POSTAL BANKS

Amendments to Indian Post Office Act soon :

Paving way for over 1.5 lakh post offices to offer banking and insurance services, especially in the hinterland, the government will soon make amendments to 'The Indian Post Office Act, 1898'.

"The draft amendment bill to make necessary changes in 'The Indian Post Office Act, 1898' has been circulated by the Department of Post for enabling post offices to enter banking and insurance sector," a source privy to the development said.

He further said, "The Planning Commission is vetting the proposal to convert post offices across the nation into full fledged banks and provide insurance service."

Besides mail service, post offices in the country have broadly confined their business to offer financial services like savings bank, postal life insurance, pension payments and money transfer services.

The Department of Posts (DoP), which has the largest reach in the country, has diversified in recent times with providing facilities like rail reservation and telephone recharge coupons, but this move will substantially improve its basket of services.

The government, according to the source, wants to completely give a new dimension to the way post offices do business in the country and this Bill is a step towards that goal.

With this initiative, the Department of Post (DoP) wants to tap the vast rural market with modern banking facilities through post offices.

"We want to commercialise the department. We will seek a licence from the RBI to convert all our post offices into banks," Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal had recently said.

The lack of modern banking facilities in rural areas and dependence of villagers on informal sector for their credit requirements have prompted the government to work on financial inclusion by way of setting up 'postal banks'.

"The State Bank of India can't build branches all over India, but there are post offices across India. The branches are already there, so infrastructure expenditure is not required. So you can actually give banking facilities at relatively lower costs, which would be extremely beneficial to people," he had said.

This will also pave the way for the DoP to offer ATM services and debit cards to its customers.

Courtesy: http://www.indianexpress.com

SB/SC deceased claim cases - clarification on attestation of Annexure II & III

SB/SC deceased claim cases - clarification on attestation of Annexure II & III

  SB ORDER NO. 21/2011

No. F.No.113-07/2008-SB

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi-110001, Dated: 12.10.2011

To

All Heads of Circles/Regions

Addl. Director General, APS, New Delhi.

Subject:- Attestation of Annexure-II (Affidavit) and Annexure-III (Disclaimer on Affidavit) in case of deceased claim case preferred where there is no nomination- a clarification regarding.

Sir / Madam,

The undersigned is directed to say that after issue of new procedure for payment of amount of Savings Bank/Certificates in the name of deceased depositor/holders circulated vide SB Order No.25/2010 dated 24.12.2010, this office was receiving many references from the field units regarding attestation of Annexure-II and III by the Notary Public. The matter was referred to Min..of Finance, Department of Economic Affairs for clarification.

2.             Min. of Finance (DEA) has now clarified that the matter was referred to Min. of Law and Justice who opined that Annexure-II and III may be attested either by Oath Commissioner or by Notary Public. Therefore, it is requested that necessary amendment may be made in these forms accordingly. Amendment to the forms notified by Min. of Finance in respect of PPF and Sr. Citizen Savings Scheme will be made by the ministry shortly.

3.             It is requested that this clarification may be circulated to all all field units and all deceased claim cases kept pending for this reason should be settled urgently.

4.             This issues with the approval of DDG(FS).

Yours faithfully,

(Kawal Jit Singh)

Assistant Director (SB)

Source: CHQ Blog

Maximum Deposit in Savings Accounts - Ceiling removed

SB ORDER NO. 20/2011

No. F.No.113-23/2005-SB

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi-110001,

Dated: 27.09.2011

To All Heads of Circles/Regions Addl. Director General, APS, New Delhi.


Subject:- Removal of ceiling of maximum balance to be retained in a post office savings account- amendment to Rule-4 of the Post Office Savings Account Rules 1981 regarding.

Sir / Madam,

The undersigned is directed to say that issue of removal of ceiling of Rs.1 lac in single savings account and Rs.2 Lac in Joint Savings Account fixed in the year 2000 was under consideration in the Min. of Finance (DEA). This issue was linked to the benefit of exemption in Income Tax on the interest earned in Post Office Savings Account under Section10(15) (i) of Income Tax Act, 1961 by the CBDT and Min. of Finance (DEA). After sustained efforts on the part of this Directorate, Min. of Finance (DEA) has now amended Rule-4 of the Post Office Savings Account Rules 1981 vide G.S.R.681(E) F.No.2/5/2006-NS-II dated 15.9.2011 (copy enclosed). Some major benefits of this amendment are given below:

(i) From 1.10.2011, there will be no limit for retaining balance in single as well as joint savings account.

(ii) A depositor or depositor(s) can deposit any amount into single as well as joint savings account.

(iii) Maturity value of any savings instrument can be credited into savings account of the depositor standing in the same post office irrespective of the balance in the account.

(i) Any cheque either issued by Postmaster or any other authority irrespective of any amount can be credited into post office savings account irrespective of the balance in the account.

(ii) From the Financial year 2011-12, Interest income of Rs.3500/- in the case of single account and Rs.7000/- in case of Joint account will be exempted from Income Tax. (Section 10(15) (i) of Income Tax Act, 1961 amended vide Notification No. 32/2010 {F.No. 173/13/2011-IT A.I}/S.O.1296(E) dated 03.06.2011)

(iii) It is the duty of the depositor(s) to show the interest income earned from Post Office Savings Account(s) beyond the limit prescribed above in the Income Tax return and pay due Income Tax.

1. It is requested that all field units may be directed to give wide publicity to these changes in the shape of Public Notice and printing of leaflets.

2. This issues with the approval of DDG(FS).

Yours faithfully,
(Kawal Jit Singh)

Assistant Director (SB)

PRODUCTIVITY LINKED BONUS FOR THE ACCOUNTING YEAR 2010-2011

File No. 26-07/2011-PAP

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

(Establishment Division)

Dak Bhawan,Sansad Marg,

New Delhi-110 001

Dated 23^rd September, 2011

All Chief Postmasters General,

Postmasters General

All General Managers (Finance)

Director/Deputy Directors of Accounts (Postal)

Subject:- Productivity Linked Bonus for the Accounting year 2010-2011

Sir/Madam,

            I am directed to convey the approval of the President of India for payment of Productivity Linked Bonus for the accounting year 2010-2011 equivalent of emoluments of 60 (Sixty) days to the employees of Department of Posts in Group `D`,Group `C` and non Gazetted Group `B`. Ex-gratia payment of Bonus to Gramin Dak Sevaks who are regularly appointed after observing all appointment formalities and adhoc payment of Bonus to Casual labourers who have been conferred Temporary Status are also to be paid equivalent to allowance/wages respectively for 60 (sixty) Days for the same period.

1.1 The calculation for the purpose of payment of Bonus under each category will be done as indicated below.

2. REGULAR EMPLOYEES:

2.1 Bonus will be calculated on the basis of the following formula:-

Average emoluments X Number of days of Bonus

30.4 (Average no. of days in a month)

2.2 The term "Emoluments" for regular Employees include basic Pay in the pay Band plus Grade Pay, Dearness Pay, Personal Pay, Special Pay (Allowance), S.B. Allowance, Deputation (Duty ) Allowance, Dearness Allowance and Training Allowance given to Faculty Members in Training Institutes. In case of drawl of salary exceeding Rs.3500/- (Rs. Three Thousand Five hundred only) in any month during the accounting year 2009-10 the Emoluments shall be restricted to Rs.3500/- (Rs. Three Thousand Five hundred only) per month only.

2.3 " Average Emoluments" for regular Employees is arrived at by dividing by twelve ,the total salary drawn during the year 2010-11 for the period from 1.4.2010 to 31.3.2011, by restricting each month's salary to Rs.3500/- (Rs. Three Thousand Five hundred only) per month. However, for the periods of EOL and dies-non in a given month ,proportionate deduction is required to be made from the ceiling limit of Rs.3500/- (Rs. Three Thousand Five hundred only)

2.4 In case of those regular employees who were under suspension, or on whom dies-non was imposed ,or both, during the accounting year, the clarificatory order issued vide Paras 1 & 3 respectively of this office order No. 26-8/80-PAP (Pt-I) dated 11.6.81 and No. 26-4/87-PAP (Pt.II) dated 8.2.88 will apply.

2.5 Those employees who resigned, retired, left service or proceeded on deputation within the Department of Posts or those who have proceeded on deputation outside the Department of Posts on or after 1.4.2010 will also be entitled to Bonus. In case of all such employees, the Bonus admissible will be as per provisions of Para 2.1 to 2.3 above.

3. GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS (GDS)

3.1 In respect of Gramin Dak Sevaks who were on duty through out the year during 2010-2011, Average monthly Time Related Continuity Allowance will be calculated taking into account the Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) plus corresponding Dearness Allowance drawn by them for the period from 1.4.2010 to 31.3.2011 divided by 12 (Twelve). However, where the Time Related Continuity Allowance exceeds Rs 2500/- (Rs.Two Thousand Five hundred only) in any month during this period., the allowances will be restricted to Rs 2500/- (Rs.Two Thousand Five hundred only) per month. Ex-gratia payment of Bonus may be calculated by applying the Bonus formula as mentioned below:-

Average TRCA X Number of days of Bonus

30.4 (Average no. of days in a month)

3.2 The allowances drawn by a substitute will not be counted towards Bonus calculation for either the substitute or the incumbent Gramin Dak Sevaks. In respect of those Gramin Dak Sevaks who were appointed in short term vacancies in Postman/Group `D` Cadre, the clarificatory orders issued vide Directorate letter No. 26-6/89-PAP dated 6.2.1990 and No. 26-7/90-PAP dated 4.7.91 will apply.

3.3 If a Gramin Dak Sevak has been on duty for a part or the year by way of a fresh appointment, or for having been put off duty, or for having left service,he will be paid proportionate ex-gratia Bonus calculated by applying the procedure prescribed in Para 3.1

3.4 Those Gramin Dak Sevaks who have resigned, discharged or left service on or after 1.4.2010 will also be entitled to proportionate ex-gratia Bonus. In case of all such Gramin Dak Sevaks, the Ex-gratia Bonus admissible will be as per provisions of Para 3.1 above.

3.5 In case of those Gramin Dak Sevaks who were under put off duty or on whom dies non was imposed, or both during the accounting year ,the clarificatory orders issued vide Para 1 & 3 respectively of this office order No. 26-8/80-PAP (Pt I) dated 11.6.81 and No. 26-4/87-PAP (Pt II) will apply.

4. FULL TIME CASUAL LABOURERS INCLUDING TEMPORARY STATUS CASUAL LABOURERS)

4.1 Full Time Casual Labourers (including Temporary Status Casual Labourers ) who worked for 8 hours a day, for at least 240 days in a year for three consecutive years or more (206 days in each year for three years or more in case of offices observing 5 days a week) as on 31.3.2011 will be paid ad-hoc Bonus on notional monthly wages of Rs.1200/- (Rupees Twelve Hundred only)

The maximum ad-0hoc Bonus will be calculated as below:-

(Notional monthly wages of Rs.1200) X (Number of days of Bonus)

30.4 (average no. of days in a month)

Accordingly , the rate of Bonus per day will work out as indicated below:_

Maximum ad-hoc Bonus for the year

365

The above rate of Bonus per day may be applied to the number of days for which the services of such casual labourers had been utilized during the period from 1.4.2010 to 31.3.2011. In case where the actual wages in any month fall below during the period 1.4.2010 to 31.3.2011 the actual monthly wages drawn should be taken into account to arrive at the actual ad-hoc Bonus due in such cases.

5. The amount of Bonus /Ex gratia payment /Adhoc Bonus payable under this order will be rounded to the nearest rupee. The payment of Productivity Linked Bonus as well as the ex-gratia payment and ad-hoc payment will be chargeable to the Head `Salaries` under the relevant Sub –Head of account to which the pay and allowances of the staff are debited. The payment will be met from the sanctioned grant for the year 2011-2012.

6. After payment, the total expenditure incurred and the number of employees paid may be ascertained from all units by Circle and consolidated figures be intimated to the Budget Section of the Department of Posts. The Budget Section will furnish consolidated information to PAP Section about the total amount of Bonus paid and the total number of employees (category-wise) to whom it was distributed for the Department as a whole.

7. This issue with the concurrence of Integrated Finance Wing vide their diary No. 104/FA/10/CS dated 23-9-2011.

Monday 19 September 2011

REVISION OF SPECIAL ALLOWANCE AND CASH HANDLING ALLOWANCE AS A RESULT OF ENHANCEMENT OF DEARNESS ALLOWANCE W.E.F. 1.1.2011

F. No. 4/6/2008-Estt.(Pay II)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, P.G. & Pension

Department of Pension & Pensioner's Welfare

Dated 13^th Sep, 2011

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub:    Revision of Special Allowance and Cash Handling Allowance as a result of enhancement of Dearness Allowance w.e.f. 1.1.2011

            This Department has been receiving references regarding revision of Special Allowance and Cash Handling Allowance subsequent to increase in the rate of DA @ 51% w.e.f. 1.1.2011.

2.         This Department's O.M.No.4/6/2008-Estt.(Pay II) dated 1^st October,2008 states that the rates of Special Allowance and Cash Handling Allowance will be automatically increased by 25% every time the Dearness Allowance payable on revised pay scales goes up by 50%.

3.         All Ministries /Deptts. are, therefore, advised to take necessary action accordingly.

      Sd/-

     {Mukesh Chaturvedi}

     Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India 

Posting as RMS N division Cuttack

Shri Trilochan Ray, DPM Sambalpur HO, a PS Gr.B qualified candidate who was re-allotted to Odisha Circle is posted as SRM 'N' Division, Cuttack.

 

The AIPEU Gr(C) Sambalpur Division, staff of Sambalpur HO congratulate him for his new assigned job and wish him all success.

 

AIPEU (SBP)

NAVANNA

SAMBALPUR MANDAL RO DAK KARMACHARI BANDHU MANANKU NUAKHAI JUHAR MAA SAMLESWARINKA KRUPARU APANMANAKAR SAMASTA PARIVAR SUKHA EBANG SAMRUDHI RE RAHONTU.