Levy of Cash Handling Charges by Banks

Normally banks do not charge from their customer for depositing money to their own account. However, some banks levy charges for cash payment against credit card bills. Charges are collected at the time of accepting cash. As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines banks need to inform about changes in rates or charges to their customer one month before implementation. RBI vide its circular dated September 7, 1999 had given freedom to banks to decide service charges for various services offered to customers. Banks were asked to fix service charges having regard to the cost of rendering the services. Banks were also advised to ensure that the charges are reasonable and not out of line with the average cost of providing these services. Banks should also take care to ensure that customers with low volume of activities are not penalized.
According to RBI, the currency chest holding banks have been allowed to levy service charge of Rs. 2 per packet of 100 pieces in cash deposited with their currency chest by non-currency chest branches. Banks have also been advised to put in place a transparent policy in this regard with the approval of their respective boards.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narain Meena in written reply to a question raised in Rajya Sabha.

Mobile Number Portability Service to be Launched tomorrow Shri Kapil Sibal to Inaugurate the Service in Rohtak, Haryana

The much awaited Mobile Number Portability (MNP) service will be launched tomorrow in Rohtak, Haryana. The Union Minister of Communications & IT Shri Kapil Sibal with Shri Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Chief Minister of Haryana as the Chief Guest will inaugurate the service at a function in Rohtak at 3 p.m. on 25.11.2010.

A plan for phased migration of networks in all the remaining 22 (excluding Haryana) Licensed Service Areas in the country for working in MNP scenario is being chalked out in consultation with service providers. The detailed program for the entire country will be announced separately.

From tomorrow, mobile phone customers in Haryana Licensed Service Area (LSA) will have the choice of selecting their telecom service provider (operator) with out changing their number, provided a minimum period of 90 days has elapsed after subscription to the mobile service of the current service provider. For change of service provider i.e. porting, a subscriber has to send an SMS (PORTMobile Number) from the number he wishes to be ported, to number 1900 whereby a Unique Porting Code (UPC) will be received on SMS from his current service provider. The subscriber will need to apply in the prescribed application form to the chosen new service provider quoting the UPC which will act as a reference while filling up the application form with new service provider.

Age-Limit for Senior Citizens Facilities

The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 defines ‘Senior Citizen’ as a person who has attained the age of 60 years or above. The Act provides for claim for maintenance allowance; geriatric and health care; shelter and protection of life and property.

The Act comes into force upon notification by individual State Governments. 22 States and all Union Territories have notified the Act so far. The Act is not applicable to the State of Jammu & Kashmir. The remaining 5 States have already been requested to notify the Act. 

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 today.

Streamlining of functioning of CGHS dispensaries

No. S-11030/51/2010-CGHS (P)
Government of India
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Department of Health & Family Welfare

Nirman Bhavan New Delhi
Dated : November 22 , 2010

OFFICE MEMORANDUM (Circular No. 1/2010)

Subject : Streamlining of functioning of CGHS dispensaries.

The question of streamlining the functioning of CGHS dispensaries has been engaging the attention of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for some time now. After considering the suggestions received from various quarters and after discussing the matter with officials of CGHS, it has been decided, as an initial measure, to streamline the functioning of CGHS dispensaries as below :-

(i) There is a need for officers and staff in CGHS dispensaries to further improve the delivery of service to CGHS beneficiaries. There should be a constant and conscious effort to redress most of the grievances and problems of these beneficiaries at the dispensary level so that there is no inconvenience caused to them forcing them to approach higher authorities for redressal of their grievances. The entire staff at the dispensary level have to ensure a polite, positive and responsible attitude to make the service delivery better. The CMO In-charge must make every effort to ensure this user friendly environment. Complaints of rude/impolite behavior need to be checked and stern action taken by CMOs (Incharge).

(ii) It is well established that CGHS beneficiaries need to be provided better service. Senior citizens/pensioners among the CGHS beneficiaries deserve special attention and response. It is re-iterated that senior citizens/pensioners need to be given out of queue treatment and service at each activity level. Despite repeated instructions in this regard, this system is generally not being enforced at the dispensary level. CMOs incharge must ensure compliance of these instructions.

(iii) CMOs In-charge of the dispensaries shall personally make rounds of the dispensary particularly during peak hours to ensure that there is proper environment and beneficiaries particularly pensioners/Senior Citizens are being treated promptly;

(iv) The Zonal Additional Directors/Joint Directors shall convene the meetings of Pensioners Associations once in two months alongwith CMOs (Incharge) without fail.

(v) A complaint/suggestion/feedback Box with details like number of complaints received and disposed etc. under a seal and lock will be kept at each dispensary and will be opened by the CMO In-charge in the presence of at least two members of the Advisory Committee when the Advisory Committee meeting is being held and necessary action taken by the Advisory Committee with regard to complaints/ suggestions/feedback thus received and, wherever required, the matter will be referred to higher authorities for necessary action.

(vi) All Zonal Additional Directors and Joint Directors shall conduct at least five surprise inspections of the dispensaries in Delhi and at least two in other cities in a month and report the outcome of the inspection indicating the areas such as punctuality, availability and behavior of officers/staff, special care for pensioners/Senior Citizens, deficit areas/complaints and also the good work done in each of the dispensaries inspected, by way of a confidential monthly d.o. letter to reach AS & DG (CGHS) without fail on or before 10th of the succeeding month;

(vii) It is seen that a large number of beneficiaries go to the dispensaries for taking repeat medicines. Authorization of repeat medicines will hereinafter be done by any of the CMOs, apart from the CMO In-charge, available in the dispensary;

(viii) The Zonal Additional Directors/Joint Directors will personally monitor and ensure that the empanelled hospitals etc. do adhere to the terms & conditions of MOAs. They will also supervise the services, if any, being provided by the private parties in their zones such as dialysis, dental services etc.

2. Director, CGHS and all Additional Directors/Joint Directors and CMOs In-charge are hereby directed to fully comply with the instructions contained in this Office Memorandum in both letter and spirit. Noncompliance shall be viewed seriously.

(L.C. Goyal)
AS & DG (CGHS)