(CIRCULAR NO. EP-25-2005-27 )

            SUBJECT: - Implementation of Right to Information Act, 2005.

            Attention is invited to Circular No.-EP-25-2005-23 dated-18.8.2005 designating CAPIOs, CPIOs and Appellate Authorities under Right to Information Act, 2005 and Circular No. EP-25-2005-26 Dated-5.9.2005 regarding guidelines to be observed by the CAPIOs, CPIOs and Appellate Authorities.

2.         As per Section 7(1) of the said Act, it is obligatory to furnish the information to the requestor within 30 days (within 48 hours if the information sought for concerns life or liberty of a person) on receipt of the requests under the said Act. A severe  penalty of Rs.250/- each day  subject to maximum of Rs.25,000/- can be imposed upon CPIO for  (i) any delay in disposing of applications, (ii) refusing to receive applications, (iii) giving in-correct or in-complete information knowingly or with mala-fide intention, (iv) denial of any information, and (v) obstructing in any manner in furnishing of information. Further, where CPIO is found to be persistently not discharging his duties under the Act, it would entail disciplinary proceedings under the service rules applicable to him.

3.         Therefore, in order to avoid delay in furnishing of information under RTI Act, 2005, it has been decided with the approval of Competent Authority that:-

(a)       The ZMs/SRMs may designate as many CAPIOs, CPIOs as deemed necessary for the offices under their jurisdiction, for effectively implementing the said Act and publish the particulars of all such designated Officers latest by 15^th September, 2005 positively.

(b)        The following further Officers at Hqrs. level have been designated as CAPIOs, CPIOs and Appellate Authorities for each Division/Office:-

            The PE Division of Hqrs. will ensure that the particulars of above designated Officers are published latest by 15.9.2005 positively and placed on the FCI Web-site and are updated on a regular basis.

(c)        A cell namely “RTI Cell” will be created in each office of the Corporation to deal with RTI maters. The required staff will be provided to these Cells from within the existing manpower. No request/proposal for creation of additional posts for the purpose of newly created RTI Cell will be entertained.

(d)        Necessary arrangements, preferably at Reception Counter, will be made in each office of the Corporation to receive applications along-with prescribed fees under RTI Act. At least one officer will be nominated to receive such applications along-with prescribed fees from the public. The nominated Officer will ensure that the applications, so received, are handed over on the same day itself to the concerned CAPIO/CPIO. He will also maintain proper record for this purpose.

(e)           As far as Head Office is concerned, the RTI Cell would work under HQrs Division and GM (HQ) will make necessary arrangements keeping records of the applications received, fees received etc, as per provisions of the Act.

4.       As per Section-4 of RTI Act-2005, 17 manuals are required to be published by each public authority. A list of 17 manuals is given as under:-

            As far as HQrs Office is concerned, the Computer Division in Hqrs. will be responsible for getting the information from the concerned Divisions of Hqrs. and placing the same on FCI Website. The ZMs/SRMs will similarly make arrangements for getting these manuals published for their Zonal/Regional/District Offices.

5.         As Right to Information Act, 2005 will come into force w.e.f. 15.10.2005, the necessary arrangements/required actions must be completed latest by 30^th September, 2005 positively. A confirmation to this effect shall be sent to HQrs.

6.         It is to reiterate that under the relevant provisions of said Act, it is the responsibility of each and every official to take this task seriously and be well prepared in advance for the implementation of said Act.

(M.L. NAGPAL)

GENERAL. MANAGER (P&IR)

(CIRCULAR NO. EP- 24 – 2005 – 17)

            Subject:-Fourth World Conference on Women, towards the attainment of                                                              gender Equality – Platform for Action-10 years after- India Country                                                   Report

1.         The Govt. of India, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Department of Food & Public Distribution has sent a copy of the report of the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995 wherein  a global policy document, the Beijing Platform for action, was negotiated, identifying 12 critical areas for strategic action towards the attainment of gender equality. The Govt. of India has accepted the Platform for Action without reservation.

2.         A copy of above report is enclosed herewith. You are requested to give wide circulation to the same.

(SHRADDHA SHARMA )

ASSTT.GENERAL MANAGER ( EP)

BEIJING PLATFORM FOR ACTION

12 Critical Areas of Concern and Strategic Objectives

A.                 Women and Poverty

A.1      Review, adopt and maintain macroeconomic policies and development strategies that address the needs and efforts of women in poverty.

A.2      Revise laws and administrative practices to ensure women’s equal right and access to economic resources.

A.3      Provide women with access to savings and credit mechanisms and institutions.

A.4      Develop gender-based methodologies and conduct research to address the feminization of poverty.

B.                 Education and training of women

B.1       Ensure equal access to education.

B.2       Eradicate illiteracy among women.        

B.3.      Improve women’s access to vocational training, science and technology, and continuing education.

B.4       Develop non-discriminatory education and training.       

B.5       Allocate sufficient resources for and monitor the implementation of educational reforms.

B.6       Promote lifelong education and training for girls and women.

C.                 Women and health

C.1      Increase women’s access throughout the life cycle to appropriate, affordable and quality health care; information and related services.

C.2      Strengthen preventive programmes that promote women’s health.

C.3      Undertake gender-sensitive initiatives that address sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, and sexual and reproductive health issues.

C.4      Promote research and dissemination of information on women’s health.

C.5      Increase resources and monitor follow-up for women’s health.

D.                Violence against women

D.1      Take integrated measures to prevent and eliminate violence against women.

D.2      Study the causes and consequences of violence against women and the effectiveness of preventive measures.

D.3      Eliminate trafficking in women and assist victims due to prostitution and trafficking.

E.                 Women and armed conflict

E.1       Increase the participation of women in conflict resolution at decision-making levels and protect women living in situations of armed and other conflicts or under foreign occupation.

E.2       Reduce excessive military expenditures and control the availability of armaments.

E.3       Promote nonviolent forms of conflict resolution and reduce the incidence of human rights abuse in conflict situations.

E.4       Promote women’s contribution to fostering a culture of peace.

E.5       Provide protection, assistance and training to refugee women, other displaced women in need of international protection and internally displaced women.

E.6       Provide assistance to the women of the colonies and non-self governing territories.

F.                  Women and economy

F.1       Promote women’s economic rights and independence, including access to employment, appropriate working conditions and control over economic resources.

F.2       Facilitate women’s equal access to resources, employment, markets and trade.  F.3       Provide business services, training and access to markets, information and technology, particularly to low income women.

F.4.      Strengthen women’s economic capacity and commercial networks.

F.5       Eliminate occupational segregation and all forms of employment discrimination.

F.6       Promote harmonization of work and family responsibilities for women.

G.                Women in power and decision-making

G.1      Take measures to ensure women’s equal access to and full participation in power structures and decision-making.

G.2      Increase women’s capacity to participate in decision-making and leadership.

H.                Institutional mechanisms for the advancement of women

H.1      Create or strengthen national machineries and other governmental bodies for women’s advancement.

H.2      Integrate gender perspectives in legislation, public policies, programmes and projects.

H.3      Generate and disseminate gender-disaggregated data and information for planning and evaluation.

I.                   Human rights of women

I.1        Promote and protect the human rights of women, through the full implementation of all human rights instruments, especially the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

I.2.       Ensure equality and non-discrimination under the law and in practice.

I.3        Achieve legal literacy.

J.                  Women and the media

J.1        Increase the participation and access of women to expression and decision-making in and through the media and new technologies of communication.

J.2        Promote a balanced and non-stereotyped portrayal of women in the media.

K.                Women and the environment

K.1      Involve women actively in environmental decision-making at all levels.

K.2      Integrate gender concerns and perspectives in policies and programmes for sustainable development.

K.3      Strengthen or establish mechanisms at the national, regional and international levels to access the impact of development and environmental policies on women.

L.                 The girl-child

L.1       Eliminate all forms of discrimination against the girl-child.

L.2       Eliminate negative cultural attitudes and practices against girls.

L.3       Promote and protect the rights of the girl-child and increase awareness of her needs and potential.

L.4       Eliminate discrimination against girls in education, skill development and training.

L.5       Eliminate discrimination against girls in health and nutrition.

L.6       Eliminate the economic exploitation of child labour and protect young girls at work.

L.7       Eliminate violence against the girl child.

L.8       Promote the girl-child’s awareness of and participation in social, economic and political life.

***** 

2

(CIRCULAR NO. EP.15-2005-10 )

Subject:-          Leased accommodation (including system of self-lease) facility to the                             Corporation’s Executives – clarification t

                     ----------------------------- 

1.         Reference is invited to Headquarters  circular No.44 of 1996 dated 13^th November,1996 ( issued from file No.EP-17-1/93-Vol.II ) regarding clarifications on (i) lease agreement including self lease with power of attorney owners and (ii) lease  including self-lease for  executives whose spouses are drawing HRA from  their employers.

2.         The existing instructions contained in circular under reference, have been reviewed. In partial modification of instructions contained in Para 3(ii) of above circular, it has been  decided with the approval of competent authority that the lease facility including self lease to the executives, where spouses are employed  in Central / State Government or PSUs/ Autonomous bodies etc. and are drawing HRA from their  employer, may be allowed only after  obtaining a certificate from the employer of spouse to the effect that the spouse will not draw HRA from the  date the lease agreement is  signed by the  executive concerned. Therefore, the  eligible  lease value for  reimbursement  shall continue to be the  rental value  as assessed by the  Rental Assessment Committee, restricted to the  entitlement of the  concerned executive.

3.         The existing lease Agreements in respect of  leased accommodation including self lease, signed as per circular No.44 of 1996, where spouse is employed may, therefore, be reviewed in the light of above instructions with  immediate effect. In case of the serving employees drawing the benefits under para 3(ii) of circular No. 44 of 1996, the lease agreements may be cancelled forthwith and fresh agreements may be signed in accordance with the revised instructions. As far as the old cases are concerned, the same need not be reopened.

 (M.L .NAGPAL )

JOINT MANAGER(EP )

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3

(CICULAR NO. EP- 05 - 2005 - 18)

            Subject:-Amendment to Regulation 48 of the FCI (Staff)Regulations,1971.

1.         Reference this office cir. No.13(1)/2001-BC dtd.4.12.2001 enclosing a copy of Gazette Notification No.86 dtd.15.11.2001 regarding amendment to Regulation 48(iv) of the FCI (Staff) Regulations, 1971.

2.         In this regard, it is informed that Regulation 48 of FCI( Staff) Regulations,1971 regarding intimation of transactions concerning to movable/immovable properties by the employees has been further amended vide  Gazette Notification No.94 dtd.2.6.05. A copy of Notification No.94 dtd 2.6.05 ( both in Hindi and English versions) published in the  Gazette of India Extraordinary –Part-III Section-4 is  forwarded herewith for information, guidance and necessary action please.

(VED PRAKASH)

ASSTT. MANAGER( EP)

*****  

4

ISO-9000-2001 CERTIFIED

(CIRCULAR NO.EP-18-2005-19)

            Subject:-CCS(LTC) Rules, 1988 – Visit to Andaman  & Nicobar Islands                             instead  of Home Town LTC and travel by air from Kolkata or Chennai to Port  Blair and back – relaxation thereof.

             The Govt. of India, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training has allowed all eligible Central Govt. employees to avail LTC to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands instead of their Home Town in their entitled mode and class of travel for a period of six months w.e.f. 25.5.2005 in relaxation of Rule 8 of CCS (LTC) Rules, 1988. It has also been decided in relaxation of Rule 12 of the said Rules to allow all Groups A and B Govt. servants to avail this facility by air, economy (Y) class, on National Carrier only from Kolkata or Chennai to Port Blair and back and allow air fare reimbursement accordingly. A copy of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training OM No. 31011/3/2005-Estt.(A) dated 25^th May, 2005 is enclosed.

2.         The CCS (LTC) Rules, 1988 are followed in the Corporation for availing Home Town / All India LTC for its employees. Therefore, it has been decided with the approval of competent authority to follow the aforesaid Govt. instructions. Accordingly all the employees of the Corporation are permitted to avail LTC to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands instead of their Home Town in their entitled mode and class of travel and all Cat.I and II employees of the Corporation are permitted to travel by air, economy (Y) class, on National Carrier only from Kolkata or Chennai to Port Blair and back and will be allowed reimbursement of air fare.

3.         These orders will remain in force upto 24.11.2005 from the date of issue of this circular i.e. 25.07.2005.

(M.L. NAGPAL)

GENERAL MANGER (P&IR)

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5

FOOD CORPORATION OF INDIA

New Delhi , the 9^th December, 2004,

            No.EP-7(1)/2004.—In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 45 of Food Corporation Act, 1964 (37 of 1964) and with the previous sanction of Govt. of India, the Food Corporation of India hereby makes the following Regulations to further amend the Food Corporation of India(Staff) Regulations, 1971 namely:-

1.         (i)         These Regulations shall be called the FCI(Staff) (1^st Amendment)                                              Regulation, 2004.

(ii)                These shall come into force from the date of Notification.

2.         The following amendments shall be made to the Food Corporation of India (Staff Regulations, 1971 (Part.I- Special posts of Appendix-I):--

Substitute in Column-4- Mode of Recruitment—

(a)                Words “Board” or “Board of Directors” with the word “Chairman” for the post at Sl. No.1, 1A, 5 and 8.

(b)               Sentence “Mode of recruitment to be determined on each occasion as vacancy in the post arises” with “Mode of recruitment to be determined by the Chairman on each occasion as and when vacancy in the post arises” for the Posts at Sl. NO. 2,3,4,6,7,9,11 and 12.

(c)                Sentence “Mode of recruitment to be decided at the time fo appointment” and “To be decided at the time of each appointment” with “Mode of recruitment to be decided by the Chairman on each occasion as and when the vacancy in the post arises” for the posts at Sl. No. 10 and 13 respectively.

R.C. BHASKER, Secy.

(ADVT.III/IV/108/2004-Exty.)

NB:- The Principal Regulations were published in the Gazette of India vide Notification dated-8.5.1971 and subsequently have been amended being lastly vide:-

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6

New Delhi , the 20^th May, 2005

            No.EP-32(4)/2004—In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 45 of Food Corporations Act, 1964 (37 of 1964) and with the previous sanction of Government of India, the  Food Corporation of India hereby makes the following Regulations to further amend the Food Corporation of India(Staff) Regulations, 1971 namely:-

1.         (i)       These Regulations shall be called the Food Corporation of India (Staff)

                        (2^nd Amendment) Regulations, 2005.

(ii)                These shall come into force from the date of Notification.

2.         (i)         The following existing posts appearing in Appendix-I of the Food                                              Corporation of India (Staff) Regulations, 1971 shall be re-designated as under:-

(ii)                The above posts wherever appearing in the Food Corporation of India (Staff) Regulations, 1971 shall be read accordingly.

R.C. BHASKER,Secy.

(ADVT/III/IV/108/2005/Exty.)

NB:- The Principal Regulations were published in the Gazette of India vide Notification             dated-8-5-71 and subsequently have been amended being lastly vide:-

*****

7

(CIRCULAR NO. 24-2005-13)

SUB :   Reconstitution of Complaints Committee to redress sexual harassment of women at work places.                                                          

            A Complaints Committee had been set up in accordance with the decision of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on redressal of sexual harassment of women at work places, vide Cir.No.EP.33(1)/97-Vol.II dated 23.10.2003.

2.         The said Committee is reconstituted as under with immediate effect.

            1.         Smt.Saroj Malik,  DGM (Computer)                -           Chairperson

            2.         Smt.C.K. Bareja, AGM (E.II)                          -           Member

            3.         Smt.Janaki Rajaram, NGO Representative        -           Member

                        (All India women’s Conference)

                        Sarojini House, 6 Bhagwan Das Road ,

                        New Delhi .

            4.         Sh.H.C.Shandilya, AGM (Vig.)                        -           Member

            5.         Shri L.D. Pahuja, AGM.(EP)                            -           Member Secretary

3.         The Complaints Committee will look into the complaints/grievances relating to sexual harassment received from female employees working in Hqrs.  The Committee would ensure time bound action on complaints for redressal of the grievances made by the victim women employees.

4.         The report of the said committee will be treated as preliminary inquiry report and will be binding on the Disciplinary Authority to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the employee concerned under the provision of FCI (Staff) Regulations, 1971.

5.         The Member Secretary of the Complaints Committee shall be responsible for keeping records of the complaints received and their disposal.  The Committee shall render annual report on all such reports as called for from time to time in respect of complaints received and action taken thereon by the Committee.

(MAHBOOB ALI)

GENERAL MANAGER (P&IR)     

*****

8

(CIRCULAR NO. EP.25-2005-12)

            SUBJECT:-      Amendment to FCI(Staff) Regulations, 1971 for re-designating

                                    The Category-I posts in the Food Corporation of India .

                                                            ------------------------------  

            The following existing Category-I posts have been re-designated as under:-

2.         It may be reiterated here that there is no change in designation of Senior Regional Manager and District Manager.

3.         The requisite amendments to FCI(Staff) Regulations, 1971 have been carried out in the Gazette of India vide Notification No. 93 dated-20.5.2005. A copy of above Notification is sent herewith for your information and necessary action.

(MAHBOOB ALI)

MANAGER(P&IR)

*****

9

Government of India

Ministry of personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

(Department of Personnel & Training)

New Delhi , the 25^th May, 2005

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

            SUBJECT:-      CCS(LTC) Rules, 1988- Visit to Andaman & Nicobar Islands

                                    Instead of Home Town LTC and travel by air from Kolkata or

                                    Chennai to Port Blair and back- relaxation thereof.                                                      

            The undersigned is directed to say that in relaxation of rule 8 of the CCS(LTC) Rules, 1988, the Government have now decided to allow all eligible Central Government employees to avail LTC to visit Andaman 7 Nicobar Islands instead of their home town in their entitled mode and class of travel. It has also been decided in relaxation of rule 12 of the said rules to permit all Group A and B Government servants to avail this facility by air economy(Y) class on national carrier only from Kolkata or Chennai to Port Blair and back and allow air fare reimbursement accordingly.

2.         These orders shall be in operation for a period of six months from the date of issue.

3.         In their application to the staff serving in the Indian Audit & Accounts Department, these orders issue after consultation with the Comptroller & Auditor General of India .

(V.A. Pillai)

Under Secretary to the Govt. of India .

*****

10

(CIRCULAR NO. EP-01-2005-14)

            SUBJECT:-      Amendments in FCI(Staff) Regulations, 1971 clause 4 of 

                                    Special Posts authorizing Chairman to decide mode of

                                    recruitment.

                                                            -------------------------------  

            Please find enclosed a copy of Notification No. 91 datad-8.12.2004 published in the Gazette of India- Extraordinary part-III- Section 4 regarding amendments in part-I Special Posts of Appendix-I of the Food Corporation of India (Staff) Regulations, 1971, for information.

(VED PRAKASH)

ASSTT. MANAGER(EP)

FOR GENERAL MANAGER(P&IR)

*****

11

*****

12

(CIRCULAR NO. EP.13-2005-09)

            SUBJECT:-      Reimbursement of lodging charges for Executives while

                                    on tour- Revision of.

                                                            ---------           ------------------- 

            Attention is invited to headquarters Circular No. 28 of 1998 dated-13^th July, 1998 (issued from File No. EP.19(1)/94-Vol.IV) revising the lodging charges taking into account the rates prevalent then in various hotels including ITDC hotels.

2.         Headquarters has been receiving representations from officers’ Association, Regional heads, etc. stating inter alia that because of frequent revision of hotel tariffs, they were finding it difficult to arrange accommodation for the visiting officers at prevalent rates. Even where the field offices had made arrangements with hotels for accommodation at concessional rates as a package, the hotels were reluctant to continue the arrangement and were demanding higher rates.

3.         The matter has been receiving our attention particularly in view of the fact that there has been no revision of the rates for the last seven years, though prior to 1998 the rates were being revised almost on a yearly basis. Accordingly, an attempt has been made to rationalize the hotel tariff for executives on tour, taking into account the prevalent tariff being charged by hotels both in the Govt. and in the private sector.

4.         While revising the rates, care has been taken to ensure that as far as possible the new tariff should match the market prices being charged for packages which hotel chains offer thought even this increase has been restricted to approximately 25% over the 1998 rates (a period of seven years), whereas the average revision of hotel tariffs has been much above this.

5.         It has now been decided, with the approval of the competent authority, that the reimbursement of lodging charges for hotel room while on tour in respect of Chairman/MD would continue to be  regulated on the basis of actual expenditure incurred by them. Reimbursement of lodging charges for hotel room in respect of other Executives shall be as follows:-

6.         State/Expenditure/Luxury Taxes etc., if paid, by the Executives, shall continue to be paid, in addition to revised room rent on tour, as mentioned above

7.         Service charges, if any, charged by Hotels are also reimbursable so long as the same are within the entitlement of the room rent of the officer concerned.

8.         The other terms and conditions issued from time to time shall remain unchanged.

9.         These instructions shall come into force from the date of issue of this circular.

(M.L. NAGPAL)

JOINT MANAGER(EP)

*****

13

(CIRCULAR NO. EP – 25- 2005 -11 )

            Subject:- Making the Internal Audit more useful to the Management –                              -regard

1.         The Board of Directors in their 271^st meeting held on 18.11.1999 discussed, in detail, the functioning of Internal Audit so as to make it as an aid to the Management. Pursuant to the Board’s decision, the functioning of Internal Audit was reviewed and necessary instructions were issued vide Cir.No. 51/99 dtd.31.12.99 (issued from file No.EP-4(2)/86-Vol.II), inter-alia, relating to:-

            i)          Placing of Internal Audit team under the control of line Executives;

            ii)         Procedure and disposal of Audit observations;

            iii)         Specifying Competent Authorities for dropping Audit Paras;

            iv)        Setting up of audit Committees in all offices; and

            v)         Monitoring of Audit Paras.

2.         The CAG, while reviewing the set-up of Internal Audit of   Corporation, observed that the administrative changes made in IA & PV Division of FCI had affected independence of the auditors. Therefore, the functioning of Internal Audit has been reviewed once again with specific reference to 1(i) above.

3.         In partial modification of the existing instructions contained in Para 4.1 of said circular, it has been decided with the approval of Competent Authority that henceforth the  authorities for taking decision on the audit observations, for dropping or otherwise, irrespective of money value  involved, will be as under :

4.         With the above modification, the Internal Audit will carry out the audit of District Offices /  Regional Offices / Zonal Offices / Hqrs. annually and will submit its report to the next higher authority, as indicated in Para 3 above. The concerned authorities will henceforth responsible for settlement of audit Paras. The above authorities will also ensure speedy action on settlement of audit Paras.

5.         This will come into force with immediate effect.

(M. L. NAGPAL )

MANAGER ( P & IR )

*****

14

(CIRCULAR No.EP-24 -2005-20)

            Subject: - Amendment to Regulation 31 and 66 of FCI (Staff)Regulations, 1971.

1.         Please find enclosed a copy of Notification No.92 dtd.15^th April,2005 published in the Gazette of India – Extra -ordinary Part-III, Section 4 regarding amendments to Regulations 31 and 66(5) ( C ) of FCI (Staff) Regulations,1971 wherein following new Regulations have been inserted:-

            a)         Regulation 31-A-“Promptness and Courtesy”.

            b)         Regulation 31-B- “Observance of Govt.’s Polices relating to age of  marriage and prevention of Crime against women”.

            c)         Regulation 31-C – “Prohibition of sexual harassment of working women”

            d)         Regulation 66(5) (C) – “suspension”.

2.         A copy of Corrigendum dated 28.4.2005 published in the Gazette of India  rectifying the printing error “time” as “him” in the newly inserted Regulation 31-A- “Promptness and Courtesy” is also enclosed.

3.         The above amendments may please be brought to the notice of all concerned.

(M. L. NAGPAL)

GENERAL MANAGER (P & IR)

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15

New Delhi , the 2^nd June, 2005.

            No.EP.36(1)/2004.--- In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 45 of the Food Corporations Act, 1964 (37 of 1964) and with the previous sanction of the Central Government, the Food Corporation of India hereby makes the following Regulations to further amend the Food Corporation of India(Staff) Regulations, 1971 namely:-

(i)                  These Regulations may be called the Food Corporation of India (Staff) (3^rd Amendment) Regulations, 2005.

(ii)                They shall come into force from the date of notification in the official Gazette.

2.         The existing Regulations 48(ii),(iii),(iv) and (v)(a) of Food Corporation of India (Staff) Regulations, 1971 shall be amended as under:-

            Regulation 48(ii).

            Substitute the figure “Rs.2,000/-“ appearing in the Note below Regulation 48(ii) with the figure “Rs.10,000/-“

            Regulation 48(iii) and (iv)

            Substitute the Regulations 48(iii) and (iv) with the following:-

            “(iii) No employee shall, except with the previous knowledge of the competent   authority, acquire or dispose of any immovable property by lease, mortgage, purchase, sale, gift or otherwise either in his own name or in the name of any member of his family.

                        Provided that the previous sanction of the competent authority shall be   obtained by the employee if any such transaction is with a person having official dealings with him.

            “(iv) Every employee shall report to the competent authority every transaction    concerning movable property owned or held by him either in his own name or in         the name of a member of his family, within one month from the date of such             transaction, if the value of such property exceeds Rs.20,000/- in case of an        employee holding any Category-I or Category-II post, or Rs.15,000/- in the case       of an employee holding any Category-III or Category-IV post.

            Provided that the previous sanction of the competent authority shall be obtained, if any such transaction is with a person having official dealings with him.”

            Regulation 48(v)(a).

            Substitute the figure”Rs.2,000/-“ appearing in Sub-Regulation(V)(a) with the     figure”Rs.10,000/-.”

R.C. BHASKER, Secy.

(ADVT./III/IV/108/2005-Exty.)

Note:-- The Principal Regulations were published in the Gazette of India vide Notification dated 8-5-71 and subsequently have been amended being lastly vide:-

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16

(CIRCULAR NO. EP -01 – 2005 - 16)

            Subject: - Recruitment to Cat.IV posts in the Corporation instructions-----Reg.

1.         Reference is invited to Circular No.2/1979 dated 4.1.1979 (issued from file No.4-17/78-EP) regarding recruitment of Cat. IV posts.

2.         The existing instructions, as contained in Circular under reference, have been reviewed in the context of present organizational requirement and it has now been decided with the approval of competent authority that suitability of candidates and their educational qualifications should get due weightage  in the selection.

(MAHABOOB ALI )

GENERAL MANAGER (P & IR )

 *****

17

(CIRCULAR NO.EP- 06-2005-25)

Subject:-Grant of Advance increments with cumulative or without

    cumulative effect under    incentive   Scheme

    clarification…..regarding.

1.         Please refer to DO letter No.EP-47(1)/92-Vol.II dated 26.5.2004 and dated 15.9.2004 regarding decentralization of incentive scheme to the employees.

2.         The field offices have pointed out some difficulties in regulating the advance increment(s) with or without cumulative effect, sanctioned to the employees, under the existing incentive scheme. The points of doubts and other related issues have been examined in consultation with associate Finance and the same are clarified as under:-

3.         All the authorities are requested to take action accordingly.

                                                                                                                (M.L. NAGPAL)

*****

18

(CIRCULAR NO. EP-25-2005-27 )

            SUBJECT: - Implementation of Right to Information Act, 2005.

            Attention is invited to Circular No.-EP-25-2005-23 dated-18.8.2005 designating CAPIOs, CPIOs and Appellate Authorities under Right to Information Act, 2005 and Circular No. EP-25-2005-26 Dated-5.9.2005 regarding guidelines to be observed by the CAPIOs, CPIOs and Appellate Authorities.

2.         As per Section 7(1) of the said Act, it is obligatory to furnish the information to the requestor within 30 days (within 48 hours if the information sought for concerns life or liberty of a person) on receipt of the requests under the said Act. A severe  penalty of Rs.250/- each day  subject to maximum of Rs.25,000/- can be imposed upon CPIO for  (i) any delay in disposing of applications, (ii) refusing to receive applications, (iii) giving in-correct or in-complete information knowingly or with mala-fide intention, (iv) denial of any information, and (v) obstructing in any manner in furnishing of information. Further, where CPIO is found to be persistently not discharging his duties under the Act, it would entail disciplinary proceedings under the service rules applicable to him.

3.         Therefore, in order to avoid delay in furnishing of information under RTI Act, 2005, it has been decided with the approval of Competent Authority that:-

(a)       The ZMs/SRMs may designate as many CAPIOs, CPIOs as deemed necessary for the offices under their jurisdiction, for effectively implementing the said Act and publish the particulars of all such designated Officers latest by 15^th September, 2005 positively.

(b)        The following further Officers at Hqrs. level have been designated as CAPIOs, CPIOs and Appellate Authorities for each Division/Office:-

            The PE Division of Hqrs. will ensure that the particulars of above designated Officers are published latest by 15.9.2005 positively and placed on the FCI Web-site and are updated on a regular basis.

(c)        A cell namely “RTI Cell” will be created in each office of the Corporation to deal with RTI maters. The required staff will be provided to these Cells from within the existing manpower. No request/proposal for creation of additional posts for the purpose of newly created RTI Cell will be entertained.

(d)        Necessary arrangements, preferably at Reception Counter, will be made in each office of the Corporation to receive applications along-with prescribed fees under RTI Act. At least one officer will be nominated to receive such applications along-with prescribed fees from the public. The nominated Officer will ensure that the applications, so received, are handed over on the same day itself to the concerned CAPIO/CPIO. He will also maintain proper record for this purpose.

(e)           As far as Head Office is concerned, the RTI Cell would work under HQrs Division and GM (HQ) will make necessary arrangements keeping records of the applications received, fees received etc, as per provisions of the Act.

4.       As per Section-4 of RTI Act-2005, 17 manuals are required to be published by each public authority. A list of 17 manuals is given as under:-

            As far as HQrs Office is concerned, the Computer Division in Hqrs. will be responsible for getting the information from the concerned Divisions of Hqrs. and placing the same on FCI Website. The ZMs/SRMs will similarly make arrangements for getting these manuals published for their Zonal/Regional/District Offices.

5.         As Right to Information Act, 2005 will come into force w.e.f. 15.10.2005, the necessary arrangements/required actions must be completed latest by 30^th September, 2005 positively. A confirmation to this effect shall be sent to HQrs.

6.         It is to reiterate that under the relevant provisions of said Act, it is the responsibility of each and every official to take this task seriously and be well prepared in advance for the implementation of said Act.

(M.L. NAGPAL)

GENERAL. MANAGER (P&IR)

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19

(CIRCULAR NO. EP-12- 2005-24   )

            Subject: - Reimbursement of Medical claims in respect of treatment taken by the employees from Private Doctors – Delegation of powers…reg.

1.         Reference is invited to this office circular No.EP-12-2003-25 dated 19.11.2003 on the above subject matter.

2.         The existing delegation of powers for passing  medical re-imbursement claims in respect of employees for the treatment taken from Private Hospitals/Doctors have been reviewed further and it has been decided to revise the same.  In modification of existing delegation of powers, henceforth, the following authorities will be competent to pass the medical claims of the employees for the treatment taken from the Private Hospitals/Doctors.

(a)  For the employees working in District Office.

(b) For the employees working in Regional Office/JM ( PO ).

(c)For employees working in Zonal Office.

(d) For employees working in Headquarters.