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  • Friday, 6 January 2017

    PMO GRIEVANCE REPLY

    Status as on 06 Jan 2017
    Registration Number:PMOPG/E/2016/0324624
    Name Of Complainant:MBC MENON
    Date of Receipt:02 Sep 2016
    Received by:Prime Ministers Office
    Forwarded to:AG1
    Contact Address:room No. 104, B Wing, Sena Bhawan


    New delhi


    110011
    Grievance Description:Ref: NFOESM/7th PAY/109/2016 Dated: 02/09/2016 Shri. Narendra Modi, Hon. Prime Minister of India Dear Sir, It has been brought to our notice by the print media that the implementation of 7th CPC benefits to soldiers are held up due to the objection raised by the three chiefs of Armed forces. The objections are reported to have been in respect of higher pay for officer’s equivalent to their counter parts in civil. Along with this they have also recommended for a little increase in Military service pay for JCO’S only leaving behind a large section of OR’s to reduce the outgo by which their demand can be accepted without any objection by the exchequer . This is nothing but a bargaining better pay for officers only using the entire soldiers as shield. The chiefs are officers who have taken pledge to look after the welfare of those who placed below them above their own interest. The hike in Military service pay for JCO’S only as reported to have been recommended by them is likely to cause discontent among the OR’S. We are not against officers getting higher pay equivalent to their counterparts in civil it is a legitimate demand but it should not be at the cost of poor soldiers by asking them to shut their mouth. We request your god office to study the case before taking a final decision on the recommendation of Chiefs enhance the Military service pay of entire OR’s JCO’s equivalent to Nursing officers who are less exposed to risk than soldiers who are very much exposed to danger to their life in battle field, living conditions in high altitude like Siachen, in fighting cross border terrorism in times of natural calamities Thanking you MBC MENON CHAIRMAN NATIONAL FEDERATION OF EX-SERVICEMEN E-MAIL: nfoesm@gmail.com CC to: Shri.Manohar Parikkar, Hon:Defence Minister of India
    Current Status:CASE CLOSED
    Your Feedback:
    Poor
    Date of Action:05 Jan 2017
    Details:The 7th Pay Commission, an expert body, after due examination recommended Military Service Pay (MSP) at different rates for Officers and PBORs, keeping in view the various factors. The Govt, after due examination, has accepted the recommendations of the 7th CPC, vide Resolution dated 5th September 2016.


    Wednesday, 4 January 2017

    Orop: 99% pensioners will get benefits by January-end, says Manohar Parrikar

    New Delhi: Defence Minster Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday said that around 20 lakh pensioners have been paid the benefits of One Rank One Pension (Orop) so far, and more than 99 percent of cases will be settled by January-end.
    Manohar Parrikar. File photo. PTI
    Manohar Parrikar. File photo. PTI
    "So far, we have already paid the benefits to more than 19,70,000 pensioners. Around 68,000 pension cases were in scrutiny in December. The targeted time schedule was end of December and 13,000 cases are sent to pension dispersing authority," Parrikar said at a press conference.
    "With that I think almost 99 percent of the eligible cases will be settled probably by January. One percent is not being able to trace them, probably dead," the minister said.
    Parrikar said he has "instructed all the agencies to go and find out such cases".
    "Rs 6,300 crore has already been dispersed as arrears and the current payments are ongoing for the current period. Total back arrears will be around Rs 10,800 crore of which Rs 6,300 crore has been disbursed," he said.
    Orop for retired armed forces personnel was announced on 5 September, 2015.
    The scheme took 2013 as the base year to calculate pensions and date of implementation was 1 July, 2014. The period for review was kept at five years.
    First Published On : Jan 3, 2017 20:59 IST

    Tuesday, 3 January 2017

    In New Year, services await revised pay

    Defence sources said that the government had in principle agreed to most of the core concerns expressed by the services.

    As the New Year sets in, there is disgruntlement in the military as they are yet to receive their revised pay under the Seventh Pay Commission (SPC). This is because the issue is held up pending resolution of the core concerns raised by the services with respect to their civilian counterparts in the SPC recommendations.
    Defence sources said that the government had in principle agreed to most of the core concerns expressed by the services but stated that the issue being complicated it would take some more time.
    “The issue is currently being discussed between the Defence and Finance ministries and the Prime Minister’s Office. A decision will be taken at the earliest,” a source observed.
    The Defence Ministry has already issued the implementation order, which is pending further process as the services have not issued special instructions so far despite the government’s request, and thus military personnel continue to receive the Sixth Pay Commission prescribed salaries unlike their civilian counterparts.

