Important message for employees retiring within the next six months

The Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare is organizing a Pre-retirement counselling workshop on 28th January, 2015 from 2.00 PM to 5.00 PM in the Lecture Room-II, India International Centre Annexe, 40, Max Muller Marg, New Delhi-l10003.

The employees of Government of India retiring in the next 6 months are hereby informed that they may attend the workshop. Confirmation with Name, Ministry & Phone No. may be sent at the email address mkumar.mol@nic.in

sd/-
US (Sankalp)
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare
Phone No.24641627

Source: Pensioners Portal

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE
CENTRAL PENSION ACCOUNTING OFFICE
TRIKOOT-II, BHIKHAJI CAMA PLACE,
NEW DELHI-110066

CPAO/Tech/Simplification/2014-15/241-351

8.8.2014

Office Memorandum

Sub: Simplification of pension procedure-submission of undertaking by retiring Government servant along with pension papers

“The Scheme for Payment of pensions to Central Government Civil Pensioners through Authorized Banks” issued by CPAO provides for an undertaking of recovery of overpayment to be submitted by the retiring Government servant/pensioner to the pension disbursing bank before commencement of pension. Delayed submission of this undertaking has been a main reason in crediting the first payment of pension to the pensioners account.
In order to simplify the pension procedure and consequent upon the delinking of commencement of pension with the first time identification of the pensioner by bank, the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has approved the submission of undertaking by the retiring Government servant along with pension papers before his retirement.

Now. the required undertaking may be obtained by the Head of Office from the retiring Goventment servant along with Form 5 and other documents before his retirement and forwarded the same to Pay and Accounts Office along with pension case for onward transmission ‘to bank through CPAO. The undertaking shall be addressed to the Branch Manager of the Pension Account Holding Branch and in the prescribed format (copy enclosed)
These instructions were earlier issued by Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare vide their OM dated 7th May, 2014 and CPAO vide its OM dated 28th May. 2014 (available on CPAOs‘ website). But it has been noticed that Head of the Offices and Pay and Accounts Offices are not even aware of these instructions so far. Consequently, these instructions are not being implemented and the main reason of delay in first credit of pension by the banks still persists. This is a matter of great concern.
Therefore. all Pr. CCAs/CCAs/CAs are requested to issue directions to their PAOs for complying with the OM No. CPAO/Tech/Simplification/2014-15/52 dated-28.05.2014 and to ensure that all pension cases received from Head of Offices are supported with undertaking of recovery of overpayment and the same is invariably forwarded to CPAO as a part of PPO booklet for onward transmission to CPPC of the bank. All authorization sections in CPAO have already been directed not to accept any pension case for authorization of pension payment received without the undertaking.

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(Suman Bala)
Chief Controller (Pensions)

Source: www.cpao.nic.in
[http://cpao.nic.in/pdf/cpao_tech_simplification_2014-15_241_351.pdf]

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 1. Objective
The intention of conducting Pension Adalats is to look into the grievances of Pensioners so as to redress the same by taking on-the-spot decisions there by reducing the delays, if any, in the settlement of their legitimate dues. This kind of interaction with the Pensioners would instill in them a sense of being cared for and attended to, thus, dispelling their feelings of isolation and neglect. It will also give an idea of the kind of problems/difficulties that are being faced by the pensioners and help in identifying the areas of concern in policy that require our urgent attention for amendment, etc.

2. Frequency, Date and Time
2.1 Pensioners’ Adalats may he held twice around January and July every year. Venue and date will he fixed by the concerned organization in consultation with the stakeholders and notified through advertisements inleading newspapers/other media. For this purpose, the following time frame may be adopted:

(a) Issue of notice by respective organisations through print and visual media and other means about holding of Pension Adalats indicating date, venue, time of Adalat and the name of Officer to whom the grievances have to be submitted.At least 4 months in advance of the proposed date of Adalat.

(b) Last date for submission of grievances by Pensioners, which should be indicated in the Notification mentioned above.Within 90 days from the date of issue of notice.

2.2 About 4 to 6 weeks time is considered adequate to investigate most of the complaints/representations though some cases may take a little longer. However, keeping in view the fact that the aim of the Adalat is to promote credibility and generate confidence amongst the pensioners, the last date for receiving the complaints/representations to be heard in the Adalat may be suitably fixed and announced at the time of giving the publicity. Only one officer will be nominated to receive the complaints/representations. The officer to whom the complaints/representations should be sent will also he indicated in the advertisement.

3. Publicity for the Adalat
3.1 Wide and adequate publicity through print and visual media and other means like posters at prominent places, may be given in advance to enable the pensioners to send their cases in time for consideration in such Adalats. Doordarshan and A.I.R. can also be requested to telecast/broadcast the same through appropriate programmes. This is considered necessary, as reference to various records is very often essential before a grievance can be considered/redressed.

3.2 The most important aspect of the publicity campaign is to reach out to the individual pensioners. For this purpose a set of hand outs, posters and press releases may be prepared and sent to the following agencies three months in advance. Bank branches, Post Offices and Treasury Offices for display at their respective premises. Respective organizations at regional level for display at their premises and other crucial points.

Pensioner’s Associations & Leagues of pensioners at the station of the Adalat and its adjoining states for dissemination of information to the pensioners. Special efforts for publicity in the interior villages may be made by the respective organizations located at the station of the Adalat, which are also expected to liaise with the local print and electronic media. For publicity of the Adalat for the information of Pensioners, press releases be issued in various print and electronic media in local/regional languages.

The above exercise may be repeated through several rounds of press releases to above mentioned agencies.

4. Admissibility of cases in Pension Adalats
4.1 Cases involving purely legal points e.g. succession, etc., cannot he taken up in the Adalat. This aspect need to be adequately publicized.

4.2 Grievances involving policy matters need not he taken up in such Adalats.

4.3 In the cases of grievances not being tenable, the Pensioners may be suitably advised in writing.

4.4 Normally, no case should be held up for the sake of consideration/decision in the Adalat unless the delay is absolutely inescapable.

5. Advance action

5.1 The representalions/grievances of Pensioners may be acknowledged indicating the date, venue and time of Pension Adalat.

5.2 The concerned Officers will examine the grievances/representations admitted and submit necessary reports at least two weeks before the Adalalt meets, to the members of the Adalat. The grievances/representations may be examined in detail and prompt action to finalize the cases be taken. Wherever necessary, liaison may be done with other concerned agencies for prompt settlements of the grievances. The cases which do not fall within the scope of the Adalat, will he required to be communicated to complainants indicating the result of enquiry/investigation, ete. and the decision taken thereon.

6. Representation in Pension Adalats
6.1 All Officers dealing with pension viz. Senior Officers of Personnel/Administrative Branch and Accounts Department and Managers of the pension-disbursing Banks from Zonal or Divisional Headquarters should be present with all the relevant records so that decisions are not postponed for the sake of referring to the records.

6.2 The Officers present in the Pension Adalats should be able to take decisions on the spot to redress the grievances. In this connection it is pertinent to note that such meetings are not to take up policy matters but they should deal with specific grievances of the individual pensioner, when represented by him personally or by a family member of the Pensioner.

6.3 The authorized representatives of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) and the recognized Trade Unions/Pensioner Associations may also be invited to attend the Pension Adalats. But they should not be permitted to present the grievances of the Pensioners.

6.4 However, in the case of illiterate Pensioners, widows, minors etc. it may not be possible for them to effectively prepare and present cases before the Adalat. In such cases, if the pensioner/family pensioner seeks the assistance of the representatives of the SCOVA / Pensioners Associations attending the Adalat, the SCOVA/Pensioners Associations representatives may be permitted to present the grievances of such pensioners/family pensioners. It may so happen that the Office bearers of the SCOVA/Trade Union/Pensioners Associations may not be available when Pension Adalats are held on different dates, at different places. In such cases even the representatives of SCOVA / Trade Unions/Pensioners Association, as authorized by the SCOVA/Trade Unions/Pensioners Associations and whose credentials are sent in advance to the concerned Organization, may be allowed to attend the Pension Adalats and to present the cases, if necessary.

6.5 It needs to be ensured that all the cases which are tenable are settled at the time of Pension Adalat itself. But in cases where it is not possible to settle the same on the spot, it should be settled and finalized within a period of approx. three months from the date of holding the Pension Adalat.

7. Composition and conduct of Pension Adalat
7.1 The Adalat will comprise of concerned stake holders al the Regional level, which may have minimum five members chaired by the Head of the concerned Organization/Bank. The Head of the Pension Adalat would be assisted by the concerned officer of the Region concerned. The other three members will be one each from the Operational Wing and Finance Wings and the Bank/Post office (pension disbursing authority), it may also have a representative of DoP&PW. However, modifIcation in the composition of the members can be made if the Head of the respective Organization/ Pension Adalat feels so in the circumstances.

7.2 The business of the Adalat is conducted through benches which comprise of experts in pension matters from various authorities. The Pension Adalat would be more beneficial if the representatives of DoP&W and all the concerned stakeholders are included in it.

7.3 The Pension Adalats should be conducted at the level of very senior Officers including Officers of Personnel. Accounts, Finance and other Departments concerned. The representatives of Banks/other Pension Disbursing Authorities should also be co-opted in the Pension Adalats. The officers comprising the Adalat should be those who have been authorized to take decisions on the various aspects of pension.

8. Jurisdiction and Venue
The Adalats are generally held at places where there is large concentration of Pensioners who draw their pensions from Public Sector Banks, Post offices and Treasuries. There will be one Adalat at least at regional level, which will cover a wide range of organizations/stakeholders. The Adalats may be held at the Headquarters Station of the Regional Officc of the respective organization.

