Thursday, June 27, 2013
Promotion cannot be withheld because of the mere pendency of investigation, rules CAT: The Hindu
The Central Administrative Tribunal, Madras Bench, has ruled that promotion cannot be withheld because of the mere pendency of investigation and directed the Defence Ministry to promote an Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS) officer within 45 days.
Disposing of an application filed by M. Ravi, a 1975 batch officer, the Bench, comprising members B. Venkateswara Rao and Naresh Gupta, held that the defence authorities had erred in withholding his promotion without valid reason. The Bench also said, “No charge sheet has been issued to the applicant. The promotion was withheld merely on the ground of pendency of criminal investigation by the CBI.”
Mr. Ravi is presently working as Senior Deputy Director of General, Armoured Vehicles Factory, Avadi.
He contended that he served in various capacities in other factories. The Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) convened in January 2012 and 2013 recommended his name along with S.K. Gupta and B.N. Singh for promotion to Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for its final approval.
He was not promoted on the ground of a criminal investigation by CBI pending against him. The investigation was a result of an alleged irregularity that took place when he was working at ordnance factory, Medak, between 1999 and 2005.
In an application before CAT, he also sought a direction to the defence authorities to promote him. He also contended that the promotion had been withheld because of ‘long pending’ investigation but there was no disciplinary action of any kind initiated against him. Hence, Mr. Ravi said that the authorities postponed the promotion indefinitely.
The defence authorities contended that six vacancies arose in the level of member to the Ordnance Factory Board.
In fact, the recommendation of DPC should be approved by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for effecting promotion. Along with others, the candidature of Mr. Ravi was also considered. In view of the investigation by the CBI with respect to him, the ACC accorded its approval to others and directed the Defence Ministry to resubmit the proposal for promotion of Mr. Ravi after completion of the ongoing investigation.
The Tribunal also pointed out that a draft charge sheet which did not fructify into regular charge sheet and that should not be a ground for withholding promotion. The Tribunal added, “Unless a regular charge sheet is issued, no disciplinary action can be initiated against the officer of the government and no promotion can be withheld by the mere pendency of investigation.”
via : http://karnmk.blogspot.in/
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Prime Minister's Appeal
My Fellow Citizens,
You are all aware that there has been extensive devastation due to cloud burst and floods in the State of Uttarakhand. A large number of persons have died and property worth crores of rupees has been damaged. The Union Government is extending all cooperation and assistance to the State Government in rescue and relief operations.
2. At this moment, affected people need our help to tide over the calamity that has fallen upon them, to survive and to rebuild their lives. I request all citizens of India to stand with our distressed fellow countrymen, and actively participate in the national effort to support them at this difficult time.
3. I appeal to all citizens to donate generously to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund [PMNRF].
Payment may be made by cheque or draft in the name of the “Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund” and sent to the Prime Minister’s Office, South Block, New Delhi 110011. As per directions on the subject the nationalized banks are not to charge any commission on preparation of drafts favouring the PMNRF. Online contributions can also be made through the website of Prime Minister’s Office i.e. www.pmindia.nic.in.
Contributions can also be made directly in the account of Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund at the branches of the following banks: Allahabad Bank, Andhra Bank, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, Citi Bank, Corporation Bank, Dena Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank Limited, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Punjab and Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, State Bank of India, Syndicate Bank, UCO Bank, Union Bank of India, United Bank of India, Vijaya Bank, and Yes Bank Limited.
Contributions can also be sent through Money Order with no commission chargeable. Contributions to the PMNRF have been notified for 100% deduction from taxable income under section 80(G) of the Income Tax Act.
Friday, June 21, 2013
UIDAI wins top honours at International IT forum
Acknowledging the pivotal role played by UIDAI in leveraging technology to change people lives, streamline delivery of welfare services and provide opportunity to people to participate more fully in society, the jury of International Data Group (IDG) Computerworld Honours Program, Computerworld Honors Laureate selected UIDAI for 21st Century Achievement Award 2013 under the category ‘Economic Development’.
The Computerworld Honors Program, recognizes and honours visionary application of Information Technology promoting positive social, economic and social change. There were 24 nominees under this category from different parts of the World. On the occasion, John Amato, Vice President and Publisher, Computerworld said that ‘ Computerworld is honoured to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of 2013 class of Laureates and to share their work.’ The initiative of Government of India was widely appreciated by the participants and media who were excited about the transformational impact of the project in socio economic life.
