BPS Pensioners Network : Pensiners own media -RPND JUNE -2018 monthly publication

RPND JUNE -2018

Dear Readers and affiliated Associations, Thanks to your contributions, the building fund has just crossed the Rs.2,00,000 mark. The estimated cost of building is between Rs 25 lakhs and Rs.30 lakhs. Please come forward with liberal donations. Every drop from you will finally become an ocean and make our dream come true.  Our Bank: Union Bank of India, Hemambika Nagar Branch, Palakkad; A/c No. 478902010204839; IFSC code: UBIN0547891. We thank all those who have contributed to the fund so far.

National Federation of Railway Pensioners is repeatedly representing to the Railway Board about the difficulties being faced by the Railway Pensioners in availing Medical Treatment from Railway Hospitals and also from un-empanelled hospitals during emergencies. When sickly pensioners are admitted in the Railway Hospital in emergency cases, they are directed to some Private Hospital or zonal Railway Hospital for treatment. In many cases the aged sickly pensioner and his aged spouse are only to manage situation as bystanders. Therefore they have to avail treatment in the nearest Private Hospital as there are no specialist doctors in the Railway Hospital.  In many cases the empanelled hospitals charges over and above the charges fixed by the Government for treatment of different ailments. The same is denied and disallowed from the Medical Claims of the Pensioners thereby subjecting the RELHS beneficiaries to take treatment from un empanelled private  hospitals to save their lives. The Medical claims from these hospitals are also rejected by administration and the RELHS beneficiary has to bear the entire cost of the treatment. Against these decisions the affected Pensioners have approached different administrative offices and finally had to approach the Courts for settlement.  Large numbers of medical claims are pending with administration.  Several of court cases are also pending in different parts of the Country and in all the cases decided by the court, the judgments are given in favor of the Pensioners.

Recently Hon’ble Supreme Court has delivered a historical judgment with regard to the medical treatment of Central Government Employees and Pensioners and the Hon’ble Supreme Court has also given various directions to the Government for implementation in a time bound manner. The relevant operative portion of the judgment is reproduced below.

“It is a settled legal position that the Government employee during his life time or after his retirement is entitled to get the benefit of the medical facilities and no fetters can be placed on his rights. It is acceptable to common sense, that ultimate decision as to how a patient should be treated vests only with the Doctor, who is well versed and expert both on academic qualification and experience gained. Very little scope is left to the patient or his relative to decide as to the manner in which the ailment should be treated. Specialty Hospitals are established for treatment of specified ailments and services of Doctors specialized in a discipline are availed by patients only to ensure proper, required and safe treatment. Can it be said that taking treatment in Specialty Hospitals by itself would deprive a person’ to claim reimbursement solely on the ground that the said Hospital is not included in the Government Order. The right to medical claim cannot be denied merely because the name of the hospitals is not included in the Government Order. The real test must be the factum of treatment. Before any medical claim is honored, the authorities are bound to ensure as to whether the claimant had actually taken treatment and the factum of treatment is supported by records duly certified by Doctors/Hospitals concerned. Once, it is established, the claim cannot be denied on technical grounds. Clearly, in the present case, by taking a very inhuman approach, the officials of the CGHS have denied the grant of medical reimbursement in full to petitioner forcing him to approach this Court. Further, with regards to the slow and tardy pace of disposal of MRC by the CGHS in case of pensioner beneficiaries and the unnecessary harassment meted out to pensioners who are senior citizens, affecting them mentally, physically and financially, we are of the opinion that all such claims shall be attended by a Secretary level High Powered Committee in the concerned Ministry which shall meet every month for quick disposal of such cases. We, hereby, direct the concerned Ministry to device a Committee for grievance redressal of the retired pensioners consisting of Special Directorate General, Directorate General, 2 (two) Additional Directors and 1 (one) Specialist in the field which ‘shall ensure timely and hassle free disposal of the claims within a period of 7 (seven) days. We further direct the concerned Ministry to take steps to form the Committee as expeditiously as possible. Further, the above exercise would be futile if the delay occasioned at the very initial stage, i.e., after submitting the relevant claim papers to the CMO-in- charge.Therefore, we are of the opinion that there shall be a time frame for finalization and disbursement of the claim amounts of pensioners. In this view, we are of the opinion that after submitting the relevant papers for claim by a pensioner, the same shall be reimbursed within a period of 1 (one) months.”

In view of the above observations and directions by the Hon’ble Supreme Court National Federation of Railway Pensioners requests the Railway Board to kindly take immediate steps to implement the above judgment in letter and spirit so as to ensure better health care to the Railway Pensioners.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA , MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS RAILWAY BOARD

No, E(W)2016/ISM/9.New Delhi, dated 01-05-2018

General Managers(P),All Indian Railways & Production Units.

Sub: Ayurvedic / Homeopathic dispensaries under Staff Benefit Fund (SBF)

Ref: This Ministry’s letter of even number dated 07.07.2017.

Please refer to Railway Board’s letter of even number dated 07.07.2017 enhancing the monthly honorarium for Ayurvedic/Homeopathic Consultants and monthly subsidy on medicines on the Ayurvedic/Homeopathic dispensaries being run by the Staff Benefit Fund Committees.

2, In continuation of these instructions, sanction of the Ministry of Railways is hereby communicated for revision of monthly honorarium for Ayurvedic / Homeopathic dispensers as per following:-   8 hours duration Rs. 11,250/-

4 hours duration Rs.7,500/-

3. Annual allotment for “Indigenous System of Medic under SBF (under which Homeopathic and Ayurvedic dispensaries function) at Rs.36 capita, if found inadequate to meet the increase in requirement of funds on account of the above revision in the honorarium, the additional expenditure (necessitated due to revision) under these orders would also be met through re-appropriation from the head “Medical Services” as additional ad hoc contribution to the SBF, and accordingly, the Medical Budget would be suitably augmented from Revenues. Hence PCPOs would advise CMDs about the additional funds required on this account so that the same could be reflected in the budgetary estimates.

4. The aforesaid revision will take effect from 07.07.2017

This issues in consultation with the Health Directorate and with Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railway.                         ALOK KUMAR)Executive Director Estt (IR)Railway Board.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA; MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No.2016/H-1/11/58/Policy.New Delhi, dated 25.4.2018

Managers The General,All Indian Railways & Production Units,

Sub: Comprehensive procedure, guidelines and check list for empanelment of private hospitals.

Ref:- SER’s letter no.CMD/SER/Hosp. Tie-up/2303 Dated 14.11.2017.

PCMD/SER vide their letter under reference had sought necessary guidelines to be followed while empanelling private hospitals in consequence of powers delegated to the GMs for empanelment of private hospitals vide Railway Board letter no. 2017/Trans/01/Policy dated 18/10/17 and to the DRM’s for divisions and CWMs for workshops vide letter no.2017/Trans/01/Policy/Pt 1 dated 30/11/17. Such powers are to be exercised by the delegated officers in person and shall not be delegated below. Hence now no proposal for empanelment is required to be sent to Railway Board.

A comprehensive guideline for procedure and checklist to be followed while empanelling private hospitals are being issued as per Annexure enclosed. Any new guidelines issued from MoH& FW as and when issued shall be duly incorporated and advised.

This is in surprise of all earlier guidelines issued from Railway Board on this subject.

This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

(Mrs. H.K. Sanhotra)Joint Director-II/Health, Railway Board

Comprehensive Procedure Guideline & Check List
For Empanelment of Private Hospitals

The empanelled hospitals have been broadly categorised into two groups:-

A. CGHS / ESl / ECHS empanelled hospitals and Government of India / Public Sector            Undertaking hospitals like of SAIL, BHEL, Coal India, etc.

B. Other private hospitals which are neither empanelled by CGHS, ECHS & ESI nor are run by             Government of India Public Sector Unit. (PSU).

