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Saturday 25 February 2017

Finance Minister Speech on IPPB

Date : 25.2.2017.

Finance Minister Speech on IPPB

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The Government simplifies maintenance of registers under various Labour Laws

Date : 25.2.2017

The Government simplifies maintenance of registers under various Labour Laws 

Government reduces 56 labour registers to only 5 for 5.85 crore establishments

The Government has simplified the maintenance of Labour registers of about 5.85 crore establishments in agriculture and non- agriculture sectors. These registers are related to details of employees, their salaries, loans/recoveries, attendance etc. This exercise will drastically reduce the number of registers being maintained by these establishments from 56 to only 5 by doing away with overlapping/redundant fields. This will help these establishments to save cost and efforts and ensure better compliance of Labour Laws.

Under various Central Labour Acts, there is a requirement of maintenance of registers depending upon the threshold of the number of employees by the establishments in agriculture and non-agriculture sectors. As per the Sixth Economic Census of Central Statistical Office conducted during 2013-2014, India has about 5.85 Crore establishments in agricultural and non-agricultural sectors combined. Out of this, 4.54 Crore establishments are in non-agricultural sector. While reviewing the requirement of filing various returns / registers/forms provided under 9 Central Acts, there were several overlapping/ redundant fields that could be rationalized.

An intention notification was issued on 4th November, 2016 for reducing the number of registers/data fields and the same was widely circulated to concerned Ministries / Departments, State Govts., other stakeholders besides placing the same in public domain. In effect, all previous registers envisaged under various Acts / Rules have been omitted and replaced with only 5 common Registers. Such an exercise has reduced number of data fields in 5 registers to only 144 from the then existing 933 fields in 56 registers.

Ministry of Labour & Employment has also simultaneously undertaken to develop a software for these 5 common Registers. After development of the software, the same will be put on the Shram Suvidha Portal of the Ministry of Labour and Employment for free download with an aim to facilitate maintenance of those registers in a digitized form.

The Labour Laws under which these registers are maintained include:

(i) The Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996

(ii) The Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970

(iii) The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976

(iv) The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979

(v) The Mines Act, 1952

(vi) The Minimum Wages Act, 1948

(vii) The Payment of Wages Act, 1936

(viii) The Sales Promotion Employees (Conditions of Service) Act, 1976

(ix) The Working Journalists and Other Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service) Act, 1955 

PIB

Friday 24 February 2017

GDS Committee Report Latest News

Date : 24.2.2017

GDS Committee Report Latest News

GDS Committee report : DOP will call views of Federations/Union after March 15, 2017

Tuesday 21 February 2017

IPPB to Send and Receive Money on the Basis of Aadhaar Number

Date : 21.2.2017
 
IPPB to Send and Receive Money on the Basis of Aadhaar Number



Your 12-digit Aadhaar number could soon become your single-point payment address.

With the help of India Post Payment Bank (IPPB), over 112 crore Indians will be able to send and receive money only on the basis of the Aadhaar number; it won't matter whether it is linked to a bank account or not.

India Post Payment Bank CEO AP Singh told that currently, Aadhaar is not a payment address in itself, but the payments bank, which plans to start operations from September 2017, will change that. The bank, which hopes to cover at least 650 districts of the country in the initial stage, aims to “simplify and universalise” payments systems.

“We will bring out a solution to make Aadhaar a payment address, which will work with or without a bank account. That means that people who already have an Aadhaar should be able to receive payment from any source,” Singh, who was part of the founding team of Aadhaar as the deputy director general of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), said. 

Can you send and receive money without a bank account? Aadhaar will make that possible

According to Singh, UIDAI had earlier successfully run a pilot with five banks including the State Bank of India to test the model. But the plans could not be taken ahead, he said, adding that given the state of broadband in the country and people’s lack of comfort with mobile applications, an Aadhaar-based payment method will make giving and receiving money easier.

Currently, about 40 crore bank accounts in the country are linked with Aadhaar, and every month about two crore people are linking their accounts with the unique number.

Singh had told ET earlier in an interview that the banks approach would be “bottoms-up” and it will target around 500 million people who have feature phones and around 350 million who are without any phone. “Our USP could be the door-to-door banking with the help of our postmen, which nobody else is doing,” he said.

IPPB's rival Paytm is yet to start its payments bank, but Airtel Payment Bank, launched in November last year, is luring customers with attractive interest rates and its wide reach through its telecom network.

source: EconomicTimes.

Department of Posts nominated Sri.D.Kishan Rao General Secretary ,NAPE Gr-C as Staff Side Member of the National Council (JCM).

Date : 21.2.2017


Department of Posts nominated Sri.D.Kishan Rao General Secretary  ,NAPE Gr-C as Staff Side Member of the National Council (JCM).