9. Evaluation & Monitoring
9.1 A Summary of outstanding cases may be compiled at the end of the Adalat and the unsettled cases referred to the concerned agencies for appropriate action in a time bound manner. A periodical review of outstanding cases is conducted and follow up action is taken with the internal and external agencies.

9.2 A review of the performance of the Adalat may be completed within 3 months of the ADALAT DAY. The items for evaluation could be
(a) Total no. of grievances/cases.
(b) number of cases decided on-the-spot.
(b) disposal of cases where decision could not be given on-the- spot and another date has been given.
(c) Users satisfaction generated through the Adalat.9.3 An evaluation report after the first Adalat meeting may be prepared by the Head of the Pension Adalat assisted by the concerned officer at regional level clearly indicating further steps. it any, required for improvement, and the same submitted within a month from the date of Adalat to senior officers of the respective organization.

9.4 Efforts should always be made to make payment of settlement dues immediately on retirement as per normal practice. No case should be held up for decision in Pension Adalats unless the delay is absolutely inescapable.

9.5 As the conduct of Pension Adalat is being monitored at the highest level of the respective organization including stakeholders, the guidelines should be followed scrupulously to ensure that the grievances of Pensioners / Family Pensioners are settled promptly without giving any room for complaint whatsoever.

Source : www.pensionersportal.gov.in

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Pensioners Portal Orders –  The next meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) scheduled to be held to be held shortly.

The next and 23rd meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) scheduled to be held in the month of September, 2013 under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble MOS (PP).

F. No.42/6/2013-P&PW(G)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,
Khan Market, New Delhi – 110003
Date: 26th July, 2013

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : 23rd meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) scheduled to be held in the month of September, 2013 under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble MOS (PP).

The 23rd meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) of the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare is scheduled to be held shortly. The details of the date, time and venue of the meeting will follow. The meeting will be chaired by the Hon’ble Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Pubic Grievances & Pensions.

2. All the Pensioners Associations under SCOVA are requested to kindly provide the following requisite information through fax as well as E-mail : –

(a) Suggest fresh items / issues, if any, for inclusion In the agenda to be discussed for the proposed meeting. Kindly do not send those agenda items which have already been discussed in the previous SCOVA meetings and on which final decision/action has already been taken. Your response in this regard may please be sent to this Department so as to reach the undersigned latest by 8th August, 2013 to enable us to finalize the agenda items. Minutes of the meetings and Action Taken Reports of the previous SCOVA meetings are available on the website of this Department www.pensionersportal.gov.in

(b) Because of the consideration of space, only one representative of your organization may attend the above said meeting. Confirmation of participation and the name of the participant may kindly be intimated in advance to the undersigned by fax/e-mail.

3. Outstation members will be paid TA/DA and local members will be paid conveyance charges in accordance with the rules/Instructions.

4. This Department looks forward to your participation in the meeting.

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(Sujasha Choudhury)
Dy. Secretary (P)

Source : www.pensionersportal.gov.in
[http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D3/D03ppw/SCOVA_260713.pdf]

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Amendment in Rule 5(2), 29, 29-A, 30 ,31, 32(1), 37, 37(A), 48A(5),48(B) and 48(C) of CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972 

The post Pension Portal Orders – Amendment in Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules appeared first on CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEWS.

New Delhi, the 27th December, 2012

NOTIFICATION

GS.R. 938(E).- In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to article 309 and clause (5) of article 148 of the Constitution and after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in relation to persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the President here by makes the following rules further to amend the Central Civil Services (pension) Rules, 1972, namely:-

1. (1) These rules may be called the Central Civil Services (pension) Second Amendment Rules, 2012.

(2) These rules shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

2 In the Central Civil, Services (pension) Rules, 1972, in Rule 54,-
(a) in sub-rule (6),-

(i) in Explanation 1, for the words “daughter shall”, the words “daughter, except a disabled son or daughter,” shall be substituted;

(ii) in Explanation 3, for the words “her re-marriage or parents”, the words “her re-marriage or by the disabled son or daughter or by parents;” shall be substituted;

(b) sub-rule 13-A shall be omitted;

(c) sub-rule 13-B shall be omitted.

[F.No. 1/33/2012-P&PW(E)] .
SUJASHA CHOWDHURY, Dy. Secy.

Source: www.pesnionersportal.gov.in
[http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D3/D03ppw/Notification_271212_English.pdf]

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The post MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF REVISION OF PPOs FOR PRE-2006 PENSIONERS / FAMILY PENSIONERS INCLUDING PRE-1990 PENSIONERS / FAMILY PENSIONERS appeared first on CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEWS.

21st meeting of SCOVA to be held on 27th September 2012

Click here to view the detailed report of the action taken report on the decisions of the 29th meeting…

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The post Gazette Notification regarding the amendment in the Central Civil Services (Commutation of Pension) Rules, 1981 appeared first on CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEWS.