Dear Readers, we appreciate the keen interest shown by you in our magazine and try our best to ensure that your copies are properly addressed and dispatched on the nominated date, i-e 28^th of every month. In spite of our best efforts, there might have been delay in receipt of the magazine in the month of June, due to the strike by postal staff. Even though the strike was called off on the 10^th of June, the postal authorities were finding it very difficult to clear the back log. We are sure you would have received the magazine, although belatedly. We regret the inconvenience experienced by you for no fault of our Federation.

Dear Readers and affiliated Associations, Thanks to your contributions, the building fund has just crossed the Rs.2,15,000 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.

South Eastern Railway Pensioners’ Association, Rourkhela has expressed their support to our Federation by donating Rs.5000/ towards our building fund. SCORE, Mumbai has also donated Rs.5000 towards the building fund. We are extremely thankful for these organizations for the expression of their solidarity with our Federation.

An open letter to Mr Arun Jaitley, Hon’ble Finance Minister of India and Dr.Jitendra Singh Hon’ble Minister of State for Home Affairs and also for Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare.

National Federation of Railway pensioners is a major Federation of Railway Pensioners’ Associations. We wish to bring to your kind attention, one of the major problems faced by Railway Pensioners.

According to the instruction issued by the Reserve bank of India, the pension paying bank is responsible for deduction of Income Tax from pension amount in accordance with the rates prescribed by the Income Tax authorities from time to time. While deducting such tax from the pension amount, the paying bank will also allow deductions on account of relief to the pensioner available under the Income Tax Act. The paying branch, in April each year, will also issue to the pensioner a certificate of tax deduction as per the prescribed form. If the pensioner is not liable to pay Income Tax, he should furnish to the pension paying branch, a declaration to that effect in the prescribed form. We would like to point out that the Pension Paying Bank has not issued the certificate of tax deduction to the Pensioners till the 20^th of June 2018. The delay in issue of certificate will result in last minute rush for filing Income Tax returns. We request you to remind the Nationalised Banks that they are disbursing Government money to pensioners and their salaries are earned from the public money kept in their custody in the form of deposits and savings accounts. The banks should not function as extra constitutional authorities and ignore the instructions of the Government.

Pension paying banks have been advised by the Government to issue pension slips to the pensioners in prescribed form when the pension is paid for the first time and thereafter whenever there is a change in quantum of pension due to revision in basic pension or revision in Dearness Relief. Majority of the Banks do not comply with these instructions in spite of repeated instructions by the Chief Pension Accounting Officer.

The Central Government departments have to issue revised Pension Payment Orders based on Option.3 or multiplication of 6^th CPC pension by 2.57, whichever is beneficial to the pensioner. Now we are in June 2018 and progress for revision of PPOs is not as expected according to the member staff of Railway Board. Administration was not able to complete the task for issuing PPOs to the pensioners so far. This federation would like to bring to your notice that even after the Pension Payment Orders are issued the revised pension is not claimed and arrears are not paid in time. On enquiry with concerned Central Pension Processing Centres of the banks, the banks are casually informing the pensioners that they have not received the PPOs from the FA&CAO of Railways duly countersigned. On one hand, there are cases of pensioners waiting for Payment of arrears even after six months of issue of Pension payment Orders. On the other hand Pensioners are waiting for revised pension payment order from Railways for the past 10 months.

Government had issued orders that the Branch/Central Pension Processing Centre is the point of referral for the pensioner. Pensioners can approach the nodal officer(s) designated by the respective banks who would be holding regular meetings at different locations in their jurisdiction on lines of Pension Adalat. They can also contact the bank through toll free dedicated pension line of the respective bank to seek information related to their queries/complaints. In case of deficiency in service offered by the bank, pensioner can approach the concerned Consumer Education and Protection Cell at respective Regional Office of RBI and Banking Ombudsman under whose jurisdiction the bank branch, where the pensioner holds the account, falls. Chief Pension Accounting Office had issued several instructions that the revision process should not be delayed and Pensioners should not be harassed and all help should be extended to them. These instruction are only in paper.Banks do not care to comply with these instructions.

All branches of all banks are bound u/s 203 to issue certificate of tax deducted in Form No.16.a to the pensioners. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instructed that banks must issue certificates for tax deduction at source (TDS) duly completed, for account holders, and dispatch to their mailing addresses. This is not at all followed by most of the Banks. Tax is deducted but credit is not reflected in Form.26.A in the Income Tax department website. Time has come take deterrent action against officials who avoid duties attached to them.

SCOVA is the forum to ventilate these grievances of Pensioners before the MoS and Pension Ministry. Our Federation brings to your kind notice that major Federations are ignored by the DoP& PW. Associations with poor representation are included in the SCOVA in the name of identified pension association. It is not known what are the criteria adopted by the Pension Ministry to identify these Associations. Thus, the intention of formation of SCOVA to redress the grievances of Pensioners is defeated. Our Federation requests you to kindly look into the points brought out in this open letter and take corrective action.

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

CPAO/IT &Tech/Master data/14 (Vol-III)/2017-18/196 dated15.02.2018

MINUTES OF THE MEETING

Kindly find enclosed the Minutes of the Meeting held on 31st January, 2018 at 3:00 PM at Conference Hall of Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) with all Heads of CPPCs/ Government Business Divisions to review the implementation of 7th CPC pension revision under the Chairmanship of Controller of Accounts for information and further necessary action.

Encl:- As above. S/d,(Subhash Chandra) (Controller of Accounts)

To,

1. Heads of CPPCs & Heads of Govt. Business Divisions of all Authorised Banks,

2. General Managers of Government Business Divisions of all Authorised Banks,

3. Ms. Anjali Goyal, Principal Executive Director (Accounts), Ministry of Railways,

Room No.423-H, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi-110 001,

4. Shri Kanwaldeep Singh, Jt. CGDA (Pen), Office of Controller General of Defence Accounts,

Ministry of Defence, Ulan Batar Road, Palam, Delhi Cantt – 110010,

5. Shri Amit Yadav, JS (Adorn), Department of Telecommunications, Room No. 315, Sanchar

Bhawan, 20, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110 001,

6. Shri Manish Sinha, (IMF), Department or Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001.

Minutes of the Meeting held on 31st January, 2018 with Heads of CPPCs/Government Business Divisions to review the implementation of 7th CPC pension revision

A Meeting was held on 31st January, 2018 under the chairmanship of Controller of Accounts with all the representatives of pension disbursing banks to discuss the timely payment of revised pension and arrears under 7th CPC and pension related issues. At the outset, Controller of Accounts welcomed all the participants and emphasized on the need of timely payment of revised pension and arrears in the accounts of the pensioners by the banks. After that agenda items of the meeting were discussed in detail and following decisions were taken.

1. Payment of revised pension under 7th CPC by banks: –Banks were requested to make the payment of revised pension and arrears to the pensioners within one week from the receipt of revised authority from the CPAO to avoid any financial hardship to pensioners. Almost all the banks reported that as on 30.01.2018 in most of the pension authorities received in the banks action has been taken and revised pension has been credited to the bank accounts of the pensioners along with arrears. All the banks were advised to process the revision authorities at least thrice in a month so as to avoid pendency at bank level. Controller of Accounts advised the banks that arrear payment should be made with the regular payment of pension or earlier. Sr.TD (NIC) reiterated the requirement of acknowledgement confirming the receipt of e-Revision Authorities from CPAO for reconciliation. -(Action: Banks)

2. Reporting of payment of revised pension arrears to CPAO by Banks: –All the banks were advised to flag the payment of revised pension and arrears under 7th CPC in through the e-Scrolls so that monitoring of payment of revised pension may be ensured at CPAO. - (Action: Banks)

3. Master Data Reconciliation: –Reconciliation of pensioners Master Data of banks with that of CPAO is a must for the payment of correct pension to the pensioners. Cases of excess/less payment of pension occur due to errors in the banks’ database which need to be rectified by way of regular reconciliation with CPAO. Status of master data reconciliation was reviewed in the meeting and it was observed that twelve banks have not submitted their master data since last 2 years to CPAO for reconciliation. These banks were requested to submit the updated master data within 15 days and other banks on quarterly basis to CPAO. - (Action: Banks)

4. Issues related with e-Revision of pension and e-PPO for fresh pension:- It was observed in the meeting that many banks had confusion regarding e-Revision Authority and e-PPO (PPO Booklet).Their doubts were cleared by the Controller of accounts and difference between the two was clarified that presently online digitally signed e-Revision Authorities are being sent to the banks in the revision cases, In fresh pension cases, PPO booklets are sent manually in paper form to the banks. However, banks were informed that development for sending the electronic PPO Booklet online to the banks is underway is likely to he implemented from 1st April, 2018. To facilitate the banks in making necessary changes in their pension processing software, format of electronic PPO Booklet was shared by the CPAO with them and the same is also available on CPAOs website for ready reference. Banks were advised to download the same and make necessary provisions in their software to implement the e-PPO in fresh pension cases. In case of any doubt, they were requested to contact Sr. TI) (NIC), CPAO -(Action: NIC-CPAO/Banks)

5. Compliance of Internet Audit observations on 7th CPC revisions:-Status of pending internal Audit Paras was discussed in the meeting Sr. Accounts Officer, Internal audit Wing informed that more than 1500 audit Paras arc pending for settlement for want of compliance report from the banks. It was noticed that Dena Bank and Central Bank of India have not yet submitted the compliance reports to CPAO. Some banks reported that they have submitted their compliance report on 24th or 25th January, 2018 by e-mail which needs to he confirmed by Internal Audit Wing. None the less, these banks and others also were advised to send the physical copies of compliance reports to CPAO at the earliest so that pendency can be settled.

Cases of deducting the TDs at the fag end of the year which have been cause of the financial hardship to the pensioners were also discussed and all banks were advised to deduct the TDS from each payment. All banks requested to take a considerable view of the recovery of excess/overpayment to be made by banks from the pensioners. - (Action: Internal Audit/ Banks)

6. Timely commencement of family pension: –It is observed that considerable numbers of pensioners’ grievances received in CPAO pertain to late commencement of family pension after the death of the pensioners. The report prepared by CPAO revealed that in many cases conversion of pension to family pension took more than 6 months which is a serious matter of concern. Taking into consideration the sensitiveness of the issue, all banks were advised to start the family pension within one month from the receipt of the death certificate from the family pensioner so that they will not face any financial hardship. Banks were also advised to give the acknowledgement of receipt of application/ death certificate received from the family pensioners for start of family pension.

- (Action : Banks)

7. Timely commencement of Additional Pension on attaining the age of 80 years:-Based on the report provided by NIC, CPAO, it was observed that only few pensioners were paid additional pensioners on time. Therefore, all the banks were advised to improve their internal system and make necessary flagging in their software to ensure timely commencement of additional pensions.

- (Action: Banks)

8. Timely restoration of commuted portion of pension: –Commuted value of pension should he restored after fifteen years from the date of its payment automatically by the banks. But it was observed that banks had restored commuted portion of pension only in few cases on time. For this also they were advised to make necessary flagging of the dates of commutation restoration in their software so that timely restoration may be ensured. - (Action: Banks)

9. Timely submission of life certificates: –Instances have come to the notice of CPAO that even after submission of “Life Certificate” on time in November by the pensioners, banks had stopped their pension putting them under acute financial hardship. Accordingly, all CPPCs and Business Divisions of banks were advised to issue necessary instructions to all their paying branches to upload the ‘Life Certificates’ on their system immediately on receipt of the same from the pensioners to enable the CPPCs to continue the payment of pensions. Banks were also advised to put all the systems in place well before the submission of next Life Certificate in coming November for receiving the Digital Life Certificate from the pensioners either through finger/thumb impression or Irish scan. - (Action: Banks)

10. Timely Submission of first time identification report and Life Certificate in NPS Cases:-CPAO is responsible for the disbursement of death/disability pension under NI’S- Additional Relief. First time identification of the pensioners is being done the Bank branches based on the KYC details available with the Banks where the pensioners/ family pensioners have opened their pension accounts. CPAO starts the pension payment based on the first time identification report received from Banks. Also these banks branches are responsible for sending the life certificates of the pensioners/family pensioners to CPAO for the continuation of pension to NPS-AR pensioners, in the month of November as CPAO is the disbursing authority under NPS-AR cases. However, it is noticed that in many cases, despite submission of life certificates by the pensioners, bank branches have not forwarded the same to CPAO. In the absence of life certificates, CPAO was forced to stop the pension of such pensioners. Because of the delay in the receipt of the first time identification report and life certificate, CPAO faces problems in disbursing the pension payments. To avoid this, it was decided in the meeting that in future CPAO will forward the details of these cases to the CPPCs/GBDs also so that they can also pursue the matter with their branches for early submission of first time identification report to CPAO. It was also agreed to provide the list of cases pending as on date to the concerned CPPCs/GBDs for necessary action. Accordingly, Banks were advised to ensure that these reports/certificates are furnished to CPAO in time (not more than 31 days), so that pensioners are not put under any financial hardship. It was decided that pending list of life certificates will be sent by RBD section to GBDs/CPPCs of all the pension disbursing banks so that they can co-ordinate with the hank branches to resolve the issue.

- (Action: RBD Section (CPAO)/ Banks)

11. Any other point with the permission of the chair:-

i) Pendency of pensioners’ grievances for more than 3 months: – Grievance Cell, CPAO reported that there is a pendency of more than three months in grievance resolution at the banks. Banks representatives mentioned that they are disposing the grievances at their level; however it is not being updated at Web Responsive Pensioners Service (WRPS) of CPAO. Therefore, all the banks were advised to dispose-off all the grievances pending with them within one month and update the same on the Web Responsive Pensioners Service (WRPS) so that pensioners are informed accordingly. - (Action: Banks)

ii) Providing of payment details of all the pensions: –As per the CPPC guidelines, all the paying branches are responsible for providing pension slip and details of all the payments made to the pensioners. Also, as per these guidelines, all the CPPCs are required to create their website/web page with facility to know the PPO status and registration of the pensioners’ grievances. Banks were requested to follow the CPPC guidelines and provide the pension slip, breakup of the pension and arrear payments and other information as required to the pensioners. - (Action: Banks)

iii) TDS deduction by Banks: –It was reported by some pensioners to CPAO that some banks are deducting the TDS at the fag end of the year which causes Financial hardship to them. This issue was discussed in the meeting and all the banks were advised to deduct the TDS uniformly from the payment of pension instead of recovering it in last quarter of the financial year.

- (Action: Banks)

iv) Some banks had confusion on indication of date of effect of family pension mentioned in e-Revision Authorities sent by CPAO under 7th CPC. They were made clear that in case of any doubt they may refer to the original PPOs of the pensioners lying with them.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the chair.

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

CPAO/IT &Tech/ Revision (7thCPC)/19.Vol.III(E) /2018-19/49 dated18.06.2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Acceptance of Digitally Signed Authorities

Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) is issuing Special Seal Authority (SSA) to the Banks/CPPCs electronically through SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) as per the objective of implementation of paperless movement of documents under Digital India.

A printed copy of the digitally signed document is being sent to the pensioners and respective Pay and Accounts Offices (PAOs) of different Ministries/Departments for their information.

Many references have been received in this office as to whether there is a need of a physically signed copy (ink signed) of SSA for processing of the cases or any other related matters. In this context, it is clarified that these digitally signed copies of SSA are sufficient and there is no need for insisting on a physically signed copy by any of the stakeholders.

Pensioners can also download the copy of the Special Seal Authority (SSA) by registering on the Pensioners Service of CPAO through our website www.cpao.nic.in (Brochure of Web Responsive Pensioners Service is attached for ready reference)

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

S/d, (Md. Shahid Kamal Ansari) (Asstt. Controller of Accounts)

To,

1. Pr. CCAs/CCAs/CAs/AGs/Administrators of UTs,
2. Heads of CPPCs of all Banks,
3. Heads of Government Business Divisions of all Banks (As per list).

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA; MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS(RAILWAY BOARD)

RBE No.87/2018 New Delhi, dated 14-6-2018.S.No.PC-VII/106. PC-V/2009/ACP/2

The General Managers, All Indian Railways & PUs

Sub:- Grant of Grade Pay Rs.6600/PB-3 to Nursing personnel i.e. staff Nurses/Nursing

Sister/ Matron/Chief Matron under 3rd MACP.

The staff side (NFIR and AIRF) had demanded for grant of 3rd financial upgradation in the Grade Pay of Rs.6600/PB-3 to nursing personnel under MACPS on the basis of OM dated 09-09-2016 issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The matter was examined in consultation with the Dept. of personnel and Training and it has now been decided as under.

a) Those Staff Nurse/Nursing Sister/Matron/Chief Matron who have been awarded 1st and 2nd financial upgradation under ACP Scheme in the hierarchy pay scale of Rs.5500-9000 and Rs.6500-10500 upto 31-08-2008 may be granted a replacement Grade Pay of Rs.4800/-PB-2 and Rs.5400/PB-3. Therefore, the 3rd financial upgradation under MACP Scheme, if granted to these categories of officials, may be revised to Rs.6600/PB-3 from Rs.5400 in PB-3.

b) Those Staff Nurse/Nursing Sister/Chief Matron who have been granted 1st ACP in the pre-revised pay scale of Rs.5500-9000 upto 31-08-2008 may be placed in the replacement Grade Pay of Rs.4800/PB-2. They will be entitled for grant of 2nd and 3rd financial upgradation under MACP Scheme in the Grade Pay of Rs.5400/PB-2 and Rs.5400/PB-3 only.

c) All the remaining Staff Nurse/Nursing Sister/Matron/Chief Matron who are to be granted 1st, 2nd and 3rd financial upgradation under MACP Scheme may be granted next higher Grade Pay.

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

3. Hindi version is enclosed. S/d,(Subhankar Dutta) Deputy Director Pay commission-V, Railway Board.

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

CPAO/IT &Tech/Master data/14 (Vol-III)/2018-19/52 Dated : 21.06.2018

Office Memorandum

Subject: Updation of Master data and submission of changed information in Format-F for

E- scrolls.

Attention is invited to this Office OM No. CPAO/IT&Tech/Master data/2015-16/298 dated-25.05.2015 (copy enclosed) issued to all banks to update their master data once in a year by 31st January in the revised format of master data available at CPAO website www.cpao.nic.in at the link “Banks – Guidelines for Banks – Guidelines for Master data” followed by the report on “change of status of pension” in an electronic format-F along with regular monthly paid scrolls.

In spite of above instructions, Banks are not updating their master data regularly and not giving the changed information in Format-F along with payment scrolls (latest report of Master data Reconciliation bank wise is attached). This leads to data mismatch between Banks and CPAO which leads to underpayment/overpayment of pension and other financial / non-financial errors.

In view of above and as per the decision taken by competent authority, Heads of CPPCs/ GBDs of all Authorised banks are requested to update PDF Master Data of pensioners “quarterly” instead of “annually” for review and better management of Master Data. They are also requested to furnish the changed information in Format-F (version 2.8 also including Life Certificate date) along with each and every payment / receipt scrolls in future so that any subsequent change required in master data, may be incorporated by CPAO itself.

To facilitate the banks, the guidelines for electronic transmission of accounting data under the CPPC system by authorised banks along with changed/ updated Format-F have been provided on CPAO’ s website www.cpao.nic.in.This issues with the approval of Chief Controller (Pensions).

Encl:- As above . S/d, (Md. Shahid Kamal Ansari) (Asstt. Controller of Accounts)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS, (RAILWAY BOARD)

No.2017/H-1/2/10/R.C.F. New Delhi, dated 18.06.2018

The General Manager, All Indian Railways and Production Units, The Director General/RDSO, Lucknow and The Chief Administrative Officers, DMW, Patiala and Rail Wheel Plant, Bela, Patna.

Sub: Removal of age limit of 25 years of medical facilities for dependent children of serving Railway employees and pensioners.

Ref: Board’s letters no.2008/H-1/2/15 dated 16.02.2009 and 22.02.2018.

The matter of providing medical facilities to son of Railway employees/pensioners after being unemployed has been under consideration of this Ministry due to various representations received from different forums. Similar representations have also been received on the issue of providing medical facilities to divorced or widower son. Ministry of Railways has decided not to provide the medical facilities; once a son gets employed/ married though he becomes unemployed or divorced or becomes widower later on, as the case may be.

Advance Correction Slip (S.No 02 Health 2018) amending Para 601 (5) of IRMM-2000 is enclosed. (Mrs. H. K. Sanhotra) Jt. Director-II/Health, Railway Board

S.No.023-Health 2018. Advance Correction Slip to Para 601 (5) of IRMM-2000

In para 601 (5) may be substituted as under:

Para 601 (5) : Ministry of Railways has decided not to provide the medical facilities, once a son gets employed/married though he becomes unemployed or divorced or becomes widower later on, as the case may be.(Authority: Board’s letter No. 2017/H-1/210/R.C.F. dated 18.06.2018)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS, (RAILWAY BOARD)

RBE No. 92/2018; No. E (NG)-II/2018/RR-1/11 New Delhi, dated 20.06.2018

The General Manager, All Zonal Railways/Production Units, Chairmen, RRBs/RRCs
Sub: Age relaxation to the residents of the State of Jammu & Kashmir.

Kindly refer to this Ministry’s letter of even number dated 06.01.2016 (RBE No. 1/2016) stipulating extension of the currency of relaxation of age limit of 5 years in favour of the residents of State of Jammu & Kashmir for appointment to Central Civil Services and posts, recruitment to which are made to UPSC/ SSC or otherwise by the Central Government up to 31/12/2017.

2. Department of Personnel & Training have issued a further notifications No. 15012/1/2014-Estt(D) dated 09.02.2018 and accordingly age relaxation of 5 years in the upper age limit to all persons who had ordinarily been domiciled in the State of Jammu & Kashmir during the period from the 1st day of January, 1980 to the 31st day of December, 1989 for appointment to Central Civil Services and posts, recruitment to which are made through UPSC or SSC or otherwise by the Central Government, stands extended up to 31/12/2019.

3. Accordingly, the same is also extended beyond 31.12.2017 to 31.12.2019 for recruitment made by Railway Recruiting agencies.

4. Please acknowledge receipt. Sd/-(Ravi Shekher) Jt. Director Estt. (N)-II; Railway Board.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA; MINISTRY OF FINANCE,

DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE - E.II(A) BRANCH

North Block, New Delhi; 20th June, 2018

F.N. 12(1)/2016-EII(A)Office Memorandum

Sub: Grant of Advance – Amendment to Rule 80 of Compendium of Rules on Advances to

Government Servants.

The undersigned is directed to say that in pursuance of a reference received from the Department of Personnel & Training regarding the demand raised by the Staff Side in the National Council (JCM), the existing provisions of Compendium of Rules on Advances – Rule 80 – relating to Amount of Advances to the families of Government Servants who die while in Service, are retained and amended, as per attached annexure.

2. These orders will take effect from the date of issue of this Office Memorandum. The cases where the advances have already been sanctioned need not be reopened.

3. In so far as persons serving in Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders issue in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

4. All the Ministries/ Departments are requested to bring the amendments to the notice of all its attached and subordinate offices for their information.

Hindi version of this Office Memorandum is enclosed. Sd/- (H. Atheli) Director

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

CPAO/IT & Tech/Revision (7th CPC)/19, Vol-III (B)/2018-19/53 .dated 25.06.2018

Office Memorandum

Subject : E-scroll to process the revision of pension cases.

Attention is invited to this office OM No. CPAO/IT &Tech/Revision (7th CPC)/19. Vol-III (B)/2017-18/133 dated-11.10.2017 wherein it was intimated that the payment details based on e-scrolls received from banks w.r.t. the pensioners/family pensioners viz Bank Name, Accounts No. and BSR Code is provided in PAOs login on the portal eppoinicirt. Step by step procedure was also attached therewith to facilitate the PAOs to view the payment details of the pensioners/family pensioners.

But, it has been observed that Pay and Accounts Offices are not using the facility of e-scroll available with them while processing the revision of pension cases. As a result large number of discrepancies/errors is being found in the e-revision cases received in CPAO and are being returned to the concerned Pay and Accounts Offices resulting in unnecessary delay in processing of pension cases. Facility of e-scroll assists in correctness of Account Number, BSR Codes, Status of credit of pension and date of credit of pension, etc. (Step by step procedure to view the payment details is attached herewith for ready reference).

In view of the above, all the Pr. CCAs/CCAs/CAs/AGs/Administrators of UTs are requested again to instruct their Pay and Accounts Offices under their jurisdiction to use the facility of e-scroll before processing the cases of e-revision for correctness in order to avoid return of e-revision cases.

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

Encl: As above Sd/- (Praful Dabral) Sr. Accounts Officer (IT & Tech)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA; MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS, RAILWAY BOARD

No. 2017/H/28/1/RELHS/Pt.1. New Delhi, Dated-21.06.2018

General Managers, All Indian Railways including PUs and RDSO.

Sub:- Subscription rates of RELHS — regarding.

Ref:- Railway Board’s letter No.2017/H/28/1/dated 23.02.2017.

Vide Board’s letter cited under reference, the subscription rate to join RELHS was revised with effect from 23.02.2017. Thus, the current rate of subscription to join RELHS for retiring railway employees is last month’s basic pay drawn or the amount enumerated in the table below for different pay levels (as per 7th CPC), whichever is lower:-

S.NO.	Level In The Pay Matrix As Per 7th CPC	Subscription Rate To Join RELHS (In Rupees)
1	Level : 1 to 5	30,000/-
2	Level : 6	54,000/-
3	Level : 7 to 11	78,000/-
4	Level : 12 and above	1,20,000/-

Various representations have been received for implementation of the above letter w.e.f. 01.01.2016 (the date of implementation of 7th CPC) in place of 23.02.2017.

After careful consideration in the matter, it as now been decided that the revised rate of subscription for joining RELHS would effective from 01.01.2016 in place of 23.02.2017. The excess amount, if any, deducted from the railway employees / family pensioners who retired / sanctioned pension from 01.01.2016 to 22.02.2017 (both dates are inclusive), may be refunded. It will be incumbent upon the department/branch, which paid the settlement dues to the retired employees/ family pensioner, between ‘01.01.2016 to 22.02.2017 (both dates are inclusive), to credit the excess amount recovered, if any, in one go in the bank account of the employee / family pensioner in which the settlement dues was credited. The due amount shall be initiated by the bill preparing authority for the retired employee and shall be passed by the Accounts Department after due internal check. This would be done without any application from the employee / family pensioner.

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

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

Government of India; Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure - E.II(A) Branch

North Block, New Delhi; 20^th June, 2018

F.N. 12(1)/2016-EII(A)Office Memorandum

Sub: Grant of Advance – Amendment to Rule 80 of Compendium of Rules on Advances to

Government Servants.

2. These orders will take effect from the date of issue of this Office Memorandum. The cases where the advances have already been sanctioned need not be reopened.

3. In so far as persons serving in Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders issue in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

4. All the Ministries/ Departments are requested to bring the amendments to the notice of all its attached and subordinate offices for their information.

Hindi version of this Office Memorandum is enclosed. Sd/-(H. Atheli) Director

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

No. 2005/H/23/6. New Delhi, dated : 13.06.2018

General Managers, All Indian Railways (Including PUs & RDSO)

Sub:- NFIR’s PNM item No. 30/2018 – Revision of criteria for “Diet Charges” for patients

admitted in Railway hospitals—regarding.

Ref: This office letter of even number dated 29.10.2010.

The issue of revision of criteria for free/concessional diet for patients admitted in railway hospitals has been engaging the attention of Ministry of Railways for some time. In the meantime, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India vide their Office Memorandum no S.11011/11/2016-CGHS (P)/EHS dated 09.01.2017 have revised the criteria for diet charges respect of CGHS medical beneficiaries. The Basic pay ceiling for free diet in respect of CGHS beneficiaries has been revised as under:

(i) Basic pay / pension / family pension eligible for free diet—Rs. 44,900/-
(ii) Basic pay/pension/family pension eligible for free diet in case of those suffering from TB or mental diseases-Rs. 69,700/- .
(iii) No provision for concessional diet.

After careful consideration in the matter, it has been decided that the criteria of diet charge fixed by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for CGHS beneficiaries be adopted mutatis-mutandis for Railway beneficiaries. Accordingly, the revised criteria for diet charges in respect of Railway Medical beneficiaries would henceforth be as under:

(I) Monetary ceiling limit of Rs. 44,900/- (after implementation of 7th CPC) of basic pay/pension/family pension for the purpose of providing free diet to railway medical beneficiaries;

(II) Removal of provision of concessional diet charges contained in instructions dated 29.02.2010; and(III) Monetary ceiling s. 69,700/- of basic pay/pension/family pension for the purpose of providing free diet to railway medical beneficiaries suffering from Tuberculosis (TB) or mental disease.

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

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

RBI/2017-18/15 DBR.No.Leg.BC.78/09.07.005/2017-18 July 6, 2017

All Scheduled Commercial Banks (including RRBs) All Small Finance Banks and Payments Banks

Dear Sir/ Madam,

Customer Protection – Limiting Liability of Customers in Unauthorised

Electronic Banking Transactions

Please refer to our circular DBOD.Leg.BC.86/09.07.007/2001-02 dated April 8, 2002 regarding reversal of erroneous debits arising from fraudulent or other transactions.

2. With the increased thrust on financial inclusion and customer protection and considering the recent surge in customer grievances relating to unauthorised transactions resulting in debits to their accounts/ cards, the criteria for determining the customer liability in these circumstances have been reviewed. The revised directions in this regard are set out below.

Strengthening of systems and procedures

3. Broadly, the electronic banking transactions can be divided into two categories:

(i) Remote/ online payment transactions (transactions that do not require physical payment instruments to be presented at the point of transactions e.g. internet banking, mobile banking, card not present (CNP) transactions), Pre-paid Payment Instruments (PPI), and

(ii) Face-to-face/ proximity payment transactions (transactions which require the physical payment instrument such as a card or mobile phone to be present at the point of transaction e.g. ATM, POS, etc.)

4. The systems and procedures in banks must be designed to make customers feel safe about carrying out electronic banking transactions. To achieve this, banks must put in place:

(i) appropriate systems and procedures to ensure safety and security of electronic banking transactions carried out by customers;

(ii) robust and dynamic fraud detection and prevention mechanism;

(iii) mechanism to assess the risks (for example, gaps in the bank’s existing systems) resulting from unauthorised transactions and measure the liabilities arising out of such events;

(iv) appropriate measures to mitigate the risks and protect themselves against the liabilities arising therefrom; and

(v) a system of continually and repeatedly advising customers on how to protect themselves from electronic banking and payments related fraud.

Reporting of unauthorised transactions by customers to banks

5. Banks must ask their customers to mandatorily register for SMS alerts and wherever available register for e-mail alerts, for electronic banking transactions. The SMS alerts shall mandatorily be sent to the customers, while email alerts may be sent, wherever registered. The customers must be advised to notify their bank of any unauthorised electronic banking transaction at the earliest after the occurrence of such transaction, and informed that the longer the time taken to notify the bank, the higher will be the risk of loss to the bank/ customer. To facilitate this, banks must provide customers with 24x7 access through multiple channels (at a minimum, via website, phone banking, SMS, e-mail, IVR, a dedicated toll-free helpline, reporting to home branch, etc.) for reporting unauthorised transactions that have taken place and/ or loss or theft of payment instrument such as card, etc. Banks shall also enable customers to instantly respond by "Reply" to the SMS and e-mail alerts and the customers should not be required to search for a web page or an e-mail address to notify the objection, if any. Further, a direct link for lodging the complaints, with specific option to report unauthorised electronic transactions shall be provided by banks on home page of their website. The loss/ fraud reporting system shall also ensure that immediate response (including auto response) is sent to the customers acknowledging the complaint along with the registered complaint number. The communication systems used by banks to send alerts and receive their responses thereto must record the time and date of delivery of the message and receipt of customer’s response, if any, to them. This shall be important in determining the extent of a customer’s liability. The banks may not offer facility of electronic transactions, other than ATM cash withdrawals, to customers who do not provide mobile numbers to the bank. On receipt of report of an unauthorised transaction from the customer, banks must take immediate steps to prevent further unauthorised transactions in the account.

Limited Liability of a Customer

(a) Zero Liability of a Customer

6. A customer’s entitlement to zero liability shall arise where the unauthorised transaction occurs in the following events:

(i) Contributory fraud/ negligence/ deficiency on the part of the bank (irrespective of whether or not the transaction is reported by the customer).

(ii) Third party breach where the deficiency lies neither with the bank nor with the customer but lies elsewhere in the system, and the customer notifies the bank within three working days of receiving the communication from the bank regarding the unauthorised transaction.

(b) Limited Liability of a Customer

7. A customer shall be liable for the loss occurring due to unauthorised transactions in the following cases:

(i) In cases where the loss is due to negligence by a customer, such as where he has shared the payment credentials, the customer will bear the entire loss until he reports the unauthorised transaction to the bank. Any loss occurring after the reporting of the unauthorised transaction shall be borne by the bank.

(ii) In cases where the responsibility for the unauthorised electronic banking transaction lies neither with the bank nor with the customer, but lies elsewhere in the system and when there is a delay (of four to seven working days after receiving the communication from the bank) on the part of the customer in notifying the bank of such a transaction, the per transaction liability of the customer shall be limited to the transaction value or the amount mentioned in Table 1, whichever is lower.

Table.1 Maximum Liability of a Customer under paragraph 7 (ii)

Type of Account	Maximum liability (Rs)
• BSBD Accounts	5,000
• All other SB accounts • Pre-paid Payment Instruments and Gift Cards • Current/ Cash Credit/ Overdraft Accounts of MSMEs • Current Accounts/ Cash Credit/ Overdraft Accounts of Individuals with annual average balance (during 365 days preceding the incidence of fraud)/ limit up to Rs.25 lakh • Credit cards with limit up to Rs.5 lakh	10,000
• All other Current/ Cash Credit/ Overdraft Accounts • Credit cards with limit above Rs.5 lakh	25,000

Further, if the delay in reporting is beyond seven working days, the customer liability shall be determined as per the bank’s Board approved policy. Banks shall provide the details of their policy in regard to customers’ liability formulated in pursuance of these directions at the time of opening the accounts. Banks shall also display their approved policy in public domain for wider dissemination. The existing customers must also be individually informed about the bank’s policy.