National Union of Gramin Dak Sevaks convey heartly congratulations to Sri.D.Kishan Rao Sir





Date : 21.2.2017

NUGDS AP CIRCLE CWC NOTICE


Saturday 18 February 2017

16th March 2017 strike is inevitable

Date : 18.2.2017

16th March 2017 strike is inevitable.





With regard to GDS,  our Federation and NUGDS warmly welcome the welfare measures which were recommended by Sri.Kamalesh Chandra committee. At the same time, our Federation strongly oppose the non‘Removal of 3 -A (I) of GDS Conduct & Engagement Rules, 2011.
We are forced to go on a day's strike on 16thMarch 2017 due to the inaction of the Government.  Seven months have lapsed still the committee has not submitted any report.

A group of ministers comprising Home Minister Shri.Raj Nath Singh,  Finance Minister Shri. Arun Jaitley  & Railway Minister Shri. Suresh Prabhu called NJCA leaders on 30/06/2016 and assured that a high power committee will be constituted to look into the matter regarding revision of wages and fitment formula. Based on the assurance, the JCM Constituent deferred the Strike action to 06th July 2016.Though our Federation appealed PJCA to continue the strike as decided on July 11 2016, it was not considered in the larger interest of Central Government employees.
As assured a Committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Addl. Secretary (Exp), Ministry of Finance and discussions held, the response was very much disappointing. Against this we conducted a protest week from 12th December to 19th December 2016 and submitted a memorandum to our Honourable Prime Minister through state Governors as well as in his office, there is no response till date.

On 19/01/2017 A meeting was held with the Cabinet Secretary, Government of India, wherein Staff side secretary and the president were present.

The staff side explained Cabinet secretary about various Issues of the Central Government Employees pending at the Government level.  The main issues were NPS, Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula, Allowances, Pension and enhancing  Benchmark from good to Very Good.  The Cabinet Secretary informed staff side that, Pension issues have already been referred to the Cabinet, and the report of the Committee on Allowances is likely to be submitted in the next month.  It is not certain whether there will be any revision in minimum wage and Fitment formula & arrears of allowances from 01/01/2016.
Meanwhile, on 10.02.2017 NPS committee  has called the JCM Staff Side for a second round of discussion, during  the discussion they want to discuss only notified agenda, such as (1) scrapping of NPS (2) Guaranteed Minimum pension to NPS Pensioners  ie; 50% of the last pay drawn should be guaranteed by the Government as minimum pension, even if the returns from annuity insurance scheme amount is less than 50%.
Unfortunately, the main demand of Exemption of Central Govt. Employees from the purview of NPS, was not included in the agenda.
With regard to GDS,  our Federation and NUGDS warmly welcome the welfare measures which were recommended by Sri.Kamalesh Chandra committee. At the same time, our Federation strongly oppose the non‘Removal of 3 -A (I) of GDS Conduct & Engagement Rules, 2011.
Regarding Casual Labours, the revised wages and its arrears have not been paid in many Circles. 
In view of the above, we cannot remain silent just conducting a protest week and Dharna. As we have to show a strong protest against the attitude of the Government, the FNPO affiliates decided to go on a day`s strike on March 16th, 2017. 
We appeal all our colleagues to organise the one-day strike and make it a thundering success.

D.Theagarajan
S/G FNPO 

Transfers and postings in PS Group-B cadre in AP Circle

Date : 18.2.2017

Transfers and postings in PS Group-B cadre in AP Circle


Friday 17 February 2017

Cash withdrawal limit week

Date : 18.2.2017

Cash withdrawal limit  week

Dear SPOCs,
Cash withdrawal limit  week  from 17.02.17 to ​23.02.17, is configured 

From 20.02.17 onwards,  withdrawal limit for cash ( ( including ATM withdrawals)) will be increased from 24,000 to 50,000

If customers withdraw 24, 000 before 20th Feb, remaining 26,000 can be withdrawn from 20th Feb to 23th Feb

This is for favour of information

Thanks & regards,
CEPT - FSI Team

Strike notice served by FNPO with Charter of demands.

Date : 17.2.2017


Strike notice served by FNPO with Charter of demands.


FNPO affliated unions Postal / RMS / MMS / Administrative & Postal Accounts Employees and NUGDS will go on one day Strike on 16 th March 2017.


Four main Charter of GDS demands are

1.Removal of Rule 3-A (i) of GDS Conduct & Engagement Rules i.e.GDS should not perform their duty beyond a maximum period of 5 hours a day.

2.Grant of Pension to GDS at 5/8 th - As per Principle CAT Judgement.

3.Counting of GDS service for pensionary benefits in the case of GDS who were absorbed as Group 'D'/Postman - As per Principal CAT Judgement , New Delhi.

4.Conduct Membership Verification of GDS.