    Letter to PM, Parrikar

    The three Chiefs had written to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the discrepancies which were not cleared by the empowered committee appointed to look into the issue. “The finance wing of the Ministry sought the financial implication of these concerns from the services two weeks ago.” another source stated.
    Around the same time, the Lavasa committee, appointed to look into the issue of allowances under the SPC, held its 7th meeting. “The Defence Ministry has largely supported the concerns of the services,” the source added.
    The services had on several occasions raised four core concernswhich they perceive reduce the status of the armed forces with respect to their civilian counterparts. These include Non Functional Upgrade (NFU), NFU pay fixation, Military Service Pay (MSP) and common pay matrix for civil and military.
    Ahead of Diwali in November the Government approved a one-time 10 per cent interim relief for military personnel for a period of 10 months from January to October 2016 pending resolution of the issue.
    ×

    Monday, 2 January 2017

    PROCEDURE FOR FILING AN RTI REQUEST


    Your Adhikar



    How to file a successful RTI !


    So we all know that RTI can be great tool but a lot of us actually have never filed an RTI and don’t know how to file an RTI. Here I try to explain the procedure of filing an RTI in a simple manner. I hope it helps.
    RTI Filing Procedure:
    RTI can be filed in any Government Department or any Government  aided institution. A citizen can demand any information or any public record, or photocopy of the record.
    1. Find out the PIO (Public Information Officer) details from the website of the organization.
    2. Write a simple application addressed to the PIO and state clearly your questions.
    3. RTI – Fees Rs.10
    (a) Attach an IPO (Indian Postal Order) or DD (Demand Draft) of Rs.10 along with the application or pay the cash amount of Rs.10 in treasury and get challan (receipt).
    (b) If you are living abroad then a Rs 10 DD from any bank will work. Just do the conversion for that time and keep the DD amount a little bit more than Rs 10.
    (c) If u had asked for any photocopies of documents, they will calculate the fee and demand it from u. So it’s better to send DD or IPO of some extra amount initially with the application itself.
    (d) The information on whom the check/draft/IPO should be addressed to is available on almost all government website. For example in case of CVC it is to “Section Officer, CVC”. 
    4. RTI – Sending Options
    (a) Send it through Normal Post or Speed Post or Registered Post or in person.
    (b) It is not compulsory but it is advisable to send by Speed Post or Registered Post because you will have a proof (receipt) of your posting.
    (c) You can also have the tracking report of your speed post by visiting indiapost.gov.in [It will give u the full detailed report of your speed post - The day it was dispatched, the route it followed & date of reaching its destination.]
    (d) RTI Application can be sent Free of Cost by BPL (Below Poverty Line) people. You need to attach photocopy of your BPL Card along with the application.
    (e) If possible also send an email of RTI Application to PIO’s official email ID displayed in the website on the same date. The clock starts ticking from the moment the email is sent (not opened). It isn’t a valid application till it is accompanied by the proper fee. That’s the whole trouble with online applications. The Fees (Rs.10) along with RTI Application can be sent by post subsequently, but the time limit starts from the day the email is sent/received.
    (e) To avoid any delay include a fully paid self addressed envelope with the application.
    PIO – Reply Time & Fine
    PIO – Public Information Officer is responsible for the RTI reply.
    Every PIO is bound to reply within 30 days of receipt of the application, if he delays without any justified official cause or gives wrong information, he can be fined upto Rs250/ daily upto Rs.25,000 with a way of deduction from his salary.
    RTI Reply Time
    Generally [30 Days] , Life & Death Case Reply Time [48 Hrs]
    IPO (Indian Postal Order)
    IPO is similar to the size of your bank cheque. You can purchase it from any post office by paying Rs.10. You need not to fill any form to purchase it. Tear off the Left Part of IPO & keep with you as a proof of purchasing. Mention the following on IPO on specified space on Right Side.
    To, PIO (Public Information Officer)
    Organization Name and Address
    From,
    Your name and address.
    RTI Application – Format
    To,
    PIO (Public Information Officer)
    Organization Name with Address
    Subject: Application for information under the Right to Information Act.
    Sir,
    Please provide the following information with respect to the following questions.
    Q1. What was the Cut off (Minimum marks obtained by a candidate) in Each Section to be called for the Interview in all categories (General, SC, ST, OBC, PH) for the examination held on – ?
    Q2. What was the Cut off (Minimum marks obtained by a candidate) in Total (Written + Interview) to be called for the Final Selection in all categories (General, SC, ST, OBC, PH) for the examination held on – & Interview Held on – ?
    Q3. What were the Highest Marks in Each Section by a candidate in the examination held on – ?
    Q4. What were the Highest Marks in Total (Written + Interview) by a candidate in the examination held on – & Interview Held on – ?
    Q5. What were the marks obtained by me in Total (Written + Interview) in the examination held on – & Interview Held on – ? – (Write Your Roll No or Registration No.)
    Signature of the applicant
    Full Name:
    Address:
    Email ID:
    DD or IPO No:
    Date:
    Place:
    Please find the following attachment (2 IPOs of Rs.10).
    1- Rs.10 IPO for the RTI application.
    2- Another Rs.10 IPO for the documentation and the other expenditures for the same work.
    RTI – Points to remember
    Use proper format if prescribed by government under its RTI rules.
    Visit if available, website of the government office, whose information is required and study RTI section.
