S B Order No. 20/2011 - Removal of ceiling of maximum balance to be retained in a post office savings account- amendment to Rule-4 of the Post Office

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.

2. 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.

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

Yours faithfully,

(Kawal Jit Singh)

Assistant Director (SB)

An appeal :

Dear friend,

You are aware that some time ago we had started one website “postmastersodisha.blogspot.com” to analyze and discuss the issues relating to the postmaster cadre. We were also doing. But due to reasons beyond control and excessive work pressure, we could not maintain it regularly and there was no posting for more than six months.

However, now we are determined to continue the same for which you help is barely needed. We require the problems of your office as well as staff which will be discussed and highlighted in this platform for bringing to the notice of the administration.

We know that the problems faced by your office and staff might have been brought to the notice of the administration for necessary solution either individually / officially or through respective service unions. But still, as we feel there are many other important issues which need to be highlighted properly to expedite solution.

Please do a favour to us in writing your problems in detail with case history and present status. We assure you to discuss the same in this platform and try our best to find out ways and means for early solution apart from writing / discussing on all general issues pertaining to postmasters.

This will cost you nothing but sparing some time only for which we are sure that you will not hesitate to give us an opportunity to work for you.

Now start writing to postmastersodisha@gmail.com and visit regularly postmastersodisha.blogspot.com

With greetings.

For and on behalf of

Postmastersodisha.

Declining promotion to Postmaster Grade-I

Copy of D.G. Posts No. 4-24/2011-SPB-II dated 26 Sep, 2011.

I am directed to refer to Directorate's letter of even number dated 9.8.2011 on the above subject and to say that in the aforesaid letter the Circles were advised that declination of appointment by the candidate to the post of Postmaster Grade-I after passing the Departmental examination, but before his appointment ,may be accepted.

2. References are being received seeking clarification with regard to acceptance of declination of appointment by the candidate to the post of Postmaster Grade-I after issue of order of appointment but before joining by the candidate to the post of Postmaster Grade-I.

3. The Directorate's letter of even number dated 9.8.2011 is very clear. Declination of appointment by the officials can be accepted by the Circles only if the same is received before issue of order of appointment. No deviation is permissible in the matter.

SB ORDER NO. 19/2011 - Implementation of AML/CFT norms in Small Savings Schemes- an external inspection of selected post offices by Min. of Finance -

SB ORDER NO. 19/2011

No. F.No.25-04/2009-FS (Vol-I)

(Part-AML/CFT inspection)

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi-110001, Dated: 14.09.2011

To

All Heads of Circles/Regions

Addl. Director General, APS, New Delhi.

Subject:- Implementation of AML/CFT norms in Small Savings Schemes- an external inspection of selected post offices by Min. of Finance - regarding.

Sir / Madam,

The undersigned is directed to refer to this office SB Order No.4/2011 dated 01.04.2011 vide which inspection questionnaire on AML/CFT norms in Small savings Schemes and manner of reporting was circulated.

2. Ministry of Finance, Department of Economic Affairs, Budget Division being regulator for implementation of AML/CFT norms in Small savings Schemes has decided that National Savings Institute (NSI) will act as Inspection Wing of Budget Division for the purpose of AML/CFT norms in Small savings Schemes and their Regional Directors in the respective States will carry out external inspection of selected post offices.

3. It is requested that necessary action may be taken immediately to inform the field units to be prepared for the external inspections and raise the level of Implementation of AML/CFT norms including reporting of Cash and Suspected Transactions and record keeping to 100%. All inspecting authorities may also see the level of implementation of these norms during their visit to all post offices including EDBOs.

4. This issues with the approval of Member (Tech.)

Yours faithfully,

(Kawal Jit Singh)

Assistant Director (SB)

Further clarifications issued for filling up of the posts in the cadre of Postmaster:

Highlights of the recent clarifications of Postmaster Cadre:
1. Postmaster Grade – I is a circle cadre. However, movement may be within the Division to the extent possible.
2. In case of reversion due to unsatisfactory performance during the probation period, the officials are entitled to original seniority in the grade / post from which they proceeded to Postmaster Grade – I and II
3. Only regular LSG, HSG – II and HSG-I ( General Line ) officials are eligible for appointment to Postmaster Grade – 1, II & III respectively.
4. Officials promoted to HSG.II and HSG.I cadres on ad-hoc basis and are working in the said cadres are not eligible for exercising option for the Postmaster Grade-II and Postmaster Grade-III.
5. If for certain number of posts, the General line officials do not apply, those SOs / HOs would continue to be manned by General line officials till the posts are filled up by promotion from the lower grade of Postmasters.
6. Official appointed as APM (Accounts) on regular basis is not eligible for appointment in Postmaster Cadres.
7. The Recruitment Rules of HSG.I in Post Offices which have since become redundant are being reviewed and till such time the Recruitment Rules are notified, no DPC meeting should be held for HSG.1.
8. No probation for Postmaster grade – III and Senior Postmaster.
9. Necessary action is being initiated by the Staff Branch in the Directorate to collect options from existing P S Group-B Officers for initial constitution of Sr. Postmaster.
10. Separate rosters for each mode of promotion will have to be maintained and operated.
11. A fair proportion of such posts are to be filled by employees belonging to Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribes, subject of course, to availability from the feeder categories of qualified persons belonging to these communities.

Last date for exercising option and appointment to Postmaster Cadre extended:

The Directorate vide its letter No.4-17/2008-SPB.II, dated 7/8.02.2011 has directed all Circle Heads as follows:
1. Intimation to Directorate regarding number of applications received for appointment to Postmaster Cadre by 20.02.2011.
2. To convene the DPC meeting year-wise for promotion to LSG / HSG-II and finalize the said exercise by 28.02.2011
3. To give another opportunity to the officials to furnish their options for consideration of appointment as Postmaster Grade – I and II
4. Issue appointment orders by 29.04.2011.
5. Not to fill up the Posts in Postmaster Grade – III until further review by and direction from the Directorate.
The scanned copy of the above Directorate’s letter is reproduced below for information of the viewers.