The Computerworld Honors Program awards were presented at the Gala Evening and Awards Ceremony at the Andrew W.Mellon Auditorioum in Washington last week. The award was received by Ms. Keshni Anand Arora, IAS, DDG on behalf of UIDAI.
The Computerworld Honors Program, recognizes and honours visionary application of Information Technology promoting positive social, economic and social change. There were 24 nominees under this category from different parts of the World. On the occasion, John Amato, Vice President and Publisher, Computerworld said that ‘ Computerworld is honoured to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of 2013 class of Laureates and to share their work.’ The initiative of Government of India was widely appreciated by the participants and media who were excited about the transformational impact of the project in socio economic life.
The Computerworld Honors Program awards were presented at the Gala Evening and Awards Ceremony at the Andrew W.Mellon Auditorioum in Washington last week. The award was received by Ms. Keshni Anand Arora, IAS, DDG on behalf of UIDAI.
Source:-PIB
HON'BAL CAT BANGALORE BENCH DIRECTION MTS FILLING UP POSTS
HON'BAL CAT BANGALORE BENCH DIRECTION MTS FILLING UP POSTS
PLEASE CLICK BELOW LINK
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0ByGMaXHz-9UCX1RiWDhFQ1o5Y0k/edit?usp=sharing
PLEASE CLICK BELOW LINK
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0ByGMaXHz-9UCX1RiWDhFQ1o5Y0k/edit?usp=sharing
Gold coins still a major draw in India
Public sector banks across the country that sold more than a tonne of gold last fiscal, are feeling the pinch of recent government curbs, though post offices have yet to catch up.
MUMBAI (MINEWEB) -
Even as the Indian government tries to curtail the sale of bullion in the country, with the hike in import duty and the curbs on nationalised banks and nominated agencies, the precious metal holds a particular fascination for Indians.
Be it gold coins that weigh just 2 grams or gold bars that weigh 50 grams, public sector banks across the country reportedly sold more than a tonne of gold last fiscal. The recent government curbs have affected sales though, with most bankers saying sales of gold coins have fallen to a trickle in the last seven weeks.
A very different scene is, however, visible at most post offices across the country, that are still registering healthy sales in gold coins.
Post offices across the country are making hay selling gold coins, with genuine competition between post offices. While in the 2011-12 fiscal year, post offices across Tamil Nadu topped the nation in the sale of gold coins, the next year, post offices in Bihar managed to sell around 41 kilos of gold coins to top the nation in the sale of the yellow metal.
Considering the boom in sale of gold coins, the postal department has decided to sell gold coins from seven more post offices in Bihar from this fiscal, besides the 45 existing ones.
Post offices across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra followed Bihar, generating good sales with their offering of gold coins.
At banks too, resounding sales of gold coins were reported on their books, before the curbs were initiated. For instance, at the Oriental Bank of Commerce, profit from the sale of gold coins jumped to $347,342 (Rs 20 million) from $316,781 (Rs 18 million), while earnings at the Punjab National Bank leaped to $1.3 million (Rs 79 million) from $1.2 million (Rs 71 million).
At the Bank of India, officials said turnover from gold sales soared to $593 million (Rs 34 billion) from the $472 million (Rs 27 billion) the bank managed to add to its income in the precious fiscal. Earnings at the bank increased to $3 million (Rs 203 million) from the $2 million (Rs 167 million) brought in last year.
An official at Bank of Baroda who spoke to Mineweb said, ``Indians can't help themselves. Every occasion is a day to buy gold and if the price is a wee bit high, most end up buying gold coins instead.''
Another official at Union Bank of India, who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, "Gold coins are a major sale item with most banks. They do not diminish in value on resale, since there are no deductions in making charges like that for gold jewellery. The government curbs has led to fewer people coming in for coins on a daily basis, though sales do tend to pick up on special days.''
Incidentally, Bank of Maharashtra which had started a gold coin linked one-year recurring deposit scheme, with minimum monthly instalment of Rs 600, has become centre of attention, the enabling factor was that when the deposit is redeemed, customers could avail themselves of a certain discount on the gold coin that they would purchase from the bank. The bank said the response has been overwhelming.
Other banks have taken to the idea and are to launch similar schemes, bankers said. Meanwhile, India Post, which continues to offer a special discount of 7% on the purchase of India Post gold coins has also decided to extend the scheme.
Source : http://www.mineweb.com
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Notification for holding of Inspector Posts Examination 0n 7 & 8th September, 2013 issued by Directorate.
Directorate vide memo No. A.34012/05/2013-DE dated 17/6/2013 has issued notification for holding Limited Departmental Competitive Examination for the promotion to the cadre of Inspector Posts 66.66% Departmental Quota for the year 2013 on 7/9/2013 and 8/9/2013
Revision of OTA rate case filled at CAT Madras Bench dismissed.
One of the service Association has filed CAT case in Madras Bench in connection with the revision of Overtime Allowance.
Hon’ble CAT Madras Bench in their judgement dated 9th April 2013 stated that ''prior to 5th CPC, all Non-Gazetted employees in receipt of monthly basic pay of upto Rs. 2200/- were entitled to OTA for performing duties beyond the designated working hours. The 5th CPC had recommended abolition of OTA for all categories except the Staff Car Driver, Operational Staff and Industrial employees. But, it recommended that the staff deployed on weekly off days should be given a compensatory leave rather than any cash compensation in the form of OTA or otherwise. However, the said recommendations were not accepted and status-quo was maintained as per the recommendations of the 4th CPC. It is also seen that the rate of OTA fixed and the ceiling by the Nodal Ministry viz. Department of Personnel and Training, consequent on the recommendation of 4th CPC have not been revised by the said Ministry. As rightly contended by the respondents, unless the said Nodal Ministry approves the proposal sent by the Department of Posts for revision of OTA rate, they are not in position to revise the OTA rates on its own and it is a policy decision of the Government. In other words, the Department Posts cannot take an independent decision on the issue raised by the respondents".
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Notification of holding LGO Examination for the year 2013 on 8/9/2013 issued by Directorate.
Directorate vide memo No. A.34012/7/2013-DE dated 17/6/2013 has issued notification for holding Limited Departmental Competative Examination for the promotion of Lower Grade Officials to the cadre of Postal Assistants / Sorting Assistants for the year 2013 on 8/9/2013.
India Post’s bank plans meet hurdle
The Department of Financial Services (DFS) has opposed the proposal of the Department of Posts (DoP) to apply for a banking licence. According to the DFS, though the network of post offices is large with 1.55 lakh offices across the country, they neither have an interconnected system in place to give people access to their money anywhere and at anytime like the banks, nor experience in lending.
“A Cabinet note is being circulated by the DoP for them to apply for a banking licence. But we are against the move,” a senior DFS official told FE.
The DoP wants to start a bank initially with at least 40-50 branches – with one or two in each state – with a focus on lending to small and medium enterprises and gradually over a period of ten years increase the branch network to around 800 by going into rural areas. According to the RBI guidelines, the initial minimum paid-up voting equity capital for a bank should be Rs 500 crore, while the DoP has sought a capital of Rs1,900 crore for its banking venture, sources said.
The DFS official, however, said the DoP's plan seems “half-baked” as it was “not clear on how they will evolve a system like the banks have to help their depositors access money easily anywhere at anytime.”
“Banking is a different ball game altogether. It will require a lot of training for the post office staff to learn the rules. It will not be easy for DoP to run a full-fledged bank,” the official said, adding that a lack of experience in lending is also a drawback for the DoP.
The DoP, however, is keen to submit its application to the RBI before the July 1 deadline and the bank will be set up a through a wholly-owned Non-Operative Financial Holding Company (NOFHC). The DoP had taken the help of consultancy firm Ernst & Young in preparing its strategy. “The main benefit (in giving a bank licence to DoP) is that it will help boost the financial inclusion plan,” said Ashvin Parekh, national leader (global financial services), Ernst & Young. The Cabinet note was prepared on the basis of the Ernst & Young report.
The DoP intention is not to convert all its post offices into banks, but wants a separate banking entity for which it has decided to hire a separate team of professionals, sources said. It has already spent around R200 crore in the last four years to put up a core banking solutions-like system in place, they added.
Incidentally, the government had started a R4909 crore-worth information technology-driven project to modernise the postal network. The government had allocated R532 crore in 2013-14 to make post offices a part of the core banking solution and help it offer real time banking services.
The DoP also pointed out that the post offices reach even the remote corners of the country as the network includes 1.4 lakh post offices in rural areas, 15,000 in urban areas and another 30,000 points of presence. Post offices already offer many financial services for urban and rural people including savings accounts, recurring deposit accounts, monthly income schemes, public provident fund, time deposits, senior citizens savings scheme, national savings certificates and postal life insurance. Besides, post offices also offer money remittance services, distribution of mutual funds and securities and are also provide electronic international money order service and forex services.
The DoP also provides services on the new pension scheme and retail services such as sale of forms and bill collection. The DoP is also a government agent for providing services on Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme wage disbursement and old age pension payments.
Source : http://www.financialexpress.com
PA/SA DIRECT RECRUITMENT RESULT
It is informed that the circle wise final result of PA/SA direct recruitment exam will be announced during the period from 1st August to 30th September 2013. Valuation of exam papers already over and Hall permit for computer test will be issued shortly. It is proposed to have online computer test for the selected candidates. About 14 lakhs candidates appeared in the exam for PA for the vacancies around 5100.
Monday, June 17, 2013
POSTMASTER GRADE 1 EXAM 2013- VACANCY POSITION
The circle wise vacancy position of Postmaster Grade I Examination 2013 scheduled to be held on 30.06.2013 as communicated vide Directorate letter no A-34012/4/2012-DE dated 10.06.2013 is as follows.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
THE GAME OF SUCCESS
There comes a time in the life of every man when he feels helpless before circumstances. Such a time is actually a test of his ability. The remedy, in fact , lies in his own hands. No animal , except man , worries about what is ahead of him. But once he removes the veil of worry, he finds the ladder of success waiting upward climb.
On the other hand, the problem worsen when he goes on worrying. Worry becomes his second nature. It is far better if he looks at the situation calmly and in time. He should split his problem into parts. Half the problem is solved in an analysis of this kind.
Helen Keller was deaf, dumb and blind since childhood. But she never thought she was handicapped. The ladder of success awaited her upward climb because she had a positive attitude. Today we remember her with a deep sense of reverence as she was a lady of courage and stamina.
Socrates was ugly and uneducated. But his thoughts were always lofty, his attitude always positive. His wife would always find faults with him but he never let a sense of defeat overpower him. Once finding his wife extremely angry, he came out of the house and sat on a stone slab near his gate and started basking in the sun. Soon the angry woman rushed out and emptied the pitcher of cold water over his head. Instead of retaliating, he praised his wife: “I was wondering dear, why after thundering it didn’t rain so far!” Such a peaceful bent of mind had actually made him number one philosopher of the world.
Abraham Lincoln was the son of a poor farmer who could never afford to buy books and clothes for him. But Lincoln Lincoln America Lincoln
Problems are better solved when taken as a challenge. The tackling of each problem makes you more experienced. It builds a positive attitude. But that attitude should be maintained. If , like the hare , you sit for rest after a short run , others may surpass your like the steady tortoise. Your skill in your particular field will improve with every step you take. Even failures can’t make true achievers lose heart. They strive for still greater perfection.
The goddess of success is not easy to please. She is a hard task mistress. You can’t fool her. She sees the truth but waits. She tests your patience. An impatient worker often commits mistakes. So always be calm and composed when you work. Better results follow in due course. Our duty is only to do the right job and then hope for the best.
Imagination plays an important role in success. Even Rome
Make a habit of succeeding. Then keep smiling. Heaven is not going to fall if you fail once or twice. Every onward step makes you a better individual. Every piece of success will make you more hopeful and more confident of winning. The game of success belongs to those who work and always dare. And you can be one of them!
CAT has rejected Retired Postman's Claim for family Pension to his Second wife
Mere marriage registration does not entitle second wife for pension: CAT
The Central Administrative Tribunal, Madras Bench, has rejected a claim by a retired postman for family pension to his second wife, who was having a live-in relationship with him when his first marriage was subsisting and registered the marriage after his retirement.
Dismissing the application of M.Yesudhasan of Kanyakumari, the CAT’s member B.Venkateswara Rao said, “The applicant being a Central government employee must be aware that contracting a second marriage without dissolution of the first marriage is an offence under the Indian Penal Code. Mere registration does not entitle the second wife for family pension.”