Thursday 16 February 2017

HANDLING OF COURT CASES ON THE ISSUE OF APPLICABILITY OF CCS (PENSION) RULES INSTEAD OF NPS IN RESPECT OF GDS APPOINTED TO REGULAR DEPARTMENTAL POSTS AFTER 01-01-2014.

Date : 17.2.2017

HANDLING OF COURT CASES ON THE ISSUE OF APPLICABILITY OF CCS (PENSION) RULES INSTEAD OF NPS IN RESPECT OF GDS APPOINTED TO REGULAR DEPARTMENTAL POSTS AFTER 01-01-2014.







Now It is Easier to File Petition for Poor

Date : 16.2.2017

Now It is Easier to File Petition for Poor 


Now, it is easier for the middle and relatively lower income group to avail and enjoy the legal services of the country. The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has introduced the Middle Income Group Scheme. It is a self supporting scheme which provides legal services to the middle income group citizens i.e. citizens whose gross income is not exceeding Rs.60, 000 per month or Rs. 7, 50, 000 per annum.

The members of the governing body to whom the management of the Society is entrusted as required under Section 2 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860, as applicable to the National Capital Territory of Delhi includes Hon’ble Chief Justice of India as Patron-in-Chief, Attorney General for India as Ex-officio Vice-President, Solicitor General of India as Honorary Secretary and other senior advocates of the Apex Court as its members.

As per the Supreme Court rules it is only through advocates on record cases can be filed before it.

A sum of Rs.500/- shall be payable to the Supreme Court Middle Income Group Legal Aid Society (SCMIGLAS) as service charges. The applicant shall have to deposit the fee indicated by the Secretary, which will be in accordance with the schedule attached to the Scheme. It is the Secretary, who will register the case under the MIG Legal Aid Scheme and proceed to forward the papers to the Advocate-on-Record/Arguing Counsel/Senior Counsel on the panel for opinion.

If Advocate-on-Record is satisfied that it is a fit case to be proceeded with, then the Society will consider that the applicant is entitled to legal aid. The view expressed by the Learned Advocate-onRecord will be final insofar as the eligibility of the applicant for obtaining the benefit of the Scheme is concerned.

Under the scheme, middle class people who can`t afford the expensive litigation in the Supreme Court can avail the services of the society for a nominal amount. The person desirous of availing the benefit of the Scheme shall have to fill up the form prescribed and accept all the terms and conditions contained therein.

As per the scheme, contingent fund will be created to meet the miscellaneous expenditure in connection with the case under the Scheme by requiring the applicant to deposit upto the stage of admission, a sum of Rs.750/- in addition to the charges required to be deposited with the Society, out of this contingent fund.

In the event of the learned Advocate taking the view that the case is not fit one for an appeal to the Supreme Court, then the entire amount after deduction Rs.750/- towards minimum service charges of the Committee shall be refunded to the applicant by way of cheque.

As the next step, further, if the Advocate who is appointed under the Scheme is found negligent in the conduct of the case entrusted to him, then he will be required to return the brief together with the fee which he may have received from the applicant under the scheme. Further, the Society will not be responsible for the negligent conduct of the case but the entire responsibility will be that of the Advocate vis-a-vis the client. The name of the Advocate will, however, be struck off from the panel prepared under the Scheme.

A large number of poor people would approach the Hon'ble Supreme Court for aid to sort out their cases, file cases on their behalf and get justice, but could not afford the expenses. To make filing petitions easy for the underprivileged strata of the society, the Hon’ble Supreme Court decided to introduce this scheme.

PIB

Govt gives green signal to merger of SBI, associate banks

Date : 16.2.2017

Govt gives green signal to merger of SBI, associate banks


State Bank is expected to become a global-sized bank with an asset base of Rs 37 lakh crore.

New Delhi: Seeking to create a global sized bank, the government today gave go ahead to the merger plan of SBI and its five associate banks but did not take a decision with regard to Bharatiya Mahila Bank.

"The Cabinet had earlier in-principle cleared the (merger) proposal. It had gone to the boards of various banks which have granted the approvals. The recommendations of the boards were considered today and the Cabinet cleared the proposal," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said.

The associate banks which will be merged with SBI are: State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur (SBBJ), State Bank of Mysore (SBM), State Bank of Travancore (SBT), State Bank of Patiala (SBP) and State Bank of Hyderabad (SBH).

"With this merger, the SBI, with all these five subsidiaries merging in it, will also become a very large bank, not merely from a domestic point of view but actually a global player in its very size," the minister said after the Union Cabinet meeting.

It will, he added, "certainly lead to far greater efficiency. It will lead to synergy of operations within these banks...it will cut down the cost of operations. The cost of funds itself will come down".

With the merger of all the five associates, SBI is expected to become a global-sized bank with an asset base of Rs 37 trillion (Rs 37 lakh crore) or over USD 555 billion, 22,500 branches and 58,000 ATMs. It will have over 50 crore customers. 