Continuation of adhoc promotion in HSG-I cadre

No. 4-16-2002-SPB-II
Government of India
Ministry of Communication & IT
Department of Posts
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi – 110001
Dated, 3rd January, 2011
To,
All Chief Postmaster General
All Postmaster General
Controller, Foreign Mails Mumbai
Subject: Continuation of ad-hoc promotion made in the cadre of HSG.I
Sir/Madam,
I am directed to refer to this Department’s letter of even number dated 29th October 2010 on the above mentioned subject and to say that it has been decided with the approval of Department of Personnel & Training to further continue the ad-hoc arrangements for a period of six more months i.e. upto 19th May 2011 or till the Recruitment Rules are finalized and regular arrangements are made in accordance with that, whichever is earlier. It has also been decided to continue the ad-hoc arrangement made as per Sub-para 3 (ii) of this Directorate letter dated 01st May 2009 for a period of six months or till the Recruitment Rules are finalized and regular arrangements are made in accordance with that, whichever is earlier.
2. It is therefore, requested to that the ad-hoc promotion initially made in HSG.I as per instructions contained in this Department’s letter of even number dated 20th November 2006 and as per Sub para 3 (ii) of the letter dated 01st May 2009, may be further continued accordingly.
3. This issue with the approval of DDG (P).
Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
(Suraj Bhan)
Assistant Director General (Staff)
Source: aipeup3chq.com

PROBATION IN VARIOUS CENTRAL CIVIL SERVICES

N0.1801111/2010-Estt. (C)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)

New Delhi 11 0001
Dated: January 3, 2011

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

SUBJECT: Probation in various Central Civil Services.

The undersigned is directed to say that the period of probation to be prescribed for different posts/services in Central Government have been laid down in this Department's O.M. No.F.4411159-Ests(A) dated 15.4.1959 as amended from time to time. With a view to prevent Government servants from becoming possible victims of arbitrary actions or inordinate delay in considering completion of probation/confirmation, the existing instructions on provisions regarding probation in the service / recruitment rules relating to Central Civil Services and Posts have been reviewed. It is proposed that in the service/recruitment rules for all Central Civil Services and Posts, in addition to the period of probation, wherever prescribed, corresponding provisions as envisaged in the draft guidelines enclosed herewith, may be incorporated in consultation with this Department.

2. Before the guidelines in the draft OM, is finalized, all Cadre Controlling Authorities are requested to offer their comments views in this regard, if any, by 31.1.2011 at the E Mail address dse@niv.inI
(P. Prabhakarah)
Director(Estt.)
Tele.: 23093179
All Cadre Controlling Authorities

NO. 1801 11112010-Estt.(C)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)
North Block, New Delhi,
Dated the.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : Probation in various Central Civil Services.

The undersigned is directed to say that the period of probation to be prescribed for different posts services in Central Government have been laid down in this Department's O.M. No. F.4411159-Ests.(A) dated15.4.1959 as amended from time to time. Although instructions exist to the effect that save for exceptional reasons probation should not be extended for more than a year and no employee should be kept on probation for more than double the normal period apart from instructions for timely action on completion of probation confirmation, these are not invariably followed.

2. With a view to prevent Government servants from becoming possible victims of arbitrary actions or inordinate delay in considering completion of probation confirmation, the existing instructions on provisions regarding probation in the service recruitment rules relating to Central Civil Services and Posts have been reviewed. It has now been
decided that :-

(I) If during the period of probation, a probationer has not undergone the requisite training course or passed the requisite departmental examinations if any prescribed or has not been on duty training for at least 75% of the probation period, the period of probation may be extended by such period or periods as may be necessary subject to the condition that the total period of probation does not exceed double the prescribed period of probation except in the cases mentioned in (ii) below:-

II) the period of probation may be extended for such period as the Central Government may think fit in the circumstances of the case in respect of a probationer who is:

a) under suspension;

b) against whom disciplinary proceedings are pending; or

c) against whom prosecution for criminal charge is pending.

Ill) Where a probationer who has completed the period of probation to the satisfaction of the Central Government is required to be confirmed, he shall be confirmed in the Service/Post at the end of his period of probation, having been completed satisfactorily. In such cases, where no order extending the probation period has been issued and no order of confirmation is issued within one year of completion of the prescribed period of probation, the probationer would be deemed to be Confirmed in the service/post.

3. In the Service/Recruitment Rules for all Central Civil Services and Posts, in addition to the period of probation, wherever prescribed corresponding provisions, as in para 2 above, may be incorporated in consultation with this Department in the light of the above instructions.

4. The Hindi Version of this O.M. will follow.
( P.Prabhakaran )
Director

Clarification on Children Educational Allowance

The DoP&T has further clarified some doubts raised in connection with sanction of Children Educational allowance as follows:
1. CEA / Hostel subsidy shall be admissible till the end of the academic year in which the Govt. servant ceases to in service.
2. If the Govt. servant dies while in service, the CEA / Hostel subsidy shall be admissible in respect of his / her children subject to observance of other conditions.
3. The upper age limit of disabled children has been set at the age of 22. In case of other children, the age limit will now be 20 years or till the time of passing 12th class whichever is earlier.
4. A set of uniform will include all items of clothing prescribed for a day as uniform by the school.
To see the complete order please click on http://persmin.gov.in/WriteReadData/Estt/12011_08_2010-Estt.-AL.pdf