PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA 38

DEPARTMENT RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES, LAW AND JUSTICE

THIRTY EIGHTH REPORT

ON

DEMANDS FOR GRANTS (2010-11) OF THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

______

(PRESENTED TO THE RAJYA SABHA ON 29th APRIL, 2010) (LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA ON 29th APRIL, 2010)

RAJYA SABHA SECRETARIAT NEW DELHI APRIL, 2010 / VAISAKHA 1932 (SAKA)

1 CS (P & L) - ……

PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA

DEPARTMENT RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE

ON

PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES, LAW AND JUSTICE

THIRTY EIGHTH REPORT

ON

DEMANDS FOR GRANTS (2010-11) OF THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

(PRESENTED TO THE RAJYA SABHA ON 29th APRIL, 2010) (LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA ON 29th APRIL, 2010)

RAJYA SABHA SECRETARIAT NEW DELHI APRIL, 2010/ VAISAKHA 1932 (SAKA)

2

C O N T E N T S

PAGES

1. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE (i)

2. INTRODUCTION (ii) - (iii)

3. REPORT 1-72

CHAPTER – I OVERVIEW OF THE MINISTRY

CHAPTER—II OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF THE DEMANDS FOR GRANTS OF THE MINISTRY

CHAPTER –III MAJOR INITIATIVES, POLICIES AND SCHEMES OF THE MINISTRY

• DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING (i) UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (ii) CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (iii) CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL (iv) STAFF SELECTION COMMISSION (v) LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI NATIONAL ACADEMY OF ADMINISTRATION (vi) KENDRIYA BHANDAR (vii) CENTRAL VIGILANCE COMMISSION (viii) CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION

• DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS AND PUBLIC GRIEVANCES

• DEPARTMENT OF PENSION AND PENSIONERS' WELFARE

* 4. RELEVANT MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE

* To be appended at printing stage. 3 COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE

1. Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan  Chairperson RAJYA SABHA 2. Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi 3. Shri Shantaram Laxman Naik 4. Shri Balavant alias Bal Apte 5. Shri Parshottam Khodabhai Rupala 6. Shri Virendra Bhatia 7. Shri Tiruchi Siva 8. Sardar Tarlochan Singh 9. Shri Parimal Nathwani 10. Shri H.K. Dua

LOK SABHA 11. Shri Bhajan Lal 12. Shri N.S.V. Chitthan 13. Smt. Deepa Dasmunsi 14. Smt. Jyoti Dhurve 15. Shri D.B. Chandre Gowda 16. Dr. Monazir Hassan 17. Shri Syed Shahnawaz Hussain 18. Smt. Chandresh Kumari 19. Shri Lalu Prasad 20. Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena 21. Kumari Meenakshi Natrajan 22. Shri Devji M. Patel 23. Shri Harin Pathak 24. Shri S. Semmalai 25. Shri Shailendra Kumar 26. Shri Vijay Bahadur Singh 27. Dr. (Smt.) Prabha Kishor Taviad 28. Shri Manish Tewari 29. Shri R. Thamaraiselvan 30. Adv. P.T. Thomas (Idukki) 31. Vacant SECRETARIAT Shri Shamsher Singh, Joint Secretary Shri K.P. Singh, Director Shri K.N. Earendra Kumar, Joint Director Smt Niangkhannem Guite, Assistant Director Smt. Catherine John L., Committee Officer

(i)

4 INTRODUCTION

I, the Chairperson of the Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice, having been authorised by the Committee to submit the Report on its behalf, do hereby present this Thirty Eighth Report on Demands for Grants (2010-11) pertaining to the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.

2. The Committee heard the views of the Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training; Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances and Department of Pensions & Pensioners' Welfare; Secretary, Union Public Service Commission; Director, Central Bureau of Investigation; Chairman, Staff Selection Commission; Additional Secretary, Central Vigilance Commission, Managing Director, Kendriya Bhandar and Director, Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in its sitting held on 30th March, 2010.

3. The Committee, while making its observations/recommendations, has mainly relied upon the following: - (i) Presentations made by the representatives of the Ministry; (ii) Detailed Demands for Grants of the Ministry for the year 2010-11; (iii) Detailed Demands for Grants of the Union Public Service Commission for the year 2010-11; (iv) Explanatory Notes on the Demands for Grants (2010-11) received from the Ministry; (v) Annual Report of the Ministry for the year 2009-10; (vi) Annual Report of the Union Public Service Commission for the year 2008-09; (vii) Annual Report of the Central Vigilance Commission for the year 2008; (viii) Annual Report of CBI for the year 2009; (ix) Annual Report of Staff Selection Commission for the year 2008; (x) Annual Report of Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie for the year 2008-09; (xi) Annual Report of Kendriya Bhandar for the year 2008-09; (xii) Annual Report of Indian Institute of Public Administration for the year 2008-09; (xiii) Annual Report of Central Information Commission for the year 2006-07; (xiv) Written Explanatory Notes on the Demands for Grants (2010-11) submitted by the Departments and attached organizations/offices of the Ministry; (xv) Action Taken Notes on the recommendations of Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice contained in its Thirty First Report on Demands for Grants (2008-09) of the Ministry; (xvi) Written replies furnished by the Ministry on the Questionnaire prepared by the Secretariat; and (xvii) Written clarification furnished by the Ministry to the points/issues raised by Members in the meeting of the Committee.

(ii) 5 4. The Committee thanks the Secretaries in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and the officers of the organizations for deposing before the Committee and also for making available the papers for its consideration.

5. The Committee considered and adopted the Report at its meeting held on 27th April, 2010.

6. For the facility of reference and convenience, the observations and recommendations of the Committee have been printed in bold letters in the body of the Report.

NEW DELHI; JAYANTHI NATARAJAN 27th April, 2010. Chairperson, Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice

(iii)

6 R E P O R T

CHAPTER I

OVERVIEW OF THE MINISTRY

1.0. The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions is the coordinating agency of the Central Government in all personnel matters, especially in respect of issues concerning recruitment, training, career development, staff welfare and the post retirement dispensation. The Ministry also works towards promotion of responsive, people-oriented and modern administration.

1.1. This Ministry is under the over all charge of the Prime Minister, assisted by a Minister of State and two Secretaries, who are assisted by three Additional Secretaries, five Joint Secretaries and other supporting officers and staff.

1.2. The Ministry comprises following three Departments:

(i) Department of Personnel and Training;

(ii) Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances; and

(iii) Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare.

7 DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING

2.0. The role of the Department of Personnel and Training can be conceptually divided into two parts. In its larger nodal role, it acts as the formulator of policies and the watchdog of the Government to ensure that certain accepted standards and norms pertaining to recruitment, regulation of service conditions and deputation of personnel as well as other related issues, as laid down by it, are followed by all ministries / departments. Towards this end, guidelines have been issued by it for the benefit of all ministries/departments. The implementation of these guidelines is also monitored by the Department.

2.1. The Department advises all organisations of the Government of India on issues of Personnel Management. The Department has the direct responsibility of being the cadre controlling authority for the Indian Administrative Service(IAS) and the Central Secretariat Service (CSS), Central Secretariat Stenographer Service (CSSS) and Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS). It also operates the Central Staffing Scheme under which suitable officers from All India Services and Group ‘A’ Central Services are selected and then placed in posts at the levels of Deputy Secretary/ Director and Joint Secretary, on the basis of tenure deputation. The Department also deals with cases of appointment to the posts of Chairman, Managing Director, full time functional Directors /Members of the Boards of

8 Management of various Public Sector Undertakings/Enterprises, Corporations, Banks and Financial Institutions. It also looks into the assignment of Indian experts to various developing countries.

2.2. This Department is headed by Secretary (Personnel) and has six divisions namely:-

(i) Establishment Officer; (ii) Services and Vigilance; (iii) Establishment; (iv) Administrative Tribunal and Administration; (v) Training; and (vi) Central Services. 2.3. The Department also has under its administrative control four attached offices, namely:

(i) Staff Selection Commission (SSC) : Set up by a Resolution of the Government and is entrusted with conducting of examinations for recruitment of non- Gazetted staff in Group ‘B’ and ‘C’ categories in Central Ministries/Departments etc.;

(ii) Institute of Secretariat Training and Management (ISTM): Provides induction as well as in - service training to members of the Central Secretariat Service;

9 (iii) Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration(LBSNAA),Mussoorie: Responsible for providing induction training to the recruits of the Indian Administrative Service, other All India Services and Central Services and professional as well as in-service training to the officers of the IAS; and

(iv) Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) : Deals with investigation and prosecution in corruption cases against public servants, private persons, firms and other cases of serious crimes.

2.4. The other offices under the administrative control of the Ministry are:

(i) Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) - a constitutional body responsible for conducting examination for appointment to the higher civil services and civil posts under the Union Government including recruitment to the All India Services. UPSC is created under Article 315 of the Constitution of India. The Commission’s charter of duties is given in Articles 320 and 321 of the Constitution. In brief, it is the duty of the Commission to conduct examinations for appointments to services of the Union and to advise 10 Central Government on all matters relating to framing of recruitment rules, method of recruitment and the principles to be followed in making promotions and transfers from one service to another. There is a provision for consulting the Committee on matters relating to methods of recruitment, principles to be followed in making promotions and transfers from one service to another and on disciplinary matters. Article 322 of the Constitution envisages, inter-alia, that the expenses of the UPSC including salaries, allowances and pensions payable to members and staff of the Commission shall be ‘charged’ on the Consolidated Fund of India ;

(ii) Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)- a statutory body empowered to inquire or cause an inquiry or investigation on a reference made by the Central Government. It is also empowered to exercise superintendence over the vigilance administration of the various Central Government Ministries, Departments and organizations;

(iii) Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) - a statutory quasi-judicial body set up to look into the grievances exclusively of public servants so as to avoid delay in redressal of their grievances;

11 (iv) Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) - a body set up by a resolution of the Central Government with the objective of evolving a sound managerial policy for the Central Public Sector Enterprises. It is entrusted with the responsibility of making recommendations for appointments to the full-time Board level posts of Chief Executives and functional Directors and part-time Chairman in Central Public Undertakings; and

(v) Central Information Commission (CIC) - a statutory body set up as per provision in the Right to Information Act, 2005 responsible for the implementation of the Act by exercising powers conferred to it under Section 18 of the Act.

2.5. The Department of Personnel & Training is the nodal agency for four registered societies set up for the welfare of Government employees and their families. These societies are:-

(i) The Central Civil Services Cultural and Sports Board - an autonomous body set up with the purpose of promoting cultural and sports activities among Government servants;

12 (ii) Grih Kalyan Kendra - an autonomous body set up with the objective of taking up various activities for welfare of Central Government employees and their dependants;

(iii) Kendriya Bhandar - a welfare project of the Government of India set up in 1963 for the benefit of Central Government employees, their families and other customers; and

(iv) Civil Services Officers Institute - set up with the objective to provide prompt welfare of the officers of the Civil Services and to bring them together in order to secure complete integration of the services and to build a corps of officers imbibed with the spirit of co-operation in all aspects of Civil Services.

Senior Appointments under the Government of India

2.6. All proposals for senior appointments under the Government of India, which require the approval of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) under the Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961, are processed through the Establishment Officer as Secretary of the ACC. These include board level appointments to Central Public Sector Undertakings and appointments of Joint Secretaries, Directors and Deputy Secretaries in the ministries / departments.

13 In addition, all appointments by promotion, which require the approval of the ACC are also processed through the Establishment Officer.

Public Enterprises Selection Board

2.7. The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) is entrusted with the responsibility of making recommendations for appointments to the full-time Board level posts of Chief Executives and functional Directors and part-time Chairman in Central Public Undertaking.

Joint Consultative Machinery

2.8. A well structured three-tier machinery is in place for joint consultation between the Central Government and its employees for promoting harmonious relations and securing the greatest measure of cooperation between the Central Government and the general body of employees in matters of common concern.

2.8.1. The objective is to increase the efficiency of public services along with the well-being of the employees. The three tiers are :

(i) National Council- at the apex level, functioning under the Department of Personnel and Training; (ii) Department Councils- functioning at Ministries’/ Departments’ level; and

14 (ii) Office Councils- functioning at offices/ organisations under various Ministries/ Departments. Central Administrative Tribunal

2.9. In spite of the elaborate system of rules and regulations which govern personnel management, there are employees who feel aggrieved by the Government decisions. In order to provide speedy and inexpensive justice to them, the Government set up the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in 1985, which now deals with all cases relating to service matters, which were previously dealt with by Courts up to and including the High Courts. There are 17 regular Benches of the CAT functioning in various parts of the country, including its Principal Bench in Delhi.

Staff Welfare

2.10. Realising that improvement in the working and living conditions of the employees and their families leads to efficiency and high morale, the Department supports various employee welfare measures in Delhi and other cities. The Department of Personnel and Training is the nodal agency for four registered societies set up for the welfare of the Government employees and their families. These societies are the Central Civil Services Cultural and Sports Board, Grih Kalyan Kendra, Kendriya Bhandar and Civil Services Officers Institute (CSOI). These are located in Delhi. In addition,

15 department lays down policies for departmental canteen and supports Resident Welfare Association.

Administrative Vigilance 2.11. The Administrative Vigilance Division of the Department of Personnel and Training is the nodal agency responsible for formulation and implementation of policies in the field of vigilance and anti-corruption. Its main task is to oversee the Government’s programme of maintenance of discipline and eradication of corruption from the public service. The Division lays down policies in the field of anti-corruption and co- ordinates the efforts of various Ministries/Departments through the Anti-corruption Action Plan.

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS AND PUBLIC GRIEVANCES

3.0. The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances is the nodal agency of the Government of India for administrative reforms as well as for redressal of public grievances relating to the states in general and those pertaining to Central Government agencies in particular. The Department endeavours to document and disseminate successful good governance practices by way of audio-visual media and publications. The Department also undertakes activities in the

16 field of international exchange and cooperation to promote public service reforms.

3.1. The mission of the Department is to act as a facilitator, in consultation with Central Ministries/ Departments, states/ union territory administrations, organisations and individuals, to improve Government functioning through process reengineering, organization and methods and grievance handling, and by promoting modernization, Citizen’s Charters, award schemes, e-governance and best practices in governance.

3.2. The Department is headed by Secretary (AR&PG) and has eight divisions namely:-

(i) Administrative Reforms; (ii) Public Grievances; (iii) e-Governance; (iv) International Exchange and Cooperation; (v) Documentation and Dissemination; (vi) Administration and Coordination; (vii) Organisation and Methods; and (viii) ARC Division.

DEPARTMENT OF PENSION AND PENSIONERS’ WELFARE

4.0. The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare was set up in 1985 as a part of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions to cater to the Central Civil 17 Pensioners. It is the nodal agency of the Government of India for formulation of general policy on pension and other retirement related benefits, as also the redressal of grievances relating to pension and retirement benefits.

4.1. The Department has taken a number of steps over the years for streamlining the pension administration system for greater convenience and welfare of the pensioners. A new initiative called the Pensioners’ Portal, a Mission Mode Project on Pension under the National e-Governance Plan, has been launched recently with the primary objective of redressal of Pensioner’s grievances besides providing them information and guidance concerning pension and retirement related matters.

18 CHAPTER II

OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF THE DEMANDS FOR GRANTS OF THE MINISTRY

5.0. The Demands for Grants (2010-11) of the Ministry has been presented to Parliament under the following Demand numbers:-

Demand No. 71 : Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions - 706.36 crore.

Demand No. 78 : Union Public Service Commission - 116.67 crore.

5.1. The Plan and Non-Plan, Revenue and Capital and Charged and Voted break-up of the total budgetary projections of the Ministry for the year 2010-11 are as given in the following table:- Budget Estimate (2010-11) at a Glance

(Rs. in crore)

Demand No. Total Plan Non- Revenue Capital Charged Voted Plan 71- Ministry of 706.36 250.00 456.36 575.85 130.51 23.08 683.28 Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions 78- Union 116.67 - 116.67 116.67 - 116.67 - Public Service Commission

19 5.2. The above mentioned table reflects that out of the total allocation of Rs. 706.36 crore in Demand No. 71, Rs. 23.08 crore is charged and the balance of Rs. 683.28 crore is voted. Further, out of the total allocation of Rs 706.36 crore, Rs. Rs. 456.36 crore is in the category of Non-Plan allocation and the remaining Rs. 250.00 crore is Plan allocation. Similarly, Rs. 116.67 crore as Non-Plan allocation which is charged has been allocated to UPSC.

5.3. The enhanced Non-Plan outlay of Rs.18.86 crore from Rs.437.50 crore in BE (2009-10) to Rs.456.36 crore in BE (2010-11), has been stated by the Ministry, as due to additional requirement of Rs.15.75 crore under the Grants-in-aid provision of DoPT for construction of Civil Services Officers Institute (CSOI) building, minor enhancement of Rs.2.31 crore under Salary heads so as to meet the normal increase in pay and allowances, additional requirement of Rs.60 lakhs under the charged appropriation of the Central Vigilance Commission so as to meet its inescapable requirements under Office Expenses Head and additional allocation of Rs.20 lakh under the Other Administrative Expenses head of the Departmental Canteen of DoPT with a view to provide quality food to the officials of this Ministry on a subsidized rate.

5.4. The enhanced Plan Outlay of Rs.12 crore from Rs.238 crore in BE (2009-10) to Rs.250 crore in BE (2010-11) has been

20 made for proposed enhancement of Rs.53 crore for construction of CBI HQ building, introduction of a new plan sub-scheme under the Central sponsored scheme "Propagation of RTI Act" with an allocation of Rs.5 crore, a token provision of Rs.3 crore for the proposed construction activities in the plot of land purchased in Mumbai for construction of office/ residence complex for CBI and proposed enhancement in allocation of funds for the existing schemes such as Improvement of infrastructure and upgradation of essential facilities at LBSNAA, Propagation of RTI Act, Schemes for administrative reforms, Infrastructural development of ISTM, IT enabling core CVC processes, CBI e-governance, Grant to IIPA, Domestic funding for foreign training, Training for all and Plan schemes of Central Information Commission.

DEMAND NO. 71

5.5. Break up of the allocation of Budget under Demand No.71 is as given in the table below:

(Rupees in crore)

Revenue Capital Total Voted Charged Voted Charged Plan 128.50 - 121.50 - 250.00 Non-Plan 433.27 14.08 0.01 9.00 456.36 Total 561.77 14.08 121.51 9.00 706.36

5.6. Demand No. 71 consists of budget provisions in respect of the following Departments/Offices/Organisations/Schemes: -

21 (i) Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT); (ii) Staff Selection Commission (SSC); (iii) Secretariat General Services – which includes the following Departments: - (a) Department of Personnel and Training; (b) Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances; and (c) Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare. (iv) Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)-including Interpol and Coordination Wing ; (v) Grants-in-aid to the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA); (vi) Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA); (vii) Institute of Secretariat Training and Management (ISTM); (viii) Other training schemes; (ix) Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)-(Charged); (x) Lok Pal; (xi) Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB); (xii) Central Information Commission (CIC); (xiii) Capital Outlay on Police; (xiv) Capital Outlay on Public Works; and (xv) Loans and advances to the State Governments towards payment of House Building Advances to the All India Service Officers.

22 5.7. Major Head-wise break up of Demand No. 71 is as shown in the table below:

(Rupees in crore)

Budget Revised Budget 2009-2010 2009-2010 2010-2011

Major Plan Non- Total Plan Non- Total Plan Non- Total Head Plan Plan Plan

Revenue 91.16 428.49 519.65 75.94 471.00 546.94 128.50 447.35 575.85

Capital 146.84 9.01 155.85 162.06 8.67 170.73 121.50 9.01 130.51

Total 238.00 437.50 675.50 238.00 479.67 717.67 250.00 456.36 706.36

1. Secretariat-General Services 2052 39.66 75.22 114.88 31.84 78.33 110.17 47.00* 88.99 135.99

2. Administration of Justice 2014 … 47.22 47.22 … 55.97 55.97 … 49.92 49.92

3. Staff Selection Commission 2051 … 36.84 36.84 … 35.52 35.52 … 35.08 35.08

4059 … 0.01 0.01 … 0.12 0.12 … 0.01 0.01

Total … 36.85 36.85 … 35.64 35.64 … 35.09 35.09

Police

4. Central Bureau of Investigation 2055 4.00 201.15 205.15 4.00 232.65 236.65 9.00 206.25 215.25

4055 129.84 … 129.84 145.96 … 145.96 94.00 … 94.00

Total 133.84 201.15 334.99 149.96 232.65 382.61 103.00 206.25 309.25

Other Administrative Services

5. Training 2070 43.50 45.31 88.81 36.10 41.56 77.66 66.50 43.04 109.54

4059 16.00 … 16.00 16.00 … 16.00 21.50 … 21.50

Total 59.50 45.31 104.81 52.10 41.56 93.66 88.00 43.04 131.04

6. Vigilance 2070 2.00 12.14 14.14 2.00 15.13 17.13 3.00 13.94 16.94

7. Other Expenditure 2070 2.00 10.61 12.61 2.00 11.84 13.84 3.00 10.13 13.13

23 4059 1.00 … 1.00 0.10 … 0.10 6.00 … 6.00

Total 3.00 10.61 13.61 2.10 11.84 13.94 9.00 10.13 19.13

8. Loans to States for House Building 7601 … 9.00 9.00 … 8.55 8.55 … 9.00 9.00 Advances to All India Service Officers

Grand Total 238.00 437.50 675.50 238.00 479.67 717.67 250.00 456.36 706.36

* It includes Rs. 9.94 crore External Aid

C Plan Outlay Head of Budget IEBR Total Budget IEBR Total Budget IEBR Total . Dev Support Support Support

1. Secretariat-General Services 32052 39.66 … 39.66 31.84 … 31.84 47.00 … 47.00

2. Police 32055 133.84 … 133.84 149.96 … 149.96 103.00 … 103.00

3. Other Administrative Services 32070 64.50 … 64.50 56.20 … 56.20 100.00 … 100.00

Total 238.00 … 238.00 238.00 … 238.00 250.00 … 250.00

5.8. The Department-wise Plan & Non-Plan outlays included in the Budget Estimates are as under:-

Department of Personnel and Training

5.8.1. The proposed Non-Plan outlay is for Rs.75.44 crore in BE (2010-11) as against Rs.61.43 crore in BE (2009-10). The Department has assigned the proposed enhancement of Rs.14.01 crore on account of enhancement of Rs.15.75 crore under the allocation for Grants-in-aid so as to meet the estimated requirement of Rs.26 crore on the construction of CSOI building, an allocation of Rs.20 lakh under "Other Administrative Expenses" head of the Departmental Canteen of

24 DoPT and reduced allocations under Salaries, Wages, Other Administrative Expenses based on anticipated lesser requirements.

5.8.2. The major share of the Non-Plan outlay is meant for payment of welfare grants (53.46%), salaries (37.79%) and the remaining (8.75%) for other establishment related non-salary expenses like wages, OTA, medical treatment, travel expenses, office expenses, minor works, professional services, publication, advertising & publicity etc.

5.8.3. In addition to the above, a provision of Rs.0.20 crore is allocated for meeting the likely expenditure on organization and participation in international conferences and meetings in India and abroad, Rs. 0.95 crore is allocated for Information Technology and Rs. 0.84 crore is allocated for Departmental Canteen.

5.8.4. The proposed Plan outlay of Rs.19.00 crore is for meeting the expenditure on 'Propagation of Right to Information Act'. This Centrally sponsored scheme has been designed to strengthen, capacity building and awareness generation for effective implementation of the RTI Act. This scheme also includes a component for the management support to the RTI division and training division of DoPT in the form of Knowledge Partner and National Resource Centre for RTI. It is also proposed to provide central assistance to State Government 25 for construction of office buildings for State Information Commissions for which a plan capital outlay of Rs.5 crore has been proposed.

Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances.

5.8.5. The Non-Plan outlay of Rs. 8.52 crore is proposed in BE (2010-11) as against Rs. 8.80 crore allocated in BE (2009-10). Since the salary expenditure in 2009-10 also included additional expenditure on account of release of 60% arrears of pay with effect from January 2006 due to implementation of the VI CPC recommendations, the actual requirement of funds under Salary head would be lesser to that extent in 2010-11. No additionality has also been granted under non-salary expenses by the Ministry of Finance.

5.8.6. 67.14% of the proposed allocation is meant for salaries; 18.78% for expenditure on holding of Chief Secretaries Conferences, Civil Service Day, PM's award etc. The remaining 14.08% is meant for other establishment related expenses like wages, OTA, medical treatment, travelling expenses, office expenses etc. In addition to the above, an allocation of Rs. 20 lakh is also included under the Information Technology head.

5.8.7. The Plan outlay for Scheme for Administrative Reforms is proposed to be enhanced from Rs. 24.00 crore in BE (2009-10)

26 to Rs. 27.50 crore in BE (2010-11). The components included in this scheme are - Modernization of Government Offices; Pilot project on Administrative Reforms including promotion of e-governance, fostering of Good Governance, learning from success, Sevottam, international cooperation; and Externally Aided Project under the DfID project for Capacity Building for Poverty Reduction' with an EAP outlay of Rs. 9.94 crore. The Plan scheme for 'Setting up of Administrative Reforms Commission' has since completed its term and hence no fresh outlay is proposed in BE (2010-11).

Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare

5.8.8. The proposed Non-Plan allocation is Rs. 2.79 crore in BE (2010-11) as against Rs. 2.93 crore allocated in BE (2009-10). Since the salary expenditure in 2009-10 also included additional expenditure on account of release of 60% arrears of pay with effect from January 2006 due to implementation of the VI CPC recommendations, the actual requirement of funds under salary head would be lesser to that extent in 2010-11. No additionality has also been granted under non-salary expenses by the Ministry of Finance. In addition to the above, an allocation of Rs. 5 lakh is also included under the Information Technology head.

5.8.9. Plan outlay of Rs. 0.50 crore is proposed in BE (2010-11) under the scheme 'Pensioners Portal'. The objective of this 27 scheme is to develop and maintain a Web-based Persioners' Portal, which is a mission Mode Project under NeGP. The Portal has two components viz. (a) Non-interactive component containing updated information on Pension Rules and instructions issued thereunder and database of pensioners; and (b) Interactive component for registering grievances and monitoring its redressal. This component will also have the facility of enabling retiring employees to check their pension sanction process and to bring into notice any defects or delays therein. The portal has been envisaged on a three-tier system viz., Grass root level, intermediate level, and Nodal level. A major chunk of the provision is being disbursed as Grant-in-aid to the various Pensioner's associations spread all over the country.

5.9. The Committee notes that in the detailed explanatory note furnished by the Ministry, it has been stated that for the year 2008-09, one of the reasons for savings under the ‘Plan’ head was, reduced RE allocations under the scheme ‘Propagation of RTI Act’, ‘Grants to IIPA’, ‘Setting up of National Centre for good governance’, ‘Construction of Head Office building of CIC’ and ‘Purchase of Office building for CIC’ on account of the delay in commencement of the activities under these schemes.

28 5.9.1. It has been further stated that for the year 2008-09, one of the reasons for variations in the RE and Actuals for the year, resulting in savings under the ‘Plan’ head was that funds could not be utilized fully under the Plan schemes for Administrative Reforms as the funds authorized to several Departments remained unspent.

5.9.2. It has also been stated that in 2008-09, the CBI could not fully utilize the allocated funds under the schemes ‘e- Governance’ and ‘modernization of training center’, leading to lapse of around Rs. 0.90 crore.

5.9.3. The Ministry has also stated that in 2008-09, out of the enhanced provision of Rs. 3.00 crore, ISTM could utilize only around Rs.0.92 crore, leading to a lapse of around Rs.2.08 crore.

5.9.4. The Committee notes that the Ministry has also stated that in 2008-09, one of the reasons for variation between RE and Actuals under the Non-Plan head is savings/lapse of funds under the professional services and publication heads of the SSC.

5.9.5. It has further been stated that in 2008-09, unspent surplus funds amounting to Rs.4 crore lapsed as the same was not surrendered in time.

5.9.6. It has also been stated that in 2008-09, the CIC could utilize only an amount of Rs.0.36 crore out of Rs.2.50 crore due to delay in obtaining the approval of the competent authorities

29 for some components of the scheme. The anticipated savings of Rs.1.30 crore had been surrendered and the balance lapsed.

5.9.7. In the reply furnished to the questionnaire on Demands for Grants (2010-11), the Ministry has stated that the allocation for the Scheme ‘Setting up of National Centre for Good Governance’ is reduced from the Rs.1 crore allocation in BE (2009-10) to Rs.0.50 crore in BE (2010-11) due to delay in finalization/ commencement of activities under the Scheme.

5.9.8. The Committee takes serious note of such delays. It feels that non implementation of schemes, especially the Plan schemes, on account of laches, inspite of availability of funds, points out to lack of proper planning while piloting schemes. The Committee is of the view that while framing proposals, serious and proper thought should be given to the implementation aspects also, so that the allocated funds are utilized optimally and the objectives of the Plans/Schemes/Initiatives are achieved. The Committee recommends that the causative factors of the delay should be identified and urgent steps should be taken to ensure that such delays are avoided in future.

5.10. The Committee takes note that the Ministry has further stated that in 2008-09, the consultants appointed for the study under Modeling Best Practices failed to submit quality deliverables for the assignment within the given time frame. 30 5.10.1. The Committee observes that since handsome amount of funds are allocated for engaging consultants for various studies, high degree of accountability should be fixed regarding utilization of funds and meeting the target. The Committee desires the Ministry that while selecting consultants, thorough appraisal of their credentials and accolades should be made. The Committee also desires that in case the consultants fail to deliver the desired results within the prescribed time limit, punitive action such as blacklisting should be taken.

5.11. In reply to the questionnaire, the Ministry has stated that the non-Plan funds allocated by the Ministry of Finance always remain on the lower side and further reduction of the same for a prolonged period would definitely affect the recruitment, vigilance and training activities, RTI initiatives, and welfare activities undertaken by this Ministry.

5.11.1. The Committee also notes that under the major head 4055, the proposed outlay was Rs.130 crore whereas the sanctioned outlay was Rs.94 crore, resulting in a shortfall of Rs.36 crore; and under the major head 4059, the proposed outlay was Rs.68.50 crore whereas the sanctioned outlay was Rs.27.50 crore, resulting in a shortfall of Rs.41 crore.

5.11.2. The Committee strongly feels that shortage of funds should not hamper the optimum utilization of manpower 31 and the efficient functioning of the Departments/ Organisations. The Committee desires that the Ministry of Personnel should convince the Ministry of Finance regarding its non-Plan budgetary requirements and place before them how any reduction would adversely affect its activities/initiatives/ schemes, on short-term and long-term basis.

5.11.3. The Committee takes cognizance of the submissions made by the Secretary, UPSC; Director, CBI and Director, LBSNAA and desires that more funds should be allocated on the non-Plan side, especially to meet administrative and office expenses.

5.11.4. The Committee desires the Ministry to give due consideration to such demands of Union Public Services Commission (UPSC) and Lal Bahadur Shastri National Administrative Academy (LBSNAA) at the RE stage.

DEMAND NO.78

5.12. Demand No.78 pertains to allocation for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This budgetary allocation is Charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.

5.12.1. A statement indicating the BE and RE (2009-10) and BE (2010-11) in respect of Demand No. 78 is given in the accompanying table:-

32 No. 78 (Appropriation) Union Public Service Commission (Rs. in crores)

2009-2010 2009-2010 2010-2011 Budget Revised Budget

Major Head Plan Non- Total Plan Non- Total Plan Non- Total Plan Plan Plan

REVENUE SECTION Public Service Commission 2051 … 110.91 110.91 … 128.01 128.01 … 116.67 116.67

Charged … 110.91 110.91 … 128.01 128.01 … 116.67 116.67

Voted … … … … … … … … …

Total … 110.91 110.91 … 128.01 128.01 … 116.67 116.67

Charged … 110.91 110.91 … 128.01 128.01 … 116.67 116.67

Voted … … … … … … … … … 5.12.2. The non-plan outlay of Rs. 116.67 crores is proposed in Budget Estimates (2010-11) as against Rs. 110.91 crores at BE stage (2009-10) which was enhanced to Rs. 128.01 crores at RE stage. The variations between BE and RE was due to increase in number of candidates appearing in various examinations being conducted by UPSC.

5.12.3. The Committee noted the allocations made by the Ministry to UPSC.

33 CHAPTER III

MAJOR INITIATIVES, POLICIES AND SCHEMES OF THE MINISTRY

DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING

AMENDMENT TO THE ALL INDIA SERVICES (DISCIPLINE AND APPEAL) RULES, 1969

6.1. The Ministry, in its Annual Report, has stated that with a view to ensure that an All India Service Officer is not placed under suspension on whimsical grounds and that the disciplinary proceedings against an All India Service Officer are finalized within stipulated time period, Rule 3 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969 has been amended vide notification dated September 3, 2009. It would prevent arbitrary suspension of AIS officers and ensure finalization of disciplinary proceedings in time bound manner.

6.2. The Committee appreciates this initiative of the Ministry. It hopes that this would ensure that the members of the Service are not put to undue harassment as a result of prolonged suspension and that the officers can perform their duties without fear or favour. It feels that such a step would create a healthy working environment and boost the morale of the officers. 34 IMPROVEMENT IN THE EXECUTIVE RECORD SHEETS

7.1. In the Annual Report of the Ministry, it has been stated that the ‘Executive Record’ Sheet of an IAS officer, available in the public domain, contains complete experience and training profile of the concerned officer. To make the data-base more comprehensive, a new field about publication of books, articles and research papers by the officer and award/citation received by the officer has been added to the executive record sheet. The new addition will complement the existing experience and training data in respect of officers and will fine-tune the process of selection and appointment of officers.

7.2. The Committee takes note of the initiative and hopes that this would help in broadening the knowledge horizon of the officers and motivate them to engage in literary and research activities which can prove to be stress busters also.

ONLINE VALIDATION OF APPLICATIONS FOR CENTRAL STAFFING SCHEME

8.1. According to the Annual Report of the Ministry, in the Central Staffing Scheme Software, a new application for retention of names on offer was introduced in January, 2009. This has facilitated online validation of names, including providing of cadre clearance and vigilance clearance etc. by the Cadre Authorities and the state Governments.

35 8.2. The Committee applauds such a step and hopes that this would quicken the existing process.

IMPROVEMENT IN PROCEDURE FOR FOREIGN POSTINGS

9.1. As per the Annual Report of the Ministry, to make the system of appointments of officers to posts in the Indian Missions abroad more transparent and merit based, it has been decided that for filling up of these posts, the vacancy would be circulated among all the Chief Secretaries of the States and the Cadre Controlling Authorities of the Group ‘A’ officers. Further, “qualifications required” for each of these posts have been laid down which are quantifiable in terms of the number of months of experience. It adds an element of objectivity in the selection process. These posts are now filled up according to the newly designed mandatory and desirable qualifications, and after wide circulation of the vacancy including putting it up on the Departmental website.

9.2. The Committee believes that such an initiative would ensure transparency and objectivity throughout the selection process.

SECOND CADRE RESTRUCTURING OF CSS

10.1. The Ministry, in its Annual Report, has stated that the Government had set up a Cadre Restructuring Committee on June 16, 2008 to assess the magnitude of stagnation in various

36 grades of CSS, to review the structure of the CSS along with the feeder cadre and suggest remedial measures-both short-term and long-term for career progression of CSS officers at various levels.

10.1.1. It has been further stated that the Committee submitted its Report in November, 2008. The report was analyzed and was later on considered by the Committee of Secretaries on 9.2.2010. Based on the recommendations of the Committee of Secretaries, a draft Cabinet Note in the matter is being finalized.

10.2. The Committee desires that the recommendations made by the Cadre Restructuring Committee should be implemented at the earliest. It hopes that this initiative will help in tackling stagnation prevailing in the CSS cadre, to a large extent and improve the career prospects of the CSS personnel.

EXECUTIVE RECORD SHEETS OF CSS OFFICERS

11.1. The Annual Report goes on to state that a data base of all CSS Officers on the pattern of ER Sheets maintained for IAS Officers is under process. Simultaneously, a process to fine tune the software according to the requirements of CSS is under process. An exercise is underway to prepare, maintain and continuously update the ER Sheet data for every individual CSS Officer. Till date, data of 4534 CSS Officers has been entered.

37 11.2. The Committee appreciates this initiative of the Ministry.

LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC THINKING PROGRAMME

12.1. As per the Annual Report of the Ministry, the Government of India has felt the need to institutionalize a high quality training programme on ‘Leadership and Strategic Thinking’ for officers of the rank of Joint Secretary and above, who join the Government. The Government has accordingly, constituted a Committee which has developed the programme and submitted its report. Steps are in progress to commence the first programme during this financial year.

12.2. The Committee applauds this initiative of the Ministry. It hopes that this programme would build up capabilities for the higher level positions, which in turn would foster leadership and strategic thinking at all levels of the organization.

ADMINISTRATIVE VIGILANCE

13.1. According to the Annual Report of the Ministry, the Commission has recommended the Integrity Pact concept for its adoption and implementation in respect of major procurement of the Government Organisations. The Commission will approve the names of independent External Monitors. The Commission has advised that an appropriate provision should be made in the 38 contract so that the Integrity Pact is deemed as part of the Contract in order to ensure that the parties are bound by the recommendations of the Independent External Monitors, in case any complaint relating to the contract, is found substantiated.

13.1.1. The representative of CVC, while making a presentation before the Committee on Demands for Grants (2010-11), apprised the Committee that over 40 Departments/ PSUs like SAIL, ONGC, GAIL, Coal India Limited, Ministry of Defence have implemented Integrity Pact.

13.2. The Committee appreciates this initiative. The Committee is of the view that a corruption free environment can be achieved by adopting surveillance, preventive and punitive measures. It feels that the Integrity Pact is one such measure. It hopes that this would reduce the distortionary effects of corruption in public contracts and ensure greater transparency in public procurement.

RECURITMENT RULES FORMULATION AND AMENDMENT MONITORING SYSTEM

14.1. The Ministry, in its Annual Report, has stated that the required modifications/customization in the existing computer based system for processing of online submission of Proposals of Recruitment Rules (RR) formulation of amendments or relaxation and online forwarding of observations/ views /

39 responses by DoPT and Ministries/Departments have been completed. A single login has been created for each Ministry/Department to enable them forward their respective proposals to DoPT and to manage the subsequent communication online. Similarly, the proposals from each Ministry/ Department will be handled by the respective designated officers in DoPT.

14.2. The Committee acknowledges this initiative of the Ministry.

SPECIAL RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWD)

15.1. In the Annual Report of the Ministry, it has been stated that a Special Recruitment Drive has been launched in November, 2009 to fill up the backlog reserved vacancies of persons with disabilities in various Central Ministries, Central Public Sector Undertakings and Autonomous Bodies.

15.1.1. In the reply furnished by the Ministry to the questionnaire on Demands for Grants (2010-11), it has been stated that the Department of Personnel and Training is in the process of collecting information from various Ministries/ Departments regarding progress in this regard.

15.2. The Committee emphasizes the need for Special Recruitment Drive for Persons with disabilities, since such

40 persons, inspite of good educational qualifications, due to various debelitating circumstances, continue to struggle for employment opportunities. The Committee takes note of the step taken by the Ministry to fill up the backlog reserved vacancies of persons with disabilities through Special Drive and the Committee would like to be apprised of the outcome of this Drive in the Action Taken Reply.

CADRE STRENGTH OF IAS

16.1. As per the Annual Report of the Ministry, the authorized Cadre strength of the IAS as on January 1, 2010 is 5689 and the number of officers in position is 4534.

16.1.1. The Ministry, in its reply furnished in response to the questionnaire, has stated that it has been decided that the Central Government in consultation with the State Governments should determine the vacancies for Select List 2010 by 31st March, 2010 for all 24 cadres / JT.Cadres. It has also been stated that all State Cadre Authorities have been requested to submit the proposal for determination of vacancies along with requisite incumbency statement and certificates before the meeting or may bring the proposal on the date of the meeting and that it is also proposed that a system of determination of the vacancies in SCS/Non-SCS quota for promotion to IAS by 31st March every year be institutionalized. The Ministry has further stated that out of 24 cadres, proposals from 15 Cadre Controlling Authorities

41 have been received till date and that it is expected that the Department will be able to determine the vacancies for most of the cadres by 31st March, 2010.

16.2. The Committee takes serious note of the vacancies prevailing in the IAS cadre. It recommends that proactive steps should be taken to fill up the vacancies. It hopes that the abovementioned step taken by the Department of Personnel and Training to expedite the entire process of selection and appointment into IAS would help in reducing the delay in filling up vacancies.

SPECIAL RECRUITMENT DRIVE

17.1. The Ministry, in its reply to the questionnaire, has furnished the following data regarding special recruitment drive, as on 1st November, 2008:

Sl Category Number of backlog vacancies No. of backlog vacancies filled No. identified as on 1.11.2008 DR Promotion Total DR Promotion Total 1 SCs 2207 3203 5410 488 593 1081 2 STs 2009 3681 5690 304 361 665 3 OBCs 6632 -- 6632 965 -- 965 TOTAL 10848 6884 17732 1757 937 2711

17.2.1. The Committee notes that the latest data regarding the backlog of reserved vacancies has not been furnished by the Ministry. It desires to be apprised of the latest data.

42 17.2.2. The Committee recommends that all out efforts should be made by the Ministry to fulfill this Constitutional obligation. It also recommends that time bound steps should be taken to fill up the vacancies and that capacity building steps for candidates belonging to these categories should be envisaged.

IMPLEMENTATION OF RTI ACT, 2005

18.1. In the reply furnished to the questionnaire, the Ministry has stated that the DoPT in the ‘Guide on RTI Act, 2005’ has made it clear that in view of provisions of the Act, though the application without prescribed fee cannot be treated as an application under the RTI Act, the PIO should consider such application sympathetically and try to supply information sought by way of such application.

18.2. The Committee, in its 31st Report, had strongly recommended that an application under the RTI Act should not be rejected merely on non payment of Rs.10/-. The Committee is pleased to note that the DoPT has henceforth clarified that such an application should be considered sympathetically.

18.3. The Ministry has further stated that the Department of Personnel and Training has instituted an independent study titled “Understanding the key issues and constraints in implementing

43 the RTI Act” through Pricewaterhouse Coopers Pvt. Ltd. The Report was accepted by the Ministry in June, 2009. With regard to awareness, the findings of the report were as under:-

• Only 13% of the rural population and 33% in urban population were aware of RTI Act. • Only 12% of the women and 26% of men were aware of RTI Act. • The awareness of the citizens on their rights as an appellant under RTI, is minimal.

18.3.1. It has been further stated that a new Centrally Sponsored Plan Scheme has been launched since October, 2008. Publicity under the scheme through electronic media and use of Post offices started only from July, 2009 and it is early to gauge its impact. The Department would assess its impact once these programmes have run for some time.

18.4. The Committee acknowledges this initiative. It takes note of the findings of the Report. It desires that steps should be taken to give maximum publicity about the RTI Act at the grass root level and in regional and local languages.

18.5. The Committee takes note of the reduced allocation of Rs.10.66 crore from Rs.14.16 crore in the year 2009-10 under the head ‘Propagation of Right to Information Act’. It also notes that it has been enhanced to Rs.19 crore for 2010-11.

44 18.6. The Committee is pleased to note that funds allocated under this head has been enhanced even though it was reduced at the RE stage in 2009-10. The Committee desires the Ministry to ensure that the allocated funds for 2010-11 are utilized fully, especially in the current scenario, wherein the common man has demonstrated a great deal of interest in this historic piece of legislation. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should give top priority to enlightening the public about the objective and provisions of the RTI Act.

RTI PORTAL

19.1. According to the Annual Report of the Ministry, the RTI Portal has been enriched with the addition/modification of the following modules:

• Query Module for CPIO Details. CPIO Query Module has been modified to facilitate the dissemination of the CPIO details of Public Authority along with the corresponding Appellate Authority details.

• Thanks to RTI Module. This feature allows/facilitates the public to publish and share their successful experiences related to RTI. These

45 experiences will be published only after moderation by the concerned officer.

19.2. The Committee is pleased to note that new features have been added to the RTI portal. The Committee hopes that this Portal would prove to be an user friendly mechanism for the search and access of information by citizens round the clock and that this would encourage the public to participate in the movement towards transparency in governance.

DISSEMINATION

20.1. As per the Annual Report of the Ministry, in order to ensure effective implementation of the provisions of the Act, the Government has issued instructions requiring all public authorities to update records, improve infrastructure and bring out necessary manuals as provided in the Act; designate the first appellate authorities alongwith the Public Information Officers and publish their particulars; comply with the provisions regarding suo-motu disclosure; create a central point within the public authority to receive applications for information and appeals etc. Government in the previous years, had published Guides for the Information Seekers, the Central Public Information Officers, First Appellate Authorities and the Public Authorities.

46 20.1.1. It has also been stated that a consolidated Guide for the use of all the stake-holders was released by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions in October, 2009. There is a dedicated website on RTI www.rti.gov.in, which contains valuable information including circulars, notifications and Guides on RTI, search facility for locating CPIOs and Appellate Authorities in Central Government etc. It has a linkage with other RTI related sites as well.

20.2. The Committee acknowledges the steps taken by the Ministry to improve standards of record keeping in all public authorities. The Committee appreciates the various tools employed by the Ministry to ensure that the information as mandated by the RTI Act is available in public domain, thereby fulfilling the obligation cast under the RTI Act, on all public authorities to disseminate information. e-SERVICE BOOK

21.1. The Ministry, in its Annual Report, has stated that e-Service Book has been introduced with the support of eHRAdm Project Group of NIC during the year under report to facilitate electronic maintenance of service books (based on new service book formats prescribed by DoPT) under the 100-day Programme of the Government for Central Ministries/ Departments based in Delhi.

47 21.1.1. It has also been stated that a Sensitization Meeting of identified Nodal Officers (Director/Deputy Secretary (Administration) of the Ministries/Departments for implementation of e-Service Book was held at Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on June 30 and July 1, 2009. The initialization of e-Service Books for employees has been completed for over twenty five thousand employees from 78 Ministries / Departments, whose basic employee data was made available by respective Ministries/Departments to DoPT. Two officials from each Ministry / Department have been provided access privilege to enable them enter the service book data of employees.

21.1.2. It has been further stated that two workshops for the two identified administration officials along with one NIC Official from respective NIC Cells in the Ministries/Departments have been organized to help implement the e-Service Book. The first workshop on August 25 & 26, 2009 was held to expose the participants to e-service Book software, while the second follow-up workshop on September 17 & 18, 2009 was used to discuss user feedback & related issues. Name based e-mail ID's have been created for over 14230 employees of Ministries and Departments including DoPT, in the NICNET Mail server, to enable them access their respective e-Service Books. A web page http://persmin.gov.in/esb123.html has also been created on

48 the website (http://persmin.gov.in) to publish day to day communications related to the e-Service Book project for the benefit of all Ministries / Departments, which are implementing the project.

21.2. The Committee appreciates this initiative of the Ministry and hopes that this step would help in better record management.

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL REPORT OF CSS OFFICERS

22.1. The Ministry, in its Annual Report, has stated that the APARs of approx. 2200 CSS officers of the level of Grade-I (Under Secretary) and above are collected and maintained in CS-I Division. Recently new MS Access Software has been developed in-house in this Division to store the APAR data in respect of CSS officers so that data can be managed easily and quickly. The staff has also been trained on this job. The work of computerisation of all the APARs has been completed. The position regarding availability of APARs of CSS USs, DSs and Directors is being uploaded regularly on the website of DOP&T. The action regarding scanning of APAR Dossiers and storage in PDF format on computer is also under process.

22.1.1. It has also been stated that the system of present grading is also being modified to numerical grading system to make it more objective, as per the recent guidelines of the Estt. Division 49 of DoPT. It has also been made mandatory to show the APAR to the concerned CSS officers with a view to make the systems transparent. For monitoring of APAR completion by the Cadre Controlling Authority, a new monitoring system is being developed through the NIC, and is expected to go on line shortly.

22.2. The Committee acknowledges this initiative of the Ministry.

INTER-ACTIVE SESSIONS WITH CADRE CONTROLLING AUTHORITIES

23.1. According to the Annual Report of the Ministry, as a first time initiative, CS Division held inter-active sessions in different Government office buildings, which house several Ministries/ Departments. These interactive sessions were organised to apprise the Cadres of the issues and problems faced by CS Division in cadre management of the three Central Secretariat Services. Secondly, it was aimed at resolving the problems at the cadre level being faced by individual ministry/department, across the board.

23.1.1. It has been further stated that four inter-active sessions were held by CS Division during January, 2008. These inter- active sessions helped to disseminate information relating to important policy matters such as reporting of vacancies, maintenance of ACRs, rotational transfer policy, regular 50 promotions, preparation of data base of CSS etc. Due to administrative exigencies, such inter-active sessions could not be held during the year 2008-2009 and 2009-2010.

23.2. The Committee appreciates this initiative of the Ministry and believes that such interactive sessions would help in resolving pending matters pertaining to the three Central Secretariat Services. It recommends that such interactive sessions should invariably be held on an yearly basis.

MODIFIED ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME

24.1. As per the Annual Report of the Ministry, the Government has considered the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission contained in para 6.1.15 of the report for introduction of Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) and has accepted the same with further modification to grant three financial upgradations under the Scheme at intervals of 10, 20 and 30 years of continuous regular service in the immediate next higher grade pay in the hierarchy of recommended revised pay bands as grade pay as given in CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008. The MACPS has come into force from September 1, 2008.

24.2. The Committee applauds this scheme of the Ministry. It believes that this scheme would address financial

51 stagnation. It hopes that this would have a positive impact on the morale of the employees.

ACC VACANCY MONITORING SYSTEM (AVMS)

25.1. As per the Annual Report of the Ministry, the Web Enabled Application, AVMS, has been further modified based on the feedback received from Cabinet Secretariat, office of the Establishment officer and various Ministries/ Departments. The following new features/reports have been incorporated in the system:

• Auto generation of email. • Report for All Board Level Posts in PSUs. • Report for anticipated Vacancies. • Reports for DPC Cases. 25.1.1. It has been further stated that necessary modifications have also been carried out to make AVMS software compliant with the security guidelines.

25.2. The Committee appreciates the upgradation made in the system.

UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

26.1. The Ministry, in its Annual Report, has stated that during the year 2009-10, orders were issued to exempt the following posts from the purview of UPSC by including them in the UPSC (Exemption from Consultation) Regulations: 52 Posts Department in which located (i) Posts of Director Generals of: (a) Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi (b) National Archives of India, New Delhi (c) National Museum, New Delhi (d) National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi. (a) to (h) : Ministry of Culture (e) Anthropological Survey of India, Kolkata (f) National Library, Kolkata (g) National Research Laboratory for conservation of Cultural Property, Lucknow (h) Central Reference Library, Kolkata Department of Economic Affairs

(ii) Chief Economic Adviser

26.2. The Committee, in its 19th Report, had observed that organisations such as the National Archives of India are headless for years together due to apathy of UPSC. The Committee hopes that the step taken to exempt the abovementioned posts from the purview of UPSC would reduce the delay in filling up these posts and persons who are expert in the field may take over as the heads of these organizations.

26.3. The Secretary, UPSC while making a presentation before the Committee on Demands for Grants (2010-11), stated that there has been an increase in the number of candidates appearing for the Civil Services Examination and other examinations conducted by UPSC and therefore, highlighted the need for increased allocations to UPSC.

53 26.4. The Committee takes note of this submission and desires that this aspect should be given due consideration at the RE stage. The Committee is of the view that budgetary constraints should not adversely affect the efficient functioning of UPSC.

26.5. The Committee takes note of the submission made by the Secretary, UPSC that one post of Member has been vacant for about more than six months.

26.6. The Committee desires the Ministry to fill up the existing vacancy within a reasonable time and also desires that the Ministry should ensure that such delays in filling up vacancies do not occur.

26.7. The Committee further notes the deposition of the Secretary, UPSC that at present, there is a shortage of 453 personnel in UPSC.

26.8. The Committee is concerned that the prevailing vacancies would affect the smooth functioning of the premier recruitment agency, whose scope of activities has increased over the years. It is of the view that in the present scenario where educated, qualified youths are in search for jobs, there is no justification that such vacancies prevail. It recommends that urgent steps should be taken to fill up the vacancies at the earliest.

54 26.9. The Committee takes note of the submission made by the Secretary, UPSC that on the issue of promotion of officers from the State Civil Services to the All India Services, the UPSC has circulated a suggestive model calendar and that if the States follow this calendar, the meetings can take place as per schedule.

26.10. The Committee appreciates this initiative and hopes that this would address the concerns of the State Civil Service officers that proper avenues are not available for their career progression.

26.11. The Secretary, UPSC informed the Committee that the Government has approved the introduction of the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) in the Civil Services Examination in the year 2011and that a Committee has been set up to go into the modalities.

26.12. The Committee appreciates the introduction of the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) in the Civil Services Examination, 2011. The Committee hopes that such an initiative would, to a very large extent, assess the aptitude and attitude of the candidates rather than test their memory skills, thereby ensuring that candidates who have the real urge and aspiration for the service of the public would enter the Civil Services fold.

55 26.13. The Committee was apprised by the Secretary, UPSC that the submission of online applications has been introduced in the Combined Engineering Examination, 2010 and that the facility has been employed for the Indian Forest Service Examination also.

26.14. The Committee, while appreciating the introduction of online submission of applications, would also like to urge that it should be ensured that the facility is user friendly to all candidates, irrespective of whether they belong to the rural or urban areas.

26.15. During the deliberations of the Committee, while examining the Demands for Grants (2010-11) of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, the Members of the Committee expressed concern over the policy of UPSC to include candidates belonging to the reserved categories in the reserved list, who by virtue of their rank, qualify to be included in the general category .

26.16. The Committee desires that the Ministry should address this concern of the Committee.

26.17. The Committee appreciates the introduction of Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) for facilitating the candidates. It would also like to commend UPSC for exempting female candidates from payment of examination

56 fee. The Committee hopes that the UPSC will adopt such positive steps in future also.

26.18. The Committee commends the working of UPSC with the highest standards of probity with respect to recruitment to public services and also appreciates its optimum utilization of funds in the last financial year.

CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Separate enactment for CBI

27.1. The issue of separate enactment for CBI has been engaging the attention of this Committee for a very long time. The Committee, in its Reports on Demands for Grants of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and 24th Report on “Working of CBI”, strongly recommended that a separate statute may be enacted for CBI.

27.2. In reply to the questionnaire furnished on Demands for Grants (2010-11), the Ministry has stated that the existing enactment “The Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946” is an exclusive and separate Act for CBI which has been found to be adequate.

27.3. While deposing before the Committee, the Director, CBI stated:

57 "……..when we are in a situation where criminals are not respecting even State boundaries and district boundaries, national and international boundaries, we are still being governed by the same geographical jurisdiction of the SHO of the district or State. So, it is high time we thought of, what the Committee has already recommended, having a CBI Act. And I feel that the judgement of the Supreme Court is in the right direction. ……….."

27.4. The Committee is not satisfied with the written reply furnished by the Ministry. The Committee is in agreement with the view of Director CBI and impress upon the Ministry to have a fresh look and come out with a separate Act for CBI.

27.5. The Committee fails to understand how this premier investigation agency can be expected to function efficiently and impartially in the absence of an effective statutory backing. The Ministry should appreciate that the DSPE Act which was enacted in 1946 is not sufficient to cater to the requirements of organisation whose mandate and responsibility have increased manifold during the years.

27.6. The Committee strongly feels that in the current scenario, wherein crimes pervade state, national and international boundaries, CBI which was established by a resolution dated April 1, 1963 and which draws powers to 58 investigate from the DSPE Act, with the existing legal framework, cannot be expected to fulfill the high expectations placed on it by the entire political, judicial and social spectra.

27.7. The Committee is of the firm view that such an Act of Parliament is sine qua non to the functioning of CBI as an independent and accountable agency which specializes in prevention, investigation and prosecution of crime. The Committee is of the considered view that apposite legal empowerment of CBI, in tune with the corresponding Entries in the Union List, State List and Concurrent List, is in public interest.

27.8. The Committee further notes the deposition of the Secretary, DoPT that on 23rd March, 2010 fresh proposals were received from CBI regarding independent legislation.

27.9. The Committee recommends that this proposal should be considered at the earliest and quick action should be taken on the same.

Human Resources of CBI

27.10. The Ministry, in its Annual Report, has stated that the total sanctioned strength of CBI as on December 31, 2009 was 5961 against which 5242 officers were in position with 719 posts lying vacant. The vacancies existed in the ranks of Special/ 59 Additional Director (01), Joint Director(06), Deputy Inspector General of Police (13), Senior Superintendent of Police (05), Superintendent of Police (23), Additional Superintendent of Police (21), Deputy Superintendent of Police (137), Inspector (104), Sub. Inspector (91), Assistant Sub-Inspector (17), Head Constable (19). The posts of 84 Law Officers and 91 Technical Officers’ posts, at various levels, were also lying vacant.

27.11. The Committee is perturbed to note that the number of vacancies existing in CBI, especially in the prosecution posts (36.5 %) and technical posts (58.7%) is alarming. It had, on various occasions, pointed out to the organisation and the Ministry the urgent need to fill up these vacancies, but no concrete results have been achieved so far. The Committee believes that such large number of vacancies will adversely affect the efficient functioning of the premier investigating agency.

27.12. The Committee strongly recommends that concrete action on war footing should be taken to ensure that the vacancies are filled up in a time bound manner. It desires that necessary changes in the rules and procedures should be made to ensure that qualified and capable persons join this organisation, particularly in the specialized fields.

60 Modernization

27.13. The Committee, during its discussion on Demands for Grants (2010-11), stressed upon the need for updation of technology in CBI on regular basis and felt that fine tuning between man and machine would definitely enhance the technical capability of the organisation.

27.13.1. The Committee recommends that latest gadgets should be procured to ensure effective functioning of the organisation. The Committee desires that separate allocation should be made for upgradation of technology in CBI.

27.14. In this context, attention is drawn to the Ministry’s written explanatory note on Demands for Grants, wherein it has been reflected that funds projected for Modernization of Training Centre and CBI e-Governance remained unutilized to the tune of Rs.0.39 crore and Rs.0.70 crore in 2007-08 and Rs.0.27 crore and Rs.0.24 crore in 2008-09 respectively.

27.14.1. The Committee feels that since allocation is made in pursuance of the request made by the organisation for a particular scheme/project, non-utilization of the allotted funds points to the fact that there is some lacuna in the implementation/execution stage. The Committee recommends that steps should be taken in advance to ensure that the allotted funds are utilized optimally.

61 27.15. The Director, CBI submitted before the Committee that enhanced allocation is required especially for ‘Professional Services’. The Committee reiterates its recommendation that a separate head should be made for investigation and prosecution expenses and urges the Ministry that budgetary constraints should not adversely affect granting funds to such an important agency.

Deputationist nature of the organization

27.16. The Committee, in its 24th Report on “Working of CBI”, had observed that less dependency should be based on deputation. It reiterates its recommendation and is of the view that better promotional avenues should be given to the departmental personnel who, by virtue of their long term experience of working in CBI, are undoubtedly, an asset to the organisation.

27.17. The Committee takes note of the sanctioning of 25 posts to deal with offences of fake currency, approval of 71 new exclusive CBI Courts at the trial level, restructuring of the organisation in 2009, filling up of 60 posts of prosecutors through contract and special drive to fill vacancies. It also takes into account the deposition of the Director, CBI that in order to get suitable candidates in the legal field, efforts have been made to induct persons right

62 from the Law Schools. The Committee appreciates such steps and hopes that such initiatives would help in tackling the delay in disposal of cases and in enhancing the professional standards in CBI.

Directorate of Prosecution

27.18. In its 24th Report on "Working of CBI" this Committee had recommended for a separate Directorate of Prosecution in CBI. The Committee notes the deposition of Director, CBI that at the Supreme Court level, CBI is represented by the Attorney General; at the High Court level, independent special counsels represent CBI and at the trial court level, prosecutors are under the Director of Prosecution, who is an officer from the Ministry of Law.

27.19. The Committee is of the considered view that an independent Directorate of Prosecution should be set up in CBI, which would inter alia, decide, based on the merits of the case, whether it is fit to be taken to court or a closure report is to be filed.

CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL 28.1. As per the Annual Report of the Ministry, as on September 2009, the number of cases instituted is 18075; number of cases disposed is 17415 and pendency is 222372.

28.2. The Committee is unhappy to note the huge number of pending cases in CAT. It feels that the very objective of the 63 Central Administrative Tribunal to render speedy justice to the Government employees is defeated by the delay in disposing cases. The Committee desires the Ministry to take effective steps to bring down the pendency of cases in CAT.

STAFF SELECTION COMMISSION

29.1. In reply to the questionnaire, the Ministry has stated that for the first time, the facility of filling on-line applications and on-line payment of fee has been introduced in Graduate Level examination and that skill test is being conducted on computers.

29.2. The Committee is pleased to note the initiative and feels that such a step would turn out to be time saving. The Committee desires that proper steps should be taken to ensure that this facility is user friendly so that candidates can be benefitted by this, irrespective of whether they belong to rural or urban area. The Committee also appreciates the decision taken by SSC to exempt women candidates from payment of examination fees.

29.3. The Committee appreciates the proposals submitted by SSC to the Government to restructure the examinations conducted by them with the assistance of a multidisciplinary Expert Group. It also commends the initiatives taken by SSC to reengineer some of their processes and to assess their requirements of information technology infrastructure.

64 LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI NATIONAL ACADEMY OF ADMINISTRATION

30.1. The Committee, while deliberating upon the Demands for Grants (2010-11), highlighted the need for radical change in the attitude of civil servants to the concerns of the public and their representatives in Parliament and State legislature. The Members of the Committee emphasized upon the need for inculcation of core values of public service in the minds of the Civil Servants right from the training stage.

30.2. The Committee desires that the course content of the training imparted to the successful Civil Service candidates at the LBSNAA should be tuned in such a way that sensitivity to the problems of the common man is imbibed by them before they enter the public service arena. The Committee hopes that such training modules would enable them to effectively address the grievances of the public and become able administrators.

30.3. The Committee also takes note of the submission made by the Director, LBSNAA before the Committee that more funds should be allocated to meet the office expenses. The Committee desires that the Ministry should give due consideration to this demand at the RE stage.

65 KENDRIYA BHANDAR

31.1. The Committee, while deliberating upon the Demands for Grants (2010-11), was apprised by the Managing Director, Kendriya Bhandar that the issue of eviction of the Kendriya Bhandar Stores from Government accommodation would adversely affect the functioning of the organisation. He further stated that paying market rent with retrospective effect would threaten the very existence of the organisation.

31.2. In this regard, the Committee urges the Ministry to appreciate the fact that Kendriya Bhandar is a welfare project aimed for the benefit of Central Government employees, their families and other customers. The Committee, in its 30th Report on ‘Constraints being faced by Kendriya Bhandar’, had recommended for favourable consideration the request made by Kendriya Bhandar not to evict their stores from Government accommodation. The Committee reiterates its earlier recommendation and suggests that rent may be charged from their stores on the lines of post offices.

CENTRAL VIGILANCE COMMISSION

32.1. The representative of CVC, while making a presentation before the Committee on Demands for Grants, stated that once a complaint is registered, a unique ID is given and a person can

66 check on the site the details of the position of the case and that once a case is sent for investigation, it can be closed only with the approval of CVC.

32.2. The Committee appreciates this initiative made by CVC for online lodging of complaints and accessing status thereon also online.

32.3. The Committee takes note of the deposition of the representative of CVC that two posts of Vigilance Commissioners are lying vacant since their retirement in November, 2009 and that the Commission is handling the work with a single Central Vigilance Commissioner assisted by Secretaries.

32.4. The Committee takes cognizance of this submission and strongly recommends that these posts should be filled within a reasonable time. It is of the considered view that vacancies arising out of retirement can be anticipated in advance and steps taken to fill them to ensure that the vacancies are filled once the incumbents retire.

32.5. The Committee was further apprised that out of the total sanctioned strength of 517 in the Commission, about 25% of the posts could not be filled for various reasons.

32.6. The Committee strongly feels that when the number of posts in the Government are diminishing, it is inexcusable

67 that vacancies are not filled up owing to various reasons. This is not only a negation of rights of the educated youth, but also a contributing factor to the increased workload of the existing staff and pendency of cases. Therefore, the Committee recommends that the Ministry of Personnel, which is the coordinating agency in respect of issues concerning recruitment, staff welfare etc., should sort out the hurdles with the concerned organisations and ensure that the vacancies are filled up without further delay.

CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION

33.1. The Ministry, in its Annual Report, has stated that Other Plan Schemes of Central Information Commission consists of the components viz :

• Setting up of Video Conference facilities at CIC. • Dak digitization. • Preparation of Publicity Material • Setting up of call centre. • Establishment of Wing for Accountability and Transparency Studies.

33.2. The Committee acknowledges this initiative. It, however, expresses its concern that for the year 2008-09, though the BE for construction of Head Office building of CIC/ purchase of Office building for CIC was Rs.5 crore, which was revised at the RE stage to Rs.0.10 crore, the

68 amount utilized was nil. The Committee recommends that such non-utilization of funds should be avoided in future.

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS AND PUBLIC GRIEVANCES

COLLABORATION WITH STATE GOVERNMENTS

34.1. According to the Annual Report of the Ministry, it is possible for State Governments to propose initiatives which seek to build capacity at the institutional, organization or individual levels of the public administration. The DARPG would work alongwith the concerned State Governments on any such initiative and provide necessary funding for attendant technical assistance in piloting and developing prototypes. Guidelines for such collaboration have been circulated to all the State Governments and 12 projects undertaken in collaboration with the State Governments.

34.2. The Committee is pleased to note that DARPG has taken such a positive initiative and hopes that State Governments would extend full hearted co-operation in this regard.

IMPLEMENTATION OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

35.1. As per the Annual Report of the Ministry, in order to drive individual departments and their delivery systems towards service delivery excellence, the DARPG seeks to pilot a model

69 of quality service delivery. This effort involves Departments at the State level and service delivery units at the district or local levels. Services of expert agencies are procured who, alongwith the State Administrative Training Institutes (ATIs), will help develop a pilot testing methodology for implementing a Quality Management System.

35.2. The Committee takes note of the efforts made in this regard and hopes that this would ensure that the benefits of quality service delivery percolates down to the beneficiaries at the lower level also.

MODELLING BEST PRACTICES

36.1. The Ministry, in its Annual Report, has stated that DARPG has identified a set of good practices in the area of administrative reforms for all-round use by State Governments. For this purpose, a replicable model is developed for a few identified best practices. The effort involves identifying and developing the underlying model from the existing best practice and then testing it in an identified place so that the replicability of the working model is established.

36.2. The Committee appreciates this initiative and hopes that such a model will motivate the State Governments to emulate good practices of governance.

70 INTERNATIONAL INNOVATION AWARDS

37.1. The Sixth Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) Awards Programme was held at Barbados in conjunction with CAPAM Biennial Conference from October 19-22, 2008. Out of 27 projects submitted by Government of India, the following three projects from India were selected among the top ten finalists, out of over 150 submissions received by CAPAM from various Commonwealth countries.

(a) Jan Seva Kendra(JSK), ICT enabled Public Service Delivery Centre (Government of Gujarat). (b) Citizen Centric Approach for making Safe Motherhood – A Right for every Women, (Government of Madhya Pradesh). (c) Bio-Digester- An Innovation for Organic Farming, (Government of Karnataka). 37.2. The Committee takes note of such motivating initiatives made by the Ministry. It hopes that this would lend a boost to innovation and creativity in all fields of life.

INDIA-BRAZIL-SOUTH AFRICA (IBSA) FORUM

38.1. The Ministry, in its Annual Report, has stated that in the Sixth Meeting of the Working Group of the IBSA held in New Delhi in May, 2009 the following deliverables were identified for immediate implementation :

71 (i) e-Governance Work-Plan; (ii) An IBSA Framework on Public Administration, which is a set of guidelines / directive principles agreed upon among the three countries, which their governments feel should govern the functioning of public services to promote the idea of good governance, without being legally enforceable; (iii) A Virtual Centre of Excellence in Public Administration, which is a web based portal to create a knowledge base for sharing IBSA experiences and best practices in the field of Public Administration and development related issues; and (iv) An IBSA Seminar on “Capacity Building for Effective Service Delivery”, which took place at Hyderabad.

38.2. The Committee feels that such interactions with other countries would enable exchange of ideas and experience, resulting in furtherance of best practices in the field of administration.

Implementation of the CPGRAMS Software

39.1. The Ministry, in its Annual Report, has stated that the Department of ARPG has always kept track of the implementation of the scheme, wherein the user Ministries/Departments are required to submit Utilization Certificate. This Department has been able to receive utilization certificates of the status of all the funds released under the scheme all upto March 31, 2008 and majority of those upto

72 March 31, 2009. It had also carried out several on-the-spot study of the modernized units. In the year 2002, it was decided to have the impact assessment done through an independent agency and accordingly M/s JPS Associates were engaged to do the job. They conducted a comprehensive study of various Ministries/ Departments. They, in their report, concluded that the modernization exercise was definitely a step forward.

39.1.1. In reply to the questionnaire, it has been stated that as per the Action Plan for monitoring of the effective implementation of the CPGRAMS software, quarterly meeting of 10-20 Ministries/ Departments under the chairmanship of Additional Secretary and/or Joint Secretary are being organized on a regular basis. In 2009-2010 three meetings have been organized in the last three quarters in which Directors of Public Grievances from 40 Ministries/Departments were invited and 39 participated. For the fourth quarter the meetings is scheduled for 18th March, 2010 for which 16 Ministries/Departments have been invited. As such 55 Ministries/Departments stand covered under the Action Plan for monitoring during the financial year 2009-2010.

39.2. The Committee appreciates the efforts made by the Department to assess and monitor the implementation of the CPGRAMS software and hopes that more features will be added to it to make it more user friendly. The Committee

73 recommends that effective follow up action should be taken on the views/ideas which emerge during the quarterly meetings.

39.3. In the reply, it has also been stated that the feedback mechanism has been developed by NIC unit in DARPG and has been incorporated in the revised software for CPGRAMS which is almost ready. It is expected to be made functional in 2010- 2011 by replacing the existing software with the revised software.

39.4. The Committee is happy to note that the feedback mechanism in CPGRAMS would be made functional in 2010-11. It hopes that such an addition will help in gauging the citizen's satisfaction on the redressal of his/her grievances.

39.5. It has further been stated that during this financial year, the DARPG has, with the support of NIC unit of DARPG, customized the CPGRAMS software for the State Government with local language interface and that this software will be piloted in the State of Haryana and Rajasthan.

39.6. The Committee is pleased to note the initiative of the Department and is of the view that this initiative should be extended to other States also so that the benefit of this

74 software is utilized by all sections of the public, irrespective of language barriers.

40.1. The Ministry, in its reply to the questionnaire, has stated that the draft mechanism for disposal of disciplinary cases within a specified time limit as per the recommendations of the Core Group on Administrative Reforms was sent to the CVC and the UPSC for their comments and that after their comments have been received, the proposal is being sent to the Ministry of Law for their opinion/observation. It has also been stated that a small group of eminent former officers is being constituted to examine the proposals and suggest measures to expedite the entire process involved in disciplinary/vigilance proceedings.

40.2. The Committee appreciates this initiative of the Ministry.

41.1. The Ministry has, in its Annual Report, stated that recently DARPG had got an evaluation study of the Plan Scheme of Administrative Reforms for its continuance from X Plan to XI Plan through an outside Consultant viz. M/s.Wipro Ltd. One of the components of the Plan Scheme was modernization of Government offices. The consultant has recommended continuance of this component of Plan Scheme in the XI Plan. However they have suggested that the Department needs to take up more comprehensive proposals and allocate more funds under the scheme. In order to avoid haphazard development of

75 work station in Government offices, M/s. Wipro Ltd. had suggested prescribing of standard formats of work stations. The recommendations of the Consultants for continuation of the scheme have been appraised by Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) and approved by the Union Finance Minister.

41.2. The Committee desires that innovative proposals should be conceptualized and that necessary funds should be allocated under this Head.

Sevottam

42.1. In reply to the questionnaire, it has been stated that the Department provided support to 12 Ministries/ Departments which laid to improvement initiatives in these Departments at various stages. One of the Departments i.e. Department of Posts successfully completed its certification for pilot outlet in GPO, New Delhi.

42.2. The Committee is pleased to note that the Department of Posts has successfully completed its certification for pilot outlet in GPO.

42.3. The Committee is of the view that the Department of Administrative Reforms And Public Grievances should take proactive steps to persuade other Ministries/Departments which have not yet implemented Sevottam to choose the Sevottam framework for public service delivery.

76 43. The Committee, during its deliberations on Demands for Grants (2010-11), strongly opined that a statutory backing should be given to the public grievances redressal mechanism since policy guidelines issued by DARPG lack enforceability. In fact, it was one of the recommendations made by this Committee in its 29th Report on “Public Grievances Redressal Mechanism”. The Committee recommends that this matter should be looked into and that feasibility of such a statute should be explored.

DEPARTMENT OF PENSION AND PENSIONERS' WELFARE

Pensioners’ Portal

44.1. The Ministry, in its Annual Report, has stated that the Portal is in operation for dissemination of pension related information as well as registration of pensioners’ grievances online. It has two components: (a) non- interactive component which contains updated information on pension rules and various instructions issued thereunder and the database of pensioners; and (b) interactive component which involves registration of grievances of pensioners and their redressal.

44.1.1. The Department, in its reply to the questionnaire, has stated that the Impact Assessment study of the Pensioners' Portal through an external agency has been commissioned by

77 Department of Information Technology and that the report is awaited.

44.2. The Committee appreciates this initiative and hopes that the report will be submitted at the earliest and that its recommendations will be implemented without delay.

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