New Methodology to Assess Price Index

New Methodology to Assess Price Index

According to information furnished by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation on 18th February, 2011, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), released a new series of Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers on base 2010=100 for rural and urban areas separately and combined (rural+urban). This index is available at the all-India level and also at the level of States/UTs. The All-India Consumer price indices for January, 2011(provisional) in respect of rural, urban and combined are 107, 104 and 106 respectively.

Consumption patterns used for new CPI have been derived from the results of the Consumer Expenditure Survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Office during 2004-05. A statement giving details of sub-group and group along with all India weights for rural, urban and combined is given below:

New series of CPI-- All India weights

New series of CPI-- All India weights
Sub group/group	Rural	Urban	Combined   (Rural+Urban)
Cereals and products	19.08	8.73	14.59
Pulses and products	3.25	1.87	2.65
Milk and milk products	8.59	6.61	7.73
Oils and fats	4.67	2.89	3.90
Egg, fish and meat	3.38	2.26	2.89
Vegetables	6.57	3.96	5.44
Fruits	1.90	1.88	1.89
Sugar etc	2.41	1.26	1.91
Condiments and spices	2.13	1.16	1.71
Non- alcoholic beverages	2.04	2.02	2.03
Prepared meals etc	2.57	3.17	2.83
Pan, tobacco  and Intoxicants	2.73	1.35	2.13
Food, beverages and tobacco	59.31	37.15	49.71
Fuel and light	10.42	8.40	9.49
Clothing and bedding	4.60	3.34	4.05
Footwear	0.77	0.57	0.68
Clothing, bedding and footwear	5.36	3.91	4.73
Housing		22.53	9.77
Education	2.71	4.18	3.35
Medical care	6.72	4.34	5.69
Recreation and amusement	1.00	1.99	1.43
Transport and communication	5.83	9.84	7.57
Personal care and  effects	3.05	2.74	2.92
Household requisites	4.48	3.92	4.30
Others	1.12	0.99	1.06
Miscellaneous	24.91	28.00	26.31
All Groups	100.00	100.00	100.00

Prices of specified consumption items are collected every month from 1181 selected villages covering all the districts by the officials of the Department of Posts. Prices from urban areas covering 310 selected towns which include all State/UT capitals by the Field Operations Division of the National Sample Survey Office, excepting three States/UT of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Lakshadweep where the price collection work is undertaken by the respective State/UT Government.

This information was given by Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Minister for Labour And Employment in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

Source: PIB

Procedure to be observed by the Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) - Model Calendar for DPCs and related matters - Regarding.

No.22011/1/2011-Estt.(D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi
Dated :11.03.2011

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : Procedure to be observed by the Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) - Model Calendar for DPCs and related matters - Regarding.

The undersigned is directed to invite reference to the Department of Personnel and Training Office Memorandum No.22011/5/86-Estt(D) dated 10.04.1989 containing consolidated instructions on DPCs. These instructions inter-alia provide that the DPC's should be convened at regular intervals (by laying down a time-schedule for this purpose) to draw panels which could be utilised for making promotions against the vacancies occurring during the course of a year. This enjoins upon the concerned authorities to initiate action to fill up the existing as well as anticipated vacancies well in advance of the expiry of the previous panel by collecting relevant documents like Seniority List, Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs), etc. for placing before the DPCs.

2. The above instructions have been reiterated vide this Department's O.M. No.22011/9/98-Estt.(D) dated 8.9.1998. In these instructions, it has been further stated that delays in promotions result in considerable frustrations amongst the officers, thereby adversely affecting their morale and overall productivity. As a remedial measure, it has been suggested that all Ministries/Departments provide for a time schedule for convening DPCs. A time schedule for convening DPCs was prescribed with the objective of ensuring that the prepared panel is utilized as and when the vacancy arises during the course of the vacancy year. It has been prescribed that in all cases requiring approval of ACC, administrative action for convening DPCs is initiated at least 81/2 months before the commencement of vacancy year and that DPCs are held at least 4 months before the commencement of the vacancy year. In other cases where approval of ACC is not required, it has been prescribed that DPCs should be held at least two months before the commencement of the vacancy year. A model calendar was also prescribed for DPCs. It was expected that this time frame will be followed in letter and spirit for all DPCs.

3 . Instances have come to the notice of this Department where DPCs are not being held in advance of the vacancy year as per the prescribed schedule. Delays in holding DPCs not only affect the manpower planning in various Ministries/Departments, but also impede the career progression across the Board. Administrative delays in holding of DPCs have been viewed adversely by the Courts and is the main reason for litigation before CAT and various High Courts.

4. Non-adherence to time frame of DPCs is a matter of serious concern to the Government. Hence, all concerned cadre controlling authorities are once again counselled to ensure strict adherence to the model calendar for the DPCs as circulated vide this Department's O.M. dated 8.9.1998. Wherever DPCs are yet to be held for the vacancies arising in the year 2011-2012, the same may be completed by 31.3.2011 and for future vacancy years, the time frame referred to in Para 2 above may be strictly complied with.

5. All Ministries/Departments are also advised to immediately nominate an officer of the level of Joint Secretary as the designated authority for ensuring timely holding of DPCs and to certify adherence to the model calendar for all DPCs in the Ministries / Departments.

6. Hindi version will follow.

s/d
(Smita Kumar)
Director (Establishment-I)

Source: www.persmin.gov.in

Inoperative EPF Accounts

Inoperative EPF Accounts

The Finance Ministry while recommending adoption of investment pattern notified by them on 14.08.2008 for Employees’ Provident Fund and “Exempt Funds” suggested that liberal advances and withdrawals from Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) should be shunned to achieve old age income security for employees because by not adhering to “one instrument one policy objective” most employees retire with as little as less than Rs. 35,000/- in their accounts. Ministry of Labour and Employment has replied to the Ministry of Finance mentioning the need for continuation of the provision for partial withdrawal from provident fund account of the subscribers. With effect from 01.04.2011 interest will not be paid on Inoperative Accounts as per Notification dated 15.01.2011 issued by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India. Data containing number of Inoperative Accounts is not maintained separately. However, total number of Inoperative Accounts has been estimated to be around three crore.

As per the Consolidated Annual Accounts of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation for the year 2009-10, an amount of Rs. 8,318.69 crore is lying in Inoperative Accounts.

This information was given by Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Minister for Labour And Employment in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

Source: PIB

Labour Min favours partial withdrawal from EPF

Labour Min favours partial withdrawal from EPF

New Delhi, Mar 14 (PTI) Putting aside a Finance Ministry suggestion, the Labour and Employment Ministry today said it favours partial withdrawal from employees provident fund (EPF) account by subscribers.

The Finance Ministry had suggested that liberal advances and withdrawal from EPF account should be shunned to achieve old-age income security for employees because by not adhering to "one instrument, one policy objective" most employees retire with as less as Rs 35,000 in their accout.

"Ministry of Labour and Employment has replied to the Ministry of Finance mentioning the need for continuation of the provision for partial withdrawal from provident fund account of the subscribers," Labour and Employment Minister Mallikarjun Kharge said in the Lok Sabha.

In a written reply, he also said there was no move to put lock-in period for EPF withdrawal.

Source: PTI

MACP Sub Committee Meeting on 15-03-2011

MACP Sub Committee meeting to be held on 15th March, 2011...

The Secretary General of Confederation informed in his website as follows...

The sub committee constituted by the National Anomaly Committee to look into the issues concerning the MACP is scheduled to meet on 15th March, 2011. Com. S.K. Vyas, President, Confederation will attend the meeting as a member of the Committee.