National policy on safety, health and environment at workplace

The Union Cabinet has approved the National Policy on Safety, Health and Environment at Workplace to address the issue of securing health and safety of workers in the country as envisaged in the Constitution.
It provides general guidelines for all stakeholders such as Governments, inspection authorities employers, research and development institutions, educational institutions, etc. for developing a safety culture and environment at all work places.
The policy envisages actions for improving safety, health and environment at workplace by providing for a statutory framework, administrative and technical support, system of incentives, prevention strategies and their monitoring and inclusion of safety health and environment aspects in other related national policies.
It also spells an action programme comprising development of standards and codes of practices, encouraging compliance by stakeholders, increasing awareness, promoting and proving for research and development, knowledge and skill development, practical guidance and providing financial and non-financial incentives.
The provisions of the policy would be reviewed every five years, if necessary.

Payment of Interest on Savings Bank Account on a Daily Product Basis

RBI/2008-09/452

DBOD. No. Dir. BC.128/13.03.00/2008-09

April 24, 2009

All Scheduled Commercial Banks (Excluding RRBs)

Dear Sir

Payment of Interest on Savings Bank Account on a Daily Product Basis

Please refer to paragraph 88 of the Annual Policy Statement announced by Governor on April 21, 2009 (extract enclosed), in terms of which it has been proposed that payment of interest on savings bank accounts by scheduled commercial banks would be calculated on a daily product basis with effect from April 1, 2010. In terms of extant guidelines, as per paragraph 2.2B of the Master Circular dated July 1, 2008 on Interest Rates on Rupee Deposits held in Domestic, Ordinary Non-Resident (NRO) and Non-Resident (External) (NRE) Accounts, banks have been advised that in the case of savings deposits, interest should be calculated on the minimum balance to the credit of the deposit account during the period from the 10th to the last day of each calendar month and credited to the account only when it is Re.1/- or more. Several banks had suggested that interest on savings bank accounts may be calculated either on the minimum balances in the deposit accounts during the period from the first to the last day of each calendar month or on a daily product basis. The matter was referred to the Indian Banks' Association, which was of the view that payment of interest on a daily product basis would be feasible only when computerisation in banks is completed. 2. We advise that on a review, and in view of the present satisfactory level of computerisation in commercial bank branches, it is proposed that payment of interest on savings bank accounts by scheduled commercial banks would be calculated on a daily product basis with effect from April 1, 2010. In order to ensure a smooth transition, banks may work out the modalities in this regard.

Yours faithfully

(P. Vijaya Bhaskar) Chief General Manager

Encl: as above

Reserve Bank of India Annual Policy Statement 2009-10

Part B. Developmental and Regulatory Policies 2009-10

II. Interest Rate Policy

(b) Payment of Interest on Savings Bank Account on a Daily Product Basis

88. At present, interest on savings bank accounts is calculated on the minimum balances held in the accounts during the period from the 10th day to the last day of each calendar month. Several banks have suggested that interest on savings bank accounts may be calculated either on the minimum balances in the deposit accounts during the period from the first to the last day of each calendar month or on a daily product basis. The matter was referred to the IBA, which was of the view that payment of interest on a daily product basis would be feasible only when computerisation in banks is completed. In view of the present satisfactory level of computerisation in commercial bank branches, it is proposed that: • payment of interest on savings bank accounts by scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) would be calculated on a daily product basis with effect from April 1, 2010. Modalities in this regard will be worked out in consultation with banks.

US seek access to India's traditional knowledge database

New Delhi, Apr 24 (PTI) The US is in talks with India seeking to gain access to the country's rich database on unani, ayurveda and yoga, country's traditional health and medical practices.
"We are in talks with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for giving access to its Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) to the US authorities,"Dominic Keating, First Secretary for Intellectual Property at the US Embassy in India, told PTI.

According to Keating, who is involved in talks, American officials and CSIR would hold a meeting in May to resolve the issues in the draft agreement on accessing TKDL data by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

TKDL is a joint project between the apex scientific research organisation of the country CSIR and Department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) to preserve the old knowledge of India.

When asked about the delay in agreement, Keating said "We had some issues with the agreement document of CSIR and we are trying to resolve it, so that patent examiner can access the database in order to avoid any duplication of innovation." PTI

Publish reasons for all decisions that affect the public, CIC tells UT Admn

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has directed the Chandigarh Administration to publish reasons for all its decisions that affect the public and ensure proper implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

The CIC also asked the Administration to convert all records in electronic format, catalogue, index and computerise them and then put them online for easy accessibility. The UT has been given three months to comply with the directions.

