PIL Filed in Supreme Court for Freezing DA in r/o Central Govt. Employees

IN THE HON’BLE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA AT NEW DELHI.

PIL DATED 24th APRIL 2020 via Email regarding payment of DA or PIL DATED 24th APRIL 2020 via email regarding payment of DA or Dearness allowance with effect from 1st January 2020 atleast to veterans and to all employees if possible

Major Onkar Singh Guleria Retired, a Senior Citizen and CANCER PATIENT, aged 69 years, son of Late Shri Kikar Singh Guleria resident of village Jachh PO Jassur Tehsil Nurpur Distt Kangra Himachal Pradesh 176201.

VERSUS

Union of India through Secretary Finance Govt of India New Delhi 110011.
Union of India through Secretary Home Govt of India New Delhi 110011.

BEFORE CHIEF JUSTICE AND ALL HIS COMPANION JUSTICES OF SUPREME COURT OF INDIA TO DIRECT UNION OF INDIA TO PRACTICE WHAT PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA PREACHES TO 130 CRORES DESHWASI AND DEFREEZE DA or dearness allownce by paying with effect from 01st January 2020 to Veterans atleast if not to employees.

MOST RESPECTFULLY SHOWETH,

1. That the applicant a CANCER PATIENT, disabled of right foot and also suffering from hypertension and a Senior Citizen with no home but living in a rented building in my last span of life and also to take care of wife a senior citizen suffering from various ailments and my only source of income is my monthly military pension of the rank of Major that too on reduced scale. I and lakhs of Veterans are aggrieved by arbitrary act of Union of India through Secretary Finance Govt of India New Delhi who were committed to pay arrears of DA or dearness allowance in first week of April 2020 but purposely not payed and on 20th April 2020 has FREEZED “DA or dearness allowance” retrospectively with effect from 01st January 2020 to cause us Veterans an irreparable loss that too at a time when Pandemic of COVID 19 VIRUS (China Originated Virus in December 19) has been commiting genocide in entire world and we to survive honourably need every paisa due to us from Govt of India. I attache arbitrary orders of freezing of DA or dearness Allowances dated 20th April 2020 of Secretary Finance Govt of India as ready referance for the Hon’ble Court.

2. That DA or dearness allowance can be basically understood as a component of salary, aimed at hedging the impact of inflation. The DA or dearness allowance is calculated as a specific percentage of the basic salary which is then added to the basic salary. PENSION received by a retired individual is considered as salary and taxed as, income from salary. Generally whatever is received from the employer in cash including DA or dearness allowance is treated as salary.

3. That the Union of India itself after studying the impact of inflation had announced increased instalment of DA or dearness allowance with effect from 01st January 2020 and promised to pay its employees and Veterans receiving pension in first week of April 2020 which was illegally and arbitrarily withheld and as a afterthought issued malafied orders dated 20th April 2020 ordering of freez of DA or dearness allowance retrospectively from 01st January 2020. It has come as a big blow especially to pensioners at a time when all veterans are more vunerable to catching COVID 19 VIRUS (China Originated Virus in December 19 ) as being daily advocated by Prime Minister of India and all functionaries of Union of India and Doctors through media and advisory letters in black and white. When Union of India is doling out financial package after package from announced budget of 2020-21 in Parliament and later various stimulous financual packages gìven and planning to give to business houses for whom at drop of hat the Political and Administrative Governments of whom many are directly or indirectly associated with industry then huge financial stimulous is being passed even during this national rather international calamity of COVID 19 ( CHINA ORIGINATED VIRUS IN DECEMBER 19), Whereas, petty amount for Union of India but it is a large amount for its employees and Retired personnels who in last span of life are undergoing various hardships is being denied by freezing “DA or dearness allowance” that too retrospectively wef 01st January 2020. This arbitrary and illegal mechanical step of Union of India without applying mind must be struck down immediately and all beneficairies paid their legitmate authorised “DA or dearness allowance” wef 01st January 2020 and continued to be paid. Even Union of India has taken care of other classes of India but subjected the “MIDDLE CLASS” to this horible torture by freezing its “DA or dearness Allowances”at a time when we need every paisa in our last span of life. We by cutting our legitimate expenses have even made small contribution to “PM CARES FUND” which so far is not transparent.

4. Then why does Prime Minister of India preaches to look after Senior citizens, not to cut salary when his own Govt is doing it. Atleast the Union of India must practice what its Prime Minster preaches.

5. Copy if this P.I.L., is being sent to all concerned by mail and all Chief Ministers are also requested to pay “DA or dearness Allowances” wef 01st January 2020 to their employees and Retired personnels.”HAVES”Political and Administrative class and affluent families are nit in touch with reality. A prominent singer is heard on TV asking 130 Crore Deshwasi to donate atleast Rs.100 Per person to make it Rs13000Crores donations. Madam there are many who have not seen or handled Rs.100 note in their entire life. Then if five of family members donate then amount comes to Rs.500/- which is equivalent to one month amount given to BPL Families by Govt of India. Madam have a heart and producers allowing her to speak this in print media has never applied mind to these ground realities. Sad, how insensitive are our “HAVES”Class!

Freezing of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief at current rates till July 2021 महंगाई भत्ते और महंगाई राहत की मौजूदा दरों को जुलाई 2021 तक रोकने के संबंध में

RELIEFS SOUGHT WITH SPEAKING ORDERS.

5. In the given premises it is respectfully prayed that the Hon’ble Court be pleased to direct Union of India through Secretary Finance Govt of India New Delhi and Secretary Home Govt of India to:

(A) Pay immediately “DA or dearness Allowances” to all employees and Retired personnels and same be done by respective States and Union Territories of India.

(B) Union of India be directed to immediately stop various financial stimulous package being given or are being planned to be given in near future to business houses as after freezing “DA or dearness Allowances” Union of India admits that financial health of the Nation is not sound and healthy. More over these business houses are directly or indirectly related to all Political class who like to enjoy all benefits even in national calamities. Some are seen distributing Govt or public donations of food etc to poor to ensure their own stamp on it. India with Lockdown has gone back to “SATJUG” in many ways and air and water is purified and need of the hour is purification of “HAVES”, i.e., the Political cum business class. Union of India must practice what Prime Minister of India preaches to look after senior citizens and not to cut salary.

6. Kindly direct registry to confirm receipt and action taken via revert Email.
NAMASTE INDIA! JAI HIND!

(MAJOR ONKAR SINGH GULERIA RETD)
(A CANCER PATIENT)
Mob: 7018748978, 9418009991.
Email: maj.onkarsinghguleria[at]gmail.com

DA MERGER LIKELY SOON

NEW DELHI: The government may increase and merge dearness allowance (DA) with basic pay with the Union Cabinet expected to include the proposal as part of the terms of reference of the 7th pay commission.
The move will facilitate announcement of interim relief to more than 50 lakh government employees and 30 lakh pensioners by the newly-constituted pay commission before the code of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls come into force.
Central government employees unions have been demanding that besides raising DA to 100%, the government should revise the pay and merge DA with basic pay, considering market inflation and price hike of essential commodities.
As per practice, DA is merged with basic pay when it breaches the 50% mark. DA merger helps employees as their other allowances are paid as a proportion of basic pay.
An official said if merger of 50% DA with basic pay was decided, it could lead to hike in salary by around 30-35%. He added that there were instances of announcing interim relief to employees apart from DA by a newly constituted pay commission prior to their implementation.
Merger of 50% DA with basic pay was done in the 5th pay commission, but the 6th commission did not recommended it.
The Centre is expected to announce next month a hike in dearness allowance by 10% which would make it 100% of basic pay. It will be the second double digit DA hike in a row as the government had announced a hike of 10% in September last year, effective from July 1, 2013.
An official said hike in DA will not be less than 10% and would be effective from January 1 this year. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ 

Restoration of frozen DA / DR from 01.07.2021 – Process would be initiated for getting the Cabinet Approval: Cabinet Secretary

It is noted from the Minutes of of NJCM held on 26/06/202, the Cabinet Sectretary is reported to have stated that the Department of Expenditure would process the matter for getting the Cabinet Approval for restoration of frozen DA/DR from 01/07/2021

All Central Government employees and pensioners are anxiously waiting for the outcome of this meeting since the DA due to employees and DR due to the Pensioners are freezed from 1/1/2020 for 18 months. The Central Government employees and pensioners have contributed more than Rs. 40,000/ Crores by not receiving the DA/DR due for them. Now since the economy is getting revived according to the Government itself, Central Government employees and pensioners may be given DA and DR retrospectively with arrears. Hope Government will take a positive decision in this regard.

An agenda regarding withdrawal of order of DA/DR freeze was included for discussion in meeting. The decision of issue of order regarding restoration of enhanced DA/DR as per All India CPI(IW) Index not seen.  Cabinet Secretary stated that Department of Expenditure would process the matter for getting the Cabinet Approval for restoring the frozen DA / DR from 1/7/2021.

The Staff Side demanded that they are eligible for arrears from 1/1/2020 and the mode of payment can be discussed separately with the Staff Side. The Staff Side also demanded to extend the benefit to those employees who retired / expired between 1/1/2020 and 30/06/2021.

As per details of discussion stated above it is evident that the waiting for withdrawal of freezing of DA/DR doesn’t end and subject to approval of Cabinet.  It is also clear that process to get approval is also pending.

DA CALCULATION METHOD TO BE MODIFIED

New Delhi: The central government is set to modify the index and base year for calculating Dearness allowance (DA), a move that may result in another type of DA will be given to 4.9 million central government employees and 6.1 million pensioners, the labour ministry sources said.

New series of CPI-IW, which will be used for determining D.A. According to the sources, the labour ministry is re-working the consumer price index (CPI-W) that is used to determine DA and the labour bureau under the ministry has finalised the new CPI-IW with base year 2016.
The sources further said that the base year is proposed to be revised in every six years so that it captures the change in living expenses more accurately.
The base year of the current CPI-IW is 2001 and it was last changed in 2006 by the Sixth Central Pay Commission. Prior to that, the base year was 1982.
DA is an increment paid as a percentage of basic salary to employees to adjust their salary to reflect the change in the cost of living.

The proposed index will include addition of new industrial centres to make price gauze more representative, taking total number of industrial centres under consideration to 88 against 78 now. Additionally, various new items are being added to the list, including cars and mobiles, to cover the change in lifestyle of industrial workers and employees over the last 15 years, the sources said.
The new index will soon go to the technical advisory committee for vetting, after which it will go to the national tripartite consultation before it is finalised, the sources said.
The labour bureau had taken approvals from standing tripartite committee at all stages of development of the index, the official further added.
The Union Cabinet increased DA to 7 percent from 5 percent effective January 2018. The revision done in March was based on the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission and had benefited the central government employees and the pensioners.
Now, with the latest revision in Dearness Allowance (DA), central government employees can witness further increase in their compensation.

Expected DA from January, 2013

Expectation of future Dearness Allowance from January, 2013 on the basis of 4 points jump 

in CPI-IW for the month of July, 2012 and 2 points jump in August, 2012 giving expectation

 for DA  80% or more from January 2013.
All India Consumer Price Index Number [http://labourbureau.nic.in/indtab.html] for Industrial

Workers (CPI-IW) on base 2001=100 for July, 2012 showing increase in 2 points and stood at 

214 (Two hundred & four).  If we expect only 1 point increase in this index for every month 

the Dearness Allowance for Central Government Employee will touch 80% in January, 2013. 

 In view of increased LPG & Diesel price etc. we expect more monthly increase in Index and 

similarly in future DA.  Please go through the following calculation:-

Expected Dearness Allowance DA for Jan, 2013 calculated as under:

Dearness Allowance = (Avg of AICPI for the past 12 months - 115.76)*100/115.76

Month	Base Year 2001 = 100	Total of 12 Months	Twelve monthly Average	% increase over 115.76 for   DA	DA announced or will be announced
Dec-11	197	2298	191.50	65.43%	65%
Jan-12	198	2308	192.33	66.15%
Feb-12	199	2322	193.50	67.16%	72%
Mar-12	201	2338	194.83	68.31%
Apr-12	205	2357	196.42	69.68%
May-12	206	2376	198.00	71.04%
Jun-12	208	2395	199.58	72.41%
Jul-12	212	2414	201.17	73.78%
Aug-12	214	2434	202.83	75.22%	80%
Sep-12	215	2452	204.33	76.51%
Oct-12	216	2470	205.83	77.81%
Nov-12	217	2488	207.33	79.11%
Dec-12	218	2509	209.08	80.62%
Jan-13	Expected DA from January

Confirm 9% DA from July 2018:

DA from July, 2018 is confirmed to be 9% in 7th CPC & 148% in 6th CPC pay structure with 2% increase in 7th CPC DA & 6% increase in 6th CPC DA after releasing of June, 2018 All India Consumer Price (Industrial Workers) Index Number [CPI(IW)].

Employees who are in revised 7th CPC pay structure will get 9% Dearness Allowance from the month of January, 2018 and employees who are in pre-revised 6th CPC pay structure will get 148% Dearness Allowance from the month of July, 2018.  The revised Dearness Allowance for the second half of the year may be approved by the Govt in the month of September, 2018 as per previous trend. Monthly Dearness Allowance and Transport Allowance will enhanced from this increase in DA and pensioners will also be benefited by this increase.

DA from July, 2018 calculated to be 9% in 7th CPC & 148% in 6th CPC pay structure as per  AICPIN of June-2018released.

Cabinet approves recommendations of the 7th CPC on allowances

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the recommendations of the 7^th CPC on allowances with some modifications. The revised rates of the allowances shall come into effect from 1^st July, 2017 and shall affect more than 48 lakh central government employees.

While approving the recommendations of the 7^th CPC on 29^th June, 2016, the Cabinet had decided to set up the Committee on Allowances (CoA) in view of substantial changes in the existing provisions and a number of representations received. The modifications are based on suggestions made by the CoA in its Report submitted to Finance Minister on 27^th April, 2017 and the Empowered Committee of Secretaries set up to screen the recommendations of 7^th CPC.

7th CPC recommendations on Allowances

The 7^th CPC had adopted a three-pronged approach in examining a total of 197 allowances which involved an assessment of the need for continuation of each allowance, appropriateness of the set of people covered by the allowance and rationalisation which involved clubbing of allowances with similar objectives. Based on the examination on these lines, the 7^th CPC recommended that 53 allowances be abolished and 37 be subsumed in an existing or a newly proposed allowance.

For most of the allowances that were retained, the 7^th CPC recommended a raise commensurate with inflation as reflected in the rates of Dearness Allowance (DA). Accordingly, fully DA-indexed allowances such as Transport Allowance were not given any raise. Allowances not indexed to DA were raised by a factor of 2.25 and the partially indexed ones by a factor of 1.5. The quantum of allowances paid as a percentage of pay was rationalised by a factor of 0.8.

A new paradigm has been evolved to administer the allowances linked to risk and hardship. The myriad allowances, their categories and sub–categories pertaining to  civilians employees, CAPF and defence personnel have been fitted into a table called the Risk and Hardship Matrix (R&H Matrix). The Matrix has nine cells denoting varying degrees of risk and hardship with one extra cell at the top named as RH - Max to include Siachen Allowance. Multiple rates applicable to individual allowances will be replaced by two slab rates for every cell of the R&H Matrix.

Modifications approved by the Cabinet

The modifications approved today were finalised by the E-CoS based on the recommendations of the CoA. The CoA had undertaken extensive stakeholder consultations before finalising its recommendations. It had interacted with Joint Consultative Machinery (Staff side) and representatives from various staff associations. Most of the modifications are on account of continuing requirement of some of the existing arrangements, administrative exigencies and to further the rationalization of the allowances structure.

Financial Implications

 The modifications approved by the Government in the recommendations of the 7th CPC on allowances will lead to a modest increase of ₹1448.23 crore per annum over the projections made by the 7th CPC. The 7th CPC, in its Report, had projected the additional financial implication on allowances at ₹29,300 crore per annum. The combined additional financial implication on account of the 7th CPC recommendations along with the modifications approved by the Cabinet is estimated at ₹30748.23 crore per annum.

 Highlights of Cabinet approval on Allowances

 1.        Number of allowances recommended to be abolished and subsumed:

Government has decided not to abolish 12 of the 53 allowances which were recommended to be abolished by the 7th CPC. The decision to retain these allowances has been taken keeping in view the specific functional requirements of Railways, Posts and Scientific Departments such as Space and Atomic Energy. It has also been decided that 3 of the 37 allowances recommended to be subsumed by the 7th CPC will continue as separate identities. This has been done on account of the unique nature of these allowances. The rates of these allowances have also been enhanced as per the formula adopted by the 7th CPC. 

This will benefit over one lakh employees belonging to specific categories in Railways, Posts, Defence and Scientific Departments.

2.        House Rent Allowance

HRA is currently paid @ 30% for X (population of 50 lakh & above), 20% for Y (5 to 50 lakh) and 10% for Z (below 5 lakh) category of cities. 7th CPC has recommended reduction in the existing rates to 24% for X, 16% for Y and 8% for Z category of cities. As the HRA at the reduced rates may not be sufficient for employees falling in lower pay bracket, it has been decided that HRA shall not be less than ₹5400, ₹3600 and ₹1800 for X, Y and Z category of cities respectively. This floor rate has been calculated @ 30%, 20% and 10% of the minimum pay of ₹18000. This will benefit more than 7.5 lakh employees belonging to Levels 1 to 3.

7th CPC had also recommended that HRA rates will be revised upwards in two phases to 27%, 18% and 9% when DA crosses 50% and to 30%, 20% and 10% when DA crosses 100%. Keeping in view the current inflation trends, the Government has decided that these rates will be revised upwards when DA crosses 25% and 50% respectively. This will benefit all employees who do not reside in government accommodation and get HRA.

3.        Siachen Allowance

7th CPC had placed Siachen Allowance in the RH-Max cell of the R&H Matrix with two slabs of ₹21,000 and ₹31,500. Recognizing the extreme nature of risk and hardship faced by officers / PBORs on continuous basis in Siachen, the Government has decided to further enhance the rates of Siachen Allowance which will now go up from the existing rate from ₹14,000 to ₹30,000 per month for Jawans & JCOs (Level 8 and below) and from ₹21,000 to ₹42,500 per month for Officers (Level 9 and above). With this enhancement, Siachen Allowance will become more than twice the existing rates. It will benefit all the soldiers and officers of Indian Army who are posted in Siachen.

 4.        Dress Allowance

At present, various types of allowances are paid for provisioning and maintenance of uniforms/outfits such as Washing Allowance, Uniform Allowance, Kit Maintenance Allowance, Outfit Allowance etc. These have been rationalised and subsumed in newly proposed Dress Allowance to be paid annually in four slabs @ ₹5000, ₹10,000, ₹15,000 and ₹20,000 per annum for various category of employees. This allowance will continue to be paid to Nurses on a monthly basis in view of high maintenance and hygiene requirements. Government has decided to pay higher rate of Dress Allowance to SPG personnel keeping in view the existing rates of Uniform Allowance paid to them (which is higher than the rates recommended by the 7th CPC) as also their specific requirements. The rates for specific clothing for different categories of employees will be governed separately.

5.        Tough Location Allowance

Some allowances based on geographical location such as Special Compensatory (Remote Locality) Allowance (SCRLA), Sunderban Allowance & Tribal Area Allowance have been subsumed in Tough Location Allowance. The areas under TLA have been classified into three categories and the rates will be governed as per different cells of R&H Matrix and will be in the range of ₹1000 - ₹5300 per month. The 7th CPC had recommended that TLA will not be admissible with Special Duty Allowance (SDA) payable in North-East, Ladakh and the Islands. Government has decided that employees will be given the option to avail of the benefit of SCRLA at pre-revised rates along with SDA at revised rates.

6.                     Recommendations in respect of some important allowances paid to all employees:

(i)                  Rate of Children Education Allowance (CEA) has been increased from ₹1500 per month / child (max. 2) to ₹2250 per month / child (max.2). Hostel Subsidy will also go up from ₹4500 per month to ₹6750 per month.

(ii)                Existing rates of Special Allowance for Child Care for Women with Disabilities has been doubled from ₹1500 per month to ₹3000 per month.

(iii)          Higher Qualification Incentive for Civilians has been increased from ₹2000 - ₹10000 (Grant) to ₹10000 - ₹30000 (Grant).

 7.        Recommendations in respect of some important allowances paid to         Uniformed Services: Defence, CAPFs, Police, Indian Coast Guard and    Security Agencies

                     i.                        The 7th CPC has recommended abolition of Ration Money Allowance (RMA) and free ration to Defence officers posted in peace areas. It has been decided that Ration Money Allowance will continue to be paid to them and directly credited to their account. It will benefit 43000 Defence officers.

                   ii.                        Technical Allowance (Tier - I & II) are paid to Defence officers belonging to technical branches @₹3000 per month and ₹4500 per month. 7th CPC has recommended that Technical Allowance (Tier - II) be merged with Higher Qualification Incentive for Defence personnel. In view of the specific requirements of Defence Forces for the Defence personnel to keep pace with changing Defence requirements and technologies, the  Government has decided not to discontinue Technical Allowance. The list of courses for these allowances will be reviewed to remain in sync with the latest technical advancements in Defence.

                 iii.                        The facility of one additional free railway warrant (Leave Travel Concession) presently granted to personnel of Defence Forces serving in  field/high altitude/CI Ops shall also be extended to all personnels of CAPFs and the Indian Coast Guard. 

                 iv.                        Rates of High Altitude Allowance granted to Defence Forces and CAPF personnel will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from  ₹810 - ₹16800 per month to ₹2700 – ₹25000 per month.

                   v.                        Field Area Allowances are granted to Indian Army, Air Force & CAPF personnel. The rates of Field Area Allowances (Modified Field, Field & Highly Active)  will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from ₹1200 - ₹12600 per month to ₹6000 - ₹16900 per month. Classification of field areas for this allowance will be done by Ministry of Defence for Defence personnel and by Ministry of Home Affairs for CAPFs.

                 vi.                        The rates of Counter Insurgency Ops (CI Ops) Allowance, granted to Defence and CAPFs while deployed in counter – insurgency operations will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from  ₹3000 - ₹11700 per month to ₹6000 – ₹16900 per month.

               vii.                        Rates of MARCOS and Chariot Allowance granted to marine commandos of Indian Navy will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from ₹10500 - ₹15750 per month to ₹17300 – ₹25000 per month.

             viii.                        Rates of Sea Going Allowance granted to personnel of Indian Navy will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The twelve hour conditionality for determining the eligibility of Sea Going Allowance has been reduced to four hours. The rates will go up from ₹3000 - ₹7800 per month to ₹6000 – ₹10500 per month.

                 ix.                        Rates of Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA) Allowance granted to CRPF personnel deployed in Naxal hit areas will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from ₹8400 - ₹16800 per month to ₹17300 – ₹25000 per month.

                   x.                        Rates of Flying Allowance granted to flying branch and technical officers of Defence Forces will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from ₹10500 - ₹15750 per month to ₹17300 – ₹25000 per month. It has been extended mutatis mutandis to BSF Air Wing also.

                 xi.                        Rates of Higher Qualification Incentive for Defence Personnel have been increased from ₹9000 – ₹30000 (Grant) to ₹10000 – ₹30000 (Grant).

               xii.                        Aeronautical Allowance, presently paid to personnel of Indian Navy, has been extended to Indian Coast Guard. The rate of this allowance has been increased from ₹300 per month to ₹450 per month.

             xiii.                        Rates of Test Pilot and Flight Test Engineer Allowance will be governed by the R&H Matrix. The rates will go up from  ₹1500 / ₹3000 per month to ₹4100 / ₹5300 per month.

             xiv.                        Rates of Territorial Army Allowance have been increased from ₹175 - ₹450 per month to ₹1000 - ₹2000 per month.

               xv.                        Ceilings of Deputation (Duty) Allowance for Defence Personnel have been increased from ₹2000 - ₹4500 per month to ₹4500 - ₹9000 per month.

             xvi.                        Rates of Detachment Allowance have been increased ₹165 - ₹780 per day to ₹405 – ₹1170 per day.

           xvii.                        Rates of Para Jump Instructor Allowance have been increased from ₹2700/3600 per month to ₹6000 / 10500 per month.

         xviii.                        Special Incident / Investigation / Security Allowance has been rationalized. Rates for Special Protection Group (SPG) have been revised to 55% and 27.5% of Basic Pay for operational and non – operational duties respectively.

 8.         Recommendations in respect of some important allowances paid to Indian Railways

               i.                              Rates of Additional Allowance have been increased from ₹500 / 1000 per month to ₹1125 / 2250 per month. This has also been extended to Loco Pilot Goods and Senior Passenger Guards also @₹750 per month.  

                   ii.                        In view of strenuous nature of the job, new Allowance namely Special Train Controller’s Allowance @5000 per month for Train Controllers of Railways has been introduced.

 9.        Recommendations in respect of some important allowances paid to Nurses & Ministerial Staffs of Hospital

                  i.                        Existing rate of Nursing Allowance has been increased from ₹4800 per month to ₹7200 per month.

                ii.                        Rate of Operation Theatre Allowance has been increased from ₹360 per month to ₹540 per month.

                 iii.                        Rates of Hospital Patient Care Allowance / Patient Care Allowance have been increased from ₹2070 - ₹2100 per month to ₹4100 – ₹5300 per month. 7^th CPC recommendations modified to the extent that it will be granted to Ministerial staff also.

 10.       Recommendations in respect of some important allowances paid to        Pensioners

 Rate of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) for Pensioners has been increased from ₹500 per month to ₹1000 per month. This will benefit more than 5 lakh central government pensioners not availing CGHS facilities.

                     i.                        The rate of Constant Attendance Allowance granted on 100% disablement has been increased from ₹4500 per month to ₹6750 per month.

 11.       Allowances to Scientific Departments

               i.                              The recommendations of 7th CPC to abolish Launch Campaign Allowance and Space Technology Allowance has not been accepted. In order to incentivize the supporting employees in Space and Atomic Energy sector, the rate of Launch Campaign and Space Technology Allowance has been increased from ₹7500 per annum to ₹11250 per annum. Professional Update Allowance for non-gazetted employees of Department of Atomic Energy will also continue to be paid at the enhanced rate of ₹11250 per annum.

                   ii.                     The 7th CPC had placed Antarctica Allowance, paid to the Scientists and other members undertaking the expedition to Antarctica under the Indian Antarctic programme, in the RH-Max Cell of the R&H Matrix. The rates of the RH-Max Cell recommended by the 7th CPC were less than the existing rates of Antarctica Allowance which is currently paid on per day basis. Considering the specific nature of these expeditions and to provide appropriate increase in rates, Government has decided to keep Antarctica Allowance out of the R&H Matrix and the allowance will continue to be paid on per day basis as per existing practice. The Rates of Antarctica Allowance will go up from ₹1125 per day (Summers) and ₹1688 per day (Winters) to ₹1500 per day (Summers) and ₹2000 per day (Winters).

 12.                  Allowances paid to D/o Posts

                     i.                        The recommendations of 7th CPC to abolish Cycle Allowance, granted     mainly to Postmen and trackmen in Railways, has not been accepted.           Keeping in view the specific requirement of this allowance for postmen                       in Department of Posts and trackmen in Railways, the cycle allowance       is retained and the rates have been doubled from ₹90 per month to ₹180                       per month. This will benefit more than 22,200 employees.

Conclusion

While increasing the rate of allowances affecting the central government employees, especially the Defence, CAPF and Coast Guard personnel, the staff of Railways, Postal department and nursing staff, the total number of allowances have been rationalized from 197 to 128. Thus, the Government has shown a great deal of fiscal prudence and at the same time addressed the genuine concerns of the employees and responded to some of the administrative exigencies necessitating the modifications.

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