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Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Payment of Risk Allowance to the staff in the TRD Wing of Electrical Department on Indian Railways

Payment of Risk Allowance to the staff in the TRD Wing of Electrical Department on Indian Railways

NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI – 110 055
Affiliated to :
Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)
Dated: 09/11/2015
No. I/5(g)/Part V
The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Payment of Risk Allowance to the staff in the TRD Wing of Electrical Department on Indian Railways-Reg.
Ref: Railway Board’s letter No. E(P&A) I-2008 SP-I/AD-3 dated 02/05/2013.
*********
The NFIR desires to bring to the notice of Railway Board that the staff working in TRD wing of Electrical Department are denied Risk Allowance even though these staff face continuous risk while perfoniing duties.
The TRD staff are engaged in the jobs listed vide annexure to Railway Board’s letter No. E(P&A)I-2008/SP-I/AD dated 02/05 /2013.

2. ln this connection, Federation desires to bring to the notice of the Railway Board following facts for appreciation of NFIR’s point of view:-
  • Though the TRD staff while working on the OHE, obtain Block and shut down the power carrying 2500 volt current duly earthing on both ends, but the power of same magnitude and intensity is available in the adjacent up/down line for the purpose of regular flow of rail traffic.
  • The high intensity current on the adjacent line causes severe adverse impact on the health of TRD staff due to inherent infection. This gives rise to various diseases as infection is being caused in the human body.
The seriousness can be assumed from the fact that if the amount of current in the human body crosses 40 mili-ampere, it can cause even deaths.

3. The NFIR therefore contends that the health hazards faced by the TRD Staff of Electrical Department in their day-to-day working are continuous and they are required to be paid Risk Allowance.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to consider the case of TRD staff in all grades and accord approval for payment of Risk Allowance.

Federation may be kept advised of the action taken in the matter.

Yours faithfully,
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah).
General Secretary
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B40Q65NF2_7UVVVUQXYzZjdjZ2s/view?pli=1

Friday, November 6, 2015

Railway News: Payment of Cash instead of Food to non-gazetted railway employees

All non-gazetted staff called for breakdown duties are eligible for payment of cash when supply of free food is not possible
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)
RBE No.134/2015
No.E(P&A)II-2015/F.E.2/2
New Delhi, dated 27.10.2015
The General Managers,
All Indian Railways & Production Units etc.

Sub: Payment of cash in lieu of free food, in exceptional circumstances to the non-gazetted staff engaged in Breakdown duties.
Ref:- PNM/ NFIR Item No. 10/2015.
****

National Federation of Indian Railwaymen have raised the issue regarding payment of Diet Allowance to staff attending Breakdown duties. The issue was discussed in the PNM Meeting and it has been decided to reiterate the relevant provisions of para 1420 of IREC-II. All non-gazetted staff called for breakdown duties are eligible for supply of free food, departmentally or otherwise, during the period they are engaged in breakdown duties, however where it is not possible to make arrangements for supply of free food, in exceptional circumstances, cash in lieu thereof may be paid to the non-gazetted staff including Gangmen and Trolleymen engaged in breakdown duties, at the rates fixed by the General Manager in consultation with· FA&CAO.

2. Cash compensation in lieu of free food however shall not be admissible to gazetted staff who are called out in connection with .accidents/breakdown.

3. Kindly acknowledge receipt.
( Salim Md. Ahmed )
Deputy Director/E(P&A)II,
Railway Board.
Download Railway Board Order RBE No.134/2015 No.E(P&A)II-2015/F.E.2/2 dated 27.10.2015

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Railway Bonus orders: Grant of ad-hoc bonus for 30 days to the Group ‘C’ & `D’ RPF/RPSF personnel for the financial year 2014-2015

Railway Bonus Orders: Grant of ad-hoc bonus for 30 days to the Group ‘C’ & `D’ RPF/RPSF personnel for the financial year 2014-2015

Railway_Bonus_Orders_RPF_RPSF

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)
RBE No.140/2015
No.E(P&A)II-2015/Bonus-1
New Delhi, Dated 02/11/2015
The General Managers/CAOs (R),
All Indian Railways & Production Units,
(As per mailing list)

Subject: Grant of ad-hoc bonus for 30 days to the Group ‘C’ & `D’ RPF/RPSF personnel for the financial year 2014-2015

The President is pleased to decide that all Group ‘C’ & ‘D’ RPF/RPSF personnel, may be granted ad-hoc bonus equivalent to 30 (thirty) days emoluments for the financial year 2014-2015, without any eligibility wage ceiling. The calculation ceiling of Rs.3500/- will remain unchanged.

2. The benefit will be admissible subject to the following terms and conditions:-
a) Only those Group ‘C’ & ‘D’ RPF/RPSF personnel who were in service on 31.3.2015 and have rendered at least six months of continuous service during the year 2014-2015 will be eligible for payment under these orders. Pro-rata payment will be admissible to the eligible personnel for period of continuous service during the year ranging from six months to a full year, the eligibility period being taken in terms of number of months of service (rounded to the nearest number of months).

b) The quantum of ad-hoc bonus will be worked out on the basis of average emoluments/calculation ceiling whichever is lower. To calculate ad-hoc bonus for one day, the average emoluments in a year will be divided by 30.4 (average number of days in a month). This will thereafter be multiplied by the number of days of bonus granted. To illustrate, taking the calculation ceiling of Rs.3500/-(where actual average emoluments exceed Rs.3500), ad-hoc bonus for thirty days would work out to Rs.3500×30/30.4 = Rs.3453.95 (rounded off to Rs.3454/).

c) All payments under these orders will be rounded off to the nearest rupee.

d) In the matter where the aforesaid provisions are silent, clarificatory orders issued vide this Ministry’s letter No.E(P&A)II-88/Bonus-3 dated 29.12.1988, as amended from time to time, would hold good.

e) All the Group ‘C’ & ‘D’ RPF/RPSF personnel, regardless of whether they are in uniform or out of uniform and regardless of place of their posting, shall be eligible only for ad-hoc bonus in terms of these orders.
3. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.
Sd/-
(Salim. Md. Ahmed)
Deputy Director/E(P&A)-II
Railway Board.
Authority: http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme (ATAS) called “VIKALP” to be Introduced from Tomorrow i.e. 1.11.2015 on Pilot Basis

Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme (ATAS) called “VIKALP” to be Introduced from Tomorrow i.e. 1.11.2015 on Pilot Basis

Ministry of Railways
31-October, 2015
A Major Passenger Friendly move to Provide Confirmed Accommodation to Waitlisted Passengers in Alternate Trains
Facility to be Available Initially for E-Ticket (Internet Booking) Only
The Scheme to be Available Initially on Mail/ Express Trains of Two Sectors Namely Delhi –Lucknow and Delhi –Jammu

Later, The Scheme to be Extended to PRS Counter Bookings as well as on Other Journey Sectors
  • With a view to provide confirmed accommodation to waitlisted passengers and also to ensure optimal utilisation of available accommodation, a scheme Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme(ATAS) called “VIKALP” has been conceptualised and is to be introduced from tomorrow i.e. 1.11.2015. Initially this scheme will be available only for the tickets booked through internet (E-ticket) as a pilot project for six months. More over initially this scheme would be provided on Mail/ Express Trains running on two sectors only namely Delhi-Lucknow and Delhi-Jammu sectors of Northern Railway. In this scheme, wait listed passengers of a train will be given option for getting confirmed accommodation in alternate trains. Based on the feedback, this scheme will be extended to PRS counter bookings and also on other journey sectors. This is a major passenger friendly move to provide confirmed accommodation to waitlisted passengers in alternate trains.
Salient Features of the scheme
  • The Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme (ATAS) is presently being launched under the name “Vikalp” on pilot basis only for the tickets booked through internet (E-ticket) on two sectors i.e. Delhi-Jammu and Delhi-Lucknow sectors. Based on the feedback it will be extended on PRS as well as on other sectors.
  • The scheme is presently being implemented only across Mail/Express trains of same category.
  • No extra charges shall be taken from passenger or any refund shall be provided for difference of fare.
  • The scheme is applicable to all waiting list passengers irrespective of booking quota and concession. In pilot phase the scheme will be available on few pre-designated trains in the above sectors only.
  • Under this scheme, waiting list passengers will give choice to opt for ATAS scheme.
  • ATAS opted passengers who remain fully waitlisted after charting will only be considered for allotment in the alternate train.
  • Fully WL passengers opted for ATAS should check PNR status after charting.
  • Either all passengers of a PNR or none will be transferred to alternate train in same class. The passenger can be considered for shifting to a train leaving from any station amongst the cluster of stations defined by Railways based on the convenience of the passengers to a station serving the destination station on the same analogy.
  • The ATAS opted passengers who have been provided accommodation in the alternate train will not figure in the waitlisted charts of their original train. A separate list of passengers transferred in alternate train will be pasted along with the CONFIRMED and WAITLIST charts.
  • The passenger allotted alternate accommodation can travel in the alternate train on authority of original ticket.
  • Waitlisted passengers of original train shall not be allowed to board the original train if allotted alternate accommodation. If found travelling, they will be treated as travelling without ticket and charged accordingly.
  • Passengers once provided alternate accommodation in alternate train will be treated as normal passengers in alternate train and will be eligible for upgradation.
  • In rare situations, passengers who have been provided alternate accommodation might get dropped/re-allotted in alternate train due to last minute change in composition of the alternate train at the time of chart preparation. So, passengers who have been provided alternate accommodation should check PNR status also after preparation of charts of the alternate train for final status.
  • This information will be available on Call Centre (139), PRS Enquiry Counters, Passenger Operated Enquiry Terminals installed at stations and WEB ENQUIRY on www.indianrail.gov.in.
  • Passenger will also get SMS alert on their Registered mobile phone number about getting confirmed alternate accommodation.
  • When an ATAS opted passenger opts to cancel, after he/she has been given an alternate accommodation, he/she will be treated as a CONFIRMED passenger and the cancellation rules will apply accordingly.
  • No refund for difference of fare between the original train and the alternate train, including Tatkal charges, if any, will be given to re-allocated passengers.
  • Once an ATAS passenger has been allotted alternate accommodation, journey modification will not be permitted. If required, the passenger will have to cancel the ticket and book a fresh ticket for modified journey.
  • When a passenger who has been allotted alternate accommodation has not performed his journey in the alternate train, he can claim for refunds by filing a TDR request.
IMPORTANT PASSENGER INFORMATION
  1. Opting for VIKALP does not mean that confirmed berth will be provided to passengers in alternate train. It is subject to train and berth availability.
  2. Once confirmed in Alternate train, Cancellation charges will be as per your berth/train status in alternate train.
  3. In this scheme, your boarding and terminating station might change to nearby cluster stations.
  4. You can be transferred to any alternate train available within 12 hrs from the scheduled departure of original train, in which you have booked
  5. Please check PNR status after charting.
****
PIB

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Summary Record Note of Discussions held by Board (CRB, MS, & FC ) with Federations (AIRF & NFIR) on 01.10.2015 on issues raised by federation

Summary Record Note of Discussions held by Board (CRB, MS, & FC ) with Federations (AIRF & NFIR) on 01.10.2015 on issues raised by federation:-


Railway News AIRF NFIR

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)
*****
No. 2015/E(LR)II/1/8
New Delhi, dated :27. 10.2015
The General Secretary,
AIRF,
4, State Entry Road,
New Delhi -110055.


The General Secretary,
NFIR,
3, Cheimsford Road,
New Delhi-110055.

Dear Sirs,
Summary Record Note of Discussions held on 01.10.2015 on the above mentioned subject is sent herewith.
Yours faithfully
(Naveen Kumar)
Dy. Director Estt (LR)-I

No.2015/E(LR)II/1/8
Summary Record Note of Discussions held by Board (CRB, MS, & FC ) with Federations (AIRF & NIFR) on 01.10.2015 on issues raised by federation.
***
The following officers and representatives of Federations attended the meeting:-
Official Side Federations
AIRFNFIR
Shri A. K. Mital, CRB
Shri Pradeep Kumar, MS
Shri S. Mookerjee, FC
Mrs. Ragini Yechury, ED (IR)
Shri Debashis Mallik, DE(IR)
1.Shri Rakhal Das Gupta, President
2.Shri S.G. Mishra, General Secretary
3.Shri J. R. Bhosale
1.Shri Guman Singh, President
2.Shri M. Raghavaiah, General Secretary
Item No.IssuesRemarks
1Exempting Railways from New Pension Scheme.The Federation stressed that this matter needs to be taken up at the level of Hon’ble  Minister for Railways with Hon’ble Finance Minister and requested for a meeting with Hon’ble MR. The Federations re-iterated  that Railway employees’ functionings quite comparable with those of the Defence Personnel as Railwaymen work under continuous stress and strain.

It was agreed to fix up a meeting of  the Federations with Hon’ble MR shortly
2Up-gradation of Apex level Group ‘C’ posts to Group ‘B’ Gazetted (3335 posts).2. Up-gradation of Apex level Group ‘C’ posts to Group ‘B’ Gazetted Official Side stated that proposal has again been submitted to Ministry of Finance seeking their concurrence. Thereafter, Ministry of Finance sought certain clarifications incontext to the said proposal which has been replied to them on 10.09.2015. The matter is further being pursued by Pay Commission Dte.

Federations, however, stated that creation/up-gradation in Group’B’posts is within the competence of Railway Board as was observed in the meeting of Standing Committee held on 07.05.2008.

It was agreed to examine this aspect after connecting the minutes of the meeting of Standing Committee of National Council referred to by the Federations.
3Report of High Power Committee on duty hours of Running Staff.Official Side conveyed that recommendations of the High Power Committee will be deliberated by Full Board on 06.10.2015 duly taking into account the views expressed by the Federations..
4Induction of Course Completed Act Apprentices against Safety vacancies in GP-Rs. 1800/-.It was proposed,from the Official Side that it is contemplated that henceforth educational qualifications for recruitment to erstwhile Group ‘D’ posts may be kept as Course Completed Act Apprentices and minimum 10th Pass Matriculation). Federations stated that they will first discuss this issue themselves jointlv.
5Unwarranted conditions like “working on tracks” causing impediment in implementation of LARSGESS in the case of P. Way .Staff.Federations stated that the phrase “working on track” in the case categories permitted in 2014 be removed. This was agreed to.
6Stepping up of pay of Loco Inspectors appointed prior to 01/01/2006. The commitment given by the Railway Board for granting stepping up of pay of the Loco Inspectors on the remaining six zones is yet to be implemented.Federations insisted that SLP be withdrawn as an agreement was reached on 07.02.2014 that stepping up of pay of LIs appointed prior to 01.01.2006 on the remaining 6 zones will be implemented. Official side stated that it will be examined in consultation with Leqal Dte.
7Rectification of MACPS anomalies.Federations were advised that before the issues are discussed at the level of Board (MS & FC), it will be desirable to deliberate on those issues by concerned Executive Directors (EDPC-I, EDPC-II, EDF(E) and EDE(N) ) in association with the General Secretaries of the Federations(AlRF & NFIR). For this purpose/ a meeting is to be fixed shortly
Source : NFIR

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Grant of Dearness Relief to Railway pensioners/family pensioners at Revised rate effective from 01.07.2015.

Grant of Dearness Relief to Railway pensioners/family pensioners at Revised rate effective from 01.07.2015.
Railway Board Orders 2015
Railway Board has granted Dearness Relief to the Pensioners / family pensioners at the revised rate with effect from 01.07.2015
S.No. PC-VI/357
RBE NO. 128/2015
Government of India
Ministry
of Railways
(Railway
Board)
No. PC-Vl/2008/1/7/2/2
The GMs/CAO(R).
All Zonal Railways & Production Units.
(as per mailing list)
New Delhi, dated 14.10.2015
Sub: Grant of Dearness Relief to Railway pensioners/family pensioners – Revised rate effective from 01.07.2015.
A copy of Office Memorandum No.42/10/2014-P&PW (G) dated 28.09.2015 of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions (Department of Pension and Pensioners· Welfare) on the above subject is enclosed for your information and necessary action. These orders will apply mutatis mutandis on the Railways also.

2. A concordance or DOP&PW’s instructions referred to in the enclosed Office Memorandum and Railway Board’s corresponding instructions are given below:-

S.No Para . No. No. & date of Deptt, of Pensions & Pensioners’ Welfare’s O.M. No. & date of corresponding ordersissued by Railway Board.
1. 1. O.M.