The following guide lines and check list are to be kept in consideration while empanelling hospitals by Railways. The point common to both these types of hospitals are given below:-

1. Justification for the proposal mentioning the present status of Railway Hospital i.e. number of Doctors & Paramedical on roll vis. a vis. sanctioned strength, services provided by it, any future plan for expansion, no. of Honorary Consultants/Visiting Specialists (specialty wise) & CMPs and despite existing facilities why referral services are still required.

2. Justification for empanelment with technical aspect i.e. number of beds / facilities / specialties / services offered / medical set up etc. at the proposed hospital.

3. Total number of Railway beneficiaries catered by the Railway Hospital.

4. In the Specialties for which Railway hospital do not have facilities if there are any reputed Government Hospitals rendering services in those specialties.

5. In CGHS covered states/cities, hospitals should be empanelled only at CGHS rates (in case of Government of India, PSU hospital their own rate) or even lower or some discount etc offered by them. Names of the hospital empanelled by CGHS / ECHS /ESI can be obtained from respective website. Even in places not covered by CGHS, all out efforts should be made to empanel hospital on CGHS (city-specific) rates only. In case of any deviation from CGHS rates, justification to be given by MD / CMS / CMO in charge, duly concurred by Associate Finance before being approved by Competent Authority.

6. Comparative statement of package rates as well as diagnostic charges of the proposed hospital with (i) other empanelled hospitals in the city and (ii) the CGHS rates of that city or the nearest city in tabulated form.

7. Two copies of rate list of hospital duly verified by competent authority. After approval, one copy along with sanction letter to be sent to HQ for uploading on Zonal website.

8. Concurrence of the Associate Finance as applicable along with their verbatim comments

9. Proposal to be sent for approval of GM /DG (RDSO) /DRM /CAO /CWM as the case may be (both for the first time and as well as further renewals).

10. Validity of empanelment will be two years or till it is empanelled or revoked by CGHS/ECHS / ESI whichever is earlier and for Government of India PSU hospitals too it will be for two years. Same for non CGHS / ECHS / ESI hospitals too. Overall performance of the hospital, patient’s feedback etc. to be kept in mind while extension

11. Further extension may be done with mutual consent of both parties, arid will be sanctioned by GM /DG (RDSO) /DRM /CAO /CWM as the case may be (also see para A{(a) & B(d)}.

A. CGHS / ESI/ ECHS empanelled hospitals and Government of India / Public Sector Undertaking hospitals like of SAIL, BHEL, Coal India, etc. –

a) In case of CGHS / ECHS / ESI empanelled & Government of India/PSU run hospitals, a letter of willingness from the hospital be obtained and can be empanelled any time. Rates as and when revised by CGHS can be agreed to.

B. Other private hospitals which are neither empanelled by CGHS, ECHS & ESI

a) An open advertisement should be floated once a year or as per requirement for empanelment of private hospitals.

b) Empanelment of such hospitals should be considered only if there is no other CGHS/ ECHS / ESI nor any hospital run by Government of India – Public Sector Undertaking like SAIL, BHEL, Coal India etc. empanelled hospital, preferably within a vicinity of 5 kms from the hospital already empanelled.

c) Search committee should be constituted by MD / CMS / CMO, consisting of 3 doctors of at least JAG level and they may co-opt another doctor of particular specialty when required. They will visit the hospitals and give clear justification for approving this hospital.

d) For any increase in rates, at the time of extension same should be justified by MD/CMS/CMO and concurred by Associated Finance and accepted by the concerned competent authority. If such increase in rates is more than 5%, the proposal duly justified by medical in charge and vetted by associate finance and approval of DRM /CWM in case of Division and workshops to be sent to Headquarters for sanction of General Manger. In case of headquarter controlled Central hospitals and PUs, General Manager / DG*(RDSO) will approve such proposals. However, no enhancement in rate is permissible during that period of recognition of two years.

Government of India; Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Department of Health & Family Welfare; EHS Section. Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.

No.4-24/96-C&P/CGHS(P)/EHS    Dated: The 7th May, 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Eligibility of Permanently Disabled Unmarried Son of a CGHS Beneficiary to avail

 CGHS facility – Reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry’s Office Memoranda of even number dated 31.05.2007, 29.08.2007 and 02.08.2010 vide which the entitlement of the son of a CGHS beneficiary beyond the age of 25 years was conveyed. As per the two Office Memoranda under reference, it was indicated that an unmarried son of a CGHS beneficiary suffering from any permanent disability of any kind (physical or mental) will be entitled to CGHS facility even after attaining the age of 25 years.

2. Since then this Ministry is in receipt of several representations for inclusion of more conditions in view of modification to the PWD Act, 1995 by “The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (Act No. 49 of 2016)” as notified by MlO Law and Justice, Govt. of India on 27.12.2016. The matter has been reviewed by the Ministry and it is now decided that for the purpose of extending the CGHS benefits to dependent unmarried son of CGHS beneficiary beyond 25 years of age, the definition of Permanent of Disability shall include the following conditions :

I. Physical disability: -    A. Locomotor disability including

a) Leprosy cured person- suffering from loss of sensation in hands or feet as well as loss of sensation and paresis in the eye and eye-lid but with no manifest deformity or suffering from manifest deformity and paresis or having extreme physical deformity as well as advanced age which prevents him/her from gainful occupation

b) Cerebral palsy – caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain usually occurring before, during or immediately after birth.

c) Dwarfism- a medical genetic. condition resulting in an adult height of 147 ems or less;

d) Muscular dystrophy- a. group of hereditary genetic muscle diseases characterized by        progressive skeletal muscle weakness

e) Acid attack victims – disfigured due to violent assaults by throwing acid or similar corrosive          substance

B. Visual impairment:

a) Blindness- where a person has any of the following conditions after best correction:

(i) Total absence of sight or

(ii) Visual acuity less than 3/60 or less than 10/200(Snellen) in the better eye with best possible            correction

(iii) Limitation of field of vision subtending an angle of less than 10 degree

b) “Low vision” means any of the following conditions:

(i) visual acuity not exceeding 6/18 or less th.an20/60 upto 3/60 upto 10/200 (Snellen) in the     better eye with best possible corrections; or

(ii) limitation of the field of vision subtending an angle of less than 40 degree up to 10 degree

C. Hearing Impairment

(a) “deaf’ means persons having 70 db hearing loss in speech frequencies in both ears;

(b) “hard of hearing” means persons having 60 db to 70 db hearing loss in speech frequencies in        both ears;

D. “Speech and Language disability” permanent disability arising out of conditions such as Laryngectomy or aphasia affecting one or more components of speech and language due to organic or neuronal causes.

II. Intellectual disability- characterized by significant limitation both in intellectual functioning (reasoning, learning, problem solving) and in adaptive behavior, which cover a range of every day, social and practical skills , including-, social and practical skills , including

(a) “Specific language disabilities” – a heterogeneous group of conditions wherein there is deficit in processing language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself as a difficulty to comprehend., speak, read, write, spell, or to do the mathematical calculations and includes conditions such as perceptual disabilities, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and developmental aphasia.

(b) “Autism spectrum disorder” –– a neuro-developmental disorder typically appearing uz the first three years of life that significantly affects a person’s ability to communicate, understand relationships and relate to others, and frequently associated with unusual or stereotypical rituals or behaviour.

III. Mental behaviour  -“Mental illness”- a substantial disorder of thinking, mood, perception, orientation or memory that grossly impairs judgment, behaviour, capacity to recognize reality or ability to meet the ordinary demands of life, but does not include retardation.

IV. Mental Retardation

V. Disability caused due to(a)  Chronic neurological conditions such as

   (i) Multiple Sclerosis 
   (ii) Parkinson’s disease

(b) Blood disorder

   (i)Haemophila
   (ii)Thalassemia
   (iii) Sickle Cell Disease

3. Bench Mark Disability- unmarried permanently disabled and financially dependent sons of CGHS beneficiaries suffering 40% or more of one or more disabilities as certified by a Medical Board shall be eligible to avail CGHS facilities even after attaining the age of 25 years.

4. This OM will be effective from the date of its issue.(Rajeev Attri)Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Government of India; Department of Health & Family Welfare
Directorate General of CGHS; Office of the Director, CGHS. 545-A Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.

No: Z.15025/38/2018 /DIR/CGHS  Dated the 14th May, 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Prescription of Timelines under CGHS for settlement of Medical claims of           Pensioner CGHS beneficiaries

With reference to the above subject the undersigned is directed to draw attention to the OM No Z 15025/79/1/DIR/CGHS dated the 5th October 2016 and to state that it has now been decided to review the timelines prescribed for processing and settlement of medical claims of pensioner CGHS beneficiaries in compliance of the directions of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in their Judgment in the WP(Civil) No 694 of 2015 between Shiva Kant Jha Vs UOI delivered on 13th April 2018 and in supersession of the earlier guidelines as per the details given under:

Medical Claims not requiring Special approvals

Pensioner CGHS beneficiaries shall submit the Medical claims to the CMO I/C of the CGHS Wellness Centre , where the CGHS Card is enrolled . CMO 1/C of CGHS Wellness Centre issues Serial Number and sends the claim papers to the office of the Addl. Director, CGHS for processing. The Bills shall be processed by the Dealing Assistants and CMO and after the approval by the Additional Director, the bill for payment shall be sent to the Pay & Accounts Office for payment to the beneficiary by ECS. The payment shall be completed within 30 days of submission of the Medical claim papers at the CGHS Wellness Centre.

Medical claims requiring approval of higher authorities

Total time within      45 days in Delhi

Total time within      60 days in other cities

Medical claims requiring opinion of specialists

Total time              45 days

2. Chief Medical Officer in charge shall thoroughly check the papers initially for the completeness of the requisite documents before accepting the claim papers to ensure that the claim papers are not returned subsequently for want of some documents.

3.   If approval of Directorate or Ministry is involved, the Addl. Directors shall submit only e-file with self-contained note and recommendation, enclosing only relevant scanned documents. Care shall be taken not to regret medical claims of pensioner CGHS beneficiaries on minor technical objections, if they fall under procedural lapses, which can be condoned.  (DR.D.C.Joshi) Director,CGHS

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA; MINISTRY OF FINANCE,
DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE; CENTRAL PENSION ACCOUNTING OFFICE,
TRIKOOT-II BHIKAJI CAMA PLACE, NEW DELHI – 110066.

CPAO/1T&Tech/Bank Performance/37 (Vol III)/2018-19/23    Dated: 15.05.2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Non-issue of Pension slip by banks.

Attention is invited to para 4.6.6 of CPPC Guidelines issued by CPAO whereby it has been mentioned that “The Home Branch will meet all information needs of the pensioner using the CPPC system. The CPPC software will display on the computer screen, options and view of the details of calculation of pension and its breakup of the pension paid to the pensioner/ family pensioner. The Home Branch will act as intermediary between the pensioner & CPPC and, besides providing accounts statement, provide to the pensioners the TDS, pension slip, the Due and Drawn Statement in respect of each arrear and the Annual Income Statement”.

In view of the above, Heads of CPPCs and Heads of Government Business Divisions of all the authorized banks are requested to strictly adhere to the above mentioned provision of para 4.6.6 of the CPPC guidelines.

This issues with the approval of Chief Controller(Pensions)Sd/-(Praful Dabral)Sr. Accounts Officer (IT & Tech)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA; MINISTRY OF FINANCE,
DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE; CENTRAL PENSION ACCOUNTING OFFICE,
TRIKOOT-II BHIKAJI CAMA PLACE, NEW DELHI – 110066.

CPAO/IT &Tech/Bank Performance/37 [Vol-111)/2018-19/22. Dated: 15.05.2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Non-acceptance of Nomination Form for Life Time Arrear (LTA)

It has been observed that Pension Payee Scheduled Bank branches are not accepting Nomination Form for “Life Time Arrear” on the pretext that their branch has not received any instructions from their head office.

As per para 23 of the Scheme Booklet on acceptance of Nomination Form for Life Time Arrears provides that where the Nomination for the payment of arrears does not exist then the Authorized Bank will seek instructions of the CPAO, who will in turn, refer the matter to AG/CCA/CA/Dy.CA for obtaining the requisite sanction of Head of the Office. As such, the claimant can also approach the Head of Office where the pensioner served before his/her retirement/ death.

Moreover para 4.5.7 of the Scheme Booklet clearly states that “CPPCs may ensure that the responsibilities assigned to Home Branches are enforced so that the pensioners are not redirected to CPPC for redressal of grievances and information needs. Necessary performance measures and monitoring mechanisms, in co-ordination with the respective administrative structures to achieve the desired level of service delivery in Home Branches as well as CPPCs may be instituted by the Bank.”

This issues with the approval of Chief Controller (Pensions).

sd/-(Praful Dabral)Sr. Accounts Officer (IT & Tech)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA; MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE; CENTRAL PENSION ACCOUNTING OFFICE
TRIKOOT-II, BHIKAJI CAMA PLACE,NEW DELHI-110066

CPAO/IT & Tech/SCOVA/20 (Vol-I)/2018-19/20  dated 16.05.2018

Office Memorandum

Subject: - Recovery of excess payment made to pensioners.

It has been brought to the notice of this office that some Bank branches are refusing to disburse the family pension to the family pensioners until and unless the whole overpaid amount is credited back to the bank. This issue was also highlighted in the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) meeting Chaired by Hon’ble Minister of State of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions.

In this context, RBI in consultation with Office of the CGA, Ministry of Finance, Deptt. of Expenditure has issued instructions for recovery of excess payment made to pensioners vide their Circular No. RBI/2015-16/340 DGBA GAD No.2960/45.01.001/ 2015-16 dated-17.03.2016 which is reproduced below:

a) As soon as the excess/wrong payment made to a pensioner comes to the notice of the paying branch, the branch should adjust the same against the amount standing to the credit of the pensioner’s account to the extent possible including lump sum arrears payment.

b) If the entire amount of over payment cannot be adjusted from the account, the pensioner may be asked to pay forthwith the balance amount of over payment.

c) In case the pensioner expresses his inability to pay the amount, the same may be adjusted from the future pension payments to be made to the pensioners. For recovering the over-payment made to pensioner from his future pension payment in installments 1/3rd of net (pension plus relief) payable each month may be recovered unless the pensioner concerned gives consent in writing to pay a higher installment amount.

d) If the over payment cannot be recovered from the pensioner due to his death or discontinuance of pension then action has to be taken as per the letter of undertaking given by the pensioner under the scheme.

e) The pensioner may also be advised about the details of over payment/ wrong payment and mode of its recovery.

The above uniform procedure may be strictly adhered to while effecting recovery of excess/wrong pension payments made to pensioners and necessary instructions may be issued to the bank branches to ensure that no branch may refuse the pension/family pension to the pensioners on the pretext of excess payment/ recoveries.

This issues with the approval of Chief Controller (Pensions).

(Md. Shahid Kamal Ansari)(Asstt. Controller of Accounts)

Government of India; Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan; Khan Market, New Delhi; Dated 19th Apri1,2018

F.No.42/06/2018-P&PW(G)   OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: - Grant of Dearness Relief in the 5th CPC series effective from 01.01.2018 to CPF        beneficiaries in receipt of ex-gratia payment – reg

In continuation of this Department's OM No.42/15/2016-P&PW(G) dated 13.10.2017, the President is pleased to decide that the Dearness Relief w.e.f 01.01.2018 to the CPF beneficiaries in receipt of ex-gratia payment shall be paid in the following manner

(i) The surviving CPF beneficiaries who have retired from service between the period 18.11.1960 and 31.12.1985, and were sanctioned ex-gratia @ Rs. 600/ p.m. w.e.f. 1.11.1997 under this Department's OM No. 45/52/97-P&PW(E) dated 16.12.1997 and revised to Rs.3000, Rs.1000, Rs.750 & Rs.650 for Group A, B, C & D respectively w.e.f 4th June,2013 vide OM No. 1/10/2012-P&PW(E) dt. 27th June, 2013 shall be entitled to enhanced Dearness Relief from 268% to 274% w.e.f 01.01.2018.

(ii) The following categories of CPF beneficiaries who are in receipt of ex-gratia payment in terms of this Department's OM No. 45/52/97-P&PW(E) dated 16.12.1997 shall be entitled to enhanced Dearness Relief from 260% to 266% w.e.f 01.01.2018.           

(a) The widows and eligible children of the deceased CPF beneficiary who had retired from service prior to 1.1.1986 or who had died while in service prior to 1.1.1986 and were sanctioned ex-gratia payment of Rs. 605/- p.m. and revised to Rs.645/-p.m w.e.f 04 June, 2013 vide OM No 1/10/2012-P&PW(E) dated 27th June,2013.         

(b) Central Government employees who had retired on CPF benefits before 18.11.1960 and are in receipt of Ex-gratia payment of Rs. 654/-, Rs.659/-, Rs.703/- and Rs.965/-

2. Payment of DR involving a fraction of a rupee shall be rounded off to the next higher rupee.

3. It will be the responsibility of the pension disbursing authorities, including the nationalized banks, etc. to calculate the quantum of DR payable in each individual case.

4. In their application to the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, these orders issue after the concurrence of 0/o C&AG.

5. This issues in pursuance of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure OM No. 1/3/2008-E.II(B) dated 28^th March,2018.

6. Hindi version will follow.    S/d,(Charanjit Taneja)Under Secretary to the Government of India

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA.  MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS; (RAILWAY BOARD)

NO.PC-VI/2015/IC/1.New Delhi, Dated: 27-04-2018

The General Manager (P) All Zonal Railways/Production Units.

[NCR,EGR,SCR,NFR,WCR,SER,WR,NWR,NER,ER,CR,SECR,SWR,SR,ECR,NR,

RCF,DLW,CLW,DMW,RWF,ICF,RDSO,METRO RL4]

Sub:- Cases of promotion taking place in the pre-revised pay structure between 01-01-2006 and the date of notification of RS(RP)Rules,2008 and the subsequent merger of the pre-revised pay scales of the promotional and the feeder posts in a common Grade fixation of pay clarifications.

Ref: Railway Board’s letter No.PC-VI/2015/IC/1 dated 08-04-2016(RBE No.33/2016) Circulating Ministry of Finance’s O.M.No.F-2-1/2015-E.III(A) dated 16-10-2015

Attention is invited to Board’s letter dated 08-04-2016 (RBE No.33/2016) by which instructions contained in M/o Finance’s OM dated 16-10-2015 have been applied mutatis mutandis on Indian Railways. In the M/o Finance’s OM dated 16-10-2015, the cut-off date for applicability of instructions contained has been mentioned as 29-08-2008 at one place and 29-09-2008 at another place of para 5 of the said OM. This seems to have caused confusion in some Railway/Units and some requests for clarifications have been made to Board’s office on the issue.

2. The date of notification of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008 was 29-08-2008 and therefore, as per M/O Finance OM dated 16-10-2015, the pay fixation benefit was available in cases of promotion occurring between 01-01-2006 till 29-08-2008 where feeder and promotional grades were subsequently merged in 6th CPC. The date 29-09-2008 mentioned in para 5 of M/o Finance’s OM NO.F-2-1/2015-E.III(A) dated 16-10-2015 is therefore evidently a typographical error which should logically be read as 29-08-2008. In any case, the cut -off date for applicability of provisions contained in letter dated 08-04-2016 (RBE NO.33/2016) in context of Railway employees is 04-09-2008 (i.e dated of notification of RS(RP)Rules,2008) as has already been explicitly clarified by Ministry Of Finance vide their OM No.530744/E III-A/2017 dated 20-11-2017 to this office. It was based on this clarification that Board’s letter No.PC-VI/2015/IC/1 (RBE No.196/2017) was issued on 29-12-2017.

S/d,(S.BalachandraIyer) Executive Director/Pay Commission-II;RailwayBoard.

Government of India.  Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training.  North Block. New Delhi – 110001.

No.25014/06/2016.AIS-II.       Dated the 18th April 2018

To,

The Chief Secretaries of all the State Governments and UTs.

Subject: Revision of Provisional pension sanctioned under Rule 69 of the CCS (Pension)  Rules, 1972.

Sir,

I am directed to refer to the Department of Pension and Pensioner Welfare’s OM No. 38/49/16-P&PW(A) dated 12th February, 2018 (copy enclosed) regarding “Revision of Provisional pension”.

2. The applicability of the provisions of the aforesaid OM regarding grant of Provisional Pension sanctioned under Rule 69 of the CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972 has been considered by this Department and it has been decided to make the provisions of the aforesaid Office Memorandum of Department of Pension and. Pensioner Welfare regarding “Revision of Provisional Pension” applicable mutatis-mutandis, to the All India Service Pensioners to whom provisional pension was sanctioned under Rule 6 of All India Service(Death-Cum Retirement-Benefits) Rules, 1958.

    Yours faithfully,                              S/d,(Jyotsna Gupta)Under Secretary to Government of India

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA.      MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS; RAILWAY BOARD

No. 2014/H/15/I/AIRF          New Delhi, dated 27.04.2018

General Manager(s) All Indian Railways, (including PUs and RDSO)

Sub:- Treatment of Railway medical beneficiaries at Tata Memorial Centre Mumbai – Reg.

M/s Tata Memorial Centre Mumbai has been accorded permanent recognition for cancer treatment of Railway medical beneficiaries. Such beneficiaries are referred to Tata Memorial Centre through Central/Western Railways. In many cases, it is noted that when cancer patients from zones other than Central and Western Railways are referred to Tata Memorial Centre Mumbai, they have to go back to parent zones for getting approval of expenses if the amount of advance to be sanctioned for treatment exceeds certain limit. Such situations put unnecessary hardship to Railway medical beneficiaries who have to run from Mumbai to their parent zones located at far-off places for getting necessary approvals. In view of this, the issue of providing a permanent relief in such situations has been under consideration of Railway Board for some time.

After careful consideration in the matter, it has now been decided that the proposals for sanction of advance in favour of Tata Memorial Centre Mumbai in cases of Railway medical beneficiaries from all zones who have initially been referred to TMH/Mumbai by Central/Western Railway and have been recommended Bone Marrow Transplant (MBT) by TMH/Mumbai, will be processed and advance sanctioned with the approval of Competent Authorities of Central/Western Railways through whom the patient has been referred to the hospital. After sanction, Central/Western Railway will raise debit to the concerned zone which that zone would be bound to accept. The sanction of advance amount will be limited to the financial limit contained in PGI/Chandigarh letter dated 28.10.2016 (copy enclosed) or subsequent instruction on the subject of BMT issued by CGHS. Also, before sanction of medical advance, an undertaking may be obtained from railway medical beneficiary to the effect that charges incurred on treatment beyond the prescribed financial limit for BMT procedure will be borne by him/her and no reimbursement claim to the effect will be preferred.

This issues with the approval of Finance Directorate in the Ministry of Railways.

S/d, (R.S.Shukla) Joint Director/Health; Railway Board

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE,  EHS SECTION, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi

No: Z.15025/38/2018/DIR/CGHS/EHS. Dated the 22nd May, 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: - Relaxation of Rules for consideration of reimbursement in excess of the

                   approved rates pertaining to medical claims

With reference to the above mentioned subject the undersigned is directed to draw attention to the Office Memorandum No. 4-18/2005- C&P [Vo]. l-Pt (1)], dated the 20th February 2009 and to state that it has now been decided to modify the Para 3 (2) of the above referred Office Memorandum as per the details given under the succeeding paragraphs.

a) The requests for full reimbursement which fall under the following defined criteria shall be examined by Directorate General of CGHS and submitted to AS&DG (CGHS) for consideration of approval. After the recommendation of AS&DG (CGHS), the concurrence of Internal Finance Division and approval of Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare are required for reimbursement in excess of CGHS rates:

1) Treatment was obtained in a private unrecognized hospital under emergency and the patient was admitted by others when the beneficiary was unconscious or severely incapacitated and was hospitalized for a prolonged period.

2) Treatment was obtained in a private unrecognized hospital under emergency and was admitted for prolonged period for treatment of Head Injury, Coma, Septicemia, Multi-organ failure, etc.

3) Treatment was obtained in a private unrecognized hospital under emergency for treatment of advanced malignancy

4) Treatment was taken under emergency in higher type of accommodation as rooms as per his/her entitlement are not available during that period.

5) Treatment was taken in higher type of accommodation under specific conditions for isolation of patients to avoid contacting infections

6) Treatment was obtained in a private unrecognized hospital under emergency when there is a strike in Govt. hospitals.

7) Treatment was obtained in a private unrecognized hospital under emergency while on official tour to non-CGHS covered area.

b) The requests from CGHS beneficiaries. having a valid CGHS Card at the time of treatment, in respect of the following conditions shall be considered by a High Powered Committee constituted by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare:

(i) Settlement of medical claims in relaxation of rules

(ii) Approval for air-fare with or without attendant on the advice of treating doctor for treatment in another city even though he/she is not eligible for air travel treatment facilities are available in city of residence

(iii) Representations from CGHS beneficiaries seeking full reimbursements under special Circumstances, which are not notified.

c) The other terms and conditions mentioned in the OM No. 4-18/2005- C&P[Vol. l-Pt(1)] dated the 20 February 2009 shall remain unchanged.      Sd/-(Rajeev Attri) Under Secretary to Government of India

Government of India; Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,

Department of Health & Family Welfare,

Directorate General of CGHS; Office of the Director, CGHS,545-A Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.

No: Z.15025/38/2018 /DIR/CGHS. Dated the 14^thMay, 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject :- Prescription of Timelines under CGHS for settlement of Medical claims of Pensioner           CGHS beneficiaries

With reference to the above subject the undersigned is directed to draw attention to the OM No Z 15025/79/1/DIR/CGHS dated the 5^th October 2016 and to state that it has now been decided to review the timelines prescribed for processing and settlement of medical claims of pensioner CGHS beneficiaries in compliance of the directions of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in their Judgment in the WP(Civil) No 694 of 2015 between Shiva Kant Jha Vs UOI delivered on 13th April 2018 and in supersession of the earlier guidelines as per the details given under:

Medical Claims not requiring Special approvals - Pensioner CGHS beneficiaries shall submit the Medical claims to the CMO I/C of the CGHS Wellness Centre, where the CGHS Card is enrolled.

CMO I/C of CGHS Wellness Centre issues Serial Number and sends the claim papers to the office of the Addl. Director, CGHS for processing. The Bills shall be processed by the Dealing Assistants and CMO and after the approval by the Additional Director, the bill for payment shall be sent to the Pay & Accounts Office for payment to the beneficiary by ECS. The payment shall be completed within 30 days of submission of the Medical claim papers at the CGHS Wellness Centre.

Medical claims requiring approval of higher authorities - Total time within 45 days in Delhi
Total time within 60 days in other cities. 

Medical Claims requiring opinion of specialists - Total time 45 days           
2. Chief Medical Officer in charge shall thoroughly check the papers initially for the completeness of the requisite documents before accepting the claim papers to ensure that the claim papers are not returned subsequently for want of some documents.      
 3. If approval of Directorate or Ministry is involved, the Addl. Directors shall submit only e-file with self-contained note and recommendation, enclosing only relevant scanned documents. Care shall be taken not to regret medical claims of pensioner CGHS beneficiaries on minor technical objections if, they fall under procedural lapses, which can be condoned.    S/d, (Dr.D.C.Joshi) Director, CGHS

PENSION PROCEDURE LATEST UPDATES

PENSION PROCEDURE

(1) What is the meaning of the following terms?

(a) Pension Disbursing Authority: Bank branch/ TREASURY/Post/ PAO Office paying your pension;

(b) Pension Sanctioning Authority: The authority who sanctioned your pension before forwarding the case to Accounts;

(c) PPO Issuing Authority: Generally the Pay & Accounts Officer is the PPO issuing Authority;

(2) What should a Government servant do to claim his pension?

During service each Govt. servant should satisfy himself that service is being verified and recorded so in the service book and that there are no gaps in this. He should also ensure that nomination for all payments due to him are current and valid.

6 months prior to the retirement date, a Government servant is required to furnish certain information (e.g. joint photo with spouse, family details, name of the branch of the authorized bank through which he desires to draw his pension etc.) to his Head of Office in the prescribed Form No. 5.

The Head of Office is required to undertake the work of preparation of pension papers in Form No. 7 one year before the date on which a Government servant is due to retire on superannuation. After complying with the requirements of CCS Pension Rules 59 & 60, the Head of Office has to forward to the Pay & Accounts Officer Form 5 and Form 7 duly completed with a covering letter in Form 8 along with service book of the Government servant duly completed up-to-date and any other documents relied upon for the verification of service, not later than six months before the date of retirement of the Government servant.

(3) Who is to authorize the pension?

On receipt of pension papers from Head of Office, the Pay & Accounts Officer concerned will, after applying requisite checks, assess the amount of pension and issue the Pension Payment Order (both halves of Pension Payment Order, i.e. disburser’s portion and pensioner’s portion) not later than one month in advance of the date of retirement of the Government servant with forwarding authority letter, duly ink signed and embossed, to Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) who in turn will generate on computer a Special Seal Authority on the basis of details given in the Pension Payment Order and authority letter of the Pay & Accounts Officer and forward disburser’s half of PPO with Special Seal Authority to the Central Pension Processing Centre (CPPC) of the concerned authorized Bank. The Pay & Accounts officer after ascertaining that the special seal of authority has been issued shall send pensioners’ half of PPO to be handed over to the retiring employee. However, if the employee opts to take the PPO from bank, both halves shall be sent to CPAO. All records will be maintained in the CPPC and the disbursing branch, will make the payments to the pensioner on authorization of payment of pension by the CPPC. The CPPC however is only the back office for processing pensions, all pension related problems/grievances of the pensioners will continue to be handled by the concerned paying branch as before.

(4) What is to be done in case the pension has not been fixed correctly?

The Pay & Accounts Officer while issuing the pension authorization will forward one copy of the pension calculation sheet (out of three received by him from the Head of Office) as certified by the Head of Office and countersigned by him (Pay & Accounts Officer) to the pensioner along with the intimation of his having sent the pension payment authority/PPO to the CPAO. In case it is found from the pension calculation sheet that pension has been fixed incorrectly, the matter may be taken-up with the Head of Office. PAO concerned, if necessary, will issue an amendment authority letter to Central Pension Accounting Office for onward transmission to the CPPC to carry out necessary amendments in both halves of PPO.

FIXED MEDICAL ALLOWANCE AND AMOUNT -What is Fixed Medical Allowance and its Amount is the first question answered in the FAQ issued by DoPPW which was updated on

18-4-2018.

1. What is the Fixed Medical Allowance for pensioners? What is its amount?

Fixed Medical Allowance is granted to the pensioners residing in areas not covered by CGHS, if they are not using CGHS facility for OPD treatment from a CGHS dispensary in the nearest city. The amount of Fixed Medical Allowance has been increased from Rs. 500/- per month to Rs. 1000/- per month w.e.f. 01.07.2017.

2. Are the Government Pensioners who have not applied for CGHS card in spite of residing in areas covered by CGHS, also eligible for Fixed Medical Allowance?

In accordance with Office Memorandum No. 45/57/97-P&PW(C) dated 19.12.1997, Central Government pensioners/ family pensioners residing in areas not covered by Central Government Health Scheme administered by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and corresponding Health Schemes administered by other Ministries/ Departments for their retired employees are entitled to Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) for meeting expenditure on day-to-day medical expenses that do not require hospitalization. Government pensioners/ family pensioners residing in CGHS covered areas are eligible to avail medical facility under CGHS for both indoor as well as outpatient treatment on payment of CGHS contributions. Those pensioners/ family pensioners residing in CGHS areas who do not opt to avail CGHS facility are not eligible to receive FMA. Government pensioners/ family pensioners residing in Non CGHS area are also entitled to avail CGHS facility from the nearest city covered by CGHS for the both Indoor and OPD treatment on payment of CGHS contributions. If they do not avail CGHS facility, they are eligible for FMA. Government pensioners/ family pensioners not residing in CGHS area have an option to avail CGHS facility from the nearest CGHS city for Indoor treatment only (on payment of CGHS contribution) and to get monthly FMA in lieu of OPD facility.

3. In the case of those Pensioners who are in receipt of two pensions viz., service pension and family pension OR military pension and another civil pension to which category of pension, medical allowance shall be allocated.

If any pensioner or family pensioner receives two pensions, Fixed Medical Allowance is admissible from only one of the two organizations. As regards, pensioner who gets both military pension and civil pension, if the pensioner avails of the medical facilities provided by one of the civil or military organisations, he is not entitled to Fixed Medical Allowance and if he does not avail medical facilities from any of the organizations, he is entitled to Fixed Medical Allowance for only one of the two organizations

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS.      DATED  :16.08.2017

CORAM - THE HON'BLEMR.JUSTICE S.M.SUBRAMANIAM

W.P.No.15107/2016 &WMP.No.13159/2016

S.Srinivasan          ..             Petitioner

                             Vs

1.The Principal Secretary to Government,

Finance [CMPC] Department, Fort St George, Chennai 600 009.

2.The Pension Pay Officer, College Road, Chennai.600006.           -   Respondents

PRAYER :-  Petition filed Under  Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue of Writ of Certiorarified mandamus, to call for the records of the 1st respondent relating to G.O.Ms.No.11, Finance [CMPC] Department, dated 31.12.2014 and to quash the same insofar as it restricts the grant of notional increment purely for the purpose of pensionary benefit in case of Government servant who retires on 31st March, 30th June, 30th September and 31st December, prospectively and consequently direct the respondents to grant the notional increment to the petitioner, who retired on 31st March 1986, fix the purpose of pensionary benefits and for payment of arrears together with interest.

                                For Petitioner    :-   -    -  Mr.S.Baskaran

                                For Respondents  :  -  -  -  Mr.S.Gunasekaran, AGP

O R D E R

In the present writ petition, the relief sought for is to quash G.O.Ms.No.311 Finance (CMPC) Department dated 31.12.2014, in respect of grant of annual increment.

2. The learned counsel appearing for the writ petitioner contended that the grant of annual increment was adjudicated before this Court as well as before the Hon'ble Supreme Court.  After adjudication of this issue, the Government accepted the legal proposition and referred the matter to the Pay Grievance Redressal Cell constituted by the Government on 10th April 2012 in G.O.Ms.No.123, Finance Department.  The Pay Grievance Redressal Cell has recommended that when the date of increment of a Government Servant falls due on the day following superannuation on completion of one full year of service, such service may be considered for the benefit of a notional increment purely for the purpose of pensionery benefits and not for any other purpose.  Such concession may be made applicable prospectively.

3. Accepting the recommendations made by the Pay Grievance Redressal Cell, the Government issued G.O.Ms.No.311 Finance (CMPC) Department dated 31.12.2014.  In the said G.O., the Government in paragraph Nos. 3 & 4, has ordered as follows:

4. After careful consideration, the Government have decided to accept the above recommendation of Pay Grievance Redressal Cell.  Accordingly, the Government direct that a Government Servant whose increment falls due on the day following superannuation, on completion of one full year of service which are countable for increment under Fundamental Rule 26,   be sanctioned with one notional increment at the rate as described under rule 6 of Tamil Nadu Revised Scales of Pay Rules, 2009, purely for the purpose of pensionery benefits and not for any other purpose.  The above concession of sanction of notional increment shall take prospective effect from the date of issue of this order.

5. Necessary amendment to the Fundamental Rules shall be issued by Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department separately.

6. The learned counsel appearing for  the petitioner contended that the rights of the writ petitioner for annual increment is accepted and ensured by the Government in G.O.Ms.No.311 Finance (CMPC) Department dated 31.12.2014. 

7. When the grant of annual increment is ensured by the Government, such a concession cannot be denied to the pensioners who retired prior to 31.12.2014.  Further, it is stated that the G.O., does not fix any cut-off date of retirement and as per the G.O., all the State Pensioners who fall in this category are eligible to get their respective annual increments, in the event of fulfilling the conditions stipulated in the said G.O.Ms.No.311.

7. In the absence of any cut-off date in G.O.Ms.No.311, all the pensioners are to be treated as homogeneous class and who ever falls in the category of serving one year and retiring next date of the crucial date for grant of annual increment are entitled for the benefits notionally with effect from the date of retirement and the actual benefits to be paid prospectively from the date of issue of G.O.Ms.No.311 dated 31.12.2014.

8. The learned counsel further taken this Court to paragraph No.8 of the counter affidavit filed by the respondents in WP.No.36386/2016 etc., batch, which reads as follows:-

9. It is submitted that in Government Letter No.5085/CMPC/2015-1, Finance Department, Dated 01.06.2015, it has been clarified that the benefit ordered in G.O.Ms.No.311, Finance (CMPC) Department, Dated 03.12.2014, shall be taken into account for calculating the terminal leave salary as the same is also a retirement benefit.  Further, it is submitted that in continuation of the above clarification in Government Letter No.52367/CMPC/2015-1, Finance Department dated 21.09.2015, it has been clarified that the benefit of notional increment sanctioned in the G.O.Ms.No.311 Finance (CMPC) Department, Dated 31.12.2014, shall take prospective effect from the date of issue of the order i.e. 31.12.2014 only and the employees whose increment falls due on completing one year of service on the day following superannuation and retired prior to 31.12.2014 are not entitled for the benefit of sanction of notional increment for the purpose of pensionery benefits.

10 .Though the last line of the counter states that the persons retired prior to 31.12.2014, are not entitled for the benefit of sanction of notional increment for the purpose of pensionary benefits, the same is not supported by the Government Order issued in G.O.Ms.No.311. What is not contemplated in G.O.Ms. No.311, cannot be substituted by the respondents through their counter affidavit. Going by the spirit of G.O.Ms.No.311, it is clear that prospective effect can be given only for the purpose of disbursing the monetary benefits and in respect of the eligibility, there is no cut-off date prescribed in the said Government Order. This Court is of the firm view that counter-affidavit cannot improve the contents of the Government Order issued in G.O.Ms.No.311, since no cut-off date or otherwise is contemplated in the said Government Order. Thus, the respondents cannot substitute by prescribing that the persons retired prior to 31.12.2014, are not entitled for the benefit of sanction of notional increment.

11. The very sanction of increment was granted in accordance with the Fundamental Rules. Once the benefit is granted based on the Fundamental Rules, the increment granted to employees retired after 31.12.2014, cannot be denied to employees retired prior to 31.12.2014. This apart, the date of 31.12.2014, is only an acceptance of the grant of increment to the employees in G.O.Ms.No.311. Thus, there is no sanctity or relevance in respect of adopting the date of 31.12.2014, with regard to the eligibility of employees to draw their increment otherwise in accordance with the Fundamental Rules.

12. The very concept of increment is that on completion of one year of satisfactory service, an employee is eligible to draw the increment. Such being the concept, the date of retirement, as stated in the counter i.e., 31.12.2014, has no nexus or object sought to be achieved. Since such a date is not contemplated in the Government Order, the statement made in the counter, cannot be considered by this Court. Accordingly, all the employees, who retired prior or after 31.12.2014, are eligible to draw their notional increment for the purpose of pensionery benefits and the disbursement of monetary benefit shall be given only with effect from 31.12.2014.

13. Thus, the writ petitioner's claim for grant of annual increments notionally with effect from the date of retirement and actual monetary benefits with effect from the date of G.O.Ms. No. 311, is justifiable.  Nowhere in the counter statement, more specifically in paragraph No.8, did the Government not deny the benefit to the State pensioners.  Contrarily, it is stated that some officials of the Department were restricting the claim by wrongly interpreting G.O.Ms.No.311, as if it is applicable only to the employees who retired after 31.12.2014, which is incorrect. 

14. The purport of the G.O., is to grant benefits in accordance with the Fundamental Rules and the Government in G.O.Ms.No.311, further issued directions to carry out necessary amendment to the Fundamental Rules in this regard.  Such being the factum of the case, the claim with regard to the grant of annual increments for the retires prior to and after G.O.Ms.No.311 dated 31.12.2014, is to be affirmed by the State.

15. The learned Additional Government Pleader also fairly submitted that there is no cut-off date fixed in G.O.Ms.No.311.  The Government has already extended the benefit of annual increment as interpreted by the Pay Grievance Redressal Cell and the recommendation of the Redressal Cell was also accepted by the Government and G.O.Ms.No.311 was issued.  Thus, the eligibility of the writ petitioner in respect of the annual increments cannot be denied.   Further, the date of retirement is not prescribed as a cut-off date in the G.O., regarding eligibility.

16. The learned Additional Government Pleader further contended that based on G.O.Ms.No.311 dated 31.12.2014,  the writ petitioner is eligible in the event of fulfilling the conditions stipulated in G.O.Ms.No.311.  However, the eligibility of the respective writ petitioner is to be found based on his service records and the particulars therein.

17. In this view of the matter, the claim set out in this writ petition deserves consideration. Quashing of G.O.Ms.No.311 does not arise at all, in view of the fact that there no cut-off date is fixed in the said G.O. and only monetary benefits alone is directed to be paid prospectively, with effect from 31.12.2014, i.e. the date of the G.O. 

18. Accordingly, if the writ petitioner falls in the category as stipulated in G.O.Ms.No.311 Finance (CMPC) Department dated 31.12.2014, he is eligible to get his annual increments, notionally with effect from the date of retirement and the monetary benefits will be granted with effect from 31.12.2014, the date of G.O.Ms.No.311 Finance (CMPC) Department.   With this clarification, the respondents and the competent authorities are  directed to implement G.O.Ms.No.311 Finance (CMPC) Department dated 31.12.2014, by granting the benefit of annual increments, by verifying the respective Service Records of the writ petitioners and pay the monetary benefits prospectively with effect from 31.12.2014.

With this direction, the Writ Petition stands disposed of.   No costs.  Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed.                                                                           Dt. 16.08.2017

Although we don’t usually know how to make the link between the two in most cases, many of our health problems are caused by digestive disorders. This can happen from overuse of antibiotics, stress, excessive alcohol consumption, infections and more. Most people are unaware that their digestive system is not functioning properly, and if you have heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, burping, unexplained fatigue, or even cravings for certain foods often, you may be one of those people.

There are many other signs of problems in this area, but what you need to know is that if your digestive system is not functioning properly, it may not absorb the nutrients from food, causing your body not to function optimally. In the next article, you’ll find 14 natural tips to improve digestive processes, which will help you keep your body healthy.

1. Avoid foods that irritate your digestive system - Some of us are sensitive to certain foods such as gluten, dairy products, corn, soybeans, nuts, eggs, chocolate, and citrus. Paying attention to your body after consuming these types of foods will help you to identify the problem. If you feel bloating, difficulty concentrating, have skin problems or anything else after eating a certain food, consider avoiding it. Each week try to remove a specific food from your diet until you find the ones your body has trouble digesting.

2. Eat more fat, but not too much - Although it is generally recommended to avoid fat intake, especially for constipation, and to increase fiber intake, there are quite a few people who have difficulty utilizing the benefits of fiber due to trouble digesting them. The fibers in their digestive system can’t get out, causing more digestive problems, but the role of fat is to help the fibers move easily. If you are struggling with constipation, you can make great use of this tip by eating fats from good sources such as coconut oil, fish fat, olive oil, canola oil, and flaxseed, and try to avoid margarine, sunflower and soy oil.

3. Don’t skip chewing - Many people forget one of the most important digestive stations is your mouth. The food we eat is chemically broken down in the mouth whilst chewing, and the more broken down it is the easier it will be for the rest of your digestive system to process. Try to chew each bite 20 times. At first, it may be difficult and strange, but within three weeks the action will become natural, and you’ll help your body absorb the food in the best possible way.

4. Start each meal with a bitter taste - Even if you feel hungry, your stomach may still not be able to absorb substances. Bitter food helps to signal to your body that it is time to produce gastric juices, thus preparing your body to absorb the food you eat, which will help it digest more efficiently. Green leaves like rocket and dandelion leaves, as well as apple cider vinegar can be excellent solutions.

5. Cleanse your intestines often -Every one of us needs to cleanse our intestines from time to time. An enema is an excellent solution that helps moisten and soften the debris that is left in our intestines and helps wash it out. As a result, you will also cause the liver and other cells in your body to release more toxins which will be cleansed as well, and in addition to improving your digestive processes, your whole body will benefit from a good cleanse.

6. Eat more fermented and probiotic foods  -Much of the work that takes place in the digestive system is done by the friendly bacteria in your body. If the balance between good bacteria and harmful bacteria is disturbed, many problems arise in the digestive processes themselves. In order to maintain the good bacteria in your digestive system, it is recommended to incorporate probiotic foods in your diet to feed them. Fermented foods also help nourish the friendly bacteria in your intestines, so you should eat them as well.

7. Drink chamomile or ginger tea -In addition to its soothing qualities, chamomile tea helps digestive processes and treats digestive problems such as nausea and abdominal pain, and helps to calm muscle cramps in the digestive system. It is recommended to drink at least one glass of chamomile tea daily, and if you wish to diversify you can also drink ginger tea, which should be prepared from the fresh root and not from a pre-prepared tea mixture.

8. Massage the stomach after eating - Many alternative medicine practitioners suggest massaging the stomach after each meal for 2-5 minutes. Place your hand on the top of your abdomen and massage it clockwise. You can do this massage for yourself after every meal or at least in the evening to help your body digest food more efficiently. Also, a hot bottle placed close to the stomach helps calm the stomach and intestinal muscles.

9. Drink bone broth  - Homemade bone broth is a great source of the materials your body needs, and it is also very easy to prepare. It contains many minerals, amino acid proline, gelatin, and glycine, all of which help calm the stomach and digestive tract and improve the body's ability to absorb nutrients from food. The soup can be a dish in itself or may accompany another dish, either way your body is sure to thank you for it.

10. Provide support for your liver  -Your liver does a lot of things for the body, and one of them is the production of bile, which helps break down fat in a process that contributes to the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). If you do not have enough bile, the digestive system will suffer and you’ll probably feel tired after a fatty meal. To support your liver eat beets, artichokes, quality proteins and of course, liver.

11. Make time for a good breakfast  -It's called "the most important meal of the day" for a reason. Breakfast gives an opening shot to our metabolic activity and improves its functioning throughout the day. Even if you don’t have an appetite, remember that you are doing yourself a huge favor by eating breakfast, and if you add probiotic yogurt, you'll further increase the benefits you reap.

12. Improve your sitting position on the toilet  -It turns out that the sitting position on the modern toilet to which we have been accustomed to has terrible effects on our digestive system. More and more studies and testimonies from the past and from different cultures reveal that the right way to settle down while we relieve ourselves is by bending and not sitting down. When we sit, we exert pressure on the rectum using the Puborectalis muscle.

Imagine a curved garden hose - water will have a harder time passing through. In the bending position, the muscle is loose and the rectum is aligned, making it easier to relieve our needs. Moreover, many experts argue that many problems arise from our sitting on the toilet, and that bending can prevent many health problems, especially hemorrhoids. Place a small stool in front of the toilet and use it to reach the desired bending position.

13. Drink water, but not during meal time  -It is very important to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to maintain proper digestion, but during the meal, it is recommended not to drink water at all. This is because water dilutes the stomach juices and slows the digestion process. Of course, if there are foods that make us feel thirsty you can drink if necessary, but it is recommended to take small sips. In addition, it is best if the water is room temperature or warm because cold water causes a slowdown in digestive processes.

14. Avoid eating under pressure or during activity  -Eating under pressure or rushing is a sure recipe for disrupting digestive processes. When eating calmly, the body activates the parasympathetic system, and the digestive process takes place as part of its activity. In stressful situations or during energetic activity, the body activates the sympathetic system only and does not invest energy in the digestive processes. This is why many people feel nauseated when stressed or after running.

S.No	Sub No	Name and station	S.No	Sub No	Name and station
1	A0682	Maniram Sharma, Rajstan	20	A4211	M.Ramakrishnan,PTJ
2	A2196	S.S.Raju, CEN	21	A4297	P.Shyamalarao, HYB
3	A2364	S.C.H.Brewty, UP	22	A4299	L.Gangadharan, PGT
4	A2835	K.Sukumarannair, NCJ	23	A4308	P.Sankaranarayanan, PGT
5	A2914	A.Dhanaraj, NCJ	24	A4423	C.Balakrishnan, PONDI
6	A2966	S.Radhakrishnaiha, A.P	25	A4424	N.K.Bhalla, UP
7	A3437	A.K.Natarajan, CEN	26	A4425	K.P.Panicker, ALPPY
8	A3574	Sunny paul, PGT	27	A4426	A.Mohanan, KGQ
9	A3576	R.Krishnamurthy, PGT	28	A4427	L.T.Rajeevan, CAN
10	A3696	K.C.Verma, PNJB	29	A4428	Sheejateacher, CAN
11	A3701	N.Balakrishnan, VSKP	30	A4429	K.V.Krishnan, MAHE
12	A3774	S.Mahalingam, TPJ	31	A4430	M.A.Kochupaul, TCR
13	A3946	T.B.Sankaran, VSKP	32	A4431	C.Appukuttan, PGT
14	A3960	P.Madhavan, CAN	33	A4432	A.Abdulkhader, PGT
15	A3963	P.V.Manoharan, CAN	34	A4433	M.J.Rao, VZM
16	A3976	A.Muraleedharan, CLT	35	A4434	K.K.Madhusudanan, PGT
17	A3987	Hridayranjan Pani, BNDM	36	A4435	R.Thyagarajan, SA
18	A3988	L.N.Sharma, GUJ	37	A4436	P.Gangadharan, TIR
19	A4148	K.Kamatchi, CEN

S.No	Date	Name and station	ID.No	Amount
1	25.5.18	G.Shambhu/Pazhayanur.TCR	A3072	3000
2	31.5.18	P.Tatarao/DURG	A3546	1000
3	2.6.18	T.Ramarao/VZM	A4279	250
4	2.6.18	Sarojini /FP/VZM	AM424	200

Retired Railway Officers’ Association, Kannur conducted their Annual General Body Meting on 17^th of April 2018 at Hotel Sona. About 25 retired Officers under the leadership of Sri.R.Gangadharan, Retd DEN and Sri.P.Prabhakaran, Retd.SPO/RWF/SBC attended the meeting with their spouses. Sri. C. Ramadas, Retd.DSC/PGT and Working President of NFRP addressed the gathering. He stressed on the need for unity among pensioners and explained in detail the action taken by NFRP on the issues like sanction of FMA, status of issue of revised PPOs etc. He requested the members to observe Pensioners’ Day on 17^th of December every year to remind the pensioners of the entitlements. Sri. Gangadharan, Advisor, Sri. Prabhakaran, President, Sri. Balakrishnan Nambiar, Secretary and other active members addressed the gathering. Meeting ended with vote of thanks proposed by Sri. K.N.Venugopalan, Treasurer.

Railway Pensioners’ Welfare Association, Sardiha conducted their Annual General Body Meeting on 11^th May 2018. 330 members attended the meeting. President Sri. Sarabeswar Mahata chaired the meeting. Sri. Sudhir Kumar Mahata, General Secretary welcomed the members. Homage was paid to the departed members by observing a minute’s silence. Sri.Sudhir Kumar Mahata presented the Secretary’s report. Statement of accounts was presented by the Treasurer. This was followed by a General Discussion. Members were concerned about the slow progress of issue of revised PPO. Thereafter, the General Secretary’s report and annual accounts were passed by majority votes.

The following were elected as Office Bearers for the next term: Sri. Sarabeswar Mahata- President; Sri.Sadananda Mahata-Working President; Sri. Karthik Ch Mahata - Vice President; Sri.Sudhir Kumar Mahata, General Secretary; Sri. K.Madhava Rao and Sri.Sudhir Chandra Mahata- Assistant Secretaries; Sri .Buddheswar Mahata –Treasurer; Sri. Bijoy Mahata - Auditor;

Taking note of the often under-reported abuse of elders, the Centre may increase prison term for people abandoning or abusing parents to "up to six months", from the present three under the law, to ensure maintenance of senior citizens.

Tribunals may also be empowered to sentence children to prison for a month for violating an order to pay maintenance allowance to parents or senior citizens. The new provisions form part of draft amendments to the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 that the social justice ministry has placed on its website for comments and suggestions.

Surveys have shown that abuse of elders is more prevalent than might be estimated previously as it is often not reported - due to social stigma or emotional pressures as also the relatively dependent condition of many senior citizens.

A survey report by Help-Age India last year showed that 44 per cent of elderly people said they were ill-treated in public while another said verbal taunts and physical assaults in homes were not uncommon, being reported by close to one-third of respondents. The surveys are largely conducted in urban areas and rural homes, where young adults have often migrated for work and the elderly face more challenges.

In the present law, a person is liable to be punished for three months for an action seen as intended to abandon a parent. The draft also suggests that the age of 60 be considered uniformly for defining senior citizens and making them eligible for any schemes or support targeted at the elderly.

In the changes proposed, the government has proposed that abandoning or abusing a parent will result in a minimum sentence of three months which could go up to six months.

Date of Publication 28^thJune, 2018

RNI Registration No KERENG 2012/47175 DATED 01.01.2013 Title RPND

REGISTERED under Postal Registration No PGT/041/2016-2018. 

G/100/RNP/RPND 03.11.2015

Licensed to post without pre-payment.

License No. KL/PMG/NR/WPP/9-5/PKD/2016-18

Posted at RMS/Palakkad – 678002

The amendments also propose to broaden the definition of "children" from son, daughter, grandson and granddaughter to include sons-in- law and daughters-in-law.

Brought under UPA, the law provides for tribunals to hear a complaint and order children to take care of their parents or pay monthly allowances of up to Rs 10,000 to them.

A drunkard stammers out of a bar and ran into 2 priests.

He ran up to them and says, -“I’m Jesus Christ”. The priests reply – “No son, you are not”.

The drunk says,-” Look, I can prove it” and walks back into d bar with d priests.

The bartender takes a look at the drunk and exclaim–“ Jesuse Christ, you are here again? ”

One  advantage  of  talking  to  yourself  is  that,  you  know  at  least  somebody's  listening.

We  are  all  born  mad.  But  the  sad  Part  is  Some  remain  so.

They  say  marriages  are  made  in  Heaven.  But  so  is  thunder  and lightning.

Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired.