8th Pay Commission: Central employees’ commuted pension to be restored after 12 years?

8th Pay Commission: Central employees’ commuted pension to be restored after 12 years?  

Big employee unions like Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers say that the government is constantly ignoring their demands. 

This is increasing resentment among employees and pensioners.

Written by PF Desk March 16, 2025 13:57 IST

8th Pay Commission News: The long-standing demand for the restoration of commuted pensions is again in discussion. Currently, this pension is restored after 15 years, but employee organisations want the government to cut this commutation period to 12 years.

Now, after the announcement of the 8th Pay Commission, employees are hopeful that the government may take up the issue this time. The government is currently in the process of deciding the terms and conditions of the Pay Commission, and with this, the employee organisations have raised their voice.

Big employee unions like the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers say that the government is constantly ignoring their demands. This is increasing resentment among employees and pensioners. The union recently announced demonstrations across the country. Under this, gate meetings and general body meetings were organised.

8th Pay Commission: 6 major demands of employees:

Immediate establishment of 8th Pay Commission and inclusion of demands of employees.

Abolish New Pension Scheme (NPS) and implement Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

Immediate release of Dearness Allowance (DA) stopped during COVID-19.

Reducing the restoration period of adjusted (commuted) pension from 15 years to 12 years.

Removing the limit on compassionate appointments and filling the vacant posts soon.

Ensuring democratic functioning of organisation.

The government deducts the pension of retired employees for 15 years. That is, the lump sum amount received is compensated monthly for 15 years. Employees’ demand:

Employees want this period to be made 12 years, so that retired personnel can get full pension soon

Employees’ arguments: Why is this change necessary?

Given the rising inflation and expenses, the reduction of 15 years is unfair.

Employees already bear taxes and deductions during their service. If this change happens, millions of retired employees will get relief.

What is the government thinking?

So far, no formal announcement has been made by the government with regard to a decision on pension commutation and restoration period. Employee organisations are constantly putting pressure, and if their demands are not met, they are preparing to protest on a large scale.

Now The process of the 8th Pay Commission is still in its initial stages. It may become clear in the coming days whether the government will be ready to accept this important demand of the employees.

DA Hike Update: The lowest DA in 7 years? Union Cabinet To Decide toda

DA Hike Update: The lowest DA in 7 years? Union Cabinet To Decide today

Sweta Mitra March 12, 2025 - 05:33 PM

The wait is over. The announcement about the increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for central government employees and pensioners is coming up soon. The new DA will kick in starting January 2025, meaning employees will receive two months’ worth of DA arrears along with their boosted salary in March.

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is set to talk about the DA increase in their meeting on Wednesday. Reports suggest that the government might approve a 2 percent DA hike during this session.

Typically, the DA hike is revealed around Holi each year

In recent years, the central government has been announcing DA increases around the Holi festival. However, this time, employees might feel let down by the percentage of the increase. Based on the All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI) data, it looks like there will only be a 2% increase in DA, which would be the smallest rise in the last seven years. Since July 2018, the government has usually raised the DA by at least 3% or 4%.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government paused DA hikes for 18 months, from January 2020 to June 2021, with no increases during that time. Traditionally, the government raises DA twice a year: once for the January-June period, announced in March, and again for the July-December period, announced in October or November.

The dearness allowance is set to rise to 55 percent

Currently, under the 7th Pay Commission, the dearness allowance stands at 53%. Back in October 2024, it was bumped up by 3%, moving from 50% to 53%. Now, there’s talk of a 2% increase for the January-June 2025 period, which could push the DA up to 55%.

So, how is the dearness allowance determined?

The Dearness Allowance (DA) is figured out using the All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI-IW), published by the Labour Bureau. The government looks at the AICPI-IW data from the last six months to decide on the DA increase for the upcoming six months.

Everyone’s waiting on the government’s decision

Right now, over a crore of central employees and pensioners are anxiously anticipating what the government will decide. All eyes are on the cabinet meeting, where the final call will be made.

பாஸ்போர்ட் பெறுவதற்கு பிறப்பு சான்றிதழ் கட்டாயம்

பாஸ்போர்ட் பெறுவதற்கு பிறப்பு சான்றிதழ் கட்டாயம்

நமது நிருபர்

ADDED : மார் 02, 2025 05:32 AM

புதுடில்லி: கடந்த, 2023 அக்., 1ம் தேதிக்கு பின் பிறந்தவர்கள், புதிதாக பாஸ்போர்ட் பெறுவதற்கு பிறப்பு சான்றிதழ் கட்டாயம் என வெளியுறவு அமைச்சகம் அறிவித்துள்ளது.

'பாஸ்போர்ட் சட்டம் 1980' விதிகளில் மத்திய வெளியுறவு அமைச்சகம் திருத்தம் செய்துள்ளது.

இது தொடர்பாக, வெளியிட்ட அறிக்கையில், 'கடந்த, 2023ம் ஆண்டு அக்டோபர் 1ம் தேதிக்கு பிறகு பிறந்தவர்கள், புதிதாக பாஸ்போர்ட் பெறுவதற்கு பிறப்பு சான்றிதழ் கட்டாயம்.

மாநகராட்சி, நகராட்சி போன்றவை அல்லது அதற்கு நிகரான அமைப்புகள் வழங்கும் பிறப்பு, இறப்பு சான்றிதழ்கள் மட்டுமே பிறப்பு சான்றிதழ் ஆவணமாக ஏற்கப்படும்.

அரசிதழில் அறிவிப்பு வெளியான நாளில் இருந்து இந்த உத்தரவு அமலுக்கு வருகிறது' என, தெரிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

எனினும், 2023, அக்.1 -க்கு முன்பு பிறந்தவர்களுக்கு இத்தகைய பிறப்பு சான்றிதழ் தேவை இல்லை. பள்ளி சான்றிதழ், நிரந்தர கணக்கு அட்டை, ஓய்வூதிய உத்தரவு, ஓட்டுநர் உரிமம், வாக்காளர் அடையாள அட்டை உள்ளிட்டவற்றை பாஸ்போர்ட் விண்ணப்பத்துக்கு பிறந்த தேதிக்கான ஆவணங்களாக அவர்கள் பயன்படுத்தலாம்.

பாஸ்போர்ட் பெறுவதற்கான சட்ட விதிகளில் நீண்ட காலமாகவே எந்த திருத்தமும் மேற்கொள்ளப்படாமல் இருந்தது.

கிராமங்கள் மற்றும் ஊரக பகுதிகளில் வசிக்கும் பெரும்பாலானவர்களிடம் பிறப்பு சான்றிதழ் இருக்காது என்பதால், அது பற்றி முடிவு எடுக்கப்படவில்லை. தற்போது முதற்கட்டமாக இந்த முடிவு எடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

Budget gives broadband boost to edu spectrum

 Budget gives broadband boost to edu spectrum 

TEAM TOI 02.02.2025

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a significant increase in allocation for the education sector, focusing on last-mile broadband connectivity in rural schools that were worst hit by insufficient internet coverage during Covid. Infrastructure expansion for IITs, medical education and AI in learning were also among the Budget highlights. 

The digital push is expected to boost broadband connectivity at all govt secondary schools and primary health centres in rural areas. Five of the newer IITs — in Jammu, Bhilai, Dharwad, Palakkad and Tirupati — would be expanded to accommodate 6,500 more students over the next five years. And, ahead of the Bihar assembly polls scheduled later this year, IIT-Patna is set to receive funds for enhanced infrastructure, including hostels.

 “The total number of students in 23 IITs has doubled in the past decade from 65,000 to 1.4 lakh,” said FM Sitharaman. The IIT budget has increased to Rs 11,349 crore from Rs 10,467 crore. To strengthen research, 10,000 fellowships for technology research in IITs and IISc will be provided over five years. Five national centres for excellence (CoEs) in skilling will also be set up, along with 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in govt schools to pro mote scientific curiosity. A CoE in AI for education will also be established with a Rs 500-crore outlay. Sitharaman said the edu cation ministry will get Rs 1.3 lakh crore, up from Rs 1.1 lakh crore in 2024-25. Of this, Rs 50,067 crore is for higher education and Rs 78,572 crore for school education. Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan called the Budget a “leapfrogging moment” for the sector.

“With poor, youth, farmers and women as the pillars, this Budget will accelerate spending, spur growth and nurture research, innovation, entrepreneurship,” he said. While allocations for UGC, NCERT and IIMs have increased, funding for IISERs and World Class Institutions has seen cuts.

FM charitable to trusts; registration tenure is doubled

FM charitable to trusts; registration tenure is doubled 

TEAM TOI 02.02.2025

For the first time in years, the Budget provisions have made life easier for charitable trusts and institutions. For instance, the period of validity of registration of a trust (registration is essential to claim tax exemption) has been extended from the current five years to 10 years. However, this applies only to smaller trusts with income below Rs 5 crore. Second, minor errors in the registration application will not result in deregistration of the trust. This is a significant development as deregistration meant that the fair market value of the assets of a trust becomes chargeable to tax. In Metro cities, trusts such as those engaged in education or medical have significant assets like land or buildings, and an ‘exit tax’ on deregistration was suicidal. 

But reading between the lines is crucial. Gautam Nayak, tax partner at CNK & Associates, states, “When trusts have income (before exemption) of less than Rs 5 crore in each of the two years preceding the year of making application for renewal, registration will be granted for 10 years. This will apply to cases where application is made after March 31, 2025, and will not apply to provisional registration of new trusts, where registration is granted for 3 years. Small trusts whose approval was valid till Mar 31, 2026, will still have to make an application for renewal by Sept 30, 2025, but the renewal granted to them will then be for 10 years.” He adds that trusts would have to reapply every five years for approval under 80G. Only if the trust is approved can donors get a tax benefit (albeit under the old regime). “The reason for cancellation of a registration by the commissioner would now only be in a case of false or incorrect information – the mere fact that the application was incomplete cannot be a ground for cancellation (which has significant adverse consequences of a heavy tax liability on the fair market value of assets of the trust),” adds Nayak.

Currently, a benefit provided to ‘specified persons’ by charitable trusts can result in loss of exemption to the extent of the benefit provided. The list of specified persons included a substantial contributor (a person who had made aggregate donations of more than Rs 50,000 

since the inception of the trust), his relatives and concerns in which he held a substantial interest. “This ridiculously low limit of Rs 50,000 had remained unchanged for 40 years since 1985, and trusts found it impossible to identify or obtain details of such donors, their relatives and concerns. The limit is now being changed to Rs 1 lakh for donations during the year, or aggregate of Rs 10 lakh since inception. Further, relatives or concerns of such donors are excluded from the list of specified persons. While this will provide much-needed relief to trusts in maintaining records, the retention of period of aggregation of donations from inception of the trust will still be problematic for trusts which are several decades old,” concludes Nayak

In nil-tax bracket? Why a raise won’t help you much

In nil-tax bracket? Why a raise won’t help you much 

TEAM TOI 02.02.2025 

The Budget announcement that an annual income of Rs 12 lakh will not be taxed has been met with cheer. For salaried employees, this nil tax limit will be Rs 12.75 lakh per annum, after taking into account standard deduction of Rs 75,000. 

But what if there is an increment around the corner for your fine performance at work that pushes you into a higher tax slab? 

Suppose, your boss gives you a 10% hike on Rs 12.75 lakh, to, say, about Rs 14 lakh a year? 

The tax department could then take away Rs 82,000. This would leave you with Rs 13.18 lakh in hand — still a small hike, but nothing to jump about. If your bosses are even more impressed (you might want to pray they are not) and you get a 20% hike on Rs 12.75 lakh, to, say, about Rs 15.3 lakh, this could mean that you might be shelling out tax of about Rs 1.02 lakh, leaving you a less exciting Rs 14.27 lakh in hand. This could mean you could end up with less in the pocket than you first thought.

Nirmala Bats For Middle Order To Revive India’s Spend Force

Nirmala Bats For Middle Order To Revive India’s Spend Force 

Zero-Tax Party For Those In ₹12-Lakh Slab, Gain-Changing Relief Cheers Others Too

TEAM TOI On Budget-eve, PM Modi invoked Goddess Lakshmi, and a day later, Indian taxpayers got a Diwali bonus in Feb. With Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing revised tax slabs and rates under the new regime, the biggest bonanza is for those whose income is up to Rs 12 lakh (Rs 12.75 lakh for salaried taxpayers as they get a standard deduction of Rs 75,000) as their liability will become nil under the new proposed income tax regime.

However, income such as capital gains are excluded and will be taxed at separate short and long-term rates. So how did the FM reach this magic zero-tax figure? 

This was thanks to an increase in tax rebate to Rs 60,000 from the present level of Rs 25,000. Under the new regime, the tax liability on income of Rs 12 lakh and Rs 12.75 lakh for salaried persons is Rs 60,000 which is waived off due to rebate of up to Rs 60,000. Ergo, nil tax. But what if you earn more than Rs 12 lakh? If your taxable income is even a rupee more, you will not get the benefit of rebate but will have to pay taxes as per slab rates un der the new tax regime. But because of a rejig of tax slabs and standard deduction of Rs 75,000 under the new regime, everyone stands to gain. As per the rejig, for people earning over Rs 12 lakh per annum, there will be nil tax for income up to Rs 4 lakh, 5 per cent for income between Rs 4 and 8 lakh, 10 per cent for Rs 8-12 lakh, and 15 per cent for Rs 12-16 lakh. A 20% income-tax will be levied on income between 16 and 20 lakh, 25 per cent on 20-24 lakh and 30 per cent above 24 lakh per annum. How much you save will depend on your income level (see chart). The maximum benefit of Rs 1.1 lakh will accrue at an income level of Rs 24 lakh, where the tax liability under the proposed scheme would be Rs 3 lakh as against Rs 4.1 under the existing new scheme. Beyond the income level of Rs 24 lakh, the tax rates remained unchanged at 30%, so the benefit will remain at Rs 1.1 lakh. Earlier, the limit of income for nil tax payment was Rs 7 lakh.

By increasing this limit to Rs 12 lakh, around 1 crore as-sessees who were earlier required to pay tax varying from Rs 20,000 to Rs 80,000 will be now paying nil tax. The provision will cost the exchequer revenue loss of Rs 1 lakh crore. 

For those under the old regime — used usually by those who have home loans or HRA deductions — there is no change in either rates or slabs. To come back to a point that often causes confusion, what happens to those with taxable incomes of just over Rs 12 lakh? In such cases, the taxpayer will get marginal relief to ensure that those earning just over Rs 12 lakh don't end up with post-tax incomes lower than those earning Rs 12 lakh. For instance, an individual has a taxable income of Rs 12.10 lakh. Without marginal relief, their tax liability would be 61,500 calculated as per tax slabs. However, with marginal relief in place, this taxpayer owes just 10,000. But there’s a cap — marginal relief is only admissible for incomes up to approximately 12.75 lakh. Beyond this, regular tax slabs apply.

Central govt may soon ask private companies to notify vacancies

Central govt may soon ask private companies to notify vacancies

Hemali.Chhapia@timesofindia.com 21.01.2025

Mumbai : Vacancies in all departments and verticals of private companies may soon have to be mandatorily notified to govt, signalling a shift in employment regulation. The Centre plans to replace the Employment Exchanges (Compulsory Notification of Vacancies) Act, 1959, with the new Social Securities Act, in order to formalise a mechanism for disseminating information on job vacancies and introduce steep penalties for non-compliance – govt wants to hike fines, which were once a negligible Rs 100, to as high as Rs 50,000. 

“We have employment exchanges, but they have become defunct. With the changes in the Act, we will revive and strengthen them to ensure companies inform the state about vacancies,” said Mangal Prabhat Lodha, state minister for skill education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Lodha said nominal penalties of Rs 100-500 have discouraged companies from reporting vacancies, a practice that will change under the revamped law. Currently, most companies post their vacancies on employment-oriented social media platforms like LinkedIn. It is not clear why the govt wants to duplicate this effort. To ease compliance, Maharashtra govt plans to develop a state-specific job portal for companies to list their openings. This initiative, according to the minister, forms part of a broader 100-day action plan. Sougato Roychoudhary, executive director, CII, said while there is already a provision to notify vacancies, “It (the new proposal) will help to understand (number of) jobs in every state. On the one hand, industry is looking for talent and one speaks of unemployment.

 This is a good initiative.” The Centre is also drafting a Private Placements Act to regulate placement agencies. States like Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, and Assam have already submitted inputs for this bill. Maharashtra too plans to make submissions for it. Under this act, all placement agencies will have to register in their respective state, which will empanel and monitor them. “These agencies often charge fees and promise jobs but sometimes end up duping candidates. By registering them, we can hold them accountable and track data on jobs secured through their platforms,” said an official. These agencies will also be required to participate in state-organized job fairs. Meanwhile, as part of a 100-day action plan in Maharashtra, job fairs will be organized in industrial belts, and memorandums of understanding will be signed with 1,000 industrial establishments.

Will central govt employees get 18-month DA arrears of COVID period? Hopes rise after 8th Pay Commission nod

Will central govt employees get 18-month DA arrears of COVID period? Hopes rise after 8th Pay Commission nod

Central government employees hope for the release of 18-month DA arrears frozen during COVID-19, following the approval of the 8th Pay Commission and ahead of Budget 2025.

Written by Mithilesh Jha

January 18, 2025 18:34 IST

Will central govt employees get 18-month DA arrears of COVID period? Hopes rise after 8th Pay Commission nod

With the Centre recently agreeing to the central government employees’ demand for the 8th Pay Commission, will it now address their call to release the dearness allowance (DA) arrears frozen during COVID-19?

The DA is typically revised twice a year, in January and July. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, the Centre withheld three DA hikes spanning 18 months, from January 2020 to June 2021. The stated reason for freezing these DA installments was the financial pressure on government resources.

Ahead of the Union Budget 2025, the Staff Side of the National Council Joint Consultative Machinery (NC JCM), representing the central government employees in the country, recently wrote to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman seeking the release of the DA arrears of 18 months, among other demands.

The Centre introduced the JCM to promote harmonious relations and cooperation between the government in its capacity as employer and the general body of employees in matters of common concern.

18 months DA/DR arrears be paid back to employees and pensioners: NC JCM

In a letter dated January 10, Gopal Mishra, Secretary, NC JCM, said, “We have been demanding to the government that, in accordance with the judgements of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and also considering the fact that the economic conditions of the country are at a satisfactory level, the 18-month DA/DR arrears due to the central government employees and pensioners, which were frozen during the COVID-19 pandemic period, may please be paid back to the employees and pensioners.”

In his letter, Mishra also urged the Modi government to set up the 8th Pay Commission, which finally received the Union Cabinet’s approval on January 16. The formation of the pay panel was one of the key demands of the NC JCM. With its approval, employees now hope their other demands will also be addressed.

What are other demands of government employees from FM Sitharaman in Budget 2025?

Other than DA arrears demand and the 8th pay panel, the NC JCM also urged the government to restore festival advance for the central government employees, implement the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Petitions concerning CGHS facilities to the central staff, and restore commuted pension after 12 years instead of 15 years. There were several other demands the body requested the government look into.

What’s government’s stand on releasing the DA arrears of 18 months?

Despite multiple representations, letters, and meetings where employee bodies pressed for the release of DA arrears from the pandemic period, the government has consistently maintained that the payment was withheld to alleviate the financial strain on the central exchequer caused by the pandemic.

The issue of non-payment of 18-month DA arrears has been raised time and again in Parliament by several parliamentarians.

Responding to a query in this regard in the Rajya Sabha, Pankaj Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for Finance, said, “The decision to freeze three instalments of Dearness Allowance(DA)/Dearness Relief (DR) to Central Government employees/pensioners due from 01.01.2020, 01.07.2020 and 01.01.2021 was taken in the context of COVID-19, which caused economic disruption, so as to ease pressure on government finances.”

On account of freezing of three instalments of DA, the Centre saved an amount of Rs 34,402.32 crore. The Centre utilized the fund to tide over the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Parliament was informed.

8th Pay Commission: Will Central Govt Employees See 186% Jump In Salary? Know What's Expected

8th Pay Commission: Will Central Govt Employees See 186% Jump In Salary? Know What's Expected

Curated By :Namit Singh Sengar

News18.com

January 16, 2025, 15:52 IST

8th Pay Commission: If the government approves the fitment factor of 2.86, the minimum salary of government employees will shoot up by 186 per cent to Rs 51,480, compared with the current payout of Rs 18,000.

The central government on Thursday approved the constitution of the 8th Central Pay Commission

8th Pay Commission: The central government announced on Thursday the formation of the 8th Central Pay Commission, tasked with reviewing and recommending salary revisions for central government employees. The commission is to submit its report by 2026.

During a Cabinet briefing, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday said, “Prime Minister has approved the 8th Central Pay Commission for all employees of Central Government."

Vaishnaw further said the chairman and two members of the Commission will be appointed soon.

8th Pay Commission Minimum Salary Increase

According to some earlier reports, central government employees are expected to see a 186 per cent jump in their minimum salaries.

The employees currently get a minimum basic salary of Rs 18,000 per month under the 7th Pay Commission, which was increased from the 6th Pay Commission’s Rs 7,000.

Minimum Salary, Pension Under 8th Pay Commission

Shiv Gopal Mishra, Secretary (staff side) of the National Council of Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM), has said he expects a fitment factor of at least 2.86. It is 29 basis points (bps) higher as compared with 2.57 fitment factor under the 7th Pay Commission.

If the government approves the fitment factor of 2.86, the minimum salary of government employees will shoot up by 186 per cent to Rs 51,480, compared with the current payout of Rs 18,000, according to a Financial Express report.

Any further hike in fitment factor will lead to commensurate rise in the salaries.

A hike in the fitment factor raises both the pension and salaries of the employees.

Under the 8th Pay Commission, pensions are also expected to increase by 186 per cent to Rs Rs 25,740, compared with the current pension of Rs 9,000. This calculation holds true if the currently expected fitment factor of 2.86 gets through.

7th Pay Commission: When Was It Formed?

The 7th Pay Commission, which led to a substantial jump in government employees’ salaries, was formed in February 2014. Its recommendations were implemented from January 1, 2016. The key recommendations included raising the minimum basic pay from Rs 7,000 to Rs 18,000; revising the pay structure, allowances, and pensions; introducing a health insurance scheme for employees and pensioners; and revising the pension formulation for those retired before January 1, 2016.

Generally, a pay commission is formed every 10 years, though there is no legal provision for that. It is a practice.

Currently, there are over 1 crore central government employees and pensioners.

8th Pay Commission For Govt Employees, Pensioners Gets Cabinet Approval | Check Details

8th Pay Commission For Govt Employees, Pensioners Gets Cabinet Approval | Check Details

Reported By :Mohammad Haris

News18.com

Last Updated:January 16, 2025, 16:47 IST

8th Pay Commission: The central government on Thursday approved the constitution of the 8th Central Pay Commission for government employees, which will submit its report by 2026.

8th Pay Commission.

8th Pay Commission: The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the constitution of the 8th Central Pay Commission to review and recommend salary adjustments for over one crore central government employees and pensioners. According to the reports, the 8th Pay Commission will come into force on January 1, 2026.

During a Cabinet briefing, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday said, “Prime Minister has approved the 8th Central Pay Commission for all employees of Central Government."

Vaishnaw said that the chairman and two members of the 8th Pay Commission will be appointed soon.

According to government sources, “Around 50 lakh central government employees, including defence personnel will benefit. About 65 lakh pensioners, including defence persons, will also see an uptick in their pensions."

About 4 lakh employees in Delhi will benefit, including defence and Delhi government employees, they said.

“This will provide a significant boost to the Consumption and economic growth, along with improved quality of life for govt employees," the sources said.

Govt employees can now use LTC for Tejas, Vande Bharat and Humsafar trains

Govt employees can now use LTC for Tejas, Vande Bharat and Humsafar trains

Under the LTC scheme, eligible Central government employees get their ticket costs reimbursed for round trips and also enjoy paid leave during their travel

Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat 

Md Zakariya Khan New Delhi

 Last Updated : Jan 15 2025 | 5:29 PM IST

The Central government employees now can travel on Tejas, Vande Bharat, and Humsafar express trains under the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) scheme.

This decision was announced by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) after receiving many requests from different offices and individuals. The DoPT worked with the Department of Expenditure to review the rules.

According to the new order, employees can now use these premium trains in addition to the Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto trains, based on their travel entitlement.

Under the LTC scheme, eligible Central government employees get their ticket costs reimbursed for round trips and also enjoy paid leave during their travel.

This move aims to provide more convenient and faster travel options for government employees.

What is LTC?

Leave Travel Concession (LTC) is a travel allowance scheme designed for government employees, allowing them to visit their hometown or any destination within India over a four-year block period.

Under the scheme's provisions, government employees can choose between two options:

Avail Home Town LTC twice within a four-year block, split into two two-year periods.

Visit their hometown once in a two-year period and explore any place in India during the other two-year period.

The government covers the travel expenses for the employee and their eligible family members under this scheme. Additionally, employees and their families can travel in separate groups at different times during the block period. They may also choose different destinations while using the Any Place in India LTC option.

Trains eligible under LTC

Previously, the LTC programme already covered travel on premium trains such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto.

“The matter has been examined by this department in consultation with the Department of Expenditure and it has been decided that apart from existing Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains, travel by Tejas Express, Vande Bharat Express & Humsafar Express trains under LTC as per the entitlement of the government employees has now been allowed,” said the order issued by the DoPT on Tuesday.

(With inputs from PTI)

Want timely info on outbreaks in China: India to WHO

Want timely info on outbreaks in China: India to WHO

 DurgeshNandan.Jha@timesofindia.com 05.01.2025

New Delhi : India has upped its vigil a notch following reports of rising cases of respiratory illnesses in China even as it has asked the World Health Organization to share timely updates regarding the situation in China.

According to the health ministry, a meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group was held under the chairmanship of the DG of health services on Saturday to deliberate on the current situation in the neighboring country and the need for preparedness in India. Experts from WHO, Disaster Management cell, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, National Center for Disease Control, Indian Council of Medical Research, and hospitals, including AIIMS, Delhi participated in the meeting. The experts agreed that the current increase in respiratory illnesses was not unusual in view of the ongoing flu season.

The reports also suggest that the cause of the present surge is influenza virus, RSV and HMPV – the usual pathogens that are expected during the season, health ministry said and added that these viruses are already in circulation globally including India.

"The govt is keeping a close watch over the situation through all available channels and WHO has also been requested to share timely updates regarding the situation in China," the ministry added.

Recently, videos of hospitals in China struggling to manage patients made rounds on social media with some claiming that the crisis was caused by a sudden outbreak of infection caused by the Human Metapneumovirus or HMPV.

“There is news doing the rounds about a Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China which is serious. HMPV is a normal respiratory virus which causes symptoms like cold. Some people can get flu-like symptoms, especially the elderly and infants. But this is not something serious or worrisome,” Dr Atul Goel, the director general of health services, said on Friday.

₹2000 notes worth ₹6,691 cr. yet to be returned: RBI data

₹2000 notes worth ₹6,691 cr. yet to be returned: RBI data

02.01.2025

The total value of ₹2000 banknotes in circulation, which stood at ₹3.56 lakh crore at the close of business on May 19, 2023, when the withdrawal of ₹2000 banknotes was announced, has declined to ₹6,691 crore at the close of business on December 31, 2024, as per updated data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). “Thus, 98.12% of the ₹2000 banknotes in circulation as on May 19, 2023, have since been returned,” the RBI said on Wednesday.

Report FCRA violations by NGOs, govt. asks CAs

 Report FCRA violations by NGOs, govt. asks CAs

The Hindu Bureau

 

NEW DELHI 02.01.2025

The Union Home Ministry on Wednesday notified that chartered accountants filing audit returns on behalf of NGOs need to specify if the organisation violated provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA) or not.

The Act requires a CA to certify if an association or NGO has utilised foreign contribution received for the purposes it was registered for and the annual statements are to be uploaded on the FCRA portal.

In a December 31 notification, the Ministry said that CAs will have to mention the name, email address, and registration number of the auditor while issuing the audit certificate and specify if the NGO has “violated the provisions of FCRA, 2010 or rules made thereunder or notifications issued thereunder,” with the details of the violations.

The auditors will also have to specify if the NGO has not made any violation.

“I have examined all relevant books and records, including the items mentioned in column 8 of FC-4, and to the best of my knowledge and belief (name of the person/ association) has not violated any provisions of the FCRA, thereunder or notifications issued thereunder,” the CAs will have to specify. The notification amends the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules, 2011.

A member of a voluntary group said the Home Ministry notification will make it more difficult for NGOs who are critical of the government to find auditors to file returns on their behalf. “Even if you find an FCRA donor, CAs will be scared to prepare certificates on the behalf of NGOs who are perceived to be not in the good books of the government,” said the member.

Earlier in 2021, the Ministry advised chartered accountants to ensure that foreign funds are received and utilised by NGOs “within the four corners of law”.

PhonePe, GPay get 2 years more to cut UPI mkt share

PhonePe, GPay get 2 years more to cut UPI mkt share 

NPCI Lifts 10Cr User Cap On WhatsApp Pay 

Mayur.Shetty@timesofindia.com 01.01.2025

Mumbai : NPCI has extended by two years the deadline for third-party apps PhonePe and Google Pay to bring down their market share in UPI. The apex payments body has also lifted the onboarding limit, capping the maximum number of users at 10 crore for WhatsApp in respect of UPI. This is the second time NPCI has extended the timeline, even as PhonePe and Google Pay increased their market shares to 48% and 37%, respectively, despite the entry of new players. In Nov 2020, NPCI had announced that no single thirdparty app provider should have a market share of more than 30% of total UPI transaction volumes by Dec 31, 2024. The cap was introduced following the moratorium on Yes Bank, which impacted PhonePe transactions and led to UPI volumes dropping nearly 40% overnight. The cap aimed to reduce the risk of single-point failure. Since then, PhonePe has partnered with multiple banks to process UPI transactions. 

However, PhonePe and Google Pay’s shares con tinued to rise as the third-largest player, Paytm, faced challenges due to RBI action on Paytm Payments Bank. As of Dec 30, there were 1,613 crore UPI transactions worth Rs 22.3 lakh crore for the month. “We welcome the extension of the market cap as we believe that people will choose from dozens of new UPI apps available. Paytm is regaining market share, and new apps like Naavi, Cred, Bhim, WhatsApp Pay, and others are growing strongly. Banks are also getting their UPI app strategy in place. I believe that in the next two years, the market will resolve this market cap issue on its own. Blocking growth of incumbents is not the right strategy and would have surely slowed UPI’s growth,” said Vishwas Patel, chairman, Payment Council of India (PCI). 

Although there are a number of players, they have failed to make a significant impact in the market, as they were unwilling to spend to acquire transactions where there was little or no revenue. Google Pay and PhonePe, owned by Alphabet and Walmart, respectively, have invested billions of dollars to gain users on their platforms. NPCI’s Bhim app, launched by the prime minister during demonetisation, lost most of its initial momentum after the company shifted its strategy. 

The app was offered as a white-label service to banks that lacked their own UPI app. Recently, however, Bhim has been spun off as a separate division, and NPCI plans to push the product more aggressively. Industry insiders believe UPI is on track to achieve a billion transactions per day. “Given such volumes and the low operating cost structure, players would be able to make money even if a small charge on large merchants is imposed,” said an executive at a payment company.

Now, take your learner’s licence test from home

Now, take your learner’s licence test from home

Himanshu.Kaushik@timesofindia.com 07.12.2024

Ahmedabad : The state transport department has finally decided to facilitate driving tests for learners from the comfort of their homes or offices. Come Jan, candidates, unlike earlier, will not need to visit Regional Transport Offices or authorised centres for the online test. This applies only to those who have an Aadhaar linked to their mobile phone number. The move comes after extensive testing, officials said. 

The current system of going to RTOs, polytechnics or ITIs will continue. Union Govt mandates that the online test should be made compulsory, allowing individuals to take the test from anywhere. Officials stated that biometrics, specifically face recognition, will be conducted using Aadhaar card data. The system will not capture voice and hence answers dictated to the system will not be detected. Officials noted that in 2024, govt brought down the pass limit. Earlier, a candidate was required to answer 11 questions out of 15 correctly. Now, correct answers to nine questions are enough to clear the test. 

According to officials, 19 states have already implemented the system, but Gujarat was testing the system to ensure it was foolproof, following Maharashtra’s model for implementation. The move will reduce the rush at RTOs, polytechnics and ITIs, said senior officials. “Necessary changes were made by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in Vahan 4.0 and Sarathi 4.0 systems used for vehicle registration and driving licence issuance across the country,” an offici al said. To take the test from home or office, applicants will have to visit ‘https://parivahan.gov.in’. “Before appearing for the test, candidates will have to watch online videos on road safety. Only then can they apply. Those correctly answering 60% of the questions can print a learner’s licence on their own,” the official explained. Those failing can attempt the test again in a similar manner following rules. 

“Those who don’t want to opt for a test through Aadhaar can take the test using the existing procedure,” the official sai

Public sector banks now safe, stable & healthy: Sitharaman

Public sector banks now safe, stable & healthy: Sitharaman 

Lok Sabha Passes Crucial Amendments To Banking Laws 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 04.12.2024

New Delhi : Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said public sector banks are now safe, stable, healthy, and showing “exceptional” performance, as the Lok Sabha passed crucial amendments to banking laws, which among other things provides for up to four nominees in all bank accounts. The move is meant to ensure that successors of an account-holder or someone with a fixed deposit are not locked out as is often the case. Depositors can opt for either simultaneous nomination, where nominees are assigned specific percentage shares, or successive nomination, where nominees inherit in a predefined order. In addition, the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, also seeks to redefine “substantial interest” for directorships, which could increase to ₹2 crore instead of the current limit of ₹5 lakh.

Among the 19 amendments is the plan to transfer unclaimed dividends, shares, and bond interests to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) for easier reclaim by rightful owners. “The proposed amendments will strengthen governance in the banking sector and enhance customer conve nience with respect to nomination and protection of investors,” Sitharaman said while moving the bill. Responding to the debate on the bill, she said the number of branches of scheduled commercial bank has increased to 1.6 lakh, at the end of S ept, compared to under 1.2 lakh in March 2014, with 3,792 branches added since Sept 2023. The bill also invited crit icism from opposition members. Samajwadi Party’s Rajeev Rai brought up the plight of borrowers facing credit issues due to poor communication from banks, while DMK’s Rani Srikumar questioned the  transparency of banking fees. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram spoke against the bill for not living up to the govt’s promise of “majestic reforms”. 

Patra’s remarks on Indira Gandhi trigger war of words in Lok Sabha 

New Delhi : BJP MP Sambit Patra’s remarks on former prime minister Indira Gandhi during the discussion on Banking Law (Amendment) Bill 2024 triggered a war of words between the treasury bench and opposition in the Lok Sabha, prompting the Speaker to urge the members to not digress from the topic. Participating in the debate on the Bill, Patra, recalling the Nagarwala scandal, said, “On May 24, 1971, Indira Gandhi called SBI’s Parliament Street branch manager and asked to release ₹60 lakhs immediately. A committee was set up that didn’t give any clearance to her. This is an iconic ‘phone banking example’.” DMK leader A Raja stood to raise his objection to the mention of the incident, saying it is a violation of Rule 94.

Govt to offer loans to youth under PM Vidyalakshmi scheme

Govt to offer loans to youth under PM Vidyalakshmi scheme 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK   AHMEDABAD 07.11.2024 

New Delhi : To make quality higher education more accessible to India’s middle-class youth, Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved PM Vidyalakshmi Scheme, which is designed to ease financial burden of students from families with an annual income below Rs 8 lakh. Under this scheme, eligible students will be able to secure collateral-free and guarantor-free education loans of up to Rs 10 lakh, backed by an interest subsidy.

It aims at simplifying the education loan process for students admitted to institutions ranked under National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), including the top 860 Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs). With an initial outlay of Rs 3,600 crore for two years, the scheme is expected to impact up to 22 lakh students annually. In a post which was uploaded on X, PM Modi stated, “This scheme is a big boost to making education more accessible. It empowers the Yuva Shakti, building a brighter future for our nation.” The scheme’s impact will be felt especially among stu dents at central and state govt institutions and private institutions ranked in the NIRF’s top 200. 

A unified portal will streamline the application process, allowing students to access both the loan and interest subsidy through a simple digital platform which has been launched in order to help students. Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan lauded the scheme, highlighting its potential to empower millions of students by addressing financial constraints that have previously hindered access to quality higher education as per requirements, “PM Vidyalakshmi will maximize access to higher education for meritorious students, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent students from achieving their goals,” he stated. Under PM Vidyalakshmi, students only need to pay interest during their study period. 

For loans up to Rs 7.5 lakh, the scheme provides a 75% credit guarantee on outstanding defaults, supporting banks in providing loans. In addition, eligible students will receive a 3% interest subsidy during the moratorium period, giving priority to those enrolled in technical and professional courses. If the family income is below Rs 4.5 lakh, there is no upper limit for interest subvention which is among the provisions of the PM Vidyalakshmi Scheme scheme of the government.

Centre clears edu loan plan for bright students

Centre clears edu loan plan for bright students 

PM VIDYALAKSHMI SCHEME 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 07.11.2024

New Delhi : To make quality higher education more accessible to India’s middle-class youth, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the PM Vidyalakshmi Scheme, which is designed to ease financial burden of students from families with an annual income be low ₹8 lakh.

Under this scheme, eligible students will be able to secure collateral-free and guarantor-free education loans of up to ₹10 lakh, backed by an interest subsidy. It aims at simplifying the education loan process for students admitted to institutions ranked under the National In stitutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), including the top 860 Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs). With an initial outlay of ₹3,600 crore for two years, the scheme is expected to impact up to 22 lakh students annually.

In a post on X, PM Narendra Modi said, “This scheme is a big boost to making education more accessible. It empowers the Yuva Shakti, building a brighter future for our nation.” The scheme’s impact will be felt especially among students at central and state govt institutions and private institutions ranked in the NIRF’s top 200. A unified portal will streamline the application process, allowing students to access both the loan and interest subsidy through a simple digital platform