M.Yesudhasan had married Jesintha Mary in 1981 while he was in service. Due to a strained relationship, she sought divorce before a competent court and was granted decree of divorce in 1997. The divorce was confirmed by the Madras High Court in 2000. He had a live-in relationship with Lalitha Mary since 1994 and their marriage was solemnised the same year. He retired in 2008.
In 2010, he received a communication from the Postal department rejecting his request to include her name as a nominee for family pension on the ground that the second marriage was not valid as the first marriage was subsisting. When he made a fresh request, the Postal department again rejected it. Approaching the Central Administrative Tribunal, he contended that neither there was any bar on him to get married after retirement nor any difficulty in nominating the post-retiral spouse for family pension.
The Postal department contended that his second marriage was solemnised in 1994 when the first one was subsisting, but the registration was done under the Special Marriage Act after his retirement. Therefore, it could not be termed post-retiral marriage.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Accountability of political parties will rise under RTI, says actvist
Welcoming the judgement by the full bench of the Central Information Commission (CIC) today bringing political parties under the ambit of the RTI Act, litigant Subhash Chandra Agrawal said the order will have long term effect on the country’s political scenario.
“This order is going to have far reaching impact on accountability in political system which is currently polluted by corruption,” said Delhi-based social activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal, one of the litigants in the matter.
The CIC declared that political parties as public authorities, thereby, bringing them under Right to Information (RTI) Act. The full bench of the Commission, which had reserved its order after hearing the representations of litigants and political parties, made it public on Monday.
“We hold that INC, BJP, CPI(M), CPIO, NCP and BSP have been substantially financed by the central government under section 2(h) (ii) of the RTI Act. The criticality of the role being played by these political parties in our democratic set up and the nature of duties performed by them also point towards their public character, bringing them in the ambit of section 2(h). The constitutional and legal provisions discussed herein above also point towards their character as public authorities,” ruled the CIC.
The Commission has given six weeks time to political parties to appoint central public information officers and the appellate authorities to respond to RTI queries.
Jagdeep Chokar, founder member of Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), an organisation which works for transparency and accountability in political parties, said while it was a welcome order, he would not be surprised if political parties challenge the CIC order in a high court.
The order emanated from RTI applications filed by Anil Bairwal of ADR and Agrawal to political parties in years 2010 and 2011 respectively. Political parties told both the applicants that they did not come under the purview of the RTI Act.
Both the applicants then filed complaints with the CIC against the responses received from political parties. They contended that the political parties, being beneficiaries of the government, fell under the ambit of the RTI Act.
The CIC clubbed both the complaints as they raised similar issues pertaining to political parties.
According to the law, the RTI Act is applicable only to public authorities, which is defined as any authority body established by or under the constitution; by a law made by Parliament or state legislature; by a government notification. It includes anybody owned, controlled or substantially financed institution by the government.
During the hearing before the CIC, the litigants argued that political parties are substantially financed by the government of the day in multiple ways including land given at concessional rates and are exempt from income tax.
The salient points made by Agrawal in his representation are:
(i) The political parties hold constitutional status and wield constitutional powers under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution in as much as they have the power to —
a) disqualify legislators from Parliament and state assemblies;
b) bind legislators in their speeches and voting inside the house;
c) decide what laws are made;
d) decide whether government remains in power or which government
should come to power;
e) decide public policies that affect lives of millions of people.”
The arguments include that the government has been indirectly financing various political parties by way of free air time on All India Radio and Doordarshan. These points were presented to the Commission to make a strong case to bring parties under the ambit of RTI Act.
“Income tax returns of political parties obtained by ADR using the RTI Act reveal that on an average only about 20 percent of the income of political parties comes from donations that they disclose to the Election Commission. The sources of the remaining 80 percent of the income are shrouded in mystery. This is what gives rise to all kinds of speculation about the pernicious influence of illegal money,” submitted Bairwal.
The two major political parties Congress and BJP made a bland assertion that they are not public authorities under the RTI Act, the CIC order said. However, CPI(M) disclosed some information to the Commission regarding allotment of land to it by the Central government on certain terms and conditions but did not concede that it is public authority under the RTI Act.
NCP’s counsel submitted that all the provisions mentioned by the complainants such as free air time, allotment of land and tax exemption, cannot be construed as financing of political parties by the Central government.
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