Sixth Central Pay Commission: DRDO facing attrition problem: Defence Minister
20 Oct 2008, 2214 hrs IST, PTI
NEW DELHI: Country's premier defence research organisation DRDO is facing the attrition problems as 785 defence scientists have resigned in the last three years.
The government has offered various incentives for scientists in the Sixth Central Pay Commission (CPC) report, the Lok Sabha was informed on Monday.
"A number of incentives were recommended by the CPC, which have been accepted and implemented by the government, " defence minister A K Antony said in a written reply to a question on exodus of scientists from DRDO.
Incentives to arrest the attrition rate in DRDO include providing career enhancement opportunities to scientists by granting them study leaves, sending them to attend conferences and seminars and long term training courses.
"DRDO is providing study leaves to scientists for acquiring higher qualifications like PhDs, Masters Degrees. Scientists are sponsored to go and attend conferences and seminars and for long term courses for research both within and outside the country," Antony said.
The minister added that a lot of stress was being laid upon by DRDO to mentor young scientists along with improving their work environment and social life in DRDO campuses.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Sixth pay commission: 584 Army officers seek pre-mature retirement: Antony
Sixth pay commission: 584 Army officers seek pre-mature retirement: Antony
New Delhi, Oct 20: As many as 584 officers from the Army have sought pre-mature retirement from services since March this year but the Government said it was not due to resentment over the sixth pay commission recommendations.
"No officer of navy, air force has sought pre-mature retirement on the ground of dissatisfaction with the Six Central Pay Commission report. However, in the Army, since March 2008, a total number of 584 officers have applied for premature retirement/resignation," Defence Minister A K Antony said replying to a question in the Lok Sabha.
Antony said the officials seek retirement on the "ground of non-empanelment, compassionate ground, low medical category, failure to acquire minimum technical qualification and better employment in civil life".
"From this, it cannot be ascertained that they have sought an exit due to resentment against the Sixth Pay Commission Report," he said.
The Defence Services, led by their Chiefs, have refused to implement the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations, alleging that their status and honour were compromised.
Antony, while replying to a question by BJP's V K Malhotra and Santosh Gangwar, said the Services had submitted a detailed representation to the Government brining out certain issues arising out of the Sixth Pay Commission report.
"The Government has reached a decision on most of the issues," he said adding that a few more subsequent issues have been raised by the Services namely grant of higher grade pay to Service officers, placement of Lt-Col and equivalents in Pay Band 4 and reinstatement of pensionary weightages for Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR).
The Centre on September 25 set up a committee headed by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee with Antony and Finance Minister P Chidambaram as members to look into the grievances of the armed forces.
"The Government has decided that External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee will look into the issues raised by the Services and give recommendations in consultation with the Defence Minister and Finance Minister," Antony said.
After the government notification was issued on August 29, issues of "anomalies" in the pay for officers were first raised by Air chief Fali Homi Major in his letter in his capacity as acting Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee.
Chiefs of Navy and Army too have voiced their resentment in letters to the government.
The armed forces are demanding that the government place Lieutenant-Colonels and their equivalents in Pay Band-4, ensure parity in Grade Pay of officers from Captains to Brigadiers with their civilian counterparts, accord the Higher Administrative Grade Plus status in pay scales to Lieutenant Generals and restore 70 per cent pensionary benefits to jawans.
Mukherjee held discussions with Chidambaram last week on the issue after consultations with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Girl asks Rahul about safety of women in Delhi Ramnagar (Uttarakhand), Oct 20 (PTI) Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, who began his three-day tour to Uttarakhand today, was asked by a young girl why women are not safe in Delhi.
"Girls are not safe in Delhi. What is your Congress government doing in this regard," was the poser to Rahul. "I cannot say what the government is doing. Political leaders do not have much information. I will definitely look into the matter," said Rahul, as he faced a volley of questions from college girls at Ramnagar.
As he arrived in this Corbett City, Rahul drove to Dhikuli area where he interacted with nearly 2,000 girls from different colleges of Kumaon region.
Another girl asked Rahul why the voice of the youth is being suppressed in Congress.
To this question, Rahul said: "It is not true. NSUI is a very good organisation where we welcome new talent and one can easily create a niche at the national level."
The programme "Talaash Nai Pratibha Ki" (search for new talent) was organised by NSUI in which its top leaders like Meenakshi Natrajan and Amrita Dhawan were also present.
Earlier in the town, police took into custody nearly a dozen ABVP workers for showing black flags and raising slogans against Rahul.
Savitri Sharma asked Rahul whether he took a bath after having food with Dalits.
"You wait for another four years, you will get the answer in Uttar Pradesh," was his refrain.
When a girl wanted to know about his reaction to the alleged beating of north Indians in Mumbai, Rahul said some political parties are indulging in petty politics for small gains.
Bureau Report
http://www.zeenews.com/
New Delhi, Oct 20: As many as 584 officers from the Army have sought pre-mature retirement from services since March this year but the Government said it was not due to resentment over the sixth pay commission recommendations.
"No officer of navy, air force has sought pre-mature retirement on the ground of dissatisfaction with the Six Central Pay Commission report. However, in the Army, since March 2008, a total number of 584 officers have applied for premature retirement/resignation," Defence Minister A K Antony said replying to a question in the Lok Sabha.
Antony said the officials seek retirement on the "ground of non-empanelment, compassionate ground, low medical category, failure to acquire minimum technical qualification and better employment in civil life".
"From this, it cannot be ascertained that they have sought an exit due to resentment against the Sixth Pay Commission Report," he said.
The Defence Services, led by their Chiefs, have refused to implement the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations, alleging that their status and honour were compromised.
Antony, while replying to a question by BJP's V K Malhotra and Santosh Gangwar, said the Services had submitted a detailed representation to the Government brining out certain issues arising out of the Sixth Pay Commission report.
"The Government has reached a decision on most of the issues," he said adding that a few more subsequent issues have been raised by the Services namely grant of higher grade pay to Service officers, placement of Lt-Col and equivalents in Pay Band 4 and reinstatement of pensionary weightages for Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR).
The Centre on September 25 set up a committee headed by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee with Antony and Finance Minister P Chidambaram as members to look into the grievances of the armed forces.
"The Government has decided that External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee will look into the issues raised by the Services and give recommendations in consultation with the Defence Minister and Finance Minister," Antony said.
After the government notification was issued on August 29, issues of "anomalies" in the pay for officers were first raised by Air chief Fali Homi Major in his letter in his capacity as acting Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee.
Chiefs of Navy and Army too have voiced their resentment in letters to the government.
The armed forces are demanding that the government place Lieutenant-Colonels and their equivalents in Pay Band-4, ensure parity in Grade Pay of officers from Captains to Brigadiers with their civilian counterparts, accord the Higher Administrative Grade Plus status in pay scales to Lieutenant Generals and restore 70 per cent pensionary benefits to jawans.
Mukherjee held discussions with Chidambaram last week on the issue after consultations with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Girl asks Rahul about safety of women in Delhi Ramnagar (Uttarakhand), Oct 20 (PTI) Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, who began his three-day tour to Uttarakhand today, was asked by a young girl why women are not safe in Delhi.
"Girls are not safe in Delhi. What is your Congress government doing in this regard," was the poser to Rahul. "I cannot say what the government is doing. Political leaders do not have much information. I will definitely look into the matter," said Rahul, as he faced a volley of questions from college girls at Ramnagar.
As he arrived in this Corbett City, Rahul drove to Dhikuli area where he interacted with nearly 2,000 girls from different colleges of Kumaon region.
Another girl asked Rahul why the voice of the youth is being suppressed in Congress.
To this question, Rahul said: "It is not true. NSUI is a very good organisation where we welcome new talent and one can easily create a niche at the national level."
The programme "Talaash Nai Pratibha Ki" (search for new talent) was organised by NSUI in which its top leaders like Meenakshi Natrajan and Amrita Dhawan were also present.
Earlier in the town, police took into custody nearly a dozen ABVP workers for showing black flags and raising slogans against Rahul.
Savitri Sharma asked Rahul whether he took a bath after having food with Dalits.
"You wait for another four years, you will get the answer in Uttar Pradesh," was his refrain.
When a girl wanted to know about his reaction to the alleged beating of north Indians in Mumbai, Rahul said some political parties are indulging in petty politics for small gains.
Bureau Report
http://www.zeenews.com/
Sixth Central Pay Commission: Resentment Among Personnel Against Report of Sixth Pay Commission
Sixth Central Pay Commission: Resentment Among Personnel Against Report of Sixth Pay Commission
Monday, October 20, 2008
Lok Sabha
The Services had submitted a detailed representation to the Government bringing out certain issues arising out of the report of the Sixth Central Pay Commission. The Government has decided on most of the issues. Subsequently, few more issues have been raised by the Services viz. grant of higher grade pay to Service officers, placement of Lt. Col. and equivalent in PB-4, reinstatement of pensionary weightages for Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR), providing HAG + Pay Band for Lt. Generals and equivalent holding post of Principal Staff Officer, Director Generals, Controllers, etc.
No officer of Navy, Air Force has sought pre-mature retirement (PMR) on the ground of dis-satisfaction with the Sixth Central Pay Commission Report. However, in the Army, since March, 2008 a total number of 584 officers (less Army Medical Corps/Army Dental Corps & Military Nursing Service) have applied for pre-mature retirement/resignation on ground of non-empanelment, compassionate ground, low medical category, failure to acquire minimum technical qualification and better employment in civil life. However, from this it cannot be ascertained that they have sought an exit due to resentment against Sixth Pay Commission Report.
The Government have decided that the Minister of External Affairs will look into the issues raised by the Services and give recommendations, in consultation with the Defence Minister and the Finance Minister.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Prof Vijay Kumar Malhotra and Shri Santosh Gangwar in Lok Sabha today.
Samir/RAJ
Source: http://pib.nic.in/
Tags: Sixth Pay Commission,6th Pay Commission,6th Central Pay Commission
Monday, October 20, 2008
Lok Sabha
The Services had submitted a detailed representation to the Government bringing out certain issues arising out of the report of the Sixth Central Pay Commission. The Government has decided on most of the issues. Subsequently, few more issues have been raised by the Services viz. grant of higher grade pay to Service officers, placement of Lt. Col. and equivalent in PB-4, reinstatement of pensionary weightages for Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR), providing HAG + Pay Band for Lt. Generals and equivalent holding post of Principal Staff Officer, Director Generals, Controllers, etc.
No officer of Navy, Air Force has sought pre-mature retirement (PMR) on the ground of dis-satisfaction with the Sixth Central Pay Commission Report. However, in the Army, since March, 2008 a total number of 584 officers (less Army Medical Corps/Army Dental Corps & Military Nursing Service) have applied for pre-mature retirement/resignation on ground of non-empanelment, compassionate ground, low medical category, failure to acquire minimum technical qualification and better employment in civil life. However, from this it cannot be ascertained that they have sought an exit due to resentment against Sixth Pay Commission Report.
The Government have decided that the Minister of External Affairs will look into the issues raised by the Services and give recommendations, in consultation with the Defence Minister and the Finance Minister.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Prof Vijay Kumar Malhotra and Shri Santosh Gangwar in Lok Sabha today.
Samir/RAJ
Source: http://pib.nic.in/
Tags: Sixth Pay Commission,6th Pay Commission,6th Central Pay Commission
Sixth Pay Commission: Armed forces short of 13,830 officers
Sixth Pay Commission: Armed forces short of 13,830 officers
The armed forces are facing a shortage of 13,830 officers. This was stated by Defence Minister A K Antony while replying to a question in Parliament on shortage of officers in the armed forces.
"There is a shortage of 11,119 officers in army, 13,59 officers in navy and 13,52 officers in air force. Armed forces have 53,849 officers against a sanctioned strength of 67,679," Antony said.
The Defence Minister listed the various steps taken up to tackle the shortfall of officers by the government. These steps include extension of Short Service Commission (SSC) officers, implementation of both phases of A V Singh Committee report and implementation of the Sixth Central Pay Commission (CPC) report.
"Tenure of SSC officers has been increased to 14 years, Phase 1 of A V Singh committee was implemented earlier, which resulted in upgrade of 750 Lieutenant-Colonel level posts to the Colonel level,” he said.
"Phase 2 of the report has also been cleared for implementation creating or upgrading 1,896 additional posts in ranks of Colonel, Brigadier, Major-General and Lieutenant- General and equivalents in other two services," the Defence minister said.
Antony said implementation of the 6th pay commission recommendations will help in arresting shortfall of officers in armed forces.
Source: http://howrah.org/
Tags: Sixth Pay Commission,6th Pay Commission,6th Central Pay Commission
The armed forces are facing a shortage of 13,830 officers. This was stated by Defence Minister A K Antony while replying to a question in Parliament on shortage of officers in the armed forces.
"There is a shortage of 11,119 officers in army, 13,59 officers in navy and 13,52 officers in air force. Armed forces have 53,849 officers against a sanctioned strength of 67,679," Antony said.
The Defence Minister listed the various steps taken up to tackle the shortfall of officers by the government. These steps include extension of Short Service Commission (SSC) officers, implementation of both phases of A V Singh Committee report and implementation of the Sixth Central Pay Commission (CPC) report.
"Tenure of SSC officers has been increased to 14 years, Phase 1 of A V Singh committee was implemented earlier, which resulted in upgrade of 750 Lieutenant-Colonel level posts to the Colonel level,” he said.
"Phase 2 of the report has also been cleared for implementation creating or upgrading 1,896 additional posts in ranks of Colonel, Brigadier, Major-General and Lieutenant- General and equivalents in other two services," the Defence minister said.
Antony said implementation of the 6th pay commission recommendations will help in arresting shortfall of officers in armed forces.
Source: http://howrah.org/
Tags: Sixth Pay Commission,6th Pay Commission,6th Central Pay Commission
Sixth Pay Commission: Too serious a business to be left to the car dealer
Sixth Pay Commission: Too serious a business to be left to the car dealer
When you buy a car, usually the car dealer offers first-year insurance free of cost. Instead of passively accepting this freebie, look closely at the policy to see if it offers you comprehensive and adequate cover
September and October have always been favourable months for car manufacturers as the festive season propels their sales higher. This year, besides festive fervour, the Sixth Pay Commission's payouts have filled car showrooms to the brim with prospective buyers. According to industry estimates and company figures, in September the top six manufacturers in India notched up a 2.4 per cent year-on-year rise in car sales.
If you are buying a car this season, pay heed to the insurance cover and make sure that it is comprehensive and adequate. Vehicle insurance protects you against several risks: theft, damage, death of driver or passenger, and damage caused by your car to some other vehicle, person or property. Although tailor-made covers have not debuted in the market yet, cut throat competition is working in the interest of consumers. With the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) freeing up prices in the general insurance space — motor, fire and engineering — in January this year, there is much scope for you to bargain and get the best possible rate.
Tumbling rates, soaring discounts
Motor insurance consists of two main parts: own damage and third-party liability. According to the law of the land, every vehicle owner must have at least third-party liability cover. The regulator has freed only the own damage insurance cover rates so far. Depending on the size and the make of the car, own damage rates have come down almost 20 to 40 per cent. Says Rahul Aggarwal, chief executive officer, Optima Brokers: "The premium for a comprehensive insurance cover has fallen between 25 and 40 per cent depending on the type of car. The fall has been more in case of premium cars that cost Rs 10 lakh and above. For smaller cars like the Santro and Maruti Alto, the drop has been nearly 20 per cent."
While the regulator freed up pricing in January, the premium rates fell steeply only during the last four months. Insurers initially started off by offering 10 per cent discount, then slowly graduated to 20 per cent, and now are giving discounts as high as 40 per cent.
Main components of the policy
A vehicle insurance cover has the following main components:
Own damage. This cover entitles you to claim compensation in the event of damage or theft of your vehicle. Various factors dictate the premium of a standard policy: type of vehicle, its engine capacity, its age, and the region in which it is registered. While these are the broad parameters, the exact premium for your car is calculated on the basis of its insured declared value (IDV). When buying a policy, never compromise on this value as this is the amount that the insurance company will pay you if your car gets completely damaged or stolen. Beware: a steep discount in premium might mean a lower IDV. While buying the policy always ask for the exact IDV to get an idea of the insurance amount you are likely to get in case of a casualty. The IDV of a vehicle declines with age (insurers generally give a depreciation schedule for up to five years).
Third party. According to the Insurance Act, it is compulsory to have third-party liability cover. In metropolitian cities it becomes imperative to have such a cover due to higher chances of accidents.
"Third party liability under the insurance law in India is unlimited," says M. Ramadoss, chairman and managing director, Oriental General Insurance. That means if you hit a person on the road, then the liability is unlimited. In case of property damage, the liability is limited to Rs 7.5 lakh.
Points to remember
Here are key aspects that you should keep in mind while buying vehicle insurance:
Premium. The insurance regulator has freed the pricing of products but not the wordings. Therefore, the whole industry is selling more or less the same product. Pricing is the only tool in their hands for driving sales. Use this to your advantage. "A customer must insist on getting quotes from different companies. Ask a friend who has the same car what premium he pays. By doing a bit of legwork and haggling, a customer can get discounts as high as 40-50 per cent," says Ramadoss.
You can bargain for a lower premium in case you have a no-claim (or fairly low claim record) history. “Longer the claim history, higher is the premium levied by companies,”says Eswaranatarajan N., head, motor insurance, ICICI Lombard General Insurance.
Moreover, keep in mind that you can transfer the vehicle insurance from your old vehicle to the new one. “The no-claim bonus goes with the driver and not with the vehicle. So when you sell a vehicle and buy a new one, the no-claim bonus from the earlier vehicle can be transferred to the new one,” he adds.
Co-payment clause. Watch out for the co-payment clause, also known as excess. While offering a lower premium, insurers pass on some of the risk to the customer using this clause. In case of a claim, the expense will then have to be borne by both the insurer and the insured. Hence, avoid the co-payment clause even if it means paying a higher premium.
Claims and customer service. These are the two most important criteria that should be kept in mind while buying or renewing a policy. Today one out of every three vehicles meets with an accident. Hence customer service plays an prominent role. According to Darvesh Panchal, practice leader, Prudent Brokers, "The ease of getting a claim settled without any hassles is a big factor in motor insurance. Always look for companies that offer cashless facility (i.e., they get the vehicle repaired at an empanelled garage). Also check out what other value-added services they provide."
A few dealers or brokers help their customers in getting the claim. "The most important thing to look for in the dealer or the intermediary is the services he offers. See how qualified and geared up the intermediary is to provide claim support and information," says Aggarwal.
In case of total loss or theft, it takes more than three months to settle the claim. In case of theft, the insured has to lodge a complaint in the local police station and wait till it issues a non-traceable report. The process takes about three months. And needless to add, it requires you to make several rounds of the court and the police station. It is only after this report is submitted that the insurance company starts its work of paying you the claim. Any help that you can get from the broker or dealer will come as welcome relief.
More regulatory changes needed
While the regulator has freed up pricing control, general insurance companies do not yet enjoy the freedom to alter the wordings of the policy. Says Eswaranatarajan N., “Today only the premiums have been de-tarriffed and not the products. What we sell in the market is basically one product with a common set of policy wordings. To open up the market and in the interest of the consumer, it is anticipated that the regulator will introduce flexibility in wordings and allow new products.”
N.K. Kedia, director (marketing), Iffco Tokio General Insurance too feels the same. “Freedom in wordings would allow us to come out with innovative products. The industry would then develop on the lines of matured markets. This move will be in the consumer's interest as it will allow introduction of new products, and lead to greater choice."
Ramadoss of Oriental Insurance is of the view that greater regulatory vigil is the need of the hour. “There should be strict vigilance against uninsured vehicles. The government should take action against them. Because so many vehicles remain uninsured, there is a lot of leakage of premium. After this is taken care of, premium rates will come down further,” he says.
Till these regulatory changes come about, make the best of the current regime and get yourself a comprehensive cover at the lowest possible cost.
Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/
When you buy a car, usually the car dealer offers first-year insurance free of cost. Instead of passively accepting this freebie, look closely at the policy to see if it offers you comprehensive and adequate cover
September and October have always been favourable months for car manufacturers as the festive season propels their sales higher. This year, besides festive fervour, the Sixth Pay Commission's payouts have filled car showrooms to the brim with prospective buyers. According to industry estimates and company figures, in September the top six manufacturers in India notched up a 2.4 per cent year-on-year rise in car sales.
If you are buying a car this season, pay heed to the insurance cover and make sure that it is comprehensive and adequate. Vehicle insurance protects you against several risks: theft, damage, death of driver or passenger, and damage caused by your car to some other vehicle, person or property. Although tailor-made covers have not debuted in the market yet, cut throat competition is working in the interest of consumers. With the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) freeing up prices in the general insurance space — motor, fire and engineering — in January this year, there is much scope for you to bargain and get the best possible rate.
Tumbling rates, soaring discounts
Motor insurance consists of two main parts: own damage and third-party liability. According to the law of the land, every vehicle owner must have at least third-party liability cover. The regulator has freed only the own damage insurance cover rates so far. Depending on the size and the make of the car, own damage rates have come down almost 20 to 40 per cent. Says Rahul Aggarwal, chief executive officer, Optima Brokers: "The premium for a comprehensive insurance cover has fallen between 25 and 40 per cent depending on the type of car. The fall has been more in case of premium cars that cost Rs 10 lakh and above. For smaller cars like the Santro and Maruti Alto, the drop has been nearly 20 per cent."
While the regulator freed up pricing in January, the premium rates fell steeply only during the last four months. Insurers initially started off by offering 10 per cent discount, then slowly graduated to 20 per cent, and now are giving discounts as high as 40 per cent.
Main components of the policy
A vehicle insurance cover has the following main components:
Own damage. This cover entitles you to claim compensation in the event of damage or theft of your vehicle. Various factors dictate the premium of a standard policy: type of vehicle, its engine capacity, its age, and the region in which it is registered. While these are the broad parameters, the exact premium for your car is calculated on the basis of its insured declared value (IDV). When buying a policy, never compromise on this value as this is the amount that the insurance company will pay you if your car gets completely damaged or stolen. Beware: a steep discount in premium might mean a lower IDV. While buying the policy always ask for the exact IDV to get an idea of the insurance amount you are likely to get in case of a casualty. The IDV of a vehicle declines with age (insurers generally give a depreciation schedule for up to five years).
Third party. According to the Insurance Act, it is compulsory to have third-party liability cover. In metropolitian cities it becomes imperative to have such a cover due to higher chances of accidents.
"Third party liability under the insurance law in India is unlimited," says M. Ramadoss, chairman and managing director, Oriental General Insurance. That means if you hit a person on the road, then the liability is unlimited. In case of property damage, the liability is limited to Rs 7.5 lakh.
Points to remember
Here are key aspects that you should keep in mind while buying vehicle insurance:
Premium. The insurance regulator has freed the pricing of products but not the wordings. Therefore, the whole industry is selling more or less the same product. Pricing is the only tool in their hands for driving sales. Use this to your advantage. "A customer must insist on getting quotes from different companies. Ask a friend who has the same car what premium he pays. By doing a bit of legwork and haggling, a customer can get discounts as high as 40-50 per cent," says Ramadoss.
You can bargain for a lower premium in case you have a no-claim (or fairly low claim record) history. “Longer the claim history, higher is the premium levied by companies,”says Eswaranatarajan N., head, motor insurance, ICICI Lombard General Insurance.
Moreover, keep in mind that you can transfer the vehicle insurance from your old vehicle to the new one. “The no-claim bonus goes with the driver and not with the vehicle. So when you sell a vehicle and buy a new one, the no-claim bonus from the earlier vehicle can be transferred to the new one,” he adds.
Co-payment clause. Watch out for the co-payment clause, also known as excess. While offering a lower premium, insurers pass on some of the risk to the customer using this clause. In case of a claim, the expense will then have to be borne by both the insurer and the insured. Hence, avoid the co-payment clause even if it means paying a higher premium.
Claims and customer service. These are the two most important criteria that should be kept in mind while buying or renewing a policy. Today one out of every three vehicles meets with an accident. Hence customer service plays an prominent role. According to Darvesh Panchal, practice leader, Prudent Brokers, "The ease of getting a claim settled without any hassles is a big factor in motor insurance. Always look for companies that offer cashless facility (i.e., they get the vehicle repaired at an empanelled garage). Also check out what other value-added services they provide."
A few dealers or brokers help their customers in getting the claim. "The most important thing to look for in the dealer or the intermediary is the services he offers. See how qualified and geared up the intermediary is to provide claim support and information," says Aggarwal.
In case of total loss or theft, it takes more than three months to settle the claim. In case of theft, the insured has to lodge a complaint in the local police station and wait till it issues a non-traceable report. The process takes about three months. And needless to add, it requires you to make several rounds of the court and the police station. It is only after this report is submitted that the insurance company starts its work of paying you the claim. Any help that you can get from the broker or dealer will come as welcome relief.
More regulatory changes needed
While the regulator has freed up pricing control, general insurance companies do not yet enjoy the freedom to alter the wordings of the policy. Says Eswaranatarajan N., “Today only the premiums have been de-tarriffed and not the products. What we sell in the market is basically one product with a common set of policy wordings. To open up the market and in the interest of the consumer, it is anticipated that the regulator will introduce flexibility in wordings and allow new products.”
N.K. Kedia, director (marketing), Iffco Tokio General Insurance too feels the same. “Freedom in wordings would allow us to come out with innovative products. The industry would then develop on the lines of matured markets. This move will be in the consumer's interest as it will allow introduction of new products, and lead to greater choice."
Ramadoss of Oriental Insurance is of the view that greater regulatory vigil is the need of the hour. “There should be strict vigilance against uninsured vehicles. The government should take action against them. Because so many vehicles remain uninsured, there is a lot of leakage of premium. After this is taken care of, premium rates will come down further,” he says.
Till these regulatory changes come about, make the best of the current regime and get yourself a comprehensive cover at the lowest possible cost.
Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/
Sixth Pay Commission: Sixth pay panel triggers hike for PSU employees
Sixth Pay Commission: Sixth pay panel triggers hike for PSU employees
20 Oct, 2008, 0123 hrs IST,Dheeraj Tiwari, ET Bureau
NEW DELHI: The government has finally decided to revise the pay scales of employees working in 69 public sector undertakings (PSUs) on the lines of the Sixth Pay Commission offered to central government staff.
The benefit of pay revision will be allowed only to employees of those CPSUs that are not making losses and are in a position to absorb the additional expenditure from their own resources without any budgetary support.
The PSUs include Mahanagar Telecom Nigam (MTNL), Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), NHPC and North-Eastern Electric Power Corporation (Neepco) among others. These PSUs follow the central dearness allowance pattern and are governed by a separate high power pay committee.
“The pay scales of the employees will be revised with effect from January 2006. It will be now up to the board of directors of the respective public sector company to consider the pay revision, keeping in mind the affordability and capacity of the CPSU. They’ll have to submit a proposal to their respective administrative ministry, which will approve the proposal with the concurrence of its financial advisor,” a department of public enterprise official said.
As per the recommendations, there will also be a revision in city compensatory allowance, house rent allowance and dearness allowance (DA).
Already in April this year, the government had increased the DA for PSUs by 6% with effect from January this year.
“This will make a stronger case for the early implementation of the second pay revision committee report for the companies following the industrial dearness allowance pattern. However, not all companies following the CDA pattern will be able to adopt the new pay revisions as some of them are sick or loss-making units,” the official said.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/
20 Oct, 2008, 0123 hrs IST,Dheeraj Tiwari, ET Bureau
NEW DELHI: The government has finally decided to revise the pay scales of employees working in 69 public sector undertakings (PSUs) on the lines of the Sixth Pay Commission offered to central government staff.
The benefit of pay revision will be allowed only to employees of those CPSUs that are not making losses and are in a position to absorb the additional expenditure from their own resources without any budgetary support.
The PSUs include Mahanagar Telecom Nigam (MTNL), Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), NHPC and North-Eastern Electric Power Corporation (Neepco) among others. These PSUs follow the central dearness allowance pattern and are governed by a separate high power pay committee.
“The pay scales of the employees will be revised with effect from January 2006. It will be now up to the board of directors of the respective public sector company to consider the pay revision, keeping in mind the affordability and capacity of the CPSU. They’ll have to submit a proposal to their respective administrative ministry, which will approve the proposal with the concurrence of its financial advisor,” a department of public enterprise official said.
As per the recommendations, there will also be a revision in city compensatory allowance, house rent allowance and dearness allowance (DA).
Already in April this year, the government had increased the DA for PSUs by 6% with effect from January this year.
“This will make a stronger case for the early implementation of the second pay revision committee report for the companies following the industrial dearness allowance pattern. However, not all companies following the CDA pattern will be able to adopt the new pay revisions as some of them are sick or loss-making units,” the official said.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/
Bharti Airtel to launch internet TV
Bharti Airtel to launch internet TV
According to a top company official, Airtel plans to launch its commercial services in six cities soon.
Bharti Airtel is going great guns into the media business. After launching the DTH service, they have started a trial run of their proposed internet protocol television (IPTV) services in New Delhi and are now planning to launch its commercial services in six cities soon, according to their top official.
President of Telemedia Services of the company, Atul Bindal told reporters during the launch of Airtel's DTH service in Kolkata "We are currently covering 1,000 households in New Delhi on a pilot basis. Issues like infrastructure capabilities and different pricing models are being tried there."
Since it requires a very high bandwidth, Airtel would restrict IPTV to metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad, as of now, where the broadband speeds of up to 8 Mbps are available.
When asked, Mr. Bindal declined to comment about the date of IPTV launch, but he said "We will soon be having services like IPTV, DTH, landline telephone and mobile telephony. Various combo packages are being worked out."
Airtel currently has 2.5 milion Telemedia customers for both landline and broadband, whom it plans to target with IPTV services. Mr. Bindal also added that the recent guidelines by the I&B ministry about downloading IPTV content has prompted Airtel to work aggressively on its IPTV launch.
Source: techtree.com
According to a top company official, Airtel plans to launch its commercial services in six cities soon.
Bharti Airtel is going great guns into the media business. After launching the DTH service, they have started a trial run of their proposed internet protocol television (IPTV) services in New Delhi and are now planning to launch its commercial services in six cities soon, according to their top official.
President of Telemedia Services of the company, Atul Bindal told reporters during the launch of Airtel's DTH service in Kolkata "We are currently covering 1,000 households in New Delhi on a pilot basis. Issues like infrastructure capabilities and different pricing models are being tried there."
Since it requires a very high bandwidth, Airtel would restrict IPTV to metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad, as of now, where the broadband speeds of up to 8 Mbps are available.
When asked, Mr. Bindal declined to comment about the date of IPTV launch, but he said "We will soon be having services like IPTV, DTH, landline telephone and mobile telephony. Various combo packages are being worked out."
Airtel currently has 2.5 milion Telemedia customers for both landline and broadband, whom it plans to target with IPTV services. Mr. Bindal also added that the recent guidelines by the I&B ministry about downloading IPTV content has prompted Airtel to work aggressively on its IPTV launch.
Source: techtree.com
Sixth Pay Commission: Paramilitary forces unhappy with pay panel
Sixth Pay Commission: Paramilitary forces unhappy with pay panel
Sudhi Ranjan Sen
Saturday, October 18, 2008, (New Delhi)
For the UPA government, the Sixth Pay Commission has created more problems than it has solved. The paramilitary -- the third largest force in the world -- too is unhappy over the recommendations and feels cheated.
Mohinder Lal was a star of the Border Security Force. But despite his 35 years in the force and medals for shooting competitions, he couldn't go beyond Deputy Inspector General.
Most cadre officers of the paramilitary face hit a promotion and pay barrier unlike their counterparts in the military. And this is taking a toll on recruitments.
Individual officers have written to the Home Minister and Congress president Sonia Gandhi saying that pay panel recommendations are unacceptable.
A delegation has also met External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukerjee who heads the committee reviewing the pay and perks of the armed forces.
The paramilitary are demanding more senior level post for cadre officers instead of IPS officers and parity with military specially in the cutting edge level of lieutenant Colonels.
Most of the BSF spends 90 per cent of their career guarding the borders or fighting insurgencies.
"People will join the paramilitary but good people will not come anymore," said Mohinder Lal, Deputy Inspector General, BSF.
Like the military, the points raised by paramilitary is valid and has serious implications. But what is surprising and baffling is the inability of bureaucracy to deal with them satisfactorily.
Source: http://www.ndtv.com/
Sudhi Ranjan Sen
Saturday, October 18, 2008, (New Delhi)
For the UPA government, the Sixth Pay Commission has created more problems than it has solved. The paramilitary -- the third largest force in the world -- too is unhappy over the recommendations and feels cheated.
Mohinder Lal was a star of the Border Security Force. But despite his 35 years in the force and medals for shooting competitions, he couldn't go beyond Deputy Inspector General.
Most cadre officers of the paramilitary face hit a promotion and pay barrier unlike their counterparts in the military. And this is taking a toll on recruitments.
Individual officers have written to the Home Minister and Congress president Sonia Gandhi saying that pay panel recommendations are unacceptable.
A delegation has also met External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukerjee who heads the committee reviewing the pay and perks of the armed forces.
The paramilitary are demanding more senior level post for cadre officers instead of IPS officers and parity with military specially in the cutting edge level of lieutenant Colonels.
Most of the BSF spends 90 per cent of their career guarding the borders or fighting insurgencies.
"People will join the paramilitary but good people will not come anymore," said Mohinder Lal, Deputy Inspector General, BSF.
Like the military, the points raised by paramilitary is valid and has serious implications. But what is surprising and baffling is the inability of bureaucracy to deal with them satisfactorily.
Source: http://www.ndtv.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