    Pay correct amount of fee by proper mode of payment as prescribed in RTI rules.
    Send application with fee by regd or speed AD post. Avoid submitting in person. Avoid courier also. Do not address in personal name of Public Information Officer. Use official designation as Public Information Officer.
    Framing query is very important part of application. Do not ask questions as to why, when, who, whose, how etc. Instead ask for certified photocopies of records which contain the information required by you. For example do not ask “why my application is not attended so far?” Instead ask “Please provide me reasons on record and certified copy of records containing reasons for delay in attending my said application”.
    Do not waste too much time and energy in deciding which information can be asked and which cannot be. Just ask whatever you want. If you ask you may get, if you do not ask, you may not get. At the most Public Information Officer will say NO to your query. You don’t have to quote any reason for seeking the information. You can ask as many questions as u want in a single application but just stick to one subject in one application.
    Don’t mention your phone number in the RTI application. Information conveyed over phone is not necessarily genuine & you don’t have a record of it. Without the phone number, the responsible department or PIO will be compelled to provide their response in writing which could be used in pursuing the matter further.
    You can ask for free copy of citizen charter of govt. office to be supplied with reply. You can know many things about that office.
    Be crystal clear, firm and to the point but at the same time be courteous. Give serial number to each query and avoid essay type application.
    Do ask for photocopy of file noting pertaining to your matter or application, even if you do not require.
    If you know section of RTI act or decisions of CIC/State Information Commission, which are in favour of your query mention the same at the end of the respective query as [refer CIC decision No.____________dtd.______or refer section _______of RTI Act. etc].
    RTI is not applicable in J&K; RTI is not applicable to following Organizations – CBI, IB, RAW, NIA (National Investigation Agency), Economic Intelligence Bureau, Aviation Research Centre, NSG
    Wrong or Incomplete Information or No Information
    If you are not satisfied by the information given by PIO within 30 days or if no information is given to you in 30 days then you can Appeal to Appellate Authority with previous records.
    PIO can never reject the application on the ground that the information is Detailed or Large. If the information is detailed or large the RTI Act makes the provision of the inspection of relevant documents, which is being asked by the person.
    If you are not satisfied by the information given by PIO & Appellate Authority (AA) within next 30 days or if no information is given to you in next 30 days then you can Appeal to Information Commission with previous records and then the date will be fixed by the commission for a hearing and the notice will be served to the concerned PIO and the Appellant to present on a fixed date.
    AA (Appellate Authority) Vs PIO
    PIO and Appellate Authority cannot be the same person. It is a clear violation of the RTI Act.
    Section 19(1) of the Act says
    “to such officer who is senior in rank to the Central Public Information Officer or State Public Information Officer as the case may be, in each public authority”
    AA has to be an officer senior to the PIO
    The AA must forward it to the PIO but the answer should be sought from the PIO and only the AA must sign the decision of the first appeal and not the PIO. The first appeal is a complaint against the PIO. The PIO therefore can’t settle or judge (and sign) a plaint against himself, as, in simple terms, nobody can be a judge of his/her own cause.
    RTI – Rejection
    Where a request has been rejected under sub-section (1), the Central Public Information Officer or State Public Information Officer, as the case may be, shall communicate to the person making the request:
    (i) The reasons for such rejection
    (ii) The period within which an appeal against such rejection may be preferred
    (iii) The particulars of the appellate authority.
    RTI – Physical Apperance for Inormation
    The PIO (Public Information Officer) & AA (Appellate Authority) has no right to demand your physical appearance for giving the Information. They cannot compel you to do so. They must reply to RTI Application by written method only. Just wait for 30 days and send the next letter to the Information Commission.
    State RTI Act
    There are many states in India where there are State RTI acts. There are SICs (State Information Commissioner) for those states. A person can ask for information through RTI Act 2005 or through the State RTI Act. SICs are there for all states, except J&K.
    The categorization is that the public authority funded by the state government is governed by the SICs while the organizations funded by Central government in the same state are under the jurisdiction of the CIC.
    RTI in Recruitment Process
    In many occasion it is observed that recruitment discriminate the candidates or favour particular candidates during interview by assigning marks arbitrarily.
    By RTI, you can ask the photocopy of your OMR Sheet along with answer key.
    There is a Supreme Court ruling that limits interview marks for selection to govt. departments to 15 % of total marks. If, in this selection procedure, the interview marks are above that, then it can be challenged.
    Through RTI Act we may have information towards the criteria of assigning marks e.g. Qualification, Experience, Presentation etc. so that we expect at least minimum marks.
    I hope all this information can help you in filing a successful RTI. Please follow up the blog to see more real life examples of RTI files and replies provided by government agencies.
    You can check out RTI question and replies at our index page:
    http://youradhikar.com/rtis/
    You can also search for RTI replies at: http://youradhikar.com/search
    YourAdhikar Team

    Sunday, 1 January 2017

    BETRAYAL OF MSP FOR JCOs / ORs WHO FACE LIVE BULLETS-: AN INHUMAN TREATMENT TO SOLDIERS

    BETRAYAL OF MSP FOR JCOs / ORs WHO FACE LIVE BULLETS
    Why less MSP for Jawan/JCOs, because they accompanied by officer’s and convinced without reality. One of the reason why Jawan/JCOs are not getting their due is that Armed Forces Officers holding on all senior posts and they always cry for their self benefits and no one is interested in the welfare of Jawan/JCOs. In Indian Armed Forces, the officer only represent their problems to Government. Their point of is never taken up and there is no one to listen to the cries of their welfare. Anybody who thinks rationally can understand that MSP should be equal to all ranks. Why not Military Service Pay should be same for all ranks. A clear case of gross injustice with Jawan/JCOs in Military Service Pay. Since officers/JCOs/Jawans are serving in the same climatic, harsh and stress environment then why the 7th CPC showing parity. But these officers ,by leveraging the hardships of ordinary soldiers, wants to bargain more and more from the Government. They want equal pay as an IAS officer. Anybody who knows about the responsibilities of both cadres knows that the demand is totally absurd and therefore should not be accepted by the Government. When they open the discussion they project only the problems pertain to them and completely forget their other ranks. They never want to accept Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) as junior officers and still consider an PBOR's (Personal Below Officers Rank). They don’t want to see a Jawan/JCOs sitting at higher post and never they shouldn’t be allowed to represent in pay commission. In Armed Forces officers life like heaven and PBOR's like hell. An officer in Armed Force is practically living like a king.The apathy of a soldier is being used by the officers cadre in various forums for their advantage and betterment.All this despite the so called OLQs (Officers Like Qualities) present in them. But again in seventh pay commission the report recommended to grant allowances relating to risk and hardship for Siachin glacier recommended by 7th CPC for Service Officers from ₹21,000/- to ₹31,500/- and JCO/ORs from ₹14,000/- to ₹21,000/- and MSP @ ₹15500/- for officers , ₹10800/- for Nursing officers and ₹5200/-only for the Jawan / JCO's , who are directly involve in hostile operation / LoC/ Insurgency area and deployed along the "Siachen glacier", the world coldest and highest battle field, fighting at border and facing live bullets gets Military Service Pay (An allowance for danger to his life) where as Officers who are sitting in comfort ACs/ Heaters in the base and full support of Sahayaks around them recommended three times MSP then Jawan/JCOs. What is the working of Nursing Officers ? They are never involved in any hostile operations and employed with secured Hospital. When a soldier is hurt by bullet or wounded in operation a Nurse in Hospital who treats his wounds gets ₹ 10800/- for holding Officer status. Why not Military Service Pay should be same for all ranks. What a injustice again created by the Govt due to silence mode of Armed Forces Officers , is it correct are they fighting for Jawan/JCOs no they all are creating a drama only for their requirements , that's why Jawan/JCOs are against such type of activities/people's. jawan When such a vital post in Siachen glacier captured by Honorary Captain (Then Naib Subedar) Bana Singh won the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest ranking gallantry award, with Martyr NaibSubedar ChuniLal, Ashok Chakra, Vir Chakra, Sena Medal ,soldier of 8th Battalion Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (8 JAKLI) of Indian Army, and Government decorated them such a honour's then why not considered for pay and perks. Total casualties ratio between