63rd DoPT Meeting Discusses CGHS, LTC, MACP & Pension Issues

Major concerns of Central Government employees reviewed; progress shared across departments

The 63rd meeting of the Standing Committee (National Council – JCM) was held on May 1, 2023, under the chairmanship of the Secretary (Personnel), Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT). Senior officials from key ministries and representatives from the Staff Side participated to deliberate on long-pending demands of Central Government employees.

Top 10 Key Highlights from the Meeting

1. Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (OPS)

The Staff Side reiterated their demand for reinstating OPS for all Central Government employees. The Government responded that a committee under the Department of Expenditure is already reviewing NPS improvements. It was clarified that NPS has been enhanced to include a 14% employer contribution and family pension.

2. Regular Meetings of NC-JCM

Staff representatives urged the Government to hold National Council – JCM meetings regularly, as they haven’t been held for years. The Cabinet Secretary has since approved convening a meeting, and dates are expected to be announced soon.

3. MACP: Removal of ‘Very Good’ Benchmark

The demand to roll back the ‘Very Good’ grading requirement for MACP was discussed. While DoPT emphasized that this is based on 7th CPC and Supreme Court orders, it advised departments to review individual cases sympathetically.

4. Compassionate Appointment & 5% Ceiling

Many ministries highlighted that the 5% ceiling is a bottleneck in offering appointments on compassionate grounds. The DoPT maintained that this is a policy requirement, but case-by-case relaxation requests will be considered sympathetically.

5. CGHS: Empanelment, Pensioner Access & Reimbursements

Persistent problems related to CGHS empanelment of hospitals, delays in reimbursement, and lack of cashless facilities for pensioners were raised. MoHFW committed to reviewing proposals and assured improved coordination between wellness centres and hospitals.

6. Notional Increment on July 1 / January 1 Post-Retirement

The long-standing issue regarding the grant of notional increment to employees retiring a day before their increment date remains under review. The Department of Expenditure has sought legal opinion on the matter.

7. Advances Abolished After 7th CPC

Demands for restoring Festival Advance, Bicycle Advance, and similar allowances abolished post-7th CPC were raised again. The Department of Expenditure clarified there is no proposal under consideration to reinstate them.

8. One-Time Relaxation for LTC Claims

The Staff Side pushed for relaxation in LTC rules where employees faced technical disallowances. The Department of Expenditure indicated that the matter is under active examination, considering earlier precedents.

9. Coverage of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) Under Compassionate Appointments

The Staff Side sought clarity on including PwD dependents in compassionate appointment quotas. DoPT agreed to revisit the current guidelines and assured that instructions would be reviewed with sensitivity.

10. Central Secretariat Risk Allowance

A demand was raised to extend Risk Allowance to Central Secretariat staff, particularly those in high-sensitivity areas. The request has been noted and referred to the Department of Expenditure for further review.

Other Issues Discussed

While not all points received detailed responses during the meeting, the following were acknowledged and are under consideration:

Recognition of service associations and unions
Revision of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA)
Grant of Risk & Hardship Allowance to various categories (e.g., Fire-fighting staff, nurses)
Implementation of Arbitration Awards on HRA
Welfare fund proposal for non-gazetted staff
Need for cashless CGHS treatment in emergency cases

Each of these items has been assigned to relevant ministries with follow-up action points.

Read the official minutes of the 63rd Standing Committee Meeting below: