MOD ID No.
1(5)/2010/D(Pay/Services) datd 7.5.2013
MINUTES OF
MEETING HELD ON 25/03/2013 (1100 HRS TO 1300 HRS) TO REVIEW THE STATUS OF
DECISIONS TAKEN BY CONCERNED WINGS OF MoD ON THE ISSUES OF PAY AND ALLOWANCES
POST VI CPC AS PROJECTED BY TRIPAS
Joint Secretary (E) took a
meeting in his office on 25th March 2013 to review the action taken
by concerned wings of MoD and the progress made since the last meeting held on
the issues of pay and allowances post VI CPC as projected by TRIPAS from time
to time. The list of officers who attended the meeting is enclosed as Annexure
I.
Item-wise minutes are as under:
ITEM I: Common Pay Scales for In-service PBOR
Dir (AG-I) informed that the
views of MoD on the proposals to have one common pay scale for all in-service
PBOR of three services who joined prior to 01 Jan 2006 have been submitted to
the Cabinet Sectt.
It was decided that since the
issue is pending with PMO no action is required to be taken in MoD as this stage.
ITEM II: Dearness
Allowance on Classification Allowance
The issue was reiterated by the
Services stating that while no DA is paid on Classification Allowance, it is
taken into account for calculating pension. As such the concerned pensioners
get Dearness Relief on Classification Allowance.
As directed by JS (E) in the
last meeting, the matter is being examined in consultation with Defence
(Finance). They have been reminded on 30.4.2013 to get the proposal for
enhancement of Classification Allowance expedited by MoF.
ITEM III: Common Rate of Good Conduct Badge/Good
Service Pay
It was brought out by the
Services that in view of common pay scales proposed by VI CPC for three
Services personnel, there was no rationale to have different rates in the three
Services. Director (AG-I) informed that the issue has been rejected by Defence
(Finance).
The issue has been re-examined
and Director (TRIPAS) has been asked to offer comments on the observations of
Defence (Finance) on 30.4.2013.
ITEM IV: Abolition of Recruits Pay
It was brought out by Service
reps that recruits stipend during training period may be abolished and instead
full pay be given to recruits during training period.
As the proposal seeks to
simplify administrative procedure JS (E) directed for re-examination in
consultation with Defence (Finance). The matter has been referred to Defence
(Finance) on 30.4.2013.
ITEM V: Initial Pay Fixation of Lt Col, Col and
Brig/equivalent
Director (AG-I) informed that the
views of MoD on the proposal have been submitted to Cabinet Sectt which
examined the matter and submitted its report to the PM.
It was decided that since the
issue is pending with PMO no action is required to be taken by MoD
presently.
ITEM VI: Definition of Rank Pay
It was brought out by Services
reps that even though Rank Pay ceased to exist after VI CPC yet, inexplicably,
it was re-defined in the SAI/SNI/SAFI issued for implementing VI CPC
recommendations. A clear definition is required in light of the recent judgment
by Hon’ble Supreme Court in Maj Dhanapalan’s case.
Director (AG-I) informed that
the matter has been referred to Defence (Finance) on 21.3.2013.
ITEM VII: Uniform Grade Pay
Director (AG-I) informed that the
views of MoD on the proposal have been submitted to the Cabinet Sectt which
examined the matter and submitted its report to the PM.
It was decided that since the
issue is pending with PMO no action is required to be taken by MoD presently.
ITEM VIII: Placing of all Lt Gens in HAG+ Scale
It was brought out be Services
reps that the issue has long term ramifications and needed to be resolved
before the VII CPC gets constituted.
The issue stands settled
presently as 1/3rd Lt Gen equivalents have been placed in HAG+ scale
against the demand of grant of HAG+ scale for 100% Lt Gens and this
dispensation was agreed by the Services. The present demand was, however,
reconsidered and with the approval of RM it was regretted. Further, this matter
also figured as one of the agenda points in the Committee headed by the Cabinet
Secretary. MoD has already given its inputs to the Cabinet Sectt.
It was decided that since the
issue is pending with PMO no action is required to be taken by MoD presently.
ITEM IX: Grant of Higher Non-Functional Scale to Gp
‘A’ Services
The Services contend that issue
has long term ramifications and it needed to be resolved before the VII CPC
gets constituted. The matter was examined in consultation with Defence
(Finance) and not agreed to earlier. Further this matter also figured as one of
the agenda points in the Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary. MoD has
already given its inputs to the Cabinet Sectt.
It was decided that since the issue is pending with PMO
no action is required to be taken by MoD presently.
ITEM X: Definition of Military Service Pay (MSP)
The Services seek to re-define
MSP as the long winding definition in the SAI/SNI/SAFI does not clarify the
status of MSP. The demand has already been turned down in consultation with
Defence (Finance).
Director (AG-I) informed that
the matter has been reconsidered and was referred to Defence (Finance) on
11.3.2013.
ITEM XI: OTK Comparison with CPMF
The Services reps brought out
that post VI CPC the relevant rates have not increased proportionately as
compared to CMPFs.
The Services were informed
that the matter has ben reconsidered in MoD and referred to Defence (Finance)
on 8.3.2013 to take up with MoF.
ITEM XII: Special Duty Allowance (North &
North-East)
The Services demand grant of
Special Duty Allowance at the same rate as admissible to Civilian officials for
the Armed Forces personnel serving in North-Eastern region. The proposal was
not agreed to.
Director (AG-I) informed that
the matter has again been raised with Defence (Finance) on 13.3.2013 for
resolution.
ITEM XIII: Deputation Allowance
The Services stated that the
Deputation Allowance for Armed Forces should not be restricted 50% of the rates
applicable to civilian officers. The matter was considered by VI CPC but was
not agreed to.
As discussed in the last
meeting, the issue has been re-examined. Director (AG-I) informed that the
matter was referred to Defence (Finance) on 7.3.2013.
ITEM XIV: Tribal Area Allowance
The Services sought the grant of
Tribal Area Allowance to their personnel posted in certain Tribal Talukas and
pockets in certain States.
The proposal was referred to
MoF which did not agree. The matter has been closed with the approval of RM on
7.3.2013.
ITEM XV: Bhutan Compensatory Allowance
The Services demand that the
Armed Forces personnel posted to Bhutan be granted Bhutan Compensatory
Allowance as the same rate as Foreign Allowance and BCA be linked to UN indices
to ensure automatic revision like FA.
As the matter is sub-judice,
it was decided to await the decision of the Court on the matter. As per
directions of JS (E) M/o Law & Justice will be requested for an early
hearing in the case.
ITEM XVI: Official Hospitality Grant
The Services pointed out during
discussion that while Sumptuary Allowance admissible to Directors and below of
civilian training institutions has been increased seven times, Official
Hospitality Grant of similarly placed Commandants and below of Services
Training Institutions has only been doubled. They have sought similar revision
in the rates of OHG.
Director (AG-I) informed that
the Services are yet to provide the information sought by MoF in this regard.
They were last reminded on 19.3.2013. The Services agreed to send it
shortly.
ITEM XVII: Stipend to
Cadets at NDA and similar Training Academies
It was stated by Services reps
that having been selected after their 10+2 exams NDA cadets are not entitled to
any emoluments during the three year period at NDA. It was stated by Dir (AG-I)
that the issue has already been examined and was not agreed to.
Director (AG-I) informed that
the matter would be put up in the last week of May, 2013 as directed by
RM.
ITEM XVIII: Assured Career Progression (ACP) to JCO
and OR
It was stated by Services rep
that the present applicability of ACP post VI CPC is on completion of 8, 16 and
24 years of service. It was proposed by Services to reduce the applicability of
ACP scheme for PBORs to 8, 14 and 21 years of service.
It was decided that the issue
may be kept pending for the time being and it would be appropriate to refer it
to VII CPC for suitable recommendations. The Services agreed to the
suggestion.
ITEM XIX: Counting of Last One year of Training as
Service for all purposes
It was stated by Services reps
that all cadets undergo a 12 months training (18 months for Direct Entry) at
the IMA/AFA in the case of Army and Air Force and training at sea in case of
Navy. During this period no pay is admissible. However, a stipend of Rs 21,
000/- per month is paid. These Cadets/Midshipmen are entitled to their first
pay and allowances only on successful completion of their training. Their time
towards service and pension therefore starts 1 to 11/2 years after joining
Service academies. However, in case of certain other entries into the Armed
Forces i.e. Technical Graduates, Meteorological Branch of Air Force, certain
specialised categories of three Services like law and the Short Service
Commission in the Navy and Air Force, the entrants are granted commission into
the service from the day of joining. These entrants are thus entitled to pay
and allowances and other attendant benefits from day one. The Services had
proposed that pre-commissioning training at commissioning academies be treated
as service for all purposes. During the meeting Dir (AG-II) again brought out
that Army has withdrawn the case. In response to which it was once again
brought by the Services that in the
previous meeting itself Col J K Rao had committed that the letter withdrawing
the issue will be cancelled and a confirmation will be given.
Since the Army HQ letter is
still not withdrawn it was decided that the issue will be processed only after
this letter is withdrawn.
ITEM XX: Re-employment of Officers in the rank of Col
(TS)
It was decided to drop this matter as it has been
settled.
ITEM XXI: Enhancement of Retirement age of Regimental
Commissioned Officers (RCOs)
The issue stands resolved and hence no further action is
required.
ITEM XXII: Honorary Ranks and Commission
It was brought out by Services
reps that the pay proposed for honorary commissioned officers/ranks should be
used for determining non-effective benefits including retirement benefits.
It was decided that the issue
would be re-examined on merit. In any case the subject is closed, then it
should only be done with approval of RM.
ITEM XXIII: Revision of Retirement Ages of Territorial
Army (TA) Officers
It was decided to drop the matter.
ITEM XXIV: PBOR in Territorial Army
It was decided as the issue has been dropped by Army HQ,
hence no action is required.
ITEM XXV: Baggage Entitlements on Transfer/Permanent
Duty Moves
It was stated by the Services
that the issue was common to both Armed Forces and Civilian employees. The
issue has been somewhat resolved by the clarification regarding applicability
of same rate when moving from X to Y/Z or vice versa. However an issue still
remained with regard to rates applicable on move from Z to Z. It was pointed
out by Services that in the hypothetical case of transfer of an individual from
Z to Z town, say a place 50 km west of Delhi to a place 50 km east of Guwahati,
his baggage entitlement will be lesser than a transfer from Delhi to
Guwahati.
It was decided that the issue
needs further deliberation before the formula recommended by Services is taken
up with MoD (Fin). It was decided to request O & N Wing to involve reps of
TRIPAS in future meetings.
ITEM XXVI: Conveyance
Allowance: It was decided to
close the matter.
ITEM XXVII: Authorisation of AC Taxi for Brigs on Temp
Duty
The Services rep pointed out that
prior to VI CPC, for journeys performed by road on temp duty, officers in the
pay range of Rs 18400 and above were entitled to the prescribed rates of AC
taxi. However, the VI CPC has recommended AC taxi for officers with grade pay
of Rs 10000/- and above i.e. Maj Gn and above. As a result the entitlement of
Brigs now stands lowered than the limit specified by VI CPC. It was also
highlighted that similarly placed civilian employees are also affected by this
recommendation. It was stated that the recommendation of the new pay commission
cannot lower an existing entitlement and the case needs to be examined in this
light.
It was decided that the issue
needs further deliberation before the formula recommended by Services is taken
up with MoD (Fin). It was once again decided to request O & N Wing to
involve reps of TRIPAS in future meetings.
ITEM XXVIII: Revision of Rates of Daily Allowance
The Services rep pointed out that
the personnel proceeding on temp duty are authorised to claim reimbursement for
hotel accommodation, food bill and in-city travel expenses at varying rates as
per their grade pay. The individual also has the option of claiming Daily
Allowance as per old rates prevalent prior to VI CPC. However, in the case of
Services the problem is that most of the units are located away from
cities/towns and there is no hostel available. The distance from the city to
unit is such that it is impractical to stay in hotels in neighbouring cities.
The Govt has resolved the earlier DA facility and individual can opt for either
newer or old scheme for Temporary Duty. The old DA rates have, however, not
been revised which means it is difficult to compensate personnel for their expenses
on Temporary Duty. It was pointed out that it was more convenient to stay in
messes. The Railways who are similarly placed have already got old DA rates
doubled. Thus, there was enough justification to extend the same rationale to
Armed Forces.
It was decided that the issue
needs further deliberation before the formula recommended by Services is taken
up with MoD (Fin). It was once again decided to request O & N Wing to
involve reps of TRIPAS in future meetings and TRIPAS will forward the letter
doubling the rates of DA issued by Railways to support the Services proposal.
ITEM XXIX: Compensation in Lieu of Quarters (CILQ)
The Services reps brought out
that the matter has been under discussion with MoD, C & W Wing and it has
been decided that the free elements like electricity, water, furniture etc be
waived on all the CILQ rate implemented are 01 Sep 08 (typed as in original)
to make it equal to the HRA. Dir (C&W) stated that 3 options had been under
consideration and Services had earlier recommended option II which had proposed
CILQ rate at 3 times the existing rate was sent to Finance for consideration.
JS (E) stated that the three times higher rate seemed to be irrational and
requested that a final decision on the option needs to be exercised by the
Services. Services however stated that they have already clearly indicated that
Option 1 needs to be progressed and had accordingly submitted a DGL. It was
also brought out that there are two elements to the issue – one is revision of
rates and the other is the review of eligibility conditions. The Services
requested that till finalisation of the revised rates issue at least the
revision of conditions be finalised and issued expeditiously.
It was decided that the issue
as recommended by Services be taken up with MoD (Fin). It was decided to
request C & W Wing to involve reps of TRIPAS in future meetings.
ITEM XXX: Enhancement of Rental Ceilings
The Services reps brought out
that rent for residential accommodation leased by Service personnel is
admissible based on (i) plinth area entitlement; (ii) rate per square foot
depending on classification of the city or town, and (iii) an overall rental
ceiling. The rate per square foot and the rental ceiling are periodically
revised. Though the rental ceilings were last revised only in March 1998,
significant increases for the different classes of cities and towns had been
recommended by HLC. The recommendation ranges from Rs 2,541 per month for NCOs
and ORs to Rs 10, 672 per month for
Brigadiers in ‘A-1’ cities and from Rs 1,367 per month to Rs 8,131 per month
respectively in ‘C’ class cities and towns. The increase in rental ceilings has
been justified by the Services on the following grounds: -
(a) The ceilings were earlier revised on three
occasions in 1976, 1979 and 1981. They were not revised thereafter till the 5th
CPC recommended a revision by the Ministry of Defence keeping in view the rates
of House Rent Allowance proposed by them for corresponding civilians and the
ceilings prescribed by the Railways.
(b) A proposal submitted in this regard in 1994
was not approved.
(c) Ceilings approved in March 1998 were of the
same levels as in 1994, and were more or less equal to those approved by
Ministry of Finance in 1987 for employees of autonomous bodies.
(d) Even while the 5th CPC was
deliberating on various demands, the Railways had revised the ceilings in 1996,
which roughly corresponded to those approved for Services in 1998.
(e) Since the plinth area entitlements were
constant and the rates per square foot notified by Ministry of Defence were
also based only on those determined by Ministry of Urban Affairs, the product
of these two elements, which would represent the ceiling, should be logically
applied.
The Rent reimbursement and Rental
ceilings facilities are available to Armed Forces. These provide flexibility to
the Services to hire accommodation both for Officers and PBOR and also enable
officers to hire married accommodation on rent reimbursement basis especially
when they have to spend a major part of their tenure without getting status
accommodation. As already brought out, the rates were last revised in 1998. The
rates have not been enhanced by the 6th CPC also.
It was decided that the issue needs further deliberation
before the formula recommended by Services is taken up with MoD (Fin). It was
once again decided to request O & N Wing to involve reps of TRIPAS in
future meetings.
Annexure I
List of
officers who attended the meeting on 25.03.2013
MoD
1. Shri Sameer Kumar Khare, Joint Secretary
(E) – in chair
2. Shri Praveen Kumar, Director (AG-I)
3. Shri Naveen Kumar, Director (AG-II)
4. Shri P S Walia, Under Secy, D
(Pay/Services)
5. Smt Prabha Munjal, DFA (AG)
6 Shri K K Sinha, AFA (AG)
Services
1. Rear Admiral J Korde VSM, ACOP (A&C)
2. Gp Capt D S Dagar, Member AFPIC
3. Gp Capt Updesh Sharma, Member AFPIC
4. Capt R S Chowdhry, Dir TRIPAS
5. Lt Col Akhil Rathee, AAG TRIPAS
6. Cdr Pallav Prakash, JDPA Navy
E & O E
* * * * * *
No comments:
Post a Comment