State Bank of India has about 16,500 branches, including 191 foreign offices spread across 36 countries. SBI first merged State Bank of Saurashtra with itself in 2008. Two years later, State Bank of Indore was merged with it.

Deccan Chronicle.

Tuesday 14 February 2017

Opening of Employment Exchange centers at all HOs

Date : 14.2.2017

OPENING OF EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE CENTRES AT ALL HOs - STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR LEVERAGING POST OFFICE AS EMPLOYMENT REGISTRATION CENTRES (PROVISIONAL)




No “Conditions Apply” in India Post Payments Bank Says IPPB CEO


No “Conditions Apply” in India Post Payments Bank Says IPPB CEO


In his first interview after taking over as the CEO of IndiaPost Payments Bank, Ashok Pal Singh tells that the idea of the bank will be to simplify and universalize payments. Excerpts:


You rolled out a few pilots; what is the timeline for the launch?

We started in Ranchi and Raipur, and our concept is to have a district office in each district. The idea is that the branch office in a district will map all the post offices, urban and rural, in that area.

The idea is to test this model out through the pilot. We are hoping that by September we will start operations in at least 650 districts of the country.



What is going to be your target audience?

The core of our audience is the 500 million who use feature phones and we are currently testing how familiar they are even with the basic banking products -are they comfortable with it or do these needs to be simplified?

How do you plan to differentiate your offerings?

Something that many others are doing but we want to pilot here is paperless account opening. Something that others are not doing but might emerge as our USP is door-to-door banking with the help of the postman.

Plus, simplified payment solutions for the masses is what we will be targeting, both for these feature phone users and around 350 million who are below that -who are without any phone at all. The payments bank will depend on third party fee-based services because the way in which the regulator has put it, you can't make money on anything else.

How do you look at the intense competition in the space from players such as Paytm and Airtel Payment Bank?

We are looking at a bottoms-up approach because our so-called competitors will start skimming the market. Let them do it. We will attempt to broaden and deepen the market from below.

That may not be as great a commercial proposition as skimming the market, but we believe that once we broaden and deepen it, there is a larger objective which is also being served and ultimately everyone will benefit including the so-called competitors.

We are not positioning ourselves as competitors because we are funded out of public money, and typically government should not be competing with its corporates, because they are ours. it's still a win-win for India.

Some of your competitors are offering interest rates as high as 7.5%. How do you plan to match it?

I have nothing to say on how they are doing it. But in any case, they have private money at their disposal. All my funding is from the government which is public money. Which is Rs 400 crore equity, Rs 400 crore grants. I have no means to do that and these are going to be short-term in any case.

Someone who says that you get that fancy rate of interest immediately puts an asterisk saying conditions apply. We also want to put an asterisk which says no conditions apply. Because if we have to live off the brand of the post office, it has to be about integrity and trust.

source: EconomicTimes

Government Allocated Rs.500 crore for IPPB for the year 2017-18

Date : 14.2.2017


New Delhi: The government has allocated Rs500 crore to India Post Payments Bank for the financial year 2017-18 as it gears up to set up 650 branches across country by September 2017.


The government has allocated Rs125 crore as “capital infusion into corporate entity for India Post Payments Bank” and Rs375 crore as “grant in aid to India Post Payments Bank (IPPB)”, as per Output-Outcome Framework for Schemes 2017-18 for the department of posts (DoP) released on Monday.

India Posts is the second entity to roll out payments bank—though on a pilot basis—in Raipur and Ranchi, after Airtel that has earmarked Rs3,000 crore as initial investment for pan-India operations with an interest rate of 7.25% on deposits. Besides, Airtel is offering free money transfer from Airtel to Airtel numbers within Airtel Bank, money transfer to any bank account in the country.

The IPPB will offer an interest rate of 4.5% on deposits up to Rs25,000; 5% on deposits of Rs25,000-50,000 and 5.5% on Rs50,000-1,00,000. The total paid up equity of the new bank IPPB is Rs 800 crore, of which the government has already infused Rs275 crore.

Payments banks can accept deposits up to Rs1 lakh per account from individuals and small businesses. The new model of banking allows mobile firms, super market chains and others to cater to banking requirements of individuals and small businesses. The allocation to IPPB is part of Rs1,034.13 crore earmarked for the department of posts. The second big chunk of the total allocation, Rs279.6 crore, has been allocated for providing IT hardware and software in identified rural areas for improved access to services and customer satisfaction, resulting in increase in customer transactions, traffic and revenue.

The DoP has been allocated Rs110.83 crore for establishing e-commerce, parcel booking, international business centres, Rs73.5 crore for estates management, Rs32 crore for mail operations and Rs17.7 crore for equipments and IT infrastructure in rural post offices. The government has allocated Rs3.8 crore for setting up 246 offices and 200 outlets for providing better access to communication and financial services.

source:livemint