officers and Jawan/JCOs is 33 : 883 in Siachen glacier. What a huge difference ! Justice Mathur and members of 7th CPC had considered this casualties ratio and ground reality. All the issues which are raised by MOD are only for the benefit of officers,no welfare of Jawan/JCOs. No welfare of promotion, living accomodation,and pay perks, Officers are getting more facility then a officer of other department as Vehicle with driver ,steward,cook etc are given at cost of Government in lakhs. This is the duty of every Pay commission to Protect the lives of Jawan/JCOs who are guarding our frontiers and the risky areas must be higher priority along with attractive pay and allowances. It is not just a Pay Commission issue. In addition to give proper training all soldiers they must be equiped with the best and sophisticated weapons and communication sets . Night duty must be provided with night vision glass and movement with sensitive equipments, star-war related the "GPS" (satellite equipment) must be developed to our topographical. Obtain the weapon training from major world friendly country as America, Russia, Britain and Israel. Prepare every soldier a man of ready by physically and Intellectually the willingness to serve the nation and pay them up right above a Civilian Counter part. We have about 15,67,390 lakhs of ex-servicemen and they are a great support to servicemen and most exservicemen have at least a son or grandson in service, pay them better pension and benefits. Troops can be exploited again and again. but when their limit ends,everything get end. As you are aware the Armed Forces themselves cannot convey their feeling to Government directly, or go on strike. It is only Ex servicemen like us who can vouch their concerns. Reserve some quota as a Member of the Parliament, so that they can raise their Voice for their grievances or ready for another 1857, this is a dangerous situation. Jawans who earn a mere low pay and perks spending their time in Siachen and Kargil awake while the rest of the country gets a good sleep. A jawan sacrifices his family and his life in the battle, he goofs up a bit, thats the end of his career, demotion, court martial etc. Jawan/JCOs and Veterans have been cheated by the 7th CPC their pay scales and status have been lowered over the decades which has affected their moral badly. Do not let them reach the point of no return? It is time for the all GPs of Ex Servicemen to express their disgust, in a manner that shall force the Govt to consider the damage the 7th CPC recommendations are doing to the fibre of the Services. Forgetting about our narrow self interests and benefits all the Ex Servicemen of three services must join hands and make it clear that the Govt has to attend to the issues raised. Surely it is not mutiny. But if they didn't do something solid in a reasonable time frame the damage could be irreversible. Justice A K Mathur, the waves of protests that are comming from Armed forces as well other Ex Servicemen in various web sites is a clear indication of intentional injustice done to the Jawan/JCOs of Armed forces in your pay commission's report. You stand to an explanation to all this. It is better for you to stand in a terrorist infested area along with your team and get shot.Then only the arm chaired, AC room Neo Managers like your team will come to know what is like serving Armed Forces. Why these senior retired officers waking up after retirement?There has been flood of TV interviews by retired Generals. I have a question to ask. Why now? why you didnt raise your voice when you were in service? At that time you accepted whatever shit was thrown at you and suddenly now you have grown concern for lesser mortals? Stop this, as such the forces are a demoralised and when they see the interview from someone who have licked their way up and now opening their mouth then it further demoralsies them.

