15/03/2016
Streamlining the procedure for verification of claims of candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes for purpose of appointment to posts/services
No.36011/1/2012-Estt.(Res.)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
Establishment Reservation — I Section
North Block, New Delhi-110 001
Dated March 14, 2016
To,
The Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs
Subject: Reiteration of the instructions on streamlining the procedure for verification of claims of candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes for purpose of appointment to posts/services — regarding
Madam/Sir,
I am directed to refer to this Department’s letter no. 36022/1/2007—Estt. (Res.) dated 20.03.2007 addressed to Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs (copy enclosed) regarding streamlining of the process for verification of claims of candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). It was also requested to issue instructions to District Magistrates/District Collectors/ Deputy Commissioners to ensure at their own level the veracity of caste certificates so that unscrupulous non-SC/ST/OBC persons are prevented from securing jobs meant for SCs/STs/OBCs by producing false certificates.
2. Owing to difficulties faced by candidates belonging to these reserved communities in various states in securing employment due to delays in obtaining caste certificates, this Department, vide an Office Memorandum of even number dated 08.10.2015, has re-iterated the instructions on providing provisional appointment to such reserved category candidates who are unable to obtain an appropriate caste certificate in time. It has been reiterated therein that where a candidate belonging to a Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe or Other Backward Class is unable to produce a certificate from any of the prescribed authorities, he/she may be appointed provisionally on the basis of whatever prima-facie proof he/she is able to produce in support of his/her claim, subject to his/her furnishing the
prescribed certificate within a reasonable time. If there is genuine difficulty in his/her obtaining a certificate, the appointing authority should itself verify his/her claim through the District Magistrate concerned. A copy of the OM is enclosed for reference and perusal.
3. In order to ensure that the candidates belonging to reserved categories do not face unnecessary problems in obtaining caste certificates, it is requested that instructions issued to the concerned authorities in the light of the aforementioned letter dated 20.03.2007 may be reiterated for information/compliance of all concerned.
4. It is also advised that in order to discourage unscrupulous activities, State Governments/UTs may consider issue of appropriate instructions for initiating disciplinary proceedings against the errant officers who default in timely verification of caste certificates or who issue false certificates.
Encl: as above
Yours faithfully,
(G. Srinivasan)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India
Linking of CGHS Card number with Aadhaar is purely on a voluntary basis
The below information was given in written reply to a question about the linking between CGHS card and Aadhaar by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda in Lok Sabha on 11th March 2016 as follows…
“Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an Office Memorandum No. Z-15025/11/201-DIR CGHS dated the 10th July 2015 requesting the Ministries/Departments concerned to motivate their employees availing CGHS to link their Aadhaar Numbers with the CGHS database either online themselves through the CGHS portal or through the CMO-in-charge of their dispensary.
Central Government employees/pensioners applying for new CGHS cards/new plastic cards have the option to provide Aadhaar Number for entering the number in CGHS database.
Linking of CGHS beneficiary ID number with Aadhaar number is purely on a voluntary basis.
Linkage of Aadhaar number with CGHS ID will facilitate consolidation of all health-related data bases and enable more convenient access to various E-services in the future.
Minutes of the periodical meeting of JCM National Council, with the Secretary Pension held on 10.03.2016
The periodical meeting of JCM National Council, with the Secretary Pension was held on 10.3.2016 at the the Conference hall of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, Sardar Patel Bhawan, New Delhi today i.e. 10.3.2016.
After the initial comments from the Secretary Pension and the Secretary Staff Side, the items which had been subjected to discussion in the earlier meeting and the action taken statement thereon were taken up. The following were the issues that came up for discussion in the Action Taken Statement.
1. Abnormal delay in the issue of revised PPO to pre 2006 retirees pensioners/family pensioners. (as per the minutes of the JCM held on 26.02.20125).The following information was given at the meeting:
Ministry/Deptt. Total Cases Revised authority issued PPOs yet to be revised
Civil Ministries 431172 425599 5573
Railways 984260 984260 Nil
Posts 159675 159675 Nil
Telecom 53126 52284 272
2.Cashless treatment to CGHS beneficiaries by empanelled private hospitals. The health Ministry officials stated that since the budgetary provisions are made separately for each Ministry it was not possible to ensure cashless treatment to serving employees. The concerned Department or Ministry has to enter into agreement with the hospitals.
3.Finalisation of Family pension cases within a specified period.
It was stated by the official side that the instructions have already been issued. Regarding the complaint from the M.P. Circle of the Postal Department, the matter has been taken up with the concerned authorities on 6.2.2015. The representative of the Postal Department said that the complaint has been attended to and the matter has been settled.
Agenda Items for the meeting:
1. Grant of Gratuity on retirement/death of a Central Govt. NPS subscriber. The representatives of the Pension department said that the Department of Expenditure has given their concurrence for the grant of Gratuity for the NPS subscribers on 8.1.2016. The requisite amendment to the rules, they added were being processed and the consultation with the Law Ministry and the Labour Ministry have already been made. They said that they would expedite the issuance of orders in the matter.
2. Extension of the benefits of full pension to pre-2006 pensioners who had completed more than 20 years of service but less than 33 years. The Staff side said that despite series of judgements in favour of the pensioners, the Government has not yet issued the orders. Recently the Nagpur Tribunal has issued a contempt notice to the Government. They also alleged that the pensioners are being dragged to litigation. The Representatives of the Pension Department informed that the Department of Expenditure had not agreed to extend the benefit generally to all which has resulted in filing appeal. The representative of the Department of Expenditure stated that in the light of the view of the Department of legal affairs, the matter would be re-examined.
3. Delay in the finalisation of Family pension cases by the PCDA (Pension) Allahabad. In response to the complaint the representative of the Defence Ministry informed that only in a few cases, the finalisation has been delayed due to the documentation difficulties. They assured to sort out the matter.
4. Grant of modifed parity to all those who retired prior to 1.1.2006 with reference to the upgraded post. The Staff Side stated that the Department of Pension has taken a very narrow view of the matter and the cases are dragged to the courts of law. The very spirit of the recommendation of the 5th CPC to bring about atleast modified parity if not full parity has not been appreciated by the Govt. The issue was discussed at length. The official side pointed out the decisions of the Court in favour of the position taken by the Government in the case of K.S. Krishnaswany in CANO. 3174/3006, which has been upheld by the Honourable Gujarat High Court. In reply the Staff Side pointed out that the said decisions quoted by the official side had come about due to the phrase employed while issuing the original order viz. corresponding replacement scale. After some discussions, the Chairman agreed to look into the matter afresh and revisit the order of the Department of Pension in the matter.
5.The meeting also discussed the difficulties of Pensioners during the hearing of Pension Adalats. The Staff Side pointed out the need to engage some knowledgeable person to assistant the complainants. The official side said that there had been no prohibition in the matter. The Petitioners are entitled to seek the assistance of another pensioner in presenting his case. If specific complaint of denial of this facility is brought to their notice, the Pension Department will issue the necessary instruction in the matter.
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair
Streamlining the procedure for verification of claims of candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes for purpose of appointment to posts/services
No.36011/1/2012-Estt.(Res.)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
Establishment Reservation — I Section
North Block, New Delhi-110 001
Dated March 14, 2016
To,
The Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs
Subject: Reiteration of the instructions on streamlining the procedure for verification of claims of candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes for purpose of appointment to posts/services — regarding
Madam/Sir,
I am directed to refer to this Department’s letter no. 36022/1/2007—Estt. (Res.) dated 20.03.2007 addressed to Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs (copy enclosed) regarding streamlining of the process for verification of claims of candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). It was also requested to issue instructions to District Magistrates/District Collectors/ Deputy Commissioners to ensure at their own level the veracity of caste certificates so that unscrupulous non-SC/ST/OBC persons are prevented from securing jobs meant for SCs/STs/OBCs by producing false certificates.
2. Owing to difficulties faced by candidates belonging to these reserved communities in various states in securing employment due to delays in obtaining caste certificates, this Department, vide an Office Memorandum of even number dated 08.10.2015, has re-iterated the instructions on providing provisional appointment to such reserved category candidates who are unable to obtain an appropriate caste certificate in time. It has been reiterated therein that where a candidate belonging to a Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe or Other Backward Class is unable to produce a certificate from any of the prescribed authorities, he/she may be appointed provisionally on the basis of whatever prima-facie proof he/she is able to produce in support of his/her claim, subject to his/her furnishing the
prescribed certificate within a reasonable time. If there is genuine difficulty in his/her obtaining a certificate, the appointing authority should itself verify his/her claim through the District Magistrate concerned. A copy of the OM is enclosed for reference and perusal.
3. In order to ensure that the candidates belonging to reserved categories do not face unnecessary problems in obtaining caste certificates, it is requested that instructions issued to the concerned authorities in the light of the aforementioned letter dated 20.03.2007 may be reiterated for information/compliance of all concerned.
4. It is also advised that in order to discourage unscrupulous activities, State Governments/UTs may consider issue of appropriate instructions for initiating disciplinary proceedings against the errant officers who default in timely verification of caste certificates or who issue false certificates.
Encl: as above
Yours faithfully,
(G. Srinivasan)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India
Linking of CGHS Card number with Aadhaar is purely on a voluntary basis
The below information was given in written reply to a question about the linking between CGHS card and Aadhaar by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda in Lok Sabha on 11th March 2016 as follows…
“Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an Office Memorandum No. Z-15025/11/201-DIR CGHS dated the 10th July 2015 requesting the Ministries/Departments concerned to motivate their employees availing CGHS to link their Aadhaar Numbers with the CGHS database either online themselves through the CGHS portal or through the CMO-in-charge of their dispensary.
Central Government employees/pensioners applying for new CGHS cards/new plastic cards have the option to provide Aadhaar Number for entering the number in CGHS database.
Linking of CGHS beneficiary ID number with Aadhaar number is purely on a voluntary basis.
Linkage of Aadhaar number with CGHS ID will facilitate consolidation of all health-related data bases and enable more convenient access to various E-services in the future.
Minutes of the periodical meeting of JCM National Council, with the Secretary Pension held on 10.03.2016
The periodical meeting of JCM National Council, with the Secretary Pension was held on 10.3.2016 at the the Conference hall of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, Sardar Patel Bhawan, New Delhi today i.e. 10.3.2016.
After the initial comments from the Secretary Pension and the Secretary Staff Side, the items which had been subjected to discussion in the earlier meeting and the action taken statement thereon were taken up. The following were the issues that came up for discussion in the Action Taken Statement.
1. Abnormal delay in the issue of revised PPO to pre 2006 retirees pensioners/family pensioners. (as per the minutes of the JCM held on 26.02.20125).The following information was given at the meeting:
Ministry/Deptt. Total Cases Revised authority issued PPOs yet to be revised
Civil Ministries 431172 425599 5573
Railways 984260 984260 Nil
Posts 159675 159675 Nil
Telecom 53126 52284 272
2.Cashless treatment to CGHS beneficiaries by empanelled private hospitals. The health Ministry officials stated that since the budgetary provisions are made separately for each Ministry it was not possible to ensure cashless treatment to serving employees. The concerned Department or Ministry has to enter into agreement with the hospitals.
3.Finalisation of Family pension cases within a specified period.
It was stated by the official side that the instructions have already been issued. Regarding the complaint from the M.P. Circle of the Postal Department, the matter has been taken up with the concerned authorities on 6.2.2015. The representative of the Postal Department said that the complaint has been attended to and the matter has been settled.
Agenda Items for the meeting:
1. Grant of Gratuity on retirement/death of a Central Govt. NPS subscriber. The representatives of the Pension department said that the Department of Expenditure has given their concurrence for the grant of Gratuity for the NPS subscribers on 8.1.2016. The requisite amendment to the rules, they added were being processed and the consultation with the Law Ministry and the Labour Ministry have already been made. They said that they would expedite the issuance of orders in the matter.
2. Extension of the benefits of full pension to pre-2006 pensioners who had completed more than 20 years of service but less than 33 years. The Staff side said that despite series of judgements in favour of the pensioners, the Government has not yet issued the orders. Recently the Nagpur Tribunal has issued a contempt notice to the Government. They also alleged that the pensioners are being dragged to litigation. The Representatives of the Pension Department informed that the Department of Expenditure had not agreed to extend the benefit generally to all which has resulted in filing appeal. The representative of the Department of Expenditure stated that in the light of the view of the Department of legal affairs, the matter would be re-examined.
3. Delay in the finalisation of Family pension cases by the PCDA (Pension) Allahabad. In response to the complaint the representative of the Defence Ministry informed that only in a few cases, the finalisation has been delayed due to the documentation difficulties. They assured to sort out the matter.
4. Grant of modifed parity to all those who retired prior to 1.1.2006 with reference to the upgraded post. The Staff Side stated that the Department of Pension has taken a very narrow view of the matter and the cases are dragged to the courts of law. The very spirit of the recommendation of the 5th CPC to bring about atleast modified parity if not full parity has not been appreciated by the Govt. The issue was discussed at length. The official side pointed out the decisions of the Court in favour of the position taken by the Government in the case of K.S. Krishnaswany in CANO. 3174/3006, which has been upheld by the Honourable Gujarat High Court. In reply the Staff Side pointed out that the said decisions quoted by the official side had come about due to the phrase employed while issuing the original order viz. corresponding replacement scale. After some discussions, the Chairman agreed to look into the matter afresh and revisit the order of the Department of Pension in the matter.
5.The meeting also discussed the difficulties of Pensioners during the hearing of Pension Adalats. The Staff Side pointed out the need to engage some knowledgeable person to assistant the complainants. The official side said that there had been no prohibition in the matter. The Petitioners are entitled to seek the assistance of another pensioner in presenting his case. If specific complaint of denial of this facility is brought to their notice, the Pension Department will issue the necessary instruction in the matter.
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair