An officer’s foreign posting tenure to change depending on his child’s academic calendar

THE DoPT has made it public a decision taken in March this year whereby Appointment Committee of Cabinet said officers posted abroad on foreign assignments would get extension till their children’s academic session there. “Appointments Committee of the Cabinet decided that the tenure of officers on foreign deputation may be linked to the end of the academic session i.e. date of completion of the annual examination… if some adjustment is required (either extension or curtailment), depending on the commencement of the posting, and the timing of the examination, the proposal for approval of the competent authority should be sent to this office at least 2 months before the date of completion of the approved tenure or date of completion of the proposed tenure, whichever is earlier,” a DoPT circular dated March 16, 2010 said.

The issue has become more relevant as government has not only increased the number of such foreign postings recently, but has advertised for such posts too.

Tenure of anomalies committee extended

The tenure of National Anomaly Committee, set up to look into anomalies arising out of recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission, has been extended up to 31st March, 2011. The National Anomaly Committee is not expected to submit any report, but anomalies are resolved through the process of constructive dialogue and discussion with the representatives of the staff side. This was stated by minister of state in the ministry of personnel, public grievances and pensions, Prithviraj Chavan in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.

Two to Tango: 2 Gopalakrishnan in innovation council

There are two R Gopalakrishnan in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh-approved National Innovation Council constituted under the chairmanship of Sam Pitroda to prepare a road map for the “Decade of Innovation 2011-2020”. Whereas R Gopalakrishnan, executive director of Tata Sons is a member of the Council, 1979 batch Madhya Pradesh cadre IAS and additional secretary in PMO, R Gopalakrishnan will be Member Secretary of the Council.

Action and Appointments

a) The proposal for extension in Central deputation tenure of Ms Upma Chaudhary, a 1983 batch Himachal Pradesh cadre IAS, as Joint Secretary in the department of agriculture and cooperation for three months has been approved.

b) The proposal for extension in deputation tenure of Sajen Peter, a 1982 batch Kerala cadre IAS, as Chairman, Ruber Board for three months, has been approved.

c) LC Goyal, a 1979 batch Kerala cadre IAS, presently in the cadre, has been appointed as additional secretary and Director General, Central Government Employees and Pensioners Health Scheme in the department of health and family welfare.