03 Jul, 2021 11:19 AM

Summary - Recent developments

7th CPC DA, DR restoration:
As per the announcement made by the Minister of State (MoS) at the Ministry of Finance in the Rajya Sabha, DA and 7th pay commission DR benefit to the central government employees and pensioners will be restored from 1st July 2021. The formalities are worked out and the announcement is expected soon. The Cabinet secretary at the JCM meeting had told that the Department of Expenditure would expedite the process of restoring the frozen DA / DR. Read: DA/DR restoration to be expedited, no decision on arrears at NC JCM meeting

House Building Advance (HBA) benefit: For the employees, the central government had announced House Building Advance (HBA) benefits to all central government servants (CGS). The basic interest rate charged on this HBA is 7.9 per cent and the HBA benefit will remain available till 31st March 2022. The lower interest rate will see huge savings for the employees. Read: HBA interest to be 7.9 per cent till 31 March 2022
The time limit for submission of Travelling Allowance on retirement extended: The time limit for submission of Travelling Allowance (TA) claims has been extended from 60 days to 180 days. This decision's decision to change the time limit for TA submission on retirement became effective from 15th June 2021. The move is expected to help retired central government employees submit TA claims within 60 days, which was a little hectic for central government servants (CGS). Read: Time-limit for submission of claims for TA on retirement extended to 180 days

Pensioners to get pension slips via email, SMS, WhatsApp: To ensure 'Ease of Living' for nearly 60 lakh pensioners, the central government recently directed the pension disbursing banks to issue pension slips to the pensioners with the complete break-up. The centre also directed the respective banks to issue pension slips via SMS on the registered mobile number of the pensioners. Banks are also advised the pension disbursing banks to issue pension slips on the given email ID of the pensioner and additionally, use social media platforms like WhatsApp, etc. Read: Banks to issue pension slips while crediting pension via SMS or email
Simplification of the family pension claims: The changes in rules made so that provisional family pension will be sanctioned immediately on receipt of the claim for Family Pension and Death Certificate from the eligible family member without waiting for other formalities or procedural requirements to be completed. Read: Rule 80-A relaxed to expedite the death benefits to the family