     jawan

    Armed Forces of a country is mirror image of the country, a happy Army means a happy nation alas the contrary is also true, in any case we as nation were ruled by Mughals, Britishers for centuries but have failed to learn our lesson. History is a teacher and time will again teach us to learn from history and past mistakes, but fools are known to commit the same mistake again and again. Will the Government take notice and act ? The media and veteran associations need to take these issues up for resolution. Ex Servicemen are completely disappointed with this 7th CPC. This is not pay commission but punishment commission. What are our Chiefs of the services doing?They are totally mum on this grave issue of 7th CPC. It's a clear disappointment for Jawan/JCOs. Discontentment with Jawan/JCOs is quite evident and not in the national interest. Jawan/JCOs have been given step motherly treatment with their status, pay and allowances. They have been deliberately lowered over the decades. Every points raised by service chiefs, pertains to officers only what for Jawan/JCOs ? We need a very strong, dedicated and loyal group of Veterans to fight for our demands. Are you ready? Yes, together we can. Jai Hind!
    Our Sincere thanks to Veteran Anil Kumar Bhadula

    Monday, 26 December 2016

    AFT allows petition seeking NFU for defence officers at par with Group ‘A’ services

    AFT, Armed Forces Tribunal, AFT NFU, AFT NFU defence forces, NFU defence forces In a verdict, which meets the long-standing demand of thousands of defence services officers, the principal bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) in New Delhi has allowed a petition demanding Non-Functional Upgradation (NFU) for defence officers on the pattern of civil services officers of Group ‘A’ services. The bench comprising the officiating chairperson of the AFT, Justic BP Katakey and Lt Gen Sanjiv Langer today delivered the judgement on the petition which had been reserved some weeks back. Col Mukul Dev of the Army’s Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Branch was the principal petitioner in the case which also has around 500 serving Army officers as co-petitioners.

    Speaking to The Indian Express, Col Rajiv Manglik (retd) advocate for the petitioners said, “NFU been allowed as given to defence officers on the pattern of civilian officers as given by the 6th Pay Commission and it will be applicable for all three services-Army, Navy and the Air Force. It has also been stated if NFU is implemented for civilians in 7th Pay Commission it will be given to armed forces officers also. The advocate also said that the bench has allowed arrears for NFU for a period not exceeding three years from the date of the judgement. “The AFT has also denied the leave to appeal in the Supreme Court to the respondents ie. the Union of India,” said Col Manglik.

    The petitioner had contended that the morale of officers of the armed forces has been lowered by the government by non-grant of the NFU and thus lowering the established status of the armed forces officers since independence. He had also argued that the stagnation in the armed forces is more acute than the civil services and that the denial is in clear violation of Article 14 and 16 of the Constitution “as the equals since independence have been made unequals”.

    It was also argued that the purpose of grant of NFU is not to equate the monetary benefits or earnings enjoyed by a particular service, but it is granted with the aim to remove the stagnation due to the acute shortage of vacancies and grant parity of promotional avenues within the IAS with stipulated lead of two years to the IAS.

    The petitioner had said that the parity established since independence and upheld by the pay commissions in succession between the armed forces and the All India Services/ Group ‘A’ services and IPS in particular has been disturbed and the petitioner has been deprived of the benefits extended to his counter parts in parity in the civil services.

    It had been contended that the armed forces officers cadre meets all the attributes attached to the Group ‘A’ organised service. The petition says that the NFU has been denied on the pretext that Military Service Pay (MSP) has been given to armed forces officers. Citing this as a “gross mis-concept” the petition said that the grant of NFU is to alleviate the acute stagnation in service, whereas the MSP and other allowances is due to the postings at various difficult terrain and living conditions.

    It was also pointed out that there are a number of Group ‘A’ services, which do not meet all the criteria for the group, yet they have been awarded NFU. The services mentioned are Indian Legal Service and Indian Trade Service, Indian Statistical service, Indian Economic service and Central Information service.

    What is NFU?
    Non Functional Upgrade (NFU) entitles an IAS officer and other Group ‘A’ services officers of the civil services to get the pay scale of the highest promoted officer of their batch even if he or she is not promoted to the same rank. This higher grade is given two years after the batchmate achieves the promotion. The aim of giving NFU is to alleviate the stagnation in the service due to non-promotion. Due to the steep pyramid of promotion in armed forces hierarchy, a large number of officers do not make it to the next selection rank. However, NFU has not been made applicable to armed forces. The Delhi High Court in its recent judgement has held that NFU is also applicable to officers of the central paramilitary forces.