being worked out”. On the civilian side, the pension is 50 per cent of the last pay drawn and the same formula was applied for the forces in the last pay commission.

The forces have argued that 50 per cent of the last pay drawn was more in tune for civilians. People in forces retire early and only 2 per cent of them make it to the rank of Major General or equal in the IAF and Navy that is at a par with Joint Secretary.

The memorandum also says the Military Service Pay (MSP) amount is very small and suggested it be fixed at 30 per cent of basic pay for jawans and 15 per cent of the basic pay for officers.

In case of disability pension, a minimum 10 years of service is required to be eligible. And if a person is injured critically within 10 years and cannot continue further in the forces, he cannot get pension. This 10-year period should be waived, the memorandum suggested.

LTC likely to be extended to Maldives, Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal

The government is working out on a proposal extending the leave travel concession (LTC) for government employees to four countries — Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka — to boost tourism in the neighbourhood. The LTC will be modeled on the schemes for the north-east and J&K which helped increase tourism and fueled economic improvement in the two regions. 

Sources in the tourism ministry said, "Introducing LTC for 20 lakh government employees could encourage greater people to people exchange among the Saarc countries. But there will have to be some reciprocal arrangement. We are working on that." Sources said India was in touch with the countries to consider the proposal's viability. 

At the Saarc summit, Modi had highlighted the need for better connectivity in the region. In his speech, he had said, "It is still harder to travel within our region than to Bangkok or Singapore; and, more expensive to speak to each other."