Story of an Orchid Flowering (Dendrobium densiflorum)

LTC by Business class (withdrawal of limits), GoI OM Dt 3.6.3009

Leave Travel Concession Scheme in Business Class

LTC- Executive

Air India introduces the Leave Travel Concession scheme in Business Class for travel on the Domestic network on the lines of LTC-80 fares offered in Economy Class. The details of the Leave Travel Concession Scheme (LTC-EXECUTIVE) offered in Business Class are as under: - Application : All types of journeys in Business Class on Domestic Sectors. Period of Application : Effective 7th June, 2009 till further notice. Eligibility : All Employees of the State, Central Government, Public Sector Undertakings or Educational institutions recognized/aided by Centre, State Government and or affiliated to any of the University / Educational Boards and their family members traveling on leave and availing LTC facility. Child & Infant Fares : Not Permitted. Sales : Restricted within India. Ticketing : On confirmed basis only from Air India booking offices and approved travel agents. Passengers are required to present the Employee identity card at the time of issuance of the tickets for verification and necessary endorsement on the tickets. Validity : Tickets are Non-Endorsable, Non-Reroutable and valid for travel on Air India only. Passengers are required to carry the Employee Identity Card while traveling. Cancellation/Refund : Tickets booked under LTC Scheme are refundable. However Refund Fee of Rs. 100 per ticket will apply if cancelled at least 1hour prior to departure. Tickets cancelled less than 1hour prior to departure will be treated as no-show and No Refund of Fare will be permissible

Acceptance of free companion ticket for International travel, GoI OM dated 3.6.2009

Encashment of EL along with LTC , GoI Clarification dated 3.6.2009

New Health Insurence Initiative from Ministry of Health

Ministry of Health has invited expression of Interest on the proposed Health insurence to be offered to all central government retired and in service employees

BACKGROUND

Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) is a scheme for providing health care to serving Central Government employees and their dependant family members. Over the years, the scheme has been extended to cover central government pensioners, their dependant family members and certain other categories like members of parliament and ex-members of parliament, freedom fighters etc. Employees of some select autonomous bodies as also PIB accredited journalists have also been extended CGHS facilities on cost-to-cost basis in Delhi.

Central Government Health Scheme is available in 25 cities [Delhi (including Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad), Ahemdabad, Allahabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jabalpur, Jaipur, Jammu, Kanpur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Meerut, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, Pune, Ranchi, Shillong and Thiruvanthapuram]. Central Government Employees living outside the CGHS areas are entitled to reimbursement for medical attendance and treatment under the Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules [CS(MA) Rules]. Pensioners of the Central Government are not covered under these rules. At present, Central Government Pensioners living in non-CGHS areas are paid a sum of Rs. 100 p.m. for meeting their medical expenditure. Consequently, there has been a long standing demand from Central Govt. pensioners residing in non CGHS areas for medical services at par with those available to Central Govt. pensioners in CGHS areas. The VI^th Pay Commission has recommended the introduction of a health insurance scheme in lieu of the CGHS.

Government of India, therefore, proposes to provide inpatient health care services to their all personnel of the Central Government including All India Service officers, serving and retired, and others who are covered under the existing CGHS (Central Government Health Services) and under CS (MA) Rules [Central services (Medical attendance) Rules] through a Health Insurance Scheme catering to their health care requirements. The proposed scheme shall be on voluntary basis for current set of employees & pensioners but compulsory for future employees & pensioners. The existing CGHS beneficiaries will have an option to avail CGHS facilities for OPD requirements and the insurance scheme for inpatient treatment.

With the introduction of health insurance scheme, the Central Government Employee (existing/ retired) will have the choice to select the best available health facilities for meeting their health care and can get best available treatment in areas in the close proximity.

NAME OF THE SCHEME

The name of the proposed scheme is Central Government Employees & Pensioners Health Insurance Scheme (CGEPHIS).

BENEFICIARIES

All personnel of the Central Government including All India Service officers, serving, newly recruited, retired and retiring and others who are covered under the existing CGHS(Central Government Health Services) and under CS (MA) [Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules] Rules shall be offered Health Insurance Scheme on voluntary or on compulsorily basis . This could be:

1. CGEPHIS shall be compulsory to new Central Government Employees who would be joining service after the introduction of the health Insurance Scheme.
2. CGEPHIS shall be compulsory to new Central Government retirees who would be retiring from the service after the introduction of the Insurance Scheme.
3. CGEPHIS would be available on voluntary basis for the existing Central Government Employees and pensioners serving in CGHS area/ covered by CGHS. In this case such serving Central Government Employees and Central Government existing Pensioners shall have to opt out of CGHS scheme. They will also have the option of choosing both CGHS and Insurance policy. In such case the total premium has to be born by the beneficiary.
4. CGEPHIS would also be available on voluntary basis for the existing serving employees and pensioners in non-CGHS areas not covered by CGHS. In this case such serving Central Government Employees and existing Pensioners (who have opted for CGHS facility) shall have to opt out of CGHS scheme. They will also have the option of choosing both CGHS and Insurance policy. In such case the total premium has to be born by the beneficiary.

STRUCTURE OF CGEPHIS

Sums Insured / Policy Limits

The scheme shall provide coverage for meeting all expenses relating to hospitalization of beneficiary members up to Rs. 500,000/- per family per year subject to stated limits on cashless basis through smart cards. The benefit shall be available to each and every member of the family on floater basis i.e. the total reimbursement of Rs. 5 .00 lac can be availed by one individual or all members of the family. The sub-limits mentioned herein form part of the overall annual, family limit.

Head	Sub-limit (Rs. / per admission)
Domiciliary hospitalization	50,000
Maternity benefit	50,000

Scheme Floater Sum Insured

An additional sum of Rs. 15 crore shall be provided as Buffer / corporate floater to take care of hospitalization expenses of a family (per illness or annual) exceed the original sum insured of Rs 5.00 lac. In all such cases an additional amount up to Rs. 5.00 lac per family shall be provided from the Scheme Floater, on the recommendation of the committee set up by the Central government/ Nodal agency.

Family Size / Age Limit

1. Serving Employees: Self, spouse, two dependent children and dependent parents (New born shall be considered insured from day one).
2. Retired Employees: Self, spouse and one dependent child.
3. Additional dependent family member can be covered under the scheme by paying the fixed percentage of premium per additional dependent family member. The premium shall be borne by the beneficiary.
4. All beneficiaries shall be insured till survival.
5. The definition of dependent shall be as per guidelines issued by Central Government.

Insurance Coverage

In addition to the coverage afforded under a standard medical insurance policy, the following shall also be covered under CGEPHIS:

1. Pre-existing diseases
2. Maternity benefit
3. Day-one Coverage for all diseases
4. New-born babies
5. Pre and Post hospitalization cover of 30 days and 60 days respectively
6. Domiciliary Hospitalization

Transfer & Posting of CCO-Finance dt 29/05/2009

Prithviraj Chavan takes over as Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences

Shri Prithviraj Chavan today took over as Minister of Science & Technology and Minister of Earth Sciences. Interacting with the key officials of the two Ministries after assuming charge as MoS ( Independenrt Charge), he said that the people of the country are looking forward to scientific achievements to deliver solutions for problems faced by them.

A graduate with honors in Mechanical Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology (BITS), Pilani, the new Science Minister also holds a Masters degree in Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley. He described the new assignment as exciting. Also a member of the Atomic Energy Commission and the Space Commission, the highest policy making bodies in the respective fields, the Minister said he was looking forward to all scientific departments working together.

On his first day at his office in the CSIR, Shri Prithviraj Chavan held a meeting with the heads of departments and other key officials of the two Ministries following a warm welcome by the scientists, researchers and officials. The team of scientists headed by Secretary DST, Dr. T Ramasami and DG CSIR, Prof. Samir Brahmachari, apprised the Minister with the ongoing projects in the various S&T areas.
Courtesy : PIB

Modus operendi of Common cadre restructuring

1. A structured questionnaire would be developed and circulated amongst all the cadre officers to elicit their opinion on various aspects relating to the administration and management of common cadre; The questionnaire would be accompanied by a brief write up giving the management perspective , a synopsis of the recommendations made by Mrs Valsala Kutty , consultant and the guidelines for reference while completing the responses to the questionnaire.
2. on the basis of analysis of the responses to the questionnaire, several rounds of discussions will be organized to the brainstorm and deliberate on various options, decisions and so on is small groups and large groups, with individual cadres as also as collective groups
3. following discussions, a draft paper would be compiled and circulated again to all concerned for their comments. Based on the responses received, there would be a round of discussions before finalizing the policy framework for management of the common cadre .

न नौ मन तेल होगा न राधा जी नाचेंगी

Revision of emoluments of senior RA at CSIR w.e.f 1/9/2008

GOI clarification on effect of 6th CPC over the 1/3 commuted portion of pension of government servents who get absorbed in PSU/CAO

GOI Clarification regarding extension of 6th CPC benefit in the scale of 6500-10500 in autonous bodies

Authorization of the Central Government to file an application u/s 3 of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 1944 for attachment

Authorization of the Central Government to file an application u/s 3 of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 1944 for attachment of the money or property procured by means of the scheduled offence.

Grant of Non-functional scale to SO -clarification regarding fixation of pension , GOI OM Dated 14/5/2009

we are still waiting for extension of scheme from 1/1/96.

Information Technology and Banking – A Continuing Agenda

(Keynote Address delivered by Dr. D. Subbarao, Governor, Reserve Bank of India on May 18, 2009 at the Banking Technology Awards 2008 of the Institute for Development & Research in Banking Technology, Hyderabad.)

I am delighted to be here today to celebrate outstanding Information Technology achievements in the Indian banking sector. We are all well aware of the significant contributions that Indian IT professionals have made in the world arena. In fact, when the phrase “Indian talent” is used, it is often meant as a synonym for IT excellence.

IT in the Indian Financial Sector – the Beginnings

2. The use of technology in expanding banking has been a key focus area of the Reserve Bank. Technological innovation not only enables a broader reach for consumer banking and financial services, but also enhances its capacity for continued and inclusive growth.

3. There are several factors attributed to India’s high growth in the recent period - improved productivity, growing entrepreneurial spirit, and higher savings, to name the most important. But one factor usually goes unacknowledged – that is financial intermediation. I believe improvement in the quantum and quality of financial intermediation ranks along with other factors that I mentioned above as a key growth driver. And one of the factors that drove the improvement in the quantum and quality of financial intermediation is more wide spread and more efficient use of IT.

4. Implementing IT in an Indian banking system dominated by government-owned banks has not been easy. In his book ‘Imagining India – Ideas for the New Century’, Nandan Nilekani makes interesting references to this issue. He writes about his travels around the country in the early 1990s, speaking about the role of, what was then called in typical Indian English as ‘electronification’ in Indian banking. After one such presentation, Nandan writes, the chairman of a bank advised him to stop preaching, warning him that (quote), ‘The unions will gherao you in your house!’ (unquote) Nandan goes on to describe another presentation before an incredibly hostile audience, who dismissed out of hand all his ideas and suggestions. But at the end of the presentation, the union leader told him privately that both his sons were working for Microsoft on software solutions. I am told that during the initial days of IT implementation at the Reserve Bank, systems had to be smuggled into the office when ‘the world was sleeping’. Happily for us, IT implementation no longer faces opposition from any quarter. Indeed, everyone welcomes it. Even the trade unions have become extensive users of technology.

5. On this occasion, as we honor achievement in technology implementation, I want to share a few thoughts on the role of IT in the Indian financial sector.

IT in the Indian Financial Sector – Status Today

6. First, let me briefly review the current status of IT in the financial sector. More than most other industries, banks and financial institutions rely on gathering, processing, analyzing and providing information in order to meet the needs of customers. Given the importance of information in banking, it is not surprising that banks were among the earliest adopters of automated information processing technology. The visible benefits of IT in day-to-day banking in India are quite well known. There’s ‘Anywhere Banking’ through Core Banking Systems, ‘Anytime Banking’ through new, 24/7/365 delivery channels such as Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), and Net and Mobile Banking. In addition, IT has enabled the efficient, accurate and timely management of the increased transaction volume that comes with a larger customer base. It has also facilitated the movement from class banking to mass banking.

7. The past few years saw us marking some major milestones in the Indian payment and settlement systems. The introduction of the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) System has resulted in compliance with the Basle Core Principles for Systemically Important Payment Systems of the Bank for International Settlements. It also has paved the way for risk-free, credit push-based fund transfers settled on a real-time basis and in central bank money. The facility for inter-bank funds settlement through RTGS is today available across more than 55,000 bank branches, in more than 2500 regional centers across the country – a coverage span perhaps not seen anywhere else in the world.

8. Now, let’s compare today’s situation with what was in place in 2004, when only 4,800 branches offered RTGS. The rapid acceptance of RTGS by users can be measured by the daily transaction volume: today, we settle close to 100,000 transactions a day in the RTGS mode, up from just about 6000 transactions a day in 2004-05. In fact, quick, safe and efficient electronic movement of funds from virtually any part of the country to any other location is now almost guaranteed. This is enabled by the coordination with the National Electronic Funds transfer (NEFT) System and the National Electronic Clearing Service (NECS). In 2005, RBI was clearing about 2.70 lakh NEFT transactions a month. This number has jumped exponentially to nearly 40 lakh a month today. The establishment of the legal framework for all of this – in the form of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 – provides the requisite supportive structure for these systems.

9. I also want to highlight here the extent of customer migration to electronic payments in India. From less than half a percent of transactions in the electronic mode in 2001, today we process close to about 30 crore transactions per year in the electronic mode. The same holds true for RBI’s recent initiative away from High Value Clearing to electronic modes – a move aimed at creating a safer, secure and credit-push based funds transfer route that has gained considerable traction.

10. We have also seen developments in the communication network and messaging system in India. This institute, the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT), set up by the RBI in 1997, implemented the INdianFInancialNETwork – the INFINET – a ‘one-of-a-kind’ initiative for the banking sector aimed at sharing expensive IT resources so as to achieve economies of scale. One of IDRBT’s notable achievements has been the implementation of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) - based electronic data transfer with very high security levels. The Institute also developed a messaging standard called Structured Financial Messaging System (SFMS) with security features superior even to SWIFT. Today INFINET has migrated to the latest MPLS technology in an effort to provide a state-of-the-art network.

11. IDRBT also set up the National Financial Switch for interconnecting ATMs. It’s interesting to note that at the turn of the century, there were only about 4000 ATMs in all of India, and today there are more than ten times this number, and all of them interconnected. These changes have enabled RBI to take two major steps in this area in recent months. First, ATM card holders can use any ATM in the country irrespective of which bank issued them the card; and second, use of ATMs has become free of charge since April 1, 2009. So, now a customer can go to any ATM and withdraw money free of charge regardless of which ATM is being used and which bank issued the card.

12. IDRBT also spearheaded research in the field of banking technology and has been the centre for excellence in training in this area. Over the years, the role of the institute has extended beyond research to providing various services to the banking community. Now, a committee headed by Dr C Rangarajan is looking into redefining IDRBT’s role. Recommendations from this committee are anticipated soon.

13. Given the growing importance of IT in the banking sector, it is appropriate that the IDRBT provides incentives to the IT-based operations of commercial banks by evaluating their IT capabilities and motivating them to push for improvements by instituting these awards, which are going to be presented today.

IT in the Financial Sector: the Continuing Agenda

14. Information technologies and the innovations they enable are strategic tools for enhancing the value of customer relationship. They reduce the costs of financial transactions, improve the allocation of financial resources, and increase the competitiveness and efficiency of financial institutions.

15. Even as the achievements of IT in the banking sector are impressive, we have a big agenda on the way forward. Current financial sector leaders still need to take greater advantage of new technologies and information-based systems and expand the coverage of the Indian banking and financial system.

16. What do I mean by this? For instance, the potential of IT in extending banking services to under-served markets in rural and semi-urban areas is enormous. The use of Smart Card technology, mobile ATMs, coverage of post offices under electronic payments networks in out-of-reach areas – all could play significant roles in providing financial services to more people and thereby serve financial inclusion.

17. There is tremendous potential for the business growth of financial institutions on the one hand and the inclusive growth of India on the other. We have already seen banks using innovative approaches such as solar power- and mobile technology-based connectivity for branches. A variety of options are available which enable extended reach of such services. I urge banks to identify the technological model that is right for them. We have already seen the positive benefits that come from extending the reach of banking services through pilot projects in Andhra Pradesh and parts of the North East. The Reserve Bank also has announced its intention to expand the reach of banking in the North East even further by funding the cost of connectivity using VSAT technology. IBA is working on the details of this effort.

18. India is experiencing an explosion in the use of mobile communication technology. And this is a development that the financial sector can exploit. Mobile phone users belong to all strata of society, spread across metropolitan centres, towns and villages. Banks can take advantage of this expanded reach of telecom if they provide services through this medium. The phone’s integrated chip can function as a multi-application smart card, thus making banking services available to virtually every mobile phone owner. This holds substantial promise as the delivery vehicle of the future: there is huge potential and an exciting opportunity. However, the expansion of such capabilities must be accompanied by a minimum level of essential security features and continued compliance with established covenants relating to privacy of customer transactions.

19. The potential of IT for the near future also includes:

• Enabling differentiation in customer service;

• Facilitating Customer Relationship Management (CRM) based on available information, which can be stored and retrieved from data warehouses;

• Improving asset-liability management for banks, which has a direct bearing on the profits of banks;

• Enhancing compliance with anti-money laundering regulations; and

• Complying with Basel II norms

Implementation Challenges

20. New technologies set off a process of change. That, in turn, poses its own set of challenges to institutions as well as to consumers. IT is not yet a very comfortable choice for millions. Therefore, if we are to encourage IT proliferation, we must facilitate a change in customer mindsets and attitudes. Consumer awareness is a major challenge. It must be addressed as a whole. As automation increases and as products come with ever more technology based components, bank customers must understand up front the pros and cons of various products. Banks have to share the responsibility of providing this education. It is not just about the mere listing of all the terms and conditions on the agreement which, if we are being honest, rarely get the attention or focus that they deserve. People should read this information, but do they? Beyond that, people should understand all that is written in technical and legal language, but can they? Real education will lead to breakthroughs in understanding. More consumers would be more eager and willing to move towards use of technologically-enhanced products. In turn, this will act as a multiplier, with a positive impact on bank performance.

21. Banks also must pass on the benefits of lower costs from technology-based products and services to their customers. I was surprised to note that transfer of funds from one branch of a bank to another, both under the Core Banking System, entailed a service charge for the remitting customer. It does not make sense that the charge for such funds movement within a bank is much more than for inter-bank funds transfers! Let me be candid. The entire institution of banking is built on consumer trust. By imposing charges not commensurate with the cost of services provided, we risk losing this fundamental trust that underlies a banking relationship.

22. No doubt deployment of IT offers ample rewards. But these rewards can be claimed only by organizations which successfully address the alignment challenge. Alignment of IT and business, alignment of IT and HR and alignment of IT and organizational structure. These are all critical to derive true value. Working in silos deprives several benefits. All this should culminate in IT governance as an important component of corporate governance.

23. Security in an IT-based transaction processing environment is also critical. Adequate security controls must be in place. This includes the validation of transactions using the maker-checker concept, transmission of electronic messages over a network in encrypted form, due authentication by means of providing for digital signatures and storage of electronic records in conformity with the provisions of the IT Act, 2000 and amendment Act 2008. There is also the human element, and this is an issue as well: studies from around the world show that a significant proportion of IT frauds is the work of insiders. This underscores the need for ensuring that proper controls are in place and that they work properly.

24. Another serious challenge, particularly for public sector banks, is capacity building and talent retention. The success of IT implementation is ultimately manifested at the counters of the bank or at the ATMs and not in the data centres. If IT implementation in the early stages faced challenges from the trade unions today banks face different kinds of challenges. If a customer is turned back on the last day of tax payment (any facility will not change this habit!) or a cheque gets returned because CBS can not be accessed at the branch, the entire edifice of efficiency collapses in the eyes of the common man! Banks must make sure to avoid such interfaces which erode trust and confidence.

Conclusion

25. Let me now conclude. We know that investments in newer technologies must be made to modernize existing operations, to face competitive challenges, and to meet customer expectations. Some of these investments will also be made with the goal of achieving cost savings, energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. In the years ahead, the ability of banks to harness new technologies to meet the demands of households and businesses will be tested. I am confident that banks and other financial institutions will meet these challenges head on, continue to find new and better ways to put technology to their and their customers’ best use, and that they will manage the technology and business risks associated with these investments.

26. The identification and recognition of technology leaders in the form of these Technology Awards underscores our ability to excel in our respective fields. The awards of today are not a culmination; instead they mark another milestone in our journey towards an efficient, effective and, may I add, sensitive and user friendly financial system.

27. My congratulations to all the award winners today.

Purchase of Hindi books by Government offices

Adoption of Integrity Pact-Standard Operating Procedure- CVC OM Dated 18/05/2009

CVC released its standard operating procedure reagrding adoption of Integrity pact during major purchase by Government Departments/PSU/ Autonomous Oragnisation.
Integrity Pact (IP), a vigilance tool conceptualized and promoted by the Transparency International. The Commission has, through its Office Orders No. 41/12/07 dated 04.12.07 and 43/12/07 dated 28.12.07 and Circulars No. 18/05/08 dated 19.05.08 and 24.08.08 dated 05.08.2008 , recommended adoption of Integrity Pact and provided basic guidelines for its implementation in respect of major procurements in the Government Organizations.

Details can be found here

Revision of pension of pre-2006 Pensioners/ family pensioners , GOI OM Dated 21/05/2009

Revised pay scales for Official Laguage post- corriendum dated 27/11/2008

CGHS launched new website

CGHS today launches its revamped & improved version of website. Take a look here

Discontiuation of continous empanelment scheme of CGHS

stoppage of emergency service at CGHS wellness centers

Revision in CGHS subscription/ entitlement w.e.f 1/6/2009

Government implements Modified ACP Scheme

Please see the other details here
http://persmin.gov.in/WriteData/CircularNotification/ScanDocument/35034_3_2008-Estt.(D).pdf

World Environment Day- 2009

World Environment Day (WED) was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.

Commemorated yearly on 5 June, WED is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. The day's agenda is to:

1. Give a human face to environmental issues;
2. Empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development;
3. Promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues;
4. Advocate partnership which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.

The theme for WED 2009 is 'Your Planet Needs You-UNite to Combat Climate Change'. It reflects the urgency for nations to agree on a new deal at the crucial climate convention meeting in Copenhagen some 180 days later in the year, and the links with overcoming poverty and improved management of forests.

This year’s host is Mexico which reflects the growing role of the Latin American country in the fight against climate change, including its growing participation in the carbon markets.

Mexico is also a leading partner in UNEP's Billion Tree Campaign. The country, with the support of its President and people, has spearheaded the pledging and planting of some 25 per cent of the trees under the campaign. Accounting for around 1.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the country is demonstrating its commitment to climate change on several fronts.

Mexican President Felipe Calderon states that the WED celebration will “further underline Mexico's determination to manage natural resources and deal with the most demanding challenge of the 21st century – climate change.”

GOI clarification dt 18/05/2009 for pensioners/ family pensioners