Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
SCRAP NPS. RESTORE OPS
Pension system was in vogue in India for a century or more and the British Government during the pre-independence era introduced Pension Rules for Government employees and thus made it statutory. In the year 1982 Supreme Court in its landmark judgment in Nakara’s case declared that - “as per India’s constitution, Government is obliged to provide social and economic security to pensioners and that Government retirees had the fundamental right to pension..... Pension is not a bounty nor a matter of grace depending upon the sweet will of the employer. It is not an ex-gratia payment, but a payment for past service rendered. It is a social welfare measure, rendering socio-economic justice to those who in the hey days of their life, ceaselessly toiled for their employers on the assurance that in their old age, they would not be left in lurch.”
During the advent of globalisation policies in 1980’s the pension reforms also started simultaneously. IMF & World Bank started publishing so many reports and documents emphasizing the need for pension reforms. They also started studying about the reforms to be undertaken in the pension sector in India. In 2001, “IMF work paper on pension reforms in India” and World Bank India specific report “India - the challenge of old age income security” were published. Their work reports emphasized that “Pension obligations or promises made by the Governments which have potential of exerting pressure on Govt. finances, have been a subject of increased focus in assessing medium to long term fiscal sustainability.” In tune with the dictates of IMF and World Bank, NDA Government appointed Bhattacharjee Committee in 2001 headed by Ex-Chief Secretary of Karnataka, to study and recommend pension reforms. Thus after creating ground for pension reforms, under the pretext of implementing recommendations of Bhattacharjee Committee, the NDA Government introduced New Pension System called Defined Contributory pension system for all employees who join service on or after 01-01-2004. The UPA Government which came to power in 2004 continued with the reforms and promulgated an ordinance to legalise NPS. But UPA-I Govt. could not pass the Pension Bill in Parliament due to stiff opposition of Left Parties supporting it. Later when UPA-II Government came to power the Pension Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) Bill was passed in the Parliament with the support of BJP, the then opposition party. Many State Governments governed by political parties other than Left Parties, introduced Contributory Pension System for their employees from various dates after 2004. Left Front Governments of Kerala, West Bengal and Tripura refused to introduce the New Pension Scheme and they continued with the old defined benefit pension scheme. Congress-led UDF Government introduced NPS in Kerala. After BJP coming to power in Tripura also Contributory Pension Scheme is introduced recently. In West Bengal old Pension Scheme continues even now. Not only newly appointed Central and State Government employees, almost all new entrants of public sector and Autonomous bodies are also brought under the purview of NPS.
As per New Contributory Pension Scheme an amount of 10% of pay plus Dearness Allowance will be deducted each month from the salary of the employees covered under NPS and credited to their pension account. Equal amount is to be credited by the Government (Employer) also. Total amount will go to the Pension Funds constituted under the PFRDA Act. From the pension fund the amount will go to the share market. As per the PFRDA Act - “there shall not be any implicit or explicit assurance of benefit except (share) market based guarantee mechanism to be purchased by the subscribers”. Thus the amount deposited in Pension Fund may or may not grow depending on the fluctuations in the share market. After attaining 60 years of age i.e., at the time of retirement, 60% of the accumulated amount in the Pension Account of the employee will be refunded and the balance 40% will be deposited in an Insurance Annuity Scheme. Monthly amount received from the Insurance Annuity Scheme is the monthly pension i.e., Pension is not paid by Government, but by the Insurance Company and hence NPS is nothing but Pension Privatisation.
Thus it can be seen that the growth of the accumulated amount in the Pension fund depends upon the vagaries of share market. If the share markets collapse, as happened during the 2008 world financial crisis, then the entire amount in the pension fund may vanish. In that case employee will not get any pension. Every fluctuation in the share market will affect the future of pension of those employees who are covered under NPS. Uncertainty about pension and retirement life looms large over their heads. Even if there is a stabilised share market the 40% amount in the annuity scheme is not enough to get 50% of the last pay drawn as pension, which is the minimum pension as per old pension scheme. Many employees who entered in service after 01-01-2004 has retired in 2017 and 2018 after completing 12 & 13 years of service. They are getting Rs.1400 to Rs.1700 only as monthly pension from Insurance Annuity Scheme. If they have entered service in 2003 i.e., in the old pension scheme, they would have got 50% of the last pay drawn as pension subject to a minimum of Rs.9000 as minimum pension, that too without giving any monthly contribution towards pension from their salary. In short, NPS is nothing but NO PENSION SYSTEM.
As per clause 12(5) of the PFRDA Act even the employees and pensioners who are not covered under NPS, can be brought under the Act by a Gazette notification by the Government. Thus NPS is a Damocles’ sword hanging over the head of all employees and pensioners.
Who is the beneficiary of this pension reforms? As in the case of every neo-liberal reforms, the ultimate beneficiary is the Corporates. The huge amount collected from the Officers and employees through pension fund is invested in share market by the Pension Fund Managers and this amount in turn can be utilised by the multi-national Corporates for multiplying their profit. Amount deducted and credited to the Pension fund from each newly recruited employee plus the employer’s share amount will remain with the pension fund and share market for a period of minimum 30 to 35 years i.e., till the age of 60 years. During this long period of 35 years crores and crores of rupees will be at the disposal of share market controlled by multinational corporate giants. Ultimate casualty will be the poor helpless employee/pensioner.
The campaign and struggle against NPS is continuing and as of now the subjective and objective conditions for a bigger struggle against NPS has emerged as almost 50% of the total employees in Central, State, Public sector and Autonomous bodies are now covered under NPS and are becoming more and more restive and agitated. 7th Central Pay Commission Chairman Retired Supreme court Judge Sri Ashok Kumar Mathur has correctly pointed out that “Almost a whole lot of Government employees appointed on or after 01-01-2004, were unhappy with New Pension Scheme. Govt. should take a call to look into their complaint”.
As per the recommendations of 7th CPC, Central Government appointed a Committee called “NPS Committee” for streamlining the functioning of NPS. The Staff-side has demanded before this Committee to scrap NPS and guarantee for 50% of the last pay drawn as minimum pension subject to a minimum of Rs.9000. Even though, the Committee has submitted its report 18 months back, the Government has not yet disclosed the recommendations of the Committee.
Defined Contributory Pension Scheme (New Pension Scheme - NPS) imposed on new entrants must be scrapped and the Government should reintroduce the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (Old Pension Scheme - OPS) that was in vogue for a century or more.
Let's unify/ organise all the DRDO Scientists.
DRDO Scientists Association (DSA) is striving for
Ø Continuation
of Two Additional Increments
Ø Continuation
of Variable Increments
Ø NFU
for DRDS Scientists
Ø PRIS
for DRDO
Ø DRDS
should be declared as Organised Central Group ‘A’ Service.
Ø DRDS
cadre review should be completed at the earliest.
Ø DRDO
Scientists should be exempted from NPS and ensure defined pension to all
including those joined after 1st January 2004.
Ø Count
the Special Pay of Rs.4000 granted to Scientists ‘G’ for the purposes of
pensionary benefits. Implement the recommendations of Raksha Mantri’s Committee
of Experts Report.
Ø Deferred
Promotion system should be extended in promotions from Scientist ‘F’ to Sc ‘G’
and from Scientist ‘G’ to Sc ‘H’(OS) as implemented in promotions from
Scientist ‘H’(OS) to DS.
From a mere ‘petitioning organisation’, our Association should grow into a vibrant leading force amongst the Central Govt. Officers for which whole hearted support of entire DRDS fraternity is required.
We should raise demands, pursue them organisationally, and on the strength of programme of action carried out, we persuade and negotiate with Govt. It is a time consuming process, but we are convinced that there is no alternative to programme of action which demonstrates the backing for the demands raised.
To sell dreams, no Association is required. Association is required to change the unchangeable, to fight for getting just treatment, to fight against injustice.
We know that mere rising of queries under RTI Act, submission of memorandum to any committee or Govt, filing of court cases etc. will not bring about desired results. To achieve demands, we will have to educate and mobilise Scientists, prepare them for programme of actions in a sustained manner.
We don’t want to give false promises, we prepare our Scientists to live with dignity and security and fight for it.
On behalf of the present body, we invite you all to take over the leadership of the Association for effective resolution of grievances of Scientists. DSA is ready to merge unconditionally with any other Association working for the redressal of the grievances of DRDS anywhere in DRDO as per recognition rules.
Confederation of Central Government Gazetted Officers' Organisations (CCGGOO) etc. will be always with us in all our endeavours for improvement of service conditions.
Instead of reinventing the wheel, you are requested to take over the DSA and continue to function as per recognition rules for the betterment of service conditions of DRDS fraternity.
Monday, September 10, 2018
Pay Authorisation Format
LETTER
OF AUTHORISATION
To
The Director
DMRL
Kanchanbagh
Hyderabad – 500 058.
I,
…………………………………………………………..Scientist……..being a member of DRDO Scientists’ Association
hereby authorise deduction of monthly subscription of Rs.30/- (Rupees Thirty
only) per month from my salary starting from this month itself, payable on pay
day and authorise its payment to the DRDO Scientists’
Association.
I hereby certify
that I have not submitted authorisation in favour of any other
Association. If the above information is
found incorrect, I fully understand that my authorisation for the Association
becomes invalid.
Signature :
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Name :
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Designation:PC No.
ID No. (Pay):
Group
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Division:
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TO BE FILLED BY THE
ASSOCIATION
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It is certified that Mr. / Ms……………………………………………………………………
is a member of the DRDO Scientists’Association.
It is further certified that the
above authorisation has been signed by Mr. / Ms ………………………………………………………………. in
my presence.
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Signature of authorised
Office Bearer
Name (in capitals)
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Signatureof Member
Name (in capitals)
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FORMAT OF MEMBERSHIP FORM
Head
Office: #14-86, Sri Sai Nagar, Badangpet, Hyderabad- 500 058
Unit: DMRL, Hyderabad
MEMBERSHIP FORM
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1.
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Name, Designation
Punch Card No.
Dossier No.
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2.
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Name of father / Spouse
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3.
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Date of Birth
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4.
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Group / Division
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5.
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I D No. (Pay)
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6.
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Office Phone No.
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7.
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Mobile No. /
Residence Phone No.
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8.
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Email ID
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9.
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Address for correspondence
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10.
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Educational Qualifications
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Signature
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Name
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Designation
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PIS No.
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__________________________________________________________________________
TO BE FILLED BY THE
ASSOCIATION
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It is certified that Mr. / Ms…………………………………………………. is
a member of the DRDO Scientists’ Association – DMRL Branch
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Date : Signature
of the Office Bearer
(Name: )
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CONSTITUTION & MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION OF DRDO SCIENTISTS ASSOCIATION
DRDO SCIENTISTS’
ASSOCIATION
CONSTITUTION
(Bye
laws / Rules Adopted in the General Body Meeting held at Hyderabad)
1. Name: The Name of the Association shall be ‘DRDO
SCIENTISTS’ ASSOCIATION’ in short “DSA”.
2. Regd.
Office and Head Quarters:
The Registered office of the Association shall be at Hyderabad and the Central
Head Quarters of the Association will be at the place where the General
Secretary of the Association works or any other place as decided by the
Biennial conference from time to time on need based and functional requirements.
3.
Aims and Objectives: The
Aims and Objectives of the Association would be as follows:
a.
To
promote and safeguard the interests of Scientists
working in Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Dept. of
Defence Research, Ministry of
Defence, Govt. of India.
b.
To
secure, protect and preserve the rights and privileges of DRDS Scientists.
c.
To
strive for better Service Conditions of its members and ensure efficient
service to the DRDO and the Nation.
d.
To
deal with all matters pertaining to the welfare of its members and their
families.
e.
To
abide by the conditions for grant of recognition to the Association as stipulated
in the relevant provisions of CCS (RSA) Rules 1993, as
may be amended from time to time and / or laid down in orders issued from time
to time by the concerned Ministry / Dept. of Government of India.
f.
To
coordinate with, to make a common cause and to federate or affiliate with other
Central Government Officers Associations having similar aims and objectives to
ventilate and seek redressal of the common grievances arising out of and related
to service conditions, career advancement, protection and promotion of common
interest and safeguarding rights and privileges of all Central Government
officers.
g.
To
publish bulletin(s) to promote awareness among its members about their role in
the Association.
h.
To
improve social, cultural, educational, economic and civic conditions as well as
professional excellence of members.
i.
To
popularise science and to promote scientific temper among people, to
encourage quest for knowledge and to
strive for national integrity, communal harmony, patriotism, sovereignty, self
reliance, social justice, world peace, social progress, cultural vibrancy,
indigenous technology development, faster conservation of natural resources by
ecological balance, biodiversity, environmental upkeep towards sustainable
development, to facilitate the fruits of science reach the under privileged, to
encourage research in divergent areas with people’s welfare as the prime motto
by associating with All India People’s Science Network (AIPSN) and NCSTC
(National Council for Science & Technology Communication, DST, Govt. of
India) Network and other fraternal organisations whose operational domains are
Education, Health, Women empowerment, Literacy, Sustainable Agriculture and
industrial development, Science & Technology Communication, Humanism,
spirit of inquiry etc. prescribed as Fundamental duties of citizens in the
Constitution of India.
4. Membership: The Association shall have its
membership among Scientists working / employed in various DRDO Labs / Estts. / Cell(s)
and allied Estts. like ADA etc. working under the control of Chairman, DRDO,
Ministry of Defence, Dept. of Defence Research, DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi.
5. Membership
Subscription:
a.
Any
DRDO Scientist can become member of the Association provided he/she accepts the
aims and objectives of the Association and by paying Rs.100/- as admission fee
and Rs.30/- as monthly membership subscription.
b. Out of membership subscription, the
branch Association shall retain 50% of the subscription so collected during the
official year to meet their expenses. The main Association as well as branch
can raise donations / funds from its members when ever need arises.
6. Branches:
The Association shall have its branches Lab/ Estt. wise to promote or
carryout the activities of the Main Association.
7. Membership
Register: The main Association as well as branch shall
maintain the Membership Register for the official year and same is open for
inspection by its members.
8. Management:
a. To
manage the affairs of the Association, the Association shall have the following
Office
Bearers:
President -
1(one) Vice
President -3 (three)
General Secretary
- 1(one) Joint
Secretaries - 5 (five)
Zonal Secretaries – 5
(five) Organising
Secretaries -5 (five)
Treasurer – 1(one) and
25 Executive Committee Members
and they shall be elected by the
delegates of the Conference which will be held once in two years giving at
least one month clear notice to its delegates who are elected prior to one
month from the issuance of the notice for the All India Conference.
b.
The
branch Association shall have a President, 3 (Three) Vice Presidents,
a General secretary, 3 (Three) Joint / Zonal
/ Organising Secretaries, a Treasurer and (15) Fifteen Executive Committee Members
elected in the biennial branch Conference one month prior to All India Conference.
c.
The
All India Association Office Bearers and Executive Members shall be elected by
the Delegates drawn from various branches of the Association at the ratio of
1:10 among its members.
d.
Similarly
the branch office Bearers and Executive Members shall be elected by the General
Members of the Branch Association.
e.
To
elect the delegates for all India Conference a Three member Election Committee
shall be constituted by the All India body and they are responsible for the
Election of the delegates. One among them shall act as Election Officer and
others as Members of the Committee.
f.
Any
dispute in the election of the Branch Committee shall be referred to the All
India Body and the decision so taken by the All India Body, shall be binding on
the branch committee.
8.
Accounting year of the Association:
The accounting year of the Association shall be the financial year i.e.
from 1st April to 31st March of next calendar year and
the Conferences whether it is All India or Branch level shall be held once in
two years in the month of October / November as the case may be.
9.
Periodicity and Quorum:
Normally the All India Association Executive Committee shall meet at
least two times in a year at all India level and branch committee once in a
month to transact the Agenda circulated among the Executive Committee Members. If
need arises the Executive Committee can meet any number of times as deemed fit.
Normally 1/3rd of its members present in the meeting constitute the
quorum. No quorum is required /
necessary for an adjourned meeting.
10. Disqualification
of Office Bearers / EC Members and Members of Association:
Any office Bearer / EC Member or Member of Association if acts against
the interest of the Association, he / she can be removed as an office bearer /
EC member / Primary member, after giving a proper notice and giving an
opportunity to explain the reasons. Such decision has to be ratified by 2/3rd
of its members present in the meeting.
11. Filling
up of Vacant posts: In case of any vacancy arises due to retirement,
resignation, expulsion, unable to continue due to illness and death or for any
other reasons, the same will be filled up by co-option by the Executive Committee with simple
majority at all India as well as branch level whichever is applicable.
12.
Function and duties of the Office
Bearers:
President / Vice
President: The President shall be head of the Association.
He / She shall preside over all the meetings at All India
and at Branch level. In the absence of President senior most vice president
shall preside over the meeting.
General Secretary: The General Secretary is chief spokesman
and executive of the Association. He / She in consultation with the President
shall call for Executive Committee Meeting and also All India Conference by giving
sufficient notice to its members. He shall make correspondence with officials
concerned and also represent in legal matters if any. The General Secretary
shall record the Minutes of all the meetings.
The General Secretary in cooperation with Treasurer of the Association
shall be responsible for the proper maintenance of the Association accounts /
funds.
Joint Secretary: The Joint Secretary shall assist the
General Secretary in all day to day functioning of the Association. In the
absence of General Secretary the senior most Joint Secretary shall act as
General Secretary.
Zonal Secretary: The Zonal Secretary shall be responsible
to carry forward the activities of the branches of the zone concerned, the jurisdiction
and operation of the zone shall be decided by the All India Conference on
functional requirements.
Organising Secretary: Organising Secretary shall be
responsible for the growth of the Association and also acts as propaganda
Secretary to carry out the message of the Association at All India / Branch
level.
Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible for the
upkeep of the Funds / Accounts of the Association and is also responsible for
preparation of the documents for audit and maintenance of the Accounts books
and submission of the same to the conference approval.
(Note: The above functioning and duties shall
also be applicable to the Branch Association.)
13. Advisors:
The Association shall have
two Advisors to advise the Association from time to time and they shall be nominated
by the All India Conference held once in two years.
14.
General Funds of the Association:
a.
The
General Funds of Association shall include Admission fee, Membership
Subscriptions and donations etc.
b.
The
General funds of Association can be spent for the purpose of running the Association
Central Office, Branch Office, travelling allowance for office bearers, EC
Members, publication of bulletin / circulars, conducting EC Meeting,
Conferences, Seminars, Symposiums etc. and for the purpose of Legal Assistance
if required.
c.
The
general funds of Association can also be spent as decided by the General
Conference for any other purpose in the interest of the Association.
d.
The
General funds of Association shall be deposited in the Nationalised Bank and
same can be operated by the General Secretary and Treasurer jointly and in the
absence of any one of the above, the President is also authorised to operate
the Bank Account.
e.
At
any point of time the General Secretary / Treasurer cannot keep more than Rs.1500/-
as cash in hand.
15. Official
Bulletin: The Association shall publish Official
Bulletin to educate its members regarding its activities and Aims and Objectives.
It will be published in the name of the General Secretary of the Association at
All India level. The biennial conference shall decide and fix the price for the
bulletin.
16. Audit: At
the biennial conference the auditors shall be appointed and they shall audit at
All India / Branch Level for the preceding official year.
17. Amendment
to the rules: Any Amendment to the Constitution can be made
only by All India Conference by the 2/3rd majority of the delegates
present with the prior approval of the concerned Dept. / Govt.
18. Dissolution:
The Association can be dissolved for non-functioning
and the liabilities of the Assets of the Association shall be distributed among
its members proportionately if 3/4th of the majority delegates
present in the meeting approve the same for dissolution.
DRDO SCIENTISTS’ ASSOCIATION
MEMORANDUM OF
ASSOCIATION
·
To unify all the Scientists of Defence Research
and Development Organisation (DRDO), Dept. of Defence Research, Ministry of
Defence, Govt. of India, under the
Association.
·
To
safeguard and promote interests, which are common to the cadre of DRDS Scientists
of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Dept. of Defence
Research, Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India who are members of the Association.
·
To
work for the improvement in efficiency and output of the Scientists thus render
effective service to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO),
Dept. of Defence Research, Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India thereby to the
Nation.
·
To
do all such things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the
above objectives or any one of them within the purview of the rules and regulations
prescribed by the Govt. of India, Ministry of Defence, Dept. of Defence Research, New Delhi.
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