7th CPC OTA: Rules & Benefits for CG Employees
In a recent session of the Rajya Sabha, concerns were raised over the discontinuation of the Overtime Allowance for Central Government employees under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC). This allowance, which provided additional compensation for employees who worked beyond their regular working hours, has been eliminated under the new pay structure. This decision has been met with criticism from employees who feel that their hard work and dedication are not being properly compensated. The government, however, has defended the move, stating that it was made in the interest of fiscal responsibility and to streamline the pay structure for government employees.
Discontinuation of Overtime Allowance
During a session in the Rajya Sabha on June 27th, 2019, Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh provided a written response regarding the Overtime Allowance for Central Staff. According to his statement, the Government has chosen to terminate overtime pay for all categories of workers, excluding those in operational positions and industrial employees governed by statutory provisions, effective as of July 1st, 2017. This decision was made in accordance with the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission.
What says 7th CPC on Overtime Allowance?
It has been suggested by the 7th Pay Commission that the provision of Overtime should be abolished for all CG employees, except for those who fall under the category of Operational Staff and Industrial Employees, who are subject to legal regulations.
Operational Staff:
All non-ministerial non-gazetted Central Government servants directly involved in smooth operation of the office including those tasked with operation of some electrical or mechanical equipment.
The concerned Administration Wing of the Ministries / Departments will prepare a list of operational Staff with full justification based on the above parameters for inclusion of a particular category of staff in the list of operational staff with the approval of IS (Admn.) and Financial Adviser of the concerned Ministry / Department.
Conditions for OTA:
The grant of OTA may be linked to biometric attendance subject to the conditions mentioned below.
a) OTA should be paid only when his/ her senior officer directs the concerned employee(s) in writing for staying back in office to attend urgent nature of work.
The OTA will be calculated on the basis of biometric attendance.
The OTA for Staff Car Drivers should be linked with biometric system as normally, the designated parking is allotted in the office building. However, in cases where the parking lot is provided far from office, the Staff Car Driver would mark his/ her attendance while leaving from his office and a grace time of not exceeding 2 hours should be allowed to cover the distance travelled after leaving office, including the time to drop the officer and then reaching the parking lot. In such cases, calculation can be done from log books, duly verified by the officer concerned.
The OTA to field officials should be calculated on the basis of biometric attendance, as normally, such officers are given facility of official transport to attend the field work. Such officers are supposed to report in office before proceeding to field. In cases, where officials are required to attend the field work directly from home, they may be extended facility of official transport from home in lieu of transport allowance and OTA may be given on the basis of the log book of that vehicle, duly verified by their senior officers.
Revision of OTA Rates:
Since, the Government has decided not to revise the rates of OTA, the rates as prescribed in this Department’s OM dated 19th March, 1991 for Office Staff, Staff Car Drivers and Operative Staff will continue to operate subject to their fulfillment of the above conditions.
These instructions will be applicable with effect from 01 July, 2017
The 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) has recommended that Overtime Allowance (OTA) should be discontinued for all categories of CG employees, except for Operational Staff and Industrial Employees who are governed by statutory provisions.
Only Operational Staff and Industrial Employees who are governed by statutory provisions are eligible for the 7th CPC Overtime Allowance.
All other categories of CG employees are not eligible for the 7th CPC Overtime Allowance.
The 7th CPC has recommended discontinuing Overtime Allowance for most CG employees as part of their overall recommendations for rationalizing the pay structure and allowances.
Yes, Operational Staff and Industrial Employees who are governed by statutory provisions are exempt from the recommendation and may continue to receive Overtime Allowance.
CG employees who are not eligible for Overtime Allowance will no longer receive additional compensation for working overtime hours.
The 7th CPC has not recommended any alternative provisions for compensating CG employees for overtime work.
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