8. Overall liability of the customer in third party breaches, as detailed in paragraph 6 (ii) and paragraph 7 (ii) above, where the deficiency lies neither with the bank nor with the customer but lies elsewhere in the system, is summarised in the Table 2:

Table 2 Summary of Customer’s Liability

Time taken to report the fraudulent transaction from the date of receiving the communication	Customer’s liability (Rs)
Within 3 working days	Zero liability
Within 4 to 7 working days	The transaction value or the amount mentioned in Table 1, whichever is lower
Beyond 7 working days	As per bank’s Board approved policy

The number of working days mentioned in Table 2 shall be counted as per the working schedule of the home branch of the customer excluding the date of receiving the communication.

Reversal Timeline for Zero Liability/ Limited Liability of customer

9. On being notified by the customer, the bank shall credit (shadow reversal) the amount involved in the unauthorised electronic transaction to the customer’s account within 10 working days from the date of such notification by the customer (without waiting for settlement of insurance claim, if any). Banks may also at their discretion decide to waive off any customer liability in case of unauthorised electronic banking transactions even in cases of customer negligence. The credit shall be value dated to be as of the date of the unauthorised transaction.

10. Further, banks shall ensure that:

(i) a complaint is resolved and liability of the customer, if any, established within such time, as may be specified in the bank’s Board approved policy, but not exceeding 90 days from the date of receipt of the complaint, and the customer is compensated as per provisions of paragraphs 6 to 9 above;

(ii) where it is unable to resolve the complaint or determine the customer liability, if any, within 90 days, the compensation as prescribed in paragraphs 6 to 9 is paid to the customer; and

(iii) in case of debit card/ bank account, the customer does not suffer loss of interest, and in case of credit card, the customer does not bear any additional burden of interest.

Board Approved Policy for Customer Protection

11. Taking into account the risks arising out of unauthorised debits to customer accounts owing to customer negligence/ bank negligence/ banking system frauds/ third party breaches, banks need to clearly define the rights and obligations of customers in case of unauthorised transactions in specified scenarios. Banks shall formulate/ revise their customer relations policy, with approval of their Boards, to cover aspects of customer protection, including the mechanism of creating customer awareness on the risks and responsibilities involved in electronic banking transactions and customer liability in such cases of unauthorised electronic banking transactions. The policy must be transparent, non-discriminatory and should stipulate the mechanism of compensating the customers for the unauthorised electronic banking transactions and also prescribe the timelines for effecting such compensation keeping in view the instructions contained in paragraph 10 above. The policy shall be displayed on the bank’s website along with the details of grievance handling/ escalation procedure. The instructions contained in this circular shall be incorporated in the policy.

Burden of Proof

12. The burden of proving customer liability in case of unauthorised electronic banking transactions shall lie on the bank.

Reporting and Monitoring Requirements

13. The banks shall put in place a suitable mechanism and structure for the reporting of the customer liability cases to the Board or one of its Committees. The reporting shall, inter alia, include volume/ number of cases and the aggregate value involved and distribution across various categories of cases viz., card present transactions, card not present transactions, internet banking, mobile banking, ATM transactions, etc. The Standing Committee on Customer Service in each bank shall periodically review the unauthorised electronic banking transactions reported by customers or otherwise, as also the action taken thereon, the functioning of the grievance redress mechanism and take appropriate measures to improve the systems and procedures. All such transactions shall be reviewed by the bank’s internal auditors.

14. The instructions contained in this circular supersede some of the instructions contained in our Master Circular DBR.No.FSD.BC.18/24.01.009/2015-16 dated July 1, 2015 on Credit Card, Debit Card and Rupee Denominated Co-branded Pre-paid Card Operations of Banks and Credit card issuing NBFCs as detailed in the Annex.

Yours faithfully,

(Prakash Baliarsingh) Chief General Manager

Annex

Instructions in our Master Circular on Credit Card, Debit Card and Rupee Denominated Co-branded Pre-paid Card Operations of Banks and Credit card issuing NBFCs (DBR.No.FSD.BC.18/24.01.009/2015-16 dated July 1, 2015) which stand revised in respect of Scheduled Commercial Banks

Sl. No.	Existing Instructions		Revised instructions in this circular (Para No.)
	Para No.	Instructions
1	I.14.1	Banks/ NBFCs should set up internal control systems to combat frauds and actively participate in fraud prevention committees/ task forces which formulate laws to prevent frauds and take proactive fraud control and enforcement measures.	4
2	II.7.(viii)(c)	7. Terms and conditions for issue of cards to customers: (viii) (c) The terms shall put the cardholder under an obligation to notify the bank immediately after becoming aware:	5
		- of the loss or theft or copying of the card or the means which enable it to be used; - of the recording on the cardholder’s account of any unauthorised transaction; and - of any error or other irregularity in the maintaining of that account by the bank.
3	II.7.(viii)(d)	(viii) (d): The terms shall specify a contact point to which such notification can be made. Such notification can be made at any time of the day or night.	5
4	II.7.(x)	The terms shall specify that the bank shall be responsible for direct losses incurred by a cardholder due to a system malfunction directly within the bank’s control. However, the bank shall not be held liable for any loss caused by a technical breakdown of the payment system if the breakdown of the system was recognizable for the cardholder by a message on the display of the device or otherwise known.
		The responsibility of the bank for the non-execution or defective execution of the transaction is limited to the principal sum and the loss of interest subject to the provisions of the law governing the terms.	6 & 7
5	II.9.(i)	The bank shall ensure full security of the debit card. The security of the debit card shall be the responsibility of the bank and the losses incurred by any party on account of breach of security or failure of the security mechanism shall be borne by the bank.	4, 6 & 7
6	II.9.(iv)	iv) The cardholder shall bear the loss sustained up to the time of notification to the bank of any loss, theft or copying of the card but only up to a certain limit (of fixed amount or a percentage of the transaction agreed upon in advance between the cardholder and the bank), except where the cardholder acted fraudulently, knowingly or with extreme negligence.	6 & 7
7	II.9.(v)	Each bank shall provide means whereby his customers may at any time of the day or night notify the loss, theft or copying of their payment devices.	5
8	II.9.(vi)	On receipt of notification of the loss, theft or copying of the card, the bank shall take all action open to it to stop any further use of the card.	5

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE NOT FILED YOUR INCOME TAX RETURN?

The d-date for filing your income tax return for taxpayers is around the corner – 31 July. Many believe that if they have disbursed their taxes, there is nothing to worry about. However, missing the income tax return deadline has some legal consequence. Let us explore what to do if you have not filed your income tax returns.

1. What to do if you have not filed your income tax return? - Many people fail to file their income tax return within the due date as prescribed by the income tax department. But even if you have missed the deadline for filing return, you can still file your income tax return. There is a provision in income tax for late filing of income tax return which is called belated return.

2. What is a belated return?-Filing Income tax return after the due date is called filing a belated return. According to the provisions of law, as it stands today, a belated return can be filed anytime before the end of the relevant Assessment Year (AY).

Here is a simple example to understand this better.

A salaried individual has to ideally file his return of income for the AY 2018-19 i.e. Financial Year (FY) 2017-18 on or before 31 July 2018. If he fails to do so, he can file a belated return on or before 31 March 2019. However, this rule applies only to the AY 2017-18 (introduced in Budget 2016). With respect to returns pertaining to AYs prior to AY 2017-18 i.e. AYs 2016-17 and earlier years, a taxpayer could file a belated return any time before completion of 1 year from the end of the relevant AY. Therefore, the amendment has effectively reduced the time period by 1 year

· FY: Is the year in which the income is received

· AY: Is the year in which the income is assessable to income tax i.e. the year immediately following the FY.

3. Deposited Cash but not Filed Tax returns-A simple one-page return hinas been prescribed for those with income under Rs 5 lakhs. Since the option is available under the come tax laws to file a belated return, please do avail yourself of it in case you do not file your return before the original due date.

Not filing a return of income within the original due date would no doubt entail payment of a fee under Section 234F up to Rs 10,000 even if you file a belated return. But not filing even a belated return, could result in receiving an income tax notice.

Also, for those of you who have a refund to be received from the income tax department, please note that filing a return is the only way you can claim the refund from the department. So if you have not filed an original return, please file a belated return to get your refunds.

4. How to File Belated Return?- When you are filing the belated return, the procedure is same as if you file the return on or before the due date. You need to select ITR form applicable to you and fill the form in the same manner as if you are filing the return on time and choose the assessment year for which you are filing the belated return for eg if you are filing the return for F.Y 2017-18 select 2018-19 as assessment year

5. Consequences of Late filing of Return-It is always advisable that return should be filed on or before the due date. Taxes due should be paid on time, otherwise it will have the following consequences:

Interest and Later Filing Fees-Till FY 2016-17, if there are any unpaid taxes, interest @ 1% per month or part thereof will be charged till the date of payment of taxes. Also, a penalty of Rs 5,000 may be charged. The penalty is not levied in all cases and depends upon the circumstances of the case. For returns filed from FY 2017-18 and onwards, a late filing fees of Rs 5,000 will be charged for returns filed after due date but before 31st December. If returns are filed after 31st December, late filing fees of of Rs 10,000 shall apply. However, the fees will be limited to Rs 1,000 for those with an income up to Rs 5 Lakhs.

Unable to set off Losses-Losses incurred (other than house property loss) are not allowed to be carried forward to subsequent years to be set off against the future gains, where return has not been filed within the due date.

6. Conclusion- One must pay taxes and file the return on or before the due date. And in case one is unable to file the return, at least taxes if any should be paid within due date. If all taxes are paid, interest will not be levied. However, other drawbacks such as non-carry forward of losses etc. will be applicable.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA; MINISTRY OF RAIL WAYS, RAILWAY BOARD

No. 2018/Trans.Cell/lHealth/Medical Cards New Delhi, dated: 08.06.2018

The GMs, All Indian Railways/PUs, NF(Con), CORE The DG/RDSO/Lucknow, DG/NAIR/

Vadodara, CAOs, DMW/Patiala, WPO/Patna, COFMOW/NDLS, RWP/Bela, CAO/IROAF

Sub:- Medical Identity Cards - Uniformity and renewal For bringing uniformity in the Medical

Identity Cards issued to employees and other beneficiaries on Indian Railways, Board (MS,

FC & CRB) have approved the following.

1. The Medical Identity Card should be a plastic based card, the size of which should be same as that of the debit/ credit cards issued by banks.

2. A strip at the top of the card should have different color for serving and retired employees and their dependents as per extant instructions on color of Medical Identity Cards.

3. A separate Medical Identity Card, with unique all India number, should be issued to the employee as well as each dependent. The card of the dependent may also bear the Medical Card number of the primary serving/retired employee. The numbering scheme is to be decided by Establishment Directorate.

4. The level of entitlement of employee, which indicates the level of facilities to be provided to the beneficiaries, should be indicated on the card. The pattern being used by CGHS may be adopted with suitable modifications, if required. Health directorate may decide the same.

5. The Medical Identity Card for beneficiaries upto the age of 15years should be made valid for 5 years, after which these should be renewed. For beneficiaries above the age of 15 years, the Medical Identity Card should be renewed on attaining the age of 40 years and at the time of retirement. The Medical Identity Card should also be reissued on change of level of entitlement.

6. Only bare minimum information of the beneficiary may be visible on the card. The following data may be printed on the card:

a. The name of the Railway; b. Medical Card Number

c. Name & Medical Card Number of the Primary holder in case of card of dependent

d. Name of the card holder; e. Year of Birth

f. Date of validity of the card; g. Level of entitlement of medical facilities;

h. Health Unit; i. Blood Group; J. Photograph;

k. Signature/ LTl of the beneficiary; I. Signature/Designation of issuing authority;

m. Electronic card reading may be incorporated where such systems are implemented.

This issues with the concurrence of Associate Finance of Transformation Cell of RailwayBoard.

Sd/ Rajesh Gupta; Executive Director, Transformation Cell

No, 2018/Trans.Cell/ Health/Medical Cards New Delhi, dated: 08.06,2018

I. PFAs, All Indian Railways &Production Units

2. The ADAI (Railways), New Delhi

3. The Director of Audit, All Indian Railways

(Sanjeeb Kumar) Executive Director Accounts Transformation Cell

The General body meeting of WREU Railway Pensioner’s Wing, Anand was conducted on 1.7.2018 at WREU office Anand with Shri. KandaswamyGavrishankerEx.SSE/DSL/MGS, President on chair. After prayer, two minutes silence was observed as a mark of respect for the departed
members since last meeting held in 2017. More than two hundred members attended the meeting. Welcoming the audience, Sri. Santosh Pawar, Divisional Secretary WREU /BRC explained in detail the problems of delay in getting the new PPOs, non-payment of FMA for pensioners, fixation of pension for running staff, income tax levels for senior citizens. Com. Vijaya Sangar, Chairman WREU/BRC inaugurated the function. Shri R.D.Pillai, convenor of WREU pensioner’s wing, Anand
explained the steps taken by the pension wing to get arrears due for pensioners. He also narrated the health related issues of the railway pensioners of Anand and the problem faced by the serving & retired employees to get admitted in the nominated hospitals of ANAND. Also the railway doctors are not transferring serious cases to multi-specialty hospitals and urged the members to continue struggle to get their legitimate rights fulfilled. Senior members aged 75 and above were felicitated.

Railway Pensioners’ Association, Rampurhat conducted their 6^th Annual General Body Meeting on 6^th June 2018. 80members attended the meeting. Representatives from State Government Pensioners Assns, CGPA and BANK pensioners association addressed the Meeting. It was decide to urge the Government not to collect income tax on pension. The secretary’s report and accounts were presented and passed unanimously by the house. The Secretary of the organisation will represent the forth coming meeting of the NFRP at Palakkad.

Quarterly Meeting of Railway Pensioners’ Samaj, Chennai was held at Unity House, Perambur on 23-06-2018. 300 Members including all Office-Bearers of ‘RPS’ attended. Our Advisors: Sri. S. Suryanarayanan (RtdA.M.Plg.RB) & Sri. K. Swaminathan (Rtd AMM / RB) graced the meeting. Sri.A.Jayakumar, President, welcomed the gathering.

Genl Secretary Sri. K. Srinivasan, spoke of the progress of pending grievances Sri. S. Suryanarayanan, Advisor, spoke about the policy developments taking place at RB and about availing FMA by Railway Pensioners. Sri. K. Swaminathan, Advisor, spoke of the needs in upkeep of medical-care and other problems faced by Railway-Retirees. Sri. R. Sethumadhavan, Vice President/NFRP spoke of his struggles to get his pension revised. Treasurer Sri. M. Padmanabhan presented the accounts for FY 2017-2018. Some of the senior-most members of ‘RPS’ were presented with ‘WALL-CLOCKS’, sponsored by Sri. R. Jayaraman, Working President. AGS Sri. M. Fathima Doss spoke of the steps taken for getting 7^th CPC Revised PPOs / Arrears as early as possible. Vote of Thanks was proposed by Sri. S. Ramalingam Asst. Secretary. Meeting concluded with singing of National Anthem.

Railway Pensioners’ Association, Kollam had submitted a memorandum to Director General, Health, Railway Board, during his visit to Trivandrum last month. The Director General was appraised of the undue delay in reimbursement of medical bills, elevation of Railway Hospital, Kollam to the status of Sub-Divisional Hospital, provision of seating arrangements for patients coming to the Railway Hospital, introduction of token system to the patients waiting in the OPD etc. It is understood prompt action has been taken by the Director General, Chief Medical Director, Southern Railway, Chief Medical Superintendent, Trivandrum and the Divisional Railway Manager, Trivandrum. NFRP is extremely thankful to the Officers for their prompt efforts to resolve the grievances of pensioners.

S.No	Sub No	Name and station	S.No	Sub No	Name and station
1	A0836	P.Bhaskarannair, PGT	16	A4009	K.Radhakrishnan,PGT,KKG
2	A0851	A.Ramanathan,PGT	17	A4154	Adv.S.Salaluddin,ERN
3	A0866	N.Keasavannambissan,PNBV	18	A4158	Syed Aslam,BNC
4	A3226	P.C.John,PANDLM	19	A4159	C.P.Janardanan,CEN
5	A3287	P.Sethumadhavan,CEN	20	A4300	P.Prabhakaran,PGT.rpf
6	A3289	K.Pandaiha,CEN	21	A4303	K.Balashanmughanathan,V.Nagar
7	A3302	N.Adikesavalu,PTJ	22	A4304	P.Chandrasekharan,MLPRM
8	A3377	K.K.Kuryan,KTYM	23	A4307	S.James, CEN
9	A3540	P.Gopalan,CAN	24	A4312	K.K.Rajan,TCR
10	A3583	A.K.Kesavan,PGT	25	A4437	S.Anandan,PTJ
11	A3587	K.Madhusoodanan,AAM	26	A4438	V.C.Sasidharan,KOLLM
12	A3589	S.R.Kurumi,GUJ	27	A4439	L.Behra,ORISA
13	A3591	P.Subaramaiha,CDPA	28	A4440	T.K.V.Chari,TIR
14	A3717	T.Philomindas, GY	29	A4441	R.Mani,SA
15	A3782	S.Kuppuswamy,UKL	30	A4460	M.P.Sreedharan,CAN

1	11.6.2018	S.E.R.P.A/Rourkhela	AM.362	Rs. 5000
2	11.6.2018	SCORE, Mumbai	AM.307	Rs. 5000
3	12.6.2018	Nandakumar Ahuja	L.116	Rs. 500
4	20.6.2018	P.C.Aravindakshan, Maq	A.2382	Rs. 500
5	04.7.2018	N.Kamatchi, Chennai	A.3673	Rs. 150
6	04.7.2018	C.J.Coelho, Podanur	A.2323	Rs. 500
7	04.7.2018	C.Ramadas, Palakkad	LM.005	Rs. 500
8	07.7.2018	R.K.Rajagopal, Chennai	L.427	Rs. 500
9	07.7.2018	RPA,SRMU, Kollam	AM.429	Rs.2000
10	11.7.2018	V.C.Achaari/ Tuni	AM.3030	Rs. 650

Annual General Body Meeting of NFRP will be conducted at Gayathri Kalyana Mandapam, Olavakkode, near Palghat Junction on 21^st September 2018. You are cordially invited to participate. Delegate fee of Rs.300 per delegate/participant has to be remitted before registering for the meeting. Accommodation will be provided at Rs.250 per bed per day on advance intimation. Please participate and make the Meeting a grand success.

AGENDA- OPEN SESSION 9.30 ONWARDS

1.Prayer

2.Welcome address

3.Inauguration by lighting the lamp

4.Presidential address

5.Felicitation by Sri. Pratap Singh Shami, DRM/PGT

6.Address by Sri. Suryanarayanan, Rtd. Addl. Member, Railway Board and National working

President NFRP

7.Felicitation by Sri.Sai Baba, ADRM/PGT

7.FelitationSri.Lipin Raj, DPO/PGT

8.Felicitation by Sri. Kumar Das, Rtd. Chairman RRT

9.Address by Sri.D.Balasubramaniam, General Secretary, AIFPA/Chennai

10 Keynote address by S.C.Maheshwari, Secretary General Bharath Pensioners Samaj,

New Delhi

11 Vote of thanks

DELEGATES SESSION - 14 TO 17 HRS

1)Report of Secretary General

2) Audited Statement of Accounts by Treasurer 2018 by Treasurer

3) Speeches by delegates, discussion on the report and passing of report and accounts

4) Passing of Resolutions

5) Vote of thanks

6) National Anthem

The Railways has relaxed the existing Railway Servants Pass Rules to allow its employees to travel with their children suffering from serious ailments if they are referred to outstation hospitals for treatment, an official release has said.

Earlier, as per the provisions contained in the Pass Rules, one attendant may be allowed on the recommendation of a medical officer if the patient is bedridden and is unable to sit. Such passes, where an attendant has been allowed, should be restricted to the patient and the attendants only.

Railway minister Piyush Goyal took cognizance of the fact that a child feels secure in the presence of a parent, especially when he or she is unwell and that an attendant would also be required to assist, has given his approval to amend the Provisions contained in Schedule VII (Special Passes) of Railway Servants (Pass) Rules, 1986.