The commission referred to the instructions of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, dated September 21, 2007, on the matter, which says: “The clause (Section 4) also requires the public authority to have its records computerised and connected through a network all over the country. ” The directions were issued in response to 52 separate complaints — later clubbed by the CIC — filed against various UT departments .

Information Commissioner M L Sharma ordered: “The public authorities are required to publish all relevant facts about such policies and decisions for the information of the public at large, as mandated under Section 4(1)(c) of the Act.” The order said such information should be provided free of cost. It read: “The information disclosed by the public authorities is proactive disclosure and they are required to provide immediate access to this material as and when requested, without the requirement of filing any written request and charging any fee.”

The CIC said all public authorities should also take immediate steps to publish detailed, complete and unambiguous information under the 16 categories of Section 4(1)(b) and thereafter update the information as and when necessary, but definitely every year. It added: “The names, room numbers, telephone numbers, e-mail address of the CPIOs/ACPIOs may be prominently displaced in each office. If the complete disclosures are also available with any other officer(s) other than the CPIO, ACPIO, their names, designations, room numbers and telephone numbers must be prominently displayed.”

Addressing the contentions of the complainant, regarding difficulty in submitting the fee for RTI , the commission said: “The CPIO should accept the requisite fee without delay. Such fee should be acceptable in any form as prescribed under the rules by way of cash against proper receipt or by demand draft or banker’s cheque or Indian postal order. The ‘payee’ or the name of the officer in whose favour payment is to be made should be displayed on the notice board of the public authority.” The commission held that no particular format was necessary to seek information under the RTI Act.

Courtesy: Indian Express

सुबहे बनारस ( Sunrise at Varanasi)

You all must have noted that I have not updated my Blog in previous week i.e from 12/4/2009 to 18/4/2009. During this week I was on vacation to attend my Brother-in-Laws marriage ceremony at Varanasi, my hometown. There I was able to witness one of the most beautiful moments of Varanasi i.e Sunrise after long time. Here are some of the photographs taken from my cellphone camera. Although picture quality might not be good but the moment was amazing.
But I was sad to see a Government motorboat polluting the ambiance in the early hour of morning. As an student of ecology I know that the current level of pollution in River Ganga is a holistic problem and it needs a holistic treatment . One or two retrogressive steps wipes out all the positive measures.

Appointment of New Joint Secretary at CSIR

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal to appoint Shri K. Jayakumar, IAS(SK:87) as Joint Secretary, in the Department of Scientific & Industrial Reaserch/Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, in the pay band of Rs.37400-67000 /- (PB-4) plus grade pay of Rs. 10000/-, for a period of five years from the date of assumption of charge of the post or until further orders.

seniority list of CCO (FA) as on 1/1/2009 (released on 20/4/2009)

Revokation of referral of CGHS beneficiaries to Narender Mohan Hospital Gazaibad

Option for zonal wise posting of Common cadre Officers

Promotion to the post of S.O(G)/(FA)/(SP)

Implementation of Government’s decision on the recommendation of the VIth CPC – revision of CCS (Extraordinary Pension) Rules

No.45/6/2008-P&PW (F)

Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances and Pensions

Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare

*******

3^rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,

Khan Market, New Delhi-110 003

Dated 16th April, 2009

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Implementation of Government’s decision on the recommendation of the VIth CPC – revision of CCS (Extraordinary Pension) Rules,

1939 – Constant Attendant Allowance.

……………..

The undersigned is directed to say that on the Recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission in para 5.1.44 of its Report, orders were issued vide Department of Pension & Pensioner's Welfare O.M. No.38/37/2008-P&PW (A) dated 2.9.2008 that:

“In the case of pensioners who retired on disability pension under the CCS (Extraordinary Pension) Rules, 1939, for 100% disability (where the individual is completely dependent on somebody else for day to day function), a Constant Attendant Allowance of Rs.3,000/- p.m. shall be allowed in addition to the disability pension, on the lines existing in Defence Forces.”

2. Accordingly, the payment of the Constant Attendant Allowance (C.A.A.) shall be governed by the provisions as under:-

(i) Constant Attendant Allowance (C.A.A) will be Applicable to cases where the disability for which Constant Attendance Allowance is payable is attributable to or aggravated by service.

(ii) Constant Attendant Allowance (C.A.A) may be granted to a Government servant who is awarded a disability pension for 100 percent disablement, if in the opinion of the medical board, he needs the services of a constant attendant for at least a period of three months, and the necessity arises solely from the condition of the accepted disability or disabilities.

(iii) Constant Attendant Allowance (C.A.A) shall not be payable for any period during which the pensioner is an inmate or an in-patient of a Government institution or hospital.

(iv) Payment of Constant Attendant Allowance (C.A.A) shall be made along with disability pension. Payment shall be made on the basis of declaration as in Annexure which shall be submitted to the Pension Disbursing Authority in May & November each year.

3. Formal amendments to the Central Civil Services (Extraordinary Pension) Rules, 1939, are being issued separately.

4. These orders are issued with the approval of the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide their U.O.No.7.32/10/2009-IC dated 23^rd February, 2009.

5. In their applicability to the personnel of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, these orders issue in consultation with the Comptroller & Auditor General of India.

6. Ministry of Agriculture, etc. are requested to bring the contents of these orders to the notice of the Heads of Departments, their Attached an Subordinate Offices, Controller of Accounts, Pay & Accounts Officers, etc. under their administrative control.

Indian scientists sequence fish genome

The genome which, because of its similarity to the human genome, holds several clues to identifying genes that cause diseases in human beings

New Delhi: Scientists at the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratory, have sequenced the genome of a fish, which, because of its similarity to the human genome, holds several clues to identifying genes that cause diseases in human beings.
Vinod Scaria, IGIB scientist, said that the wild zebrafish strain analysed, was a first of it’s kind genome analysis in India.
“To my knowledge, it’s the first time that a vertebrate’s whole genome has been analysed in an Indian lab,” said Scaria. Globally, scientists have studied zebrafish genomes before, but Scaria said these were mostly hybrids cloned in labs.
“Studying a wild type strain is vital to understand the complete genetic variation within a species. Without that it’s not possible to determine which genes are responsible for certain diseases,” he added.

Comment received

"Dear Arvind Khanna,

Thanks a lot for covering the zebrafish genome on your Blog. I have also gone through your blog and find it very interesting and informative.

Best regards

Dr Vinod Scaria
Scientist
G N Ramachandran Knowledge Centre for Genome Informatics,
Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR),
Mall Road, Delhi 110 007, India"

Complaint against NBRI director for fudging CV

15 Apr 2009, 0155 hrs IST, Neha Shukla, TNN

LUCKNOW: The director of NBRI might sustain his tenure on the claim that he passed MSc in three subjects. He might have also convinced the search committee with his curriculum vitae. But his alma mater, Gobind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, does not approve of the same with Gujarat University denying to the extent that it awarded a PhD in first division to the director.

GBPUAT, Pantnagar, said that Dr Rakesh Tuli, director, NBRI did not pass MSc in three subjects -- genetics, biochemistry and plant breeding, as mentioned by him in his CV. The director's CV talks of several facts which RTI responses provided by the universities contradict.

Could it be a case of a botched CV? It is now up to the prime minister to find out. A complaint containing several such revelations has been forwarded to the PM after being endorsed by the chairman, public accounts committee. The complaint has been filed by a local, Naveen Gupta who gathered the `quoted' information by way of RTI.

GBPUAT states that Tuli was awarded the MSc degree with major in genetics and minor in bio-chemistry. The fact that Tuli has a PhD degree in botany in first division from Gujarat University has also run into trouble after Gujarat University informed that he was not awarded PhD degree in 1982 by it. The university further clarified that there is no system to award class/grade while awarding PhD degree.

Tuli had been the applicant for the same post twice in the past. But he was rejected in 1997-98 and 1998-99 by the prime minister on the ground that he had used `political pull against conduct rules'. Little success came his way in 2,000 when he got selected as director, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP).

But before he could take over, the then minister of science and technology, Murli Manohar Joshi recommended SPS Khanuja for the post. "To his indiscretion he pleaded for his case and also spoke lightly about other scientists," wrote Joshi in his letter, while turning down Tuli's appointment.

The complaint says that `misrepresentations' do not end here. The director had allegedly fudged information under heads like national competitive research grants awarded to him by governmental agencies, inter-institutional team work and skills in industrial networking.

Appointing a director for CSIR (Council for scientific and industrial research) laboratory calls for responsible selection. The search committee is constituted for the purpose by the vice-president (minister of science and technology) of CSIR which comprises a chairman, six experts and DG, CSIR.

But in case of Tuli the committee reportedly bypassed the norms to appoint him as the director. However, sources added, "things have started moving at the level of CSIR though proceedings might not come out in the open".
Courtesy: Times of india

CIC asks CSIR to make NET exam papers public

New Delhi (PTI): The Central Information Commission has directed the CSIR to bring NET examination papers of previous years, kept under wraps till now, in public domain to improve the overall "processes" of administering and undertaking of exams in the country.

Central Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi in his hard hitting order had asked CSIR to provide the information free of cost to the appellant before April 25.

Refuting the CSIR's contention that "if question papers are in public domain the scientific interest of the State will be affected", the CIC said, "transparency will only improve all institution and processes".

Disallowing the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research's (CSIR) contention that disclosing the examination papers would "expose the CSIR examinations system", the CIC in its order said, "if a student can really master all fundamentals of the Science and Technology portion, no exam system can really want to test anything else".

The CIC also dismissed CSIR's stand that "there is a limited scope of framing questions as the basic concept and their interpretation are established facts".

New ITR 1 form notified for AY 2009-10

click here for download

Engagment of cosultant- As per provision of GFR 2005

Revision fo fixation of pay of retired judges on their appointment on Commission/ Commitee of enquiry GOI OM Dated 8/4/2009

Banking Companies (Nomination) Rules, 1985–Acknowledgement of Nomination and indicating the Name of the Nominee in Pass Books / Fixed Deposit Receipts

RBI / 2008-09/ 406

DBOD.No.Leg.BC.114 /09.07.005/2008-09

March 9, 2009

All Scheduled Commercial Banks (Excluding RRBs)

Dear Sir,

Banking Companies (Nomination) Rules, 1985 – Acknowledgement of Nomination and indicating the Name of the Nominee in Pass Books / Fixed Deposit Receipts

It has been brought to our notice that some banks do not have the system of acknowledging the receipt of the duly completed form of nomination, cancellation and /or variation of the nomination. Further, it is also understood that in some banks, although there is a system of acknowledgement of nomination as provided in the Savings Bank account opening form, such acknowledgements are actually not given to the customers. In this connection, banks are aware that in terms of Rules 2 (9), 3 (8) and 4 (9) of the Banking Companies Nomination (Rules), 1985, they are required to acknowledge in writing to the depositor(s) / locker hirers (s) the filing of the relevant duly completed Form of nomination, cancellation and / or variation of the nomination.

2. Banks are therefore advised to strictly comply with the provisions of Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and Banking Companies (Nomination) Rules, 1985 and devise a proper system of acknowledging the receipt of the duly completed form of nomination, cancellation and / or variation of the nomination. Such acknowledgement should be given to all the customers irrespective of whether the same is demanded by the customers.

3. Further, please refer to para 19.4 of our Master Circular on Customer Service (BC.No.75 dated November 3, 2008) wherein banks have been advised to introduce the practice of recording on the face of the passbooks/FDRs the position regarding availment of nomination facility with the legend "Nomination Registered".

4. In this connection, a suggestion has been received that banks should indicate the name of the Nominee in Pass Books / FDRs. Since this would be helpful to the customers / nominees, banks are advised that in addition to the legend “Nomination Registered”, they should also indicate the name of the Nominee in the Pass Books / Statement of Accounts / FDRs, in case the customer is agreeable to the same

Yours faithfully

(Prashant Saran)

Chief General Manager-in-Charge

India's 15th general election: Google initative

At Google, we believe information is fundamentally empowering. While all of our technologies demonstrate a commitment to this guiding principle, information is especially important when a society comes together to participate in democratic elections. Beginning ten days from today, more than 700 million eligible voters in India will over the course of four weeks have the opportunity to participate in the largest democratic event in human history — India's 15th general election.

Today, along with a wide range of partners, we are happy to announce the launch of the Google India Elections Centre — available in English and in Hindi.

People from across India can use the centre to do the following:

• Confirm their voter registration status
• Discover their polling location
• View their constituency on a map
• Consume relevant election-related news, blogs, videos, and quotations
• Evaluate the status of development in their constituency across a range of indicators
• Learn about the background of their Member of Parliament and this year's candidates

With still more features to be added during the election, we hope the site will be an ongoing resource for analysis, governance, and democracy in India after the election.

This project would not have been possible without the shared vision of a broad coalition of partners: the Association for Democratic Reforms, HT Media Limited, Indicus Analytics, the Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy, the Liberty Institute, and PRS Legislative Services. These groups are the true champions of promoting a more transparent democracy, and we're privileged to be able to shine a light on their work on the occasion of India's 15th Lok Sabha polls.

We're hopeful not only that the elections centre will further a culture that seeks access to information, but that it will also yield positive changes in voting patterns during the upcoming polls.

Please visit the site, select your constituency, and get started! Spread the word about what you learn and, of course, don't forget to visit the polls.

Posted by Rishi Jaitly, Senior Policy Analyst, and Sanjay Jain, Product Manager

Vacancy at Food Safety and Standards Authority of India- Last date 30/04/2009