DA from July 2010 : AICPIN for the month of June-2010 published by Labour Bureau

Just now All India Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) on base 2001=100 value has been released by Labour Bureau. The value of the index stands at 174 level, so in this situation, the Dearness Allowance for Central Government Employees will be rised 10% and total of 45% (35% + 10%).

Press Release

Consumer Price Index Numbers for Industrial Workers on Base 2001=100


CPI(IW) Base 2001=100 Monthly Index Letter - JUNE 2010

MAY 2010	JUNE 2010
172	174

ALL INDIA CONSUMER PRICE INDEX NUMBERS FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS


ON BASE 2001=100 FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE, 2010



1. All India Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) on base 2001=100 for the month of June, 2010 increased by 2 points and stood at 174 (one hundred and seventy four).



2. During June, 2010, the index recorded an increase of 8 points in Varanasi centre, 6 points each in Quilon and Giridih centres, 5 points in 4 centres, 4 points in 8 centres, 3 points in 13 centres, 2 points in 17 centres and 1 point in 19 centres. The index decreased by 1 point each in Ludhiana and Ghaziabad centres, while in the remaining 12 centres the index remained stationary.



3. The maximum increase of 8 points in Varanasi centre is mainly due to increase in the prices of Rice, Wheat, Fresh Milk, Onion, Vegetable and Fruit items, Electricity Charges, Bus Fare, Tailoring Charges, etc. The increase of 6 points in Quilon centre is due to increase in the prices of Rice, Fish Fresh, Onion, Vegetable and Fruit items, Cigarette, Tailoring Charges, etc. and in Giridih centres it is due to increase in the prices of Mustard Oil, Fish Fresh, Turmeric Powder, Vegetable and Fruit items, Soft Coke, etc. However, the decrease of 1 point each in Ludhiana and Ghaziabad centres is due to decrease in the prices of Onion, Vegetable items, Sugar, etc.



4. The indices in respect of the six major centres are as follows :



1. Ahmedabad – 169

2. Bangalore –182

3. Chennai – 162

4. Delhi – 159

5. Kolkata -172

6. Mumbai -171



5. The point to point rate of inflation for the month of June, 2010 is 13.73% as compared to 13.91% in May, 2010.




6. The CPI-IW for July, 2010 will be released on the last working day of the next month, i.e. 31st August, 2010.

Labour Bureau

Indian Railways announced new Catering Policy - 2010

Railways’ New Catering Policy 2010



A new Catering Policy 2010 of Indian Railways has been introduced w.e.f. 21st July, 2010 which has revised policy guidelines regarding management of mobile as well as static catering units.



The management of providing onboard catering services to the railway passengers on Indian Railways is now to be done by the Zonal Railways instead of IRCTC, in a phased manner.



During the current year from January to 20th July, 2010, a total number of 687 complaints have been received regarding sub-standard food and contaminated water.



Number of Complaints received from North Zone i.e. Northern Railway, North Central Railway, North Eastern Railway and North Western Railway is 257; from West Zone i.e Western Railway, Central Railway and West Central Railway is 105; East Zone i.e. Northeast Frontier Railway, Eastern Railway, South Eastern Railway, South East Central Railway, East Central Railway and East Coast Railway is 180; South Zone i.e. Southern Railway and South West Railway is 113 and South Central Zone i.e. South Central Railway is 32.



Following steps are taken to maintain quality of food and mobile as well as static units:-



1. Modernization of base kitchens and cell kitchens where food is prepared for onward transmission to mobile unit.



2. Conducting special drive on premium trains and base kitchen.



3. Conducting 3rd party audit by reputed agencies.



4. Customer satisfaction surveys.



5. Web enabled complaint management systems.



6. Toll free number to lodge complaint.



This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri K.H. Muniyappa in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

Railways provide more facilities for Physically Handicapped Persons

Facilities for Physically Handicapped Persons



The number of orthopedically handicapped/paraplegic persons traveling on concession tickets in reserved segment during the year 2009-10 is approximately 9.84 lakh. Indian Railways have been manufacturing passenger coaches with specially designed compartments and toilets for wheel chair borne passengers. Facilities for ramp etc. for ingress/egress are not available in the current designs of coaches.



Facilities already exist for provision of wheel chairs at stations. This service is provided free of cost, duly escorted by coolies (on payment) as per present practice. Zonal Railways are also attempting to provide ‘Battery Operated Vehicles for Disabled ad Old Age Passengers’ at railway stations through commercial publicity route.



All major railway stations have been provided with ramps at exit/entry. Ramps and pathways have also been provided at the end of the platforms at all major railway stations to facilitate inter-platform transfer for physically challenged passengers. Provision of ramps at remaining stations is undertaken by Railways in a phased manner.



This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri K.H. Muniyappa in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

PIB

Internet facility feasible in trains - Railway Minister

Internet Facility in Trains



Trial run for provision of Internet facility has been conducted only in Mumbai-Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express.



A satellite based system with Wi-Fi distribution in coaches was tried on experimental basis and was found to be technically feasible.



A pilot project for internet facility in three rakes of Delhi-Howrah Rajdhani Express has been considered and has been included in the Railway Budget 2010-11.



This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri K.H. Muniyappa in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

Ministry of Railways is developing ‘Single Window Commercial Portal’

Railways Developing a Single Window Commercial Portal to Enhance
Passenger Convenience



In a move to enhance passenger convenience and ensure hassle-free ticket booking, the Ministry of Railways is developing a ‘Single Window Commercial Portal’ which is envisaged as an e-commerce platform integrating a wide gamut of commercial activities. To develop a Single Window Commercial Portal has been a well deliberated decision taken more than two years ago and is aimed to augment the e-ticketing services in addition to other activities under the single window e-commerce platform. Such options already exist in aviation sector where there are stand alone ticketing portals as well as parent platforms where travellers can subscribe to other Umbrella/Value added services offered by the carriers. As and when adopted, the additional portal services of Railways will supplement the existing services so as to cater to the increased passenger traffic as well as the demand for e-ticketing given its flexibility.



Constant innovation, process improvements and use of contemporary technology has been a conscious step of Indian Railways towards increasing the ease of ticketing in general and e-ticketing in particular. The Ministry of Railways has recently taken several measures in this direction, which include liberalized norms such as acceptance of more number of ID-proofs and extension of e-booking facility 24X7 (except for one hour down time which is mandated for maintenance). In addition, restrictions have been imposed with respect to blocking access to agent during the peak hours i.e. 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the morning. Moreover, special drives and checks have also been intensified to curb touting activities. These measures have been undertaken to ensure that genuine travelers can avail the services and the measure is not directed against a particular entity.



Indian Railways is also adopting a number of measures aimed at proliferation of not just e-ticketing but also ticketing in general such as use of Mobile Ticketing Vans, appointment of Jansadharan Ticket Booking Sewaks, Automatic Ticket Vending Machines and tie-ups with Banks and Post Offices.

PIB

Combined Medical and Engineering entrance examination for CBSE students

Single Entrance Exam for Medical and Engineering



There is a proposal with CBSE to integrate the All India Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Entrance Examination which is conducted for the 15% merit positions for the Medical/Dental Colleges of India, and the All India Engineering Entrance Examination which is being conducted for various Engineering and Architecture Institutions including National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology) (IITs, IIITM & IIITDM), self-financed deemed Universities/Universities/other Central Government/State Government funded institutions, State/UT Institutions.



The candidates seeking admission to different courses would be spared the bother of appearing in multiple entrance examinations. The time by which the combined entrance examination is to be introduced depends on the consent from other stakeholders including Directorate General of Health Services and Medical Council of India.



This information was given by the Minister of State for Human Resource Development Smt. D. Purandeswari, in a written reply to a question, in the Lok Sabha today.


PIB

Railway Employees may be permitted to revise their initial option (Ruel-6) upto 31 12.2010

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(RAILWAY BOARD)

******

S.No.PC-VI/216

No.PC-VI/2010/I/RSRP/5

RBE No.102/2010

New Delhi, dated 22.07.2010

The GMs/CAOs(R),

All Indian Railways & PUs

(As per mailing list)

Sub:-     
Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 – Revision of option exercised under Rule 6 of Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008.

         
In accordance with the provisions contained in Rule 11 of the Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008, where a Railway servant opts to continue to draw his pay in the existing scale from the 1st day of January 2006 and switch over to the revised scale from a date later than the 1st day of January, 2006, his pay from the later date in the revised scale is required to be fixed under Rule 11(i) of the Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008. As per Rule 5 of these Rules, this option to switch over to the revised pay structure from a date later than 1.1 2006 is available to a Railway Servant :



(i) who elects to continue to draw pay in the existing scale until the date on which he earns his next or any subsequent increment in the existing scale or until he vacates his post or ceases to draw pay in that scale.



(ii) who has been placed in a higher pay scale between 1.1.2006 and the date of notification of these Rules on account of promotion, upgradation of pay scale etc, the Railway servant may elect to switch over to the revised pay structure from the date of such promotion, upgradation etc.

         
2. As per Rule 6(1) of Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 the option in the format appended to the Second Schedule was required to be exercised within three months from the date of issue of these Rules,

         
3.Further Rule 6(4) provided that the option once exercised shall be final. The Staff Side has represented on this issue and have requested that the first option exercised may not be treated as final keeping in view the new system of pay band and grade pays and those employees may be allowed to revise their option if the option is more beneficial to them.

         
4.On further consideration and in exercise of the powers available under Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008, the President is pleased to decide that in relaxation of stipulation under Rule 6(4) of these Rules employees may be permitted to revise their initial option upto 31 12.2010 if the option is more beneficial to them. The revised option shall be intimated to the Head of his Office by the Railway servant in accordance with the provision of Rule 6(2) of the Revised Pay Rules, 2008.

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

  

(Hari Krishan)

Director, Pay Commission II

Railway Board.

www.indianrailways.gov.in

Region-wise details of Inoperative Account (unclaimed money) - Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)

Unclaimed Money With EPFO



Various steps have been taken by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to strengthen Service to Members Area. Introduction of National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT), Short Message Service (SMS) facility for claim settlement, EPFiGMS (internet based grievances mechanism system) and Special drive for priority disposal of transfer cases are few of such instances in this direction. In addition to it, the ‘Computerization Project’ of the EPFO will provide more tools to serve the subscribers in much better way.



The database of the members is not centrally maintained and is primarily maintained by the Regional/Sub-Regional Offices of Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). However, in ‘Computerization Project’ of the EPFO, a Central Depository for keeping Members database has been envisaged to have a quick access to member’s database even at Head Office level. This is one of the reasons for multiple accounts in case of certain members.



Region-wise details of Inoperative Account (unclaimed money) as per the audited Balance Sheet for the financial year 2008-09 is given below:

Sl. No.	Region	Balance as on 31.03.2009 (in Rs.)
1	ANDHRA PRADESH - HYDERABAD	5,960,442,298.84
2	ANDHRA PRADESH - GUNTUR	2,349,819,190.00
3	BIHAR	640,455.03
4	CHHATTISGARH	1,547,757,920.50
5	DELHI-NORTH	36,612,348.55
6	DELHI-SOUTH	29,973,933.04
7	GOA	180,369,271.00
8	GUJARAT - AHMEDABAD	20,144,984.69
9	GUJARAT - BARODA	6,137,088.62
10	HARYANA	31,674,066.60
11	HIMACHAL PRADESH	1,005,117,000.00
12	JHARKHAND	503,214.65
13	KARNATAKA - BANGALORE	31,901,486.00
14	KARNATAKA - MANGALORE	362,000.00
15	KERALA	1,757,689.00
16	MADHYA PRADESH	1,344,460,643.00
17	MAHARASHTRA - I (BANDRA)	78,957,978.49
18	MAHARASHTRA - II (THANE)	-
19	MAHARASHTRA - NAGPUR	3,139,926,215.80
20	MAHARASHTRA - PUNE	17,754,414,135.67
21	N.E. REGION	4,241,478.53
22	ORISSA	2,925,876.08
23	PUNJAB - CHANDIGARH	44,649,373.00
24	PUNJAB - LUDHIANA	81,505,706.37
25	RAJASTHAN	11,549,049.14
26	TAMIL NADU - CHENNAI	4,405,128,663.58
27	TAMIL NADU - COIMBATORE	782,335,401.74
28	TAMIL NADU - MADURAI	1,994,091,617.80
29	UTTARAKHAND	39,179,693.43
30	UTTAR PRADESH	12,736,558,898.13
31	WEST BENGAL - KOLKATA	4,286,103,228.49
32	WEST BENGAL - JALPAIGURI	1,016,060,035.83
	TOTAL	58,925,300,941.60

Shri Harish Rawat, Minister of State for Labour and Employment gave this information in reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

PIB

Welfare Scheme for CPF Personnel

Welfare Scheme for CPF Personnel




The total fund sanctioned, released and utilized by Central Para Military Force (CPFs) for the welfare activities during the last three years and current year is as under:-

Year	2007-08	2008-09	2009-10	2010-11 (as on 30/06/2010
Assam Rifles	415.50	400.50	641.32	250.00
Border Security Force	1473.84	1151.42	1602.63	300.00
Central Reserve Police Force	1552.40	1473.95	3356.27	3072.00
Central Industrial Security Force	329.72	279.36	718.81	100.00
Indo Tibetan Border Police	265.60	294.05	469.18	205.00
Sashashtra Seema Bal	237.76	278.38	342.18	200.00
National Security Guard	59.62	30.59	26.00	---
Total utilized	4334.44	3908.25	7156.39	4127.00

Proposal of welfare activities received from different sections of Central Para Military Forces are considered by the Government from time to time.





This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri Ajay Maken in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

PIB

Welfare Of Defence Personnel - "One Rank One Pension"

Welfare Of Defence Personnel



A committee was constituted under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary to look in the issue of ‘One Rank One Pension and other related issues’. After considering all aspects and keeping in mind the spirit of the demand, several recommendations to substantially improve pensionary benefits of Armed Forces pensioners have been made, which have been accepted and are as follows:-





(i) Inclusion of classification Allowance for PBOR from January 01, 2006.



(ii) Removal of linkage of full pension with 33 years from January 01, 2006.



(iii) Revision of Lt General Pension after carving out a separate pay scale for them.



(iv) Bringing parity between pension of pre and post October 10, 1997 PBOR pensioners.



(v) Further improving PBOR pensions based on award of Group of Ministers 2006.



(vi) Broad banding percentage of disability /war injury pensions for pre- January 01, 2006 disability/war injury pensioners.



(vii) Removal of cap on war injury element of pension in the case of disabled pensioners belong to Category E.





Government orders in implementation of the same have been issued on October 30, 2009, January 19, 2010, January 20, 2010 and March 08, 2010. Approximately 12 lac pensioners are benefitted by the recommendations.





This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Shri MM Pallam Raju in a written reply to Smt Sumitra Mahajan in Lok Sabha today.


PIB

Nalanda Ordnance Factory in Bihar

Nalanda Ordnance Factory



The details of land acquired from the farmers for setting the Nalanda Ordnance Factory in Bihar are as follows



(a) Total area of land acquired is 1749.82 acres.



(b)


(i) The number of families affected / displaced – 1191.



(ii) Compensation of Rs. 35.56 crores has been paid towards the cost of land.



(iii) 1191 houses have been constructed for the displaced families along with roads, water supply and sanitation facilities. Common amenities such as community centre, school and dispensary have also been constructed. The total expenditure for these amounts to Rs. 14.59 crores.





(c) No representations have been received regarding compensation or rehabilitation. But there are representations on provision of jobs.





Preferential employment in Ordnance Factory, Nalanda could not be provided for the displaced persons as the Government policy at that time did not provide for such employment.





This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Ramkishun and Shri Kaushalendra Kumar in Lok Sabha today.

PIB

Welfare Schemes for Physically Challenged Persons

Welfare Schemes for Physically Challenged Persons




The following schemes are being implemented by the Government for the welfare of the persons with disabilities:-



(i) Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS):- Under the scheme, funds for the welfare of persons with disabilities are provided to the non-governmental organizations for projects like special schools for disabled, Vocational Training Centres, Half Way Homes, Community Based Rehabilitation Centres, Early Intervention Centres for Disabled and Rehabilitation of Leprosy Cured Persons etc.



(ii) Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP):- Under the scheme, aids/appliances are distributed to the needy persons with disabilities which includes mentally challenged children also.



(iii) National Institutions:- The Ministry supports seven autonomous National Institutes which provide rehabilitation services and undertake manpower development with the overall objective of providing rehabilitation services for different types of disabilities.



(iv) The National Handicapped Finance & Development Corporation provides concessional credit to persons with disabilities for setting up income generating activities for self employment.



(v) Scheme for Implementation of Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 (SIPDA):- Under this Scheme, assistance is provided for setting up of District Disability Rehabilitation Centres, Regional Rehabilitation Centres, creating barrier free environment in public buildings, awareness generation etc.



(vi) Scheme of Incentives to Employees in the Private Sector for providing employment to persons with disabilities:- Under this Scheme, launched in April, 2008, the Government of India provides the employers’ contribution for Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees State Insurance (ESI) for three years, for persons with disabilities employed in the private sector on or after 1.4.2008, with a monthly salary upto Rs.25,000/-.







Since all the schemes are Central Sector schemes, the funds are not allocated state-wise. The Budget allocation under these schemes for the last three years and current year is given below:

Scheme/Programme	Budget Allocation (In crores)
ADIP	328
DDRS	336
Employment of Physically challenged	38
NHFDC	75
National Institutes	207
SIPDA	158

This information was given by Shri D. Napoleon, the Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

PIB

Welfare of Ex-Servicemen - Defence Minister informed in Lok Sabha

Welfare of Ex-Servicemen




The number of ex-servicemen as on date in the country, statewise is as under:-

Sl No.	State	Number of Ex-Servicemen
1.	Andhra Pradesh	72801
2.	Arunachal Pradesh	1148
3.	Assam	42722
4.	Bihar	106997
5.	Chandigarh	375
6.	Chhatisgarh	1677
7.	Dadra Nagar Haveli	8
8.	Delhi	16887
9.	Goa Daman & Diu	424
10.	Gujarat	24433
11.	Haryana	217528
12.	Himachal Pradesh	110508
13.	Jammu & Kashmir	95282
14.	Jharkhand	11692
15.	Karnataka	65448
16.	Kerala	138114
17.	Madhya Pradesh	52596
18.	Maharastra	170431
19.	Manipur	7656
20.	Meghalaya	3041
21.	Mizoram	3723
22.	Nagaland	4677
23.	Orissa	34342
24.	Pondicherry	1153
25.	Andaman & Nicobar	823
26.	Lakshadweep	47
27.	Punjab	306743
28.	Rajasthan	167175
29.	Sikkim	911
30.	Tamil Nadu	129718
31.	Tripura	2257
32.	Uttar Pradesh	300643
33.	Uttarakhand	98326
34.	West Bengal	70399
	Total	2260705

The details of schemes being implemented for the welfare, rehabilitation and resettlement of ex-servicemen is as under:





Training





Ex-Servicemen are given training to prepare them for civilian life. Directorate General Resettlement is entrusted with the responsibility of preparing both-Ex-Servicmen and retiring service personnel for second carrier. Towards this end Officers and PBORs are given resettlement training at IIMs and various other institutes across the country.





Self Employment





The following self-employment schemes are operated for the welfare of officers and PBORs Ex-Servicemen:





(i) Security agencies.



(ii) Allotment of surplus army vehicles.



(iii) Coal Transportation Scheme.



(iv) Allotment of oil product agencies.



(v) Coal Tipper scheme.



(vi) Allotment of BPCL GHAR outlets.



(vii) Mother Dairy Milk and Fruits and Vegetables shops.



(viii) Management of CNG station by ESM officers in NCR.



(ix) Management of Toll Plaza under NHAI.





Financial Assistance




(i) Treatment of serious ailments



(ii) Supply of modified scooters for ESM paraplegics



(iii) Tools kits for ESM technician



(iv) Financial assistance for needy ESM for house repair, daughters marriage, children education etc.



Prime Minister’s Merit Scholarship Scheme





4000 scholarships are awarded every year to the wards of ex-servicemen to pursue technical and professional course.





Funds for maintenance of paraplegic rehabilitation centres, Cheshire home and St. Dustan aftercare organisation and war memorial hostels.





Besides the above the following benefits are also available to Ex-servicemen:-





(i) Tuition fee exemption for wards of war widows/war disable ex-Servicemen.



(ii) Allotment of medical / BDS seats to wards of defence personnel



(iii) Reservation in State Government jobs and in professional colleges for wards of ESM/widows.



(iv) Reservation in allotment of house sites/flats.



(v) Cash incentives for winners of gallantry awards.



(vi) Exgratia grant to war widows.



(vii) Concession in fare for rail and air to recipients of gallantry awards, permanently disabled officers and war widows.



(viii) Legal assistance and exemption of court fee



(ix) 10 to 24.5 % reservation in Group C and D posts in Central and State Government, PSUs, nationalized banks and paramilitary forces.



Medical Facility:





Along with the above benefit 100 % medical coverage is provided to ex-servicemen pensioners through Ex-Service Contributory health Scheme (ECHS), who are members of the scheme.



State-wise details of beneficiaries/expenditure are not maintained, however during the last three years 4326 officers, 83079 PBORs and 2998 Ex-Servicemen were trained for resettlement. In addition 1,17,779 Ex-Servicemen were provided employment during this period through Directorate General Resettlement. The expenditure for resettlement and welfare during the last three years is Rs. 100.18 crores. Moreover, Rs. 2009.77 crores was spent on medical treatment of Ex-Servicemen and their dependents.





The amount for rehabilitation of Ex-Servicemen is based on the yearly requirement as projected by the implementing agencies. Ex-Servicemen are getting appropriate placements.





This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Harishchandra Chavan in Lok Sabha today.

PIB

Review of Functioning of CGHS

Review of Functioning of CGHS



The performance of the CGHS is regularly reviewed by the Government. The committee of secretaries has also been regularly reviewing the functioning of the CGHS since December 2008 and has been giving directions to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for making it beneficiary friendly. Some of the recent initiatives are listed below:



1. Computerisation: To keep pace with the modern times, a massive computerisation work has been taken up under CGHS in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre. Computerisation of the CGHS will result in lesser waiting period for beneficiaries at the dispensaries; online placement indents on local chemists, availability of patients profiles; availability of medicine, drugs usage pattern, which enable the CGHS to prepare a realistic of formulary drugs; reduction in use of paper; removal of jurisdictional restriction (as regard the dispensaries) for the beneficiaries, etc.



2. Introduction of Plastic cards: As part of the computerisation process, it has been decided to plastics cards individually to each beneficiary of the CGHS. This will enable beneficiaries to avail CGHS facility in any city should they happen to be in that city either on official work or on leave. Inter city treatment will be possible after all cities are computerised and networked.



3. Accreditation of hospitals with National Accreditation Board for hospitals and health care providers (NABH) and lapse with National Accreditation Board for Testing and Caliberation Laboratories (NABL): With a view to providing better quality treatment to CGHS beneficiaries, it was decided that only those private hospitals and diagnostic centres would be empanelled under the CGHS, as have been cleared by the quality Council of India after it carried out inspection of the facilities available at these hospitals and diagnostic centres. It may been decided all the hospitals and laboratories on the panel of CGHS have to get certificates issued by the NABH / NADL under the quality council of India.



4. Medical Audit of Hospital Bills is an important exercise to assess the quality of services offered and expenditure incurred. In order to be sure that the bills raised by private empanelled hospitals are genuine and that the beneficiaries were required to undergo only that treatment as was required and that the hospital has not forced the beneficiary to undergo unnecessary tests / treatment at the hospital. The job of the medical audit of Hospital bills has been outsourced to TPAs.



5. Holding of Claims Adalats: Complaints were received in the CGHS and in the Ministry that old cases of reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by pensioners were pending for settlement for long time. It was decided that claims adalats be held in each Zonal office of CGHS, Delhi under the chairmanship of the Additional Directors of the respective zones. Claims adalats were held annually, in each zone (East, Central, South and North Zones) in Delhi, during 2007 and 2008 and over 95% of the claims were settled in those adalats. Encorporated by the success in Delhi, all CGHS cities have been directed to hold claim adalats on annual basis.



6. Local Advisory Committees Local Advisory Committee meetings are held in each CGHS dispensary on second Saturday on the month attended by the Welfare Officer appointed by the Chief Welfare Officer, Department of Personnel & Training, representatives from pensioners associations, local chemists to resolve problems at dispensary level.



7. Decentralisation and delegation of powers: Ministries / departments have been delegated powers to handle all cases of reimbursement claims if no relaxation of rules was involved. Either they had powers to handle requests upto Rs. 2 Lakh and beyond that amount, the cases were referred to CGHS.



8. Rate contract for purchase of drugs: Dispensaries in Delhi have been permitted to place indent directly on the manufacturers on rate contract basis. The benefit of this arrangement is that dispensaries / CGHS do not have to carry huge inventory of medicines and indents can be placed on a monthly basis depending on the need.



This information was given by Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad in written reply to a question raised in Rajya Sabha today


PIB

Modernisation of Post Offices

Modernisation of Post Offices



Project Arrow has been launched with objective of modernizing the post offices and making visible, tangible and noteworthy differences in the Post Offices’ operations that matter to “Aam Aadmi”. The project envisages upgradation of Post Offices in urban and rural areas both in terms of upgrading and enhancing the quality of service in ‘core areas’ and improving the ‘look and feel.’ The project aims at creating a conducive and friendly work environment both for the staff and the customers visiting the Post Offices, providing all IT enabled services through secure connectivity, improving the service quality levels in the core business areas e.g. Mail delivery, Remittances both electronic and manual and Postal Savings Scheme.



The Project was launched initially on proof of concept basis in 50 post offices in Phase I. After the successful completion of the Phase I, it was implemented in 450 post office in Phase II and in 500 post offices in Phase III across the country including rural areas. In the current financial year Project Arrow is being extended to 500 more post offices across the country. Project Arrow aims at comprehensive improvement of the core operations of the Post Office as well as the ambience in which postal transactions are undertaken. The response of the general public and the staff of the department to the initiatives have been overwhelmingly positive.



The initiative Project Arrow - Transforming India Post has also won the Prime Minister’s award for Excellence in Public Administration for the year 2008-09.



Head Post Offices and important Sub Post Offices located in rural areas are being covered under Project Arrow in a phased manner.



This information was given by the Minister of State for Communications & Information Technology, Shri Gurudas Kamat in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.


PIB

Govt. approved Revision Pay Scales for Port Trust Officers

Revision of pay Scales of Class-I and Class-II Officers of Major Port Trusts Approved



The Government has approved the revision of pay-scales of Class-I and Class-II officers of Major Port Trusts w.e.f. 1 January, 2007.


The revision would benefit about 3,600 officers of the eleven Major Port Trusts and Calcutta Dock Labour Board. The highlight of the revision is a fitment benefit of 30% to all officers and also one level jump in the pay-scales consequent to removal of non-standard pay-scale as per Department of Public Enterprise’s Guidelines.


The other major decision consequent to the revision of pay-scale is that allowing the officers of Major Port Trusts to avail the benefits of various allowances under “cafeteria” approach as prescribed for Public Sector Undertaking executives.


The total financial implications involved on account this revision is approximately about Rs.55 crores annually. The Major Ports will meet this additional expenditure from their own resources. No budgetary support from the Government will be provided.

PIB