1. Please refer to Railway Board’s letter of even number dated 01.10.2008, followed by Board’s letters of even number dated 19.12.2008, 04.05.2009, 10.06.2009 and 06.11.2009 containing revised policy instructions / clarifications on Children Education Allowance and Hostel Subsidy admissible to Railway Servants based on the recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission.
2. Now, DOP&T vide Office Memorandum No. 12011/16/2009-[Allowance] dated 13.11.2009 has clarified position in respect of reimbursement of Vidyalya Vikas Nidhi charged by Kendriya Vidyalayas and number of children covered under the scheme of Children Education Allowance. Through another Office Memorandum No.12011/03/2008-Estt.[Allowance] dated 23.11.2009, DOP&T has issued clarification in respect of definition of ‘nursery’ and ‘ recognized institutions’. Copies of both the Office Memorandums dated 13.11.2009 and 23.11.2009 are enclosed for guidance and information.
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Copy of Ministry of Personnel , PG & Pensions [DOP&T]’s OM No. 12011/16/2009-[Allowance] dated 13.11.2009
Sub: Children Education Allowance /Hostel Subsidy Clarification.
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The undersigned is directed to refer to DOP&T OM No. 12011/3/2008-Estt.[Allowance] dated 2nd September, 2008 on the above subject and to say that this Department has been receiving various references from Government servants, Ministries/Department seeking clarification whether Vidyalya Vikas Nidhi [VVN] charged by Kendriya Vidyalayas is reimbursable as per items detailed in para 1[e] of the above mentioned OM. The matter has been considered in consultation with Ministry of Finance. It is clarified that Vidyalya Vikas Nidhi charged by Kendriya Vidyalayas will also form part of para 1[e] of the said OM and can be claimed for reimbursement under the scheme of Children Education Allowance subject to the annual ceiling of 12000 per child. Where Vidyalya Vikas Nidhi has not been admitted for reimbursement in past cases, the same may now be considered for reimbursement, subject to other conditions.
This Department has also been receiving references seeking clarification whether Children Education Allowance can be claimed in respect of any two children by Government Servants who have more than two children. It is clarified that Children Education Allowance is admissible for the two eldest surviving children only, except when the number of children exceeds two due to second child birth resulting in multiple births.
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Copy of Ministry of Personnel , PG & Pensions [DOP&T]’s OM No. 12011/03/2008-Estt.[Allowances] dated 23.11.2009
Sub: Clarification on Children Education Allowance
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The undersigned is directed to refer to DOP&T OM of even No. dated 2.9.2008 on the above subject. Para 1[c] of the said OM says
“Reimbursement will be applicable for expenditure on the education of school going children only i.e. for children from classes nursery to twelfth including classes eleventh and twelfth held by junior colleges or schools affiliated to Universities or Board of Education”.
Various clarifications are being sought with regard to the definition of ‘nursery’ as the same is being called by different names in different institutions. This matter was considered in consultation with Ministry of Finance. It is clarified that ‘classes nursery to twelfth’ will include classes 1 to XII + 2 classes prior to class I irrespective of the nomenclature.
It is further clarified that in respect of schools /institutions at nursery, primary and middle level not affiliated to any Board of education, the reimbursement under the Scheme may be allowed for the children studying in a recognized school /institution. Recognised school/institution in this regard means a Govt. school or any educational institution whether in receipt of Govt. aid or not, recognized by the Central or State Govt. or Union Territory Administration or by University or a recognized educational authority having jurisdiction over the area where the institution is situated.