GUIDELINES REGARDING ADMINISTRATION OF COVID VACCINE TO THE CGHS BENEFICIARIES OM DATED 26.03.2021

Misc-12/CGHS/Gr. Cell/2021/DIR/CGHS
Government of India
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Directorate General of CGHS

Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi
Dated the 26 March 2021

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Guidelines regarding administration of COVID vaccine to the CGHS beneficiaries-

 

The Department has been receiving various representations and grievances regarding administration of COVID vaccine to the CGHS beneficiaries. The matter has been examined and it has now been decided that:

 

1. As per the Government of India policy, the vaccination against COVID illness is being provided free of cost to the beneficiaries at the designated government facilities. The beneficiaries are required to pay Rs. 250/- per dose in the private hospitals only. As per the policy no reimbursement has been provisioned if a beneficiary decides to get vaccinated at private empanelled hospitals, therefore the referral for .the same by the. CGHS Wellness Centers to the private hospitals is not required.

 

2. The planning and operational aspects for COVID-19 vaccination are in the domain of the State Governments. The District Health authorities of the State Governments are making arrangements for listing of the health facilities. for providing training, logistics, vaccinators and the vaccine to the identified facilities where COVID-19 vaccination centers are being planned and started. The CGHS does not have any role in this. A request has been made to all States to consider utilising CGHS Wellness Centres as CVC (Covid Vaccination Centre), if feasible.

3. All the beneficiaries are required to register themselves on the CoWin app and to indicate the name of the CVC where they would like to avail the vaccination and also the convenience of time at which to avail the same.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for registration and booking a vaccination appointment on CoWin:

·         People can register and book an appointment for vaccination either directly through the CoWin portal or through the Arogya Setu app which js integrated with CoWin portal.

·         On CoWin portal, enter your mobile number and click on the OTP (One Time Password). Enter the OTP received on your mobile and click on the verify button.

·         If registering through Aarogya Setu app, go to the CoWin tab, tap on the Vaccination tab and the click on Proceed.

·         A registration page will appear where you will need to fill in the beneficiary’s details, such as name, year of birth and gender. You will also need to enter the photo id type.

·         If the registration is meant for a senior citizen, click on Register. If it’s for a person with co- morbidities, click on YES where the form asks, “Do you have any co-morbidities (pre- existing medical conditions)”. The beneficiaries in this category need to carry a medical certificate when they go for their vaccine appointment.

·         Once registered, a confirmation message will be sent to your registered mobile number.

·         After registration, the system will show the “Account Details”. On this page, you can add three more beneficiaries by clicking on Add More button.

·         One person can add up to four people linked with one mobile number.

·         You can schedule an appointment by clicking on a calendar icon, below a column named Action.

·         You will then be taken to “Book Appointment for Vaccination” page where you will need to fill in the beneficiaries’ address details – State/UT, District, Block and Pincode. Click on the Search button once done.

·         A list of vaccination centres will appear based on the search criteria.

·         Upon choosing a centre, the available slots (date and capacity) will be displayed.

·         After selection the dates, click on “Book”.

·         A confirmation page with “Appointment Successful” message will be displayed.

·         If you want to reschedule, you can again log in with your mobile number, enter OTP and make the changes by clicking on the edit icon below the ‘Action’ column against registered individuals. In case you have to move to another city, you can make changes to find the nearest vaccination centre as well.

 

4. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.

Sd/-
(Dr Sanjay Jain)
Director CGHS

 CABINET APPROVED APPOINTMENT OF SHRI VINEET PANDEY AS SECRETARY POSTS

 FUNCTIONING OF TRAINING INSTITUTIONS OF CENTRAL / STATE GOVERNMENTS – REVISED SOP: DOPT

No.19011/ 1/2020-TFA
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
(Training Division)

*********

Old JNU Campus, New Delhi
Dated the 25th March, 2021

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Functioning of Training Institutions of Central / State Governments – Revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) – reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to Ministry of Home Affairs’ Order No.40-3/ 2020-DM-I(A) dated 27th January, 2021 vide which guidelines for containment of Covid-19 in the country were issued.

2. DoP&T vide its guidelines dated 3rd July, 2020 had permitted functioning of Central and State Training Institutions. As all activities have now been allowed by MHA in terms of its guidelines dated 27th January, 2021, the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) dated 3rd July, 2020 has been reviewed and a Revised SOP has now been formulated. In view of the aforesaid, a Revised SOP to be followed by the Training Institutes of Central / State Governments is attached.

3. The Revised SOP (Annexure) supersedes this Department’s OM of even no. dated 3rd July, 2020 and shall be in force until further orders.

Encl: As above.

(D. Ramesh Babu)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Annexure

Sub: Functioning of Training Institutions of Central / State Governments – Revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) – reg.

Ref: Guidelines for Surveillance, Containment and Caution as annexed to Ministry of Home Affairs’ Order dated 27.01.2021 and DoPT guidelines of even no. dated 3rd July, 2020.

DoP&T vide its guidelines dated 3rd July, 2020 had permitted functioning of Central and State Training Institutions. As all activities have now been allowed by MHA in terms of its guidelines dated 27th January, 2021, the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) dated 3rd July, 2020 has been reviewed and a Revised SOP has now been formulated. The Central and State Training Institutes shall maintain abundant caution and follow strictly the Revised SOP outlined below to avoid spread of Covid-19 during conducting classroom based training classes for trainee officers.

I. General Guidelines

• While conducting the classroom based training programmes, the Training Institutes shall take all necessary measures to observe Covid-19 compliant behavior and ensure wearing of face masks, hand hygiene and social distancing, as prescribed by Central and State / District Health authorities from time to time.
• All Class rooms, Staff Rooms, offices, hostels, Corridors, Lobbies, Common areas and washrooms etc. should be thoroughly cleaned / sanitized regularly as per procedure prescribed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• With a view to ensure safety, on best effort basis, the Training Institutes should ensure that the Arogya Setu app is downloaded and installed by all trainees/ other staff and faculty having compatible phones.
• Training Institutes should notify Nodal Officers for COVID related administrative responsibilities and also constitute Committees with clear demarcation of roles especially for COVID related matters.
• All the trainees and personnel of the Training Institutes should be encouraged to proactively disclose their health status to the Institute medical authorities.
• All the required facilities for isolating / quarantining of symptomatic patients and for treating of staff/ faculty/ trainees with flu like symptoms may be ensured, in consultation with Health Departments.
• Entry of staff, employees, visitors, etc. in the Institute premises should be regulated by way of screening as per the prescribed protocols.
• Hand sanitizers should be made available at all entry / exit points, outside classrooms, buildings, cafeteria, washrooms and other prominent in the Institute
• Adequate care should be taken when people belonging to categories that may have a higher health risk participate in the training courses. Such people may include pregnant women; lactating mothers; people with prior medical conditions such as severe asthma or chronic lung disease; high BP; chronic kidney disease; serious heart condition; and any other medical condition that has a potential high risk in the COVID environment in the opinion of a medical expert; and any other category / symptom as notified from time to time.

II. Arrival of trainee officers in Training Institutes

• The Training Institutes should verify the health status of trainee officers on Arogya SetuApp upon their arrival in the Institute.
• On arrival in the Training Institute, the Institute will ensure compliance with the quarantine requirement as per the concerned State Government guidelines.
• Basic screening of trainees should be done on their arrival at the designated locations and only then be allowed to proceed to their allotted rooms in secured and sanitized hostels.
• Training programmes should be so staggered so that all trainees have sufficient space in the hostel and there is no overcrowding in the hostel or at common facilities.
• Special emphasis should be placed on frequent sanitization of common facilities/ rooms/ washrooms/ sports area/ restaurants etc.
• Movement of trainees within the campus should generally be restricted . Avoidable get togethers / group activities should be discouraged.
• Minimal number of trainees should be accommodated in the dormitories.
• Separate hostel room should be allotted to each trainee as far as possible. In no case, more than 2 trainees be accommodated in a single hostel room.
• In case, any trainee develops flu like symptoms or is tested positive for COVID 19, he / she should be immediately shifted to a separate quarantine facility / designated hospital in terms of the protocols issued by the local health authorities.

III. Classroom Sessions

• The trainees should attend the classrooms while maintaining social distancing, using face masks and observing safety measures as prescribed.
• Sufficient flow of fresh air / ventilation should be ensured in the lecture halls/ classrooms. Air Conditioners should be sanitized / cleaned as per prescribed guidelines.
• Time gaps may be provided between the training sessions so as to avoid continuous sittings in the same room.
• Reading materials and case studies etc. should be made available in advance to the trainees so as to shorten the classroom session time, wherever possible.
• Tea/ coffee and water etc. should be served in disposable cups/ glasses, as far as possible.
• Basic screening including temperature scan may be carried out on daily basis for all the officer Trainees attending classes. Trainees found to have temperature above the normal range (that could be because of any kind of flu) may self-isolate themselves till such time COVID 19 infection is ruled out.
• The trainees kept under quarantine should attend classes virtually from their room.

IV. Physical activities and Outdoors

• All the indoor facilities like gym, yoga, swimming pool etc. should be operated as per the directions of the Central / State Government.
• Social / cultural events or gathering or functions may be avoided as far as possible during the training period.
• Outstation visits may be undertaken only after assessing the COVID 19 situation at the place of travel / halts during journeys and travel related restrictions

V. Mess and Dining:

• Meal timings may be staggered appropriately with adequate intervals. A suitable time table may be disseminated to all concerned with a view to minimize the time spent in the mess/ dining hall with other trainee officers.
• Mess supervisors should ensure that all trainees and mess staff wash hands properly before entry into mess/ kitchen. Touch-free hand sanitizers may be installed outside the mess/ dining halls.
• Sufficient distance should be observed by all while inside the mess/ dining hall. Seating should be so organized that the trainees do not face each other while having their meals.
• Sharing of utensils-dishes, cups, soaps, towels etc. should be banned.

VI. General

• The officer trainees may be allowed to go out of the campus or stay outside the campus only with the prior approval of the Course Director or any other officer authorized by the Director of the Institute.
• Entry of visitors in the Hostel premises should not normally be permitted, except with the prior approval of authority specified by the Director of the Institute.
• Efforts may be made to make available all the essential items such as stationery, snacks, toiletries, eatables, tea/ coffee etc. within the campus.
• Immunity boosting products as recommended by the Medical Authorities and M/ o AYUSH should be encouraged for use.
• While using lifts, the relevant etiquettes for social distancing should be strictly followed.
• In case a trainee tests positive, sanitization of the area/ Institution may be done as per protocols of Central and State / District Health authorities.
• As far as possible the staff deputed for hostels / cafeteria / gym / training classes / administration should be provided accommodation to stay within the campus. Entry of outside staff should be restricted in areas · where trainee officers are accommodated / trained.
• The trainees should be encouraged to take up self-cleaning of their rooms / use washing machines / use Laundromats so as to avoid contacts with others.
• Decision on physical activities inside the campus may be taken by the Institution depending upon availability of sufficient space, based on the relevant guidelines issued by the concerned State Government / UT Administration.

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 RAISING OF MAXIMUM AGE LIMIT FOR JOB ASPIRANTS 

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Raising of Maximum Age Limit for Job Aspirants
Posted On: 25 MAR 2021 12:29PM by PIB Delhi

For recruitment to Central Government posts, the recruiting agencies, such as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), have been making necessary arrangements for conduct of examinations in a safe manner considering the COVID-19 Pandemic safety protocols. While conducting Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination-2020 on 04.10.2020, the UPSC also gave an option to the candidates to change the centre for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination-2020 so that candidates who had moved to a different location before/during the COVID-19 pandemic could also appear in the Examination. As such, the need for increasing the maximum age limit for recruitment to various categories of posts under the Central Government, due to the pandemic and lockdown in the country, does not arise. Insofar as the increase in maximum age limit by two years for all the eligible unemployed youths, who are seeking State Government jobs is concerned, it is for the concerned State Governments to decide.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to questions in Rajya Sabha today.

 RECRUITMENT OF GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS 

 Rajya Sabha (Q & A), dtd 25/03/2021
CLICK HERE for details & copy (7 pages)

 LIFE CERTIFICATE TO ELDERLY PENSION HOLDERS

 Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Life Certificate to Elderly Pension Holders

Posted On: 24 MAR 2021 4:42PM by PIB Delhi

The Government has taken many technical and managerial measures for providing Life Certificate easily to elderly pension holders by concerned institutions/banks. The details are as under:-

            Keeping in view the difficulties faced by very senior citizens aged 80 years and above, an exclusive window from 1st October onwards, has been provided to them to avoid the general rush from 1st November onwards.

 Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare started a Pilot Programme “DLC from home campaign” in 2018 in 7 cities through Pensioners’ Associations. The objective of the campaign was to extend support to aged and infirm pensioners in submission of Life Certificate digitally from home. In 2019, this project was expanded to cover 24 cities and this has continued up to 2021 as well, with the help of Registered Pensioners’ Associations

Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare roped in the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) and utilized its huge network of Postmen and Gramin Dak Sevaks in providing doorstep home facility to pensioners for submission of life certificate digitally. As a result a huge number of pensioners across the country shall be able to avail doorstep home service through Postmen/ Gramin Dak Sevak by paying a nominal amount, without queuing up at bank branches.

     In some cases due to fading bio-metrics, aged pensioners' finger bio-metrics are not captured by the bio-metric devices. Keeping in view such difficulties, IRIS enabled devices have been provided by this department to Pensioners’ Associations which is more effective and convenient. Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare is also instrumental in roping in an Alliance comprising 12 Public Sector Banks which does “Doorstep Banking” for its customers in 100 major cities of the country under Ease of banking reforms. As a result, Public Sector Banks (PSB) Alliance has introduced the service for collection of Life Certificates under the umbrella of Doorstep Banking. This Department also issued instructions, whereby the Banks were directed to resort to Video based Customer Identification Process for obtaining a Life Certificate within the guidelines of RBI which will obviate the need to resort to a bio-metric enabled device.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to  questions in  Lok  Sabha today.

 SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES FOR ORGANISED AND UNORGANISED SECTOR

 Ministry of Labour & Employment

Social Security Schemes for

Organised and Unorganised Sector

Posted On: 24 MAR 2021 3:23PM by PIB Delhi

 

As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) carried out by the National Sample Survey Organisation of the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation,  in the year 2017-18, the total employment in both organized and unorganised sector in the country was around  47 crores. Out of this, around 9 crores are engaged in the organized sector and the balance of 38 crores are in the unorganized sector.

The categories of the workers have been divided into three categories i.e.

1. Establishments with 10 or more workers;
2. Establishments with 20 or more workers;
3. Workers engaged in unorganised sector

The ESI Act, 1948 is Social Security legislation applicable to all factories & notified establishments employing ten or more persons, which are located in ESI notified areas and as such it does not apply to the unorganised sector. Employees earning wages up to Rs 21,000 per month (Rs 25,000/- in the case of persons with disability) are coverable under ESI Scheme and are entitled to all benefits available under ESI Act, 1948. At present the ESI Scheme stands extended to 575 districts in 35 States/ Union territories. The total number of Insured Persons covered under ESI Scheme as on 31.03.2020 are 3.41 crore and the total beneficiaries are 13.24 crore. ESI contributions @ 4% are paid by employers, of which the employees or workers contribute to the extent of 0.75% of their wages and the employers contribute to the extent of 3.25% of their wages. Such contributions entitle them to all benefits available under the ESI Act.

The benefits of social security to the workers employed in organised sector   establishments with 20 or more workers under the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 are extended through following three schemes:

·         The Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 1952;

·         The Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995;

·         The Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, 1976.

The Employer and Employee both contribute @ 12% of wages towards provident fund. Out of this, 8.33% is diverted towards pension Fund. Employer also contributes to EDLI Scheme @ 0.5 % of wages.  During the year 2019-20, 4.89 crores members contributed under the Scheme.

For the workers engaged in the Unorganised sector, social security benefits are being addressed through the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008. The Act empowers the Central Government to provide Social Security benefits to unorganised sector workers by formulating suitable welfare schemes on matters relating to (i) life and disability cover, (ii) health and maternity benefits, (iii) old age protection and (iv) any other benefit as may be determined by the Central Government.  The State Governments are also empowered to formulate suitable welfare schemes on the matters regarding housing, provident funds,   educational schemes, skill upgradation, old age homes etc.

Life and disability cover is provided through Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Surksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY). Benefits under the schemes are  for Rs.2 lakh on death due to any cause & permanent disability , Rs.1.0 Lakh on  partial disability   and Rs.4 lakh on death  due to accident  to the unorganised workers at the annual premium of Rs.342/- (Rs.330/- for PMJJBY + Rs.12/- for PMSBY) depending upon their eligibility.

The eligible Unorganised Workers can avail the scheme from their respective banks at annual premium of Rs. 342/-. As on 30.12.2020, 9.70 and 21.87 crore people have been enrolled under PMJJBY and PMSBY respectively.

The health and maternity benefits are addressed through Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) which is a universal health scheme administrated by the National Health Authority. The number of eligible beneficiaries under Social Economic Caste Census (SECC) of 2011 on the basis of select deprivation and occupational criteria across rural and urban areas is 10.74 Crore families (50 crore people). The Scheme gives flexibility to States/UTs to run their own health protection scheme in alliance with AB-PMJAY. The States/UTs implementing AB-PMJAY have further expanded the coverage of the scheme to include 13.13 crore families (65 crore people).

For old age protection to unorganised sector workers including  traders, shopkeepers and self- employed persons, the Government has launched two flagship schemes namely Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-DhanYojana (PM-SYM) and National Pension Scheme for Traders, Shopkeeper and Self-Employed Persons (NPS- Traders).  Under the schemes, beneficiaries are entitled to receive minimum monthly assured pension of Rs.3000/- after attaining the age of 60 years. The workers in the age group of 18-40 years whose monthly income is below Rs.15000/- can join the PM-SYM scheme and Traders, shop keepers and self-employed persons whose annual turnover is not exceeding Rs.1.5 crore can join NPS – Traders scheme.  These are voluntary and contributory pension schemes and monthly contribution ranges from Rs.55 to Rs.200 depending upon the entry age of the beneficiary. Under both the schemes, 50% monthly contribution is payable by the beneficiary and equal matching contribution is paid by the Central Government. Both the schemes are being implemented in all the States/UTs of India.  The details of numbers of beneficiaries as on 28.02.2021 under PMSYM and NPS Traders, 44.90 Lakh and 43,700 respectively.

This information was given by Minister of State (I/C) for Labour & Employment Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.                                      

 ISSUANCE OF INSTRUCTIONS FOR NON-DISCLOSURE OF THE IDENTITY OF THE COMPLAINANT UNDER "PUBLIC INTEREST DISCLOSURE AND PROTECTION OF INFORMER"         (CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW)

http://utilities.cept.gov.in/dop/pdfbind.ashx?id=5435

 GENERAL ELECTION - GRANT OF PAID HOLIDAYS TO EMPLOYEES ON THE DAY OF POLL. ASSAM, KERALA, TAMILNADU, WEST BENGAL       (CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW)

http://utilities.cept.gov.in/dop/pdfbind.ashx?id=5443

 SB ORDER 6 - 2021   (CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW)

http://utilities.cept.gov.in/dop/pdfbind.ashx?id=5446

INTERNATIONAL LETTER WRITING COMPETITION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE (CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW)

https://www.indiapost.gov.in/VAS/Pages/News/Letter_Writing_2021.pdf 

 INTERNATIONAL LETTER WRITING COMPETITION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE (CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW)

https://www.indiapost.gov.in/VAS/Pages/News/Letter_Writing_2021.pdf

 MHA GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVE CONTROL OF COVID-19 (CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW THE GUIDELINES & DO TO CHIEF SECRETARIES OF STATES)

https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHAOrder_23032021.pdf

https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/DOLetter_23032021.pdf

Ministry of Labour & Employment

 Labour Codes -- PIB

 Ministry of Labour & Employment

Labour Codes

Posted On: 22 MAR 2021

India, being a founding member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has deep respect for its principles and objectives. The Government of India has always upheld the basic tenets of tripartism. ILO has not commented about India’s lack of compliance with ILO Convention -144 on Tripartite Consultations in implementing the four Labour Codes. The four Codes, namely, the Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 and the Code on Social Security, 2020 have been notified in Gazette of India. Prior to that the Government had done extensive consultations inviting all Central Trade Unions, Employers’ Associations and State Governments. The Government had undertaken nine tripartite consultations on all the four Codes on 10.03.2015, 13.04.2015, 06.05.2015, 14.07.2015, 06.10.2015, 04.10.2017, 22.11.2018, 27.11.2018 and 05.11.2019 inviting all Central Trade Unions, Employers’ Associations and State Governments. All these Codes were also placed on the website for inviting comments from all stakeholders including general public.

Further, all the Codes were referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour for examination. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, in the process of examination of the Codes, had invited the views/suggestions from Trade Unions / Organizations / Individuals / Stakeholders and also took oral evidence of the representatives of Central Trade Unions and various other Associations/Organisations/Stakeholders. The reports of the Committee were taken into account before these Labour Codes were considered and passed by the Parliament.

As a step towards implementation of four Labour Codes and to discuss the draft Rules on four labour Codes, tripartite meetings inviting representatives of all Central Trade Unions and Employers Associations were convened through Video Conferencing on 24th December, 2020 and 12th January, 2021.  Third tripartite meeting was held on 20th January, 2021 in physical mode. 

However, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 reduces the requirement of minimum continuous service in case of fixed term employees from five years to one year.

This information was given by Minister of State (I/C) for Labour & Employment Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.                                      

MS/jk (Release ID: 1706610) 22.03.2021

 COVID-19 VACCINATION

 

VERIFICATION OF CAST CERTIFICATE

                                             No. 41034/4/2020-Estt (Res-I)
                                                  Government of India
                            Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievance & Pensions
                                        Department of Personnel and Training
 
                                                                                               North Block, New Delhi
                                                                                        Dated the 19th March, 2021
 
To

            The Chief Secretaries of all States & Union Territories
 
Subject : Timely verification of Caste/Community Certificates – regarding.
 
Sir,

I am directed to say that instances have come to the notice where the pensionary benefits of employees belonging to ST category, who were working in various offices and organizations under Central Government in the State of Tamil Nadu, have been withheld on the ground that their caste verification is pending from the State Government. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Welfare of the Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes (SC&ST) have taken a serious view of this, and has directed this Department to issue necessary guidelines to all the concerned for ensuring timely verification of the Caste Certificate of the employees belonging to the reserved category.

2. It is stated that the responsibility for the issue and verification of Caste Certificate lies with the concerned State/UT Government. The Hon’ble Supreme Court, vide its Order dated 2.9.1994 in the matter of in the matter of Kumari Madhuri Patil vs Addl. Commissioner, has laid down the detailed guidelines for effective verification of the Caste Certificates of the employees, so that no person, on the basis of fake caste certificate, may secure employment wrongfully in the Government.

3. DoP&T has issued various guidelines from time to time for streamlining the process of verification of Caste Certificate of the employees, and has requested the State/UT Governments for timely verification of the same. However, as mentioned above, instances have come to notice that the appointing authority has taken an unduly long time in getting the caste status of an employee verified through the concerned State authorities which is totally in contravention of the existing instructions. In this regard, attention is invited towards the following instructions of DoPT in the matter:

(i) DoPT OM No. 36019/7/1975-Estt (SCT) dated 31.10.1975 (copy at Annexure-I) provides that the candidates belonging to the SC/ST category have to produce a Certificate in the prescribed form issued by one of the prescribed authorities in support of their claim of belonging to a SC/ST. Where such a candidate is unable to produce a Certificate from any of the prescribed authorities, he may he appointed provisionally on the basis of whatever prima facie proof he is able to produce in support of his claim subject to his furnishing the prescribed Certificate within a reasonable time, and if there 1s genuine difficulty in his obtaining a Certificate, the appointing authority should itself verify his claims through the District Magistrate concerned.

(ii) DoPT OM No. 36011/16/80-Estt (SCT) dated 27.2.1981 (copy at Annexure-II) provides that the verification of caste status at every important upturn of employee’s career is necessary, as an SC candidate may lose his status of SC if he embraces a religion other than Hinduism and Sikhism (DoPT OM No. 36011/3/2005-Estt (Res) dated 9.9.2005 provides that an SC candidate loses his SC status if he embraces a religion other than Hinduism, Sikhism or Buddhism).

(iii) DoPT, vide letter No. 36022/1/2007-Estt (Res) dated 20.3.2007 (copy at Annexure-III), have requested the State/UT Governments to issue instructions to the District Magistrates/ District Collectors/Deputy Commissioners of the districts to the effect that they should ensure at their own level that veracity of the Caste/Community certificate referred to the district authorities is verified and reported to the appointing authority within one month of receipt of request from such authority. The State/UT Governments were also requested to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the officers who default in timely verification of Caste Status.

(iv) DoPT, vide letter No. 41034/3/2012 – Estt (Res) dated 11.4.2012 (copy at Annexure-IV), have reiterated the above instructions dated 20.3.2007 requesting the State/UT Governments to issue instructions to the concerned district authorities to ensure veracity of the Caste/Community Certificate referred to them and report the same to the appointing authority within one month of receipt of request from such authority. This letter also conveys the directions of the Parliamentary Committee at that time on the Welfare of SCs and STs that the State/UT Governments may constitute a District-Level Committee in each District which may hold regular meetings to ensure timely verification of Caste Certificates.
Also Read : Streamlining the procedure for verification of claims of candidates belonging to SC, ST and OBC

(v) DoPT OM No. 36011/1/2012-Estt (SCT) dated 8.10.2015 (copy at Annexure-V) reiterates the earlier instructions on timely and effective verification of the Caste Certificate so that the benefit of reservation and other scheme of concessions etc. go only to the rightful claimants.

(vi) DoPT letter No. 36011/1/2012-Estt (SCT) dated 14.3.2016 (copy at Annexure-VI) addressed to all State/UT Government again reiterates the earlier instructions on verification of Caste Certificate within a reasonable time.

4. In view of the above, all State/UT Governments are again requested that the above-mentioned instructions may be brought to the notice of all the concerned officers, and it may be ensured that the process of caste verification is completed within a reasonable time, and the concerned appointing authorities are informed about the veracity of the Caste Certificate of the candidates/employees within one month of the receipt of such request from the concerned appointing authority.
5. This issues with the approval of Secretary (P)

.
 
                                                                          Yours faithfully,
 
                                                                      ( Sandeep Saxena)
                                                                       Deputy Secretary