Thursday, February 28, 2013

Mobile Money Transfer Service

Department of Posts in a tie up with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has commercially launched the Mobile Money Transfer Service in four Postal Circles viz., Punjab, Bihar, Delhi and Kerala on 15th November 2012. The service has been implemented in selected post offices in each of these circles.

The agreement for Mobile Money Transfer Service between Department of Posts and BSNL provides for the extension of the service to other postal circles after review of the same at the end of six months period.

This information was given by Shri Milind Deora, Minister of State for C&IT in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

Source : PIB Release, 27 Feb, 2013

Budget 2013-14 Highlights

Budget for 2013-14 presented in the Lok Sabha Thursday by Finance Minister P. Chidambaram. Few highlights are as under:
 
* No plans to revise direct tax rates * Surcharge of 10% on Rs 1 crore plus income earners.
* Rs 532 crore to make post offices part of core banking. 
* PSU banks to have ATMs at all their branches by March 31, 2014. 
* Rs 80,194 crore allocation for Ministry of Rural Development in 2013-14. About Rs 33,000 crore for MGNREGA.
* TDS of 1% on land deals over Rs 50 lakh, agricultural land exempted. 
* Commodity transaction tax introduced.
 
To view full highlights, please CLICK HERE.
 
Source : TOI

10 glasses of water a day cuts flab

We have all heard this advice innumerable times. Drink eight to 10 glass of water a day. Experts say that if you are overweight or tend to get most of your calories from processed and salty food, eight to 10 glass of water could actually help you reduce your weight.

Water could lower your BMI. If you drink eight to 10 glass of water everyday you will end up eating less and also drink fewer calorie-laden beverages. Drinking about 500 ml of water before meal can cut the calories and help in losing weight and as a result lower body mass index (BMI). Water helps in burning fat. You can burn about 50 per cent more
fat after drinking water compared with a higher calorie beverage.

Water helps you play your sports better. Sweating away just two per cent of your body's water content affects the performance of a sportsperson to a great extent. Drinking enough water can improve your game and save you from the risk of dehydration. 

Water can fight hangovers. Being adequately hydrated is the best way not to feel lousy and grouchy after a late night party. Drink a couple of glasses of water hours before the event. Even when you are flying a long distance flight, staying hydrated helps you fight hangover

Source : TOI 

Revised Recruitment Rules of Inspector Posts.

It is learnt from Directorate that revised Recruitment Rules of Inspector Posts cadre are likely to be finalized and issued soon.
 

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Restriction on Issue of Cheques from Saving Bank Accounts

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a Master Circular dated 02.07.2012 on ‘Customer Service in Banks’ which, inter-alia, provides that banks may issue cheque books with larger number of leaves (20 or 25) if a customer demands the same and also ensure that adequate stocks of such cheque books (20 / 25 leaves) are maintained with all the branches to meet the requirements of the customers.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narian Meena in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
Source:pib

India Post Hindi Flyer

To view the same, please CLICK HERE. 


COMMON COMPUTER PROBLEMS, TOP 10 MOST COMMON COMPUTER PROBLEMS

To view the details, please CLICK HERE. 

Inspector Posts Examination 2012....WB Circle result

It is learnt from Directorate that result has already been prepared and kept ready for declaration.  Due to some administrative reasons it is delayed and likely to be declared soon.

Enhancement of limit for verification of withdrawals from Savings Accounts made at Extra Departmental Sub/Branch Post Offices and Single Handled Post Offices

Our Association has continuously requested Directorate to enhance the limit of verification of withdrawals took place at Single Handed SOs and BOs. This issue was also discussed with Secretary (Posts) during the course of last visit to Directorate. Directorate vide SB order No. 2/2013 dated 26/2/2013 has enhanced the limit of verification of withdrawal at Single Handed Post Office and BOs from Rs. 5000/- to Rs. 10000/- w. e.e f. 1/3/2013.
To view copy of Directorate, please CLICK HERE. 
 

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Recommendations from UPSC

No request was received from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) regarding delinking of schedule languages from its scheme of examination. However, Department of Personnel & Training (DOPT) had forwarded to this Ministry for comments, the recommendations of the High Level Standing Committee which had been appointed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in July, 2009 to examine the modalities for implementing the recommendations of the Parliamentary Resolution of 1968. According to the Resolution, languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution and English shall be permitted as alternative media for the All India and higher Central Services examination after ascertaining the views of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on the future scheme of the examinations, the procedural aspects and the timing etc.

The recommendations of the said Committee are enclosed in Annexure. The Ministry of Home Affairs had agreed with the recommendations.

Recommendations of the High Level Committee appointed by the Union Public Service Commission

(i) The language adopted by the UPSC for conducting its examination should be based on their growth in the higher educational system and the inclusion of a language in the Eighth Schedule should not be the only basis for its adoption by the UPSC in its All India and Higher Central Services Examinations.

(ii) All candidates should have the option to write Civil Services Examination either in Hindi or English.

(iii) The candidates in the Civil Services Examination should be allowed to write their papers (other than the Indian Language and English Compulsory Papers) in any of the languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution provided the candidate has had her/his graduation in that particular language medium of examination.

(iv) In the interest of maintaining the equality and standards of examination conducted by UPSC, a minimum number of 25 (twenty five) candidates will be required for conducting examination in any one language.

(v) Considering the dynamics of growth of languages in the higher education system, UPSC may review the above policy after a gap of three years.

This was stated by Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri RPN Singh in Lok Sabha today.

Source : PIB

Clarification about treatment of Voter ID Card and Aadhaar Card as age proof.


Rail Budget 2013-14....Highlights

72 additional suburban services in Mumbai and 18 in Kolkata

Rs.100 crore for improving stations in New Delhi
 
Marginal increase in cancellation, reservation charges
 
No fresh hike in passenger fares
 
Common rail-bus ticket to be introduced for Katra-Vaishnodevi pilgrims
 
New train Azadi Express to places linked with the freedom struggle to be introduced, fares to be concessional
 
Internet booking to be provided from 0030 hours to 2330 hours
 
Internet booking to be strengthened with next-generation e-ticketing system to eliminate delays
 
Special A/C coaches ‘Anubhuti’, to be introduced in select Shatabdi and Rajdhani trains to give excellent ambience with commensurate fare
 
Railways will use Aadhar data base for bookings and validation of passengers
 
SMS alert service being rolled out shortly to intimate passengers about reservation status
 
Free wi-fi facility to be provided in select trains
 
Plan to allow e-ticketing via mobile phones

10% reservation for women in RPF

Transfer and Posting order of the JAG Officers of the Indian Postal Service Group-A

The following transfer and posting order of the JAG Officers of the Indian Postal Service Group-A has been issued vide Directorate Memo No.2-8/2013-SPG dated 21st February, 2013.
 
Sl. No.
Name of the Officer
Presently Posted
Posting on Transfer
1
Sh. Pranav Kumar (IPoS-1995)
Director New Delhi GPO, Delhi Circle
Director (Mails& SP), Delhi Circle
2
Sh. A.K. Sing(IPoS-1989)
DPS, North Region, Muzaffarpur, Bihar Circle
Director (BD & Mktg), Odisha Circle
3
Sh. Pranoy Sharma (IPoS-1998)
OSD to Secretary (Posts)
AGM (BP), BD & M Directorate, New Delhi
4
Sh. Pawan Ku. Sing (IPoS-2000)
Director (BD, Tech & Mktg), Odisha Circle
DPS (HQ), Odisha Circle
5
Sh. Aman Sharma
Director (Mails& SP), Delhi Circle
OSD to Secretary (Posts)
 

Monday, February 25, 2013

Interest rates on PF deposits increased

NEW DELHI: Retirement fund body EPFO today decided to pay 8.5 per cent interest rate to its over five crore subscribers on their PF deposits for 2012-13, higher than 8.25 per cent provided in the previous fiscal. 

The decision was taken at the meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), the highest decision making body of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The meeting was chaired by the labour minister.

 "A decision has been taken to pay 8.5 per cent interest on PF deposits, but we have expressed our reservations as we wanted higher interest rate," said D L Sachdev, Secretary All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) after the CBT meeting.

 (The notification on interest rate is issued by the government after concurrence with the finance ministry).

REVISION OF PPO OF PRE-2006 PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS - (I) EVEN IF AGE/DATE OF BIRTH OF SPOUSE IS NOT AVAILABLE, (II) MODEL ADVERTISEMENT FOR USE BY MINISTRIES/DEPARTMENTS.(

Bank Account Number Portability: Lok Sabha Q&A

Regarding payment of incentive to SDl/ASP Sub Divisions for verification of RPLI proposals

To view the copy issued by Directorate of PLI, please CLICK HERE.
 

Clarification on change of Nominee and Insurant name

To view the details, please CLICK HERE. 
 

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Special Cover released on 'Right to Education'

The Minister of State for Communications & Information Technology and Shipping, Shri Milind Deora releasing the special cover on “Right to Education” by Indian Post, at National Philatelic exhibition, in Mumbai on February 24, 2013 at World Trade Centre, Nairman Point. The Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle, Col. K. C. Mishra VSM and the President, Philatelic Society of India, Shri Dhirubhai Mehta are also seen.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Requests for re-allotment / change of posting rejected


Copy of Postal Directorate letter No. 9-23/2012-SPG dated 15/02/2013 is reproduced below.

To,
All Heads of Circles,
All PTCs,
PCSI Ghaziabad

Sub : Promotion/postings of officers in PSS Group B grade.

Madam/Sir,
                I am directed to refer to this Directorate’s Order No. 9-23/2012-SPG dated 28/12/2012 on the subject cited above and to say that Competent Authority has observed that some officials have not been relieved to join their new place of posting as they have represented for re-allotment / change of posting. This scenario has caused administrative problems and non-compliance of Directorate’s orders.

2.            As such I am directed to request that all the officers, who have not been relieved so far, for one reason or other, may be relieved immediately with the directions to report for duty to the office concerned as per posting orders immediately without taking into consideration of any re-allotment requests.  The re-allotment requests received from officials, who are yet to join the new post on promotion to PS Group B are not being considered at this stage.

3.            It may be ensured that all officers should join the new assignment immediately and date of joining of such officers may be intimated to this Directorate latest by 28/2/2013. In respect of officers who decline the promotion, their refusal letter may also be sent by 8/3/2013. It is requested to accord priority to this case.
Yours faithfully,

Sd/-
(Raj Kumar)
Director (Staff)
011-23036656

TV set donated to CHQ by Karnataka Circle.

All India Association of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents Posts Karnataka Branch have donated one new LED TV to CHQ office at New Delhi on 21/2/2013. Recently, Civil Wing has carried out some repairs and colouring to CHQ office. Our outstation members during their official visit to New Delhi can stay at CHQ office. 

CHQ is very much thankful to our Karnataka Branch for extending their co-operation and support.

Service Tax - admissibility of service tax on sale of space or time for printing of advertisements on items of postal stationeries including Meghdoot Postcards etc.

To view DOP memo No. 36-71/2001-BD&MD/Vol.II dated 11.2.2013, please CLICK HERE.
 

The services of Smt. Sumitha Ayodhya (IPoS-2002), Director Postal Services, Chennai City Region, Tamilnadu Circle are placed at the disposal of Government of Andhra Pradesh

To view DOP order, please CLICK HERE.
 

Shri Prannoy Sharma (IPoS-1998), OSD to Secretary (Posts), will hold the additional charge of Addl. General Manager (BP) in BD&M Directorate

To view DOP order dated 18/2/2013, please CLICK HERE.
 

Coming soon, Post Bank of India

The postal department plans to enter the banking business with the Reserve Bank of India deciding to grant new bank licences to entities with credible track-record.

Consultant appointed :
Sources said the Department of Posts, which has a strong foot print in rural areas, has appointed Ernst and Young (E&Y) as the consultant for the proposed ‘Post Bank’

“Ernst and Young is expected to submit a detailed project report by April, after which all the necessary measures will be taken up to apply for banking licence,” a source at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology told PTI.

The sources added that the Department of Post (DoP) might need Cabinet approval for setting up Post Bank of India.

Of the 1.55 lakh post offices in the country, around 24,000 district offices may be ready to offer banking services in the next two years.

The DoP is in process of setting up 1,000 ATMs.

“Post Bank shall not only take care of the banking needs of the rural poor but shall also converge with micro-insurance and micro-remittance services of the DoP,” the source said.

As per data shared with Parliament, there were over 26 crore operational small savings accounts in post offices as on March 31, 2012, having deposits worth Rs.1.9 lakh crore.

Courtesy – The Hindu, 23rd Feb, 2013

Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2012- Results of the Written Examination Announced

The UPSC has announced the results of the candidates who have qualified for Personality Test for selection to the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Police Service and other Central Services (Group ‘A’and Group ‘B’). The UPSC had conducted the written exam of the Civil Services(Main), 2012 in October last year.
Personality Test of these candidates will commence from 4thMarch, 2013. Personality Tests will be held in the Office of the Union Public Service Commission at Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110069. The date and time of Personality Test is being intimated to the qualified candidates individually. It will also be displayed on the Commission’s Website http://www.upsc.gov.in. The candidates who do not receive communication regarding their Personality Test, should immediately contact the office of the Commission through letter or on Phone Nos. 011-23385271, 011-23381125, 011-23098543 or Fax No. 011-23387310, 011-23384472. 
The mark-sheets of candidates who have not qualified, will be put on the Commission’s Website within 15 days from the date of publication of the final result (after conducting Personality Test) and will remain available on the Website for a period of 60 days.
To view ROLL Numbers, please CLICK HERE.

Friday, February 22, 2013

FAQs related to the New Pension Scheme (NPS)

1.            Whether a retiring Government servant is entitled for leave encashment after retirement under the NPS?
 Answer : The benefit of encashment of leave salary is not a part of the retirement benefits admissible under Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972. It is payable in terms of CCS (Leave) Rules which will continue to be applicable to the government servants who join the government service on after 1-1-2004. Therefore, the benefit of encashment of leave salary payable to the governments/to their families on account of retirement/death will be admissible.

2.            Why is it mandatory to use 40% of pension wealth to purchase the annuity at the time of the exit (i.e. after the age of 60 years) from NPS?
 Answer :  This provision has been made in the New Pension Scheme with an intention that the retired government servants should get regular monthly income during their retired life.

3.            Whether any minimum age or minimum service is required to quit from Tier-I?
Answer :  Exit from Tier-I can only take place when an individual leaves Government service.

4.            Whether Dearness Pay is counted as basic pay for recovery of 10% for Tier-I?
 Answer :  As per the New Pension Scheme, the total Dearness Allowance is to be taken into account for working out the contributions to Tier-I. Subsequently, a part of the “Dearness Allowance” has been treated as Dearness Pay. Therefore, this should also be reckoned for the purpose of contributions.

5.            Whether contribution towards Tier-I from arrears of DA is to be deducted?
 Answer :  Yes. Since the contribution is to be worked out at 10% of (Pay+ DP+DA), it needs to be revised whenever there is any change in these elements

6.            Who will calculate the interest PAO or CPAO?
 Answer :  The PAO should calculate the interest.

7.            What happens if an employee gets transferred during the month? Which office will make deduction of Contribution?
 Answer :  As in the case of other recoveries, the recovery of contributions towards New Pension Scheme for the full month (both individual and government) will be made by the office who will draw salary for the maximum period.

8.            Whether NPA payable to medical officers will count towards ‘Pay’ for the purpose of working out contributions to NPS?
 Answer :  Yes. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has clarified vide their O.M. no. A45012/11/97-CHS.V dated 7-4-98 that the Non-Practising Allowance shall count as ‘pay’ for all service benefits. Therefore, this will be taken into account for working out the contribution towards the New Pension Scheme.

9.            Whether a government servant who was already in service prior to 1.1.2004, if appointed in a different post under the Government of India, will be governed by the CCS (Pension) Rules or NPS?
 Answer :   In cases where Government servants apply for posts in the same or other departments and on selection they are asked to render technical resignation, the past services are counted towards pension under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972. Since the Government servant had originally joined government service prior to 1-1-2004, he should be covered under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972.

DO’s AND DON’Ts FOR CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

The central civil service conduct rules, 1964 impose various restrictions on central govt employees. Some Do’s and Don’ts applicable to employees are given below.

Do’s:-

1. Maintain absolute integrity all times.
2. Maintain absolute devotion to duty at all times.
3. Those holding responsible posts – maintain independence and impartiality in the discharge of your duties.
4. Maintain decent and responsible conduct in their private life.
5. Observe proper decorum during lunch break.
6. Render prompt and coureous service to the public.
7. Report to the superiors the fact of your arrest or conviction in a Criminal court and the circumstances connected therewith, as soon as it is possible to do so.
8. Keep away from deomonstrations organized by political parties in the vicinity/ neighbourhood of government offices.
9. Manage private affairs in such a way as to avoid habitual indebtedness or insolvency.
10. Maintain political nutrality.
11. Act in accordance with the government policies.
12. Observe courtesy and consideration to Members of Parliament and State Legislatures.
13. If any legal proceedings are institued for the reocovery of any debt due from you or for adjusting you as an insolvent, report the full facts of such proceedings to the competent authority.
14. In perfomance of duties in good faith, communicate information to a person in accordance with the ‘Right to Information Act, 2005′ and the rules made thereunder.

Dont’s:-

1. Do not indulge in acts unbecoming of a government servant.
2. Do not be discourteous, dishonest of partial.
3. Do not make joint representations in matters of common interest.
4. Do not adopt dilatory tactics in your dealings with public.
5. Do not convey oral instructions to subordinates.
6. Do not practise untouchability
7. Do not associate yourself with any banned organizations.
8. Do not join any association or demonstration whose objects or activities are prejudicial to the interest of the sovereignity and integrity of India, Public order or morality.
9. Do not give expression to views on Indian or foreign affairs, while visiting foreign countries.
10. Do not get involved in unauthorized communication of any official document or any pat thereof or classified information to any government servant or any othere persons to whom you are not authorized to communicate such document of classified information.
11. Do not joint or support an illegal strike.
12. Do not enter into any private correspondance with foreign Embassies or Missions.
13. Do not accept lavish or frequent hospitality from any individual, industrial or commercial firms, organizations, etc having official dealings with you.
14. Do not accept any offer of the cost of passage to foreign coutries or hospitality by way of free board and lodging there, if such offers are from foreign firms contracting with Govt.
15. Do not accept invitations to you and members of your family for free inaugural flights offered by Air India, Indian airlines Corportation or foreign Airlines.
16. Do not give or take or abet giving or taking of dowry or demand any dowry directly or indirectly from the parent or guardian of a bride or bridgegroom.
17. Do not accept any gift from any foreign firm which is having official dealings. 
18. Do not engage yourself in canvassing business of life insurance Agency, commission agencey or advertising agency owned or managed by the members of your family.
19. Do not lend or borrow money from or deposit money as a member or agent, with any person, firm or private company with whom you likely to have official dealings. Do not otherwise place yourself under pecunary obligation with such person, firm or private company.
20. Do not approach your subordinates for standing surety for loans taken from private sources either by your / your relatons / friends.
21. Do not undertake private consultance work.
22. Do not speculate in any stock, share or other investment.
23. Do not purchase shares out of the quota reserved for friends and associates of Directors of ompanies.
24. Do not bid at any auction of property where such auction is arranged by your own officers.
25. Do not stay as guest with foreign diplomats or foreign national in India.
26. Do not invite any foreign diplomat to stay with you as a guest in India.
27. Do not accept or permit your wife or dependants to accept passage money or free air transport from a foreign Mission/ Government or Organization.
28. Do not bring any political influence in matters pretaining to your service. 29. Do not consume any intoxicating drinks or dugs while on duty.
30. Do not appear in public place in a state of intoxication.
31. Do not indulge in any act of sexual harassment of any woman at her work place. 32. Do not employee children below 14 years of age.
33. Do not accept award of monetary benefits instituted by private trusts/ Foundations , etc.


Source : www.govtempdiary.com/

To Fix Timeline for Redressal of Grievances.

To view the details, please CLICK HERE. 

Biometric Money Dispensing Machines.

The banks install ATMs as per their assessed need and Business Plan. Banks also install ATMs with Biometric Authentication after assessing the specific needs and requirement, particularly in areas where the customers might have difficulty in using PIN based authentication. Installation of ATMs is part of the business activity of the banks and no funds are earmarked by the Government to be provided to banks for this purpose.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narian Meena in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Revision in Standard Tender Document for Carriage of Mail by Private Mail Motor Service

To view the orders issued by Directorate, please CLICK HERE. 


Schedue for Inspector Posts Induction Training.


Directorate vide letter No. 1-39/2009-Trg. dated 18.02.2013 has issued the following schedule to all PTCs for imparting Induction Training to the 189 departmental Inspector Posts candidates declared successful in the IP Examination held on 13th and 14th October 2012. Besides, the backlog of 2011 will also be covered. The Induction Training will be commenced in multiple batches at PTCs. 

Name of the circle
Name of Training Centre
No. of IP candidates
Tentative dates
AP, Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, NE Orissa, TN
PTC Mysore
64 (including 4 of IP Exam 2011)
04/03/2013
Delhi, Haryana, HP J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and UP
PTC Saharanpur
93 (including 31 of IP Exam of 2011)
04/03/2013
Bihar & West Bengal
PTC Vadodara
32 (including 23 of IP Exam 2011)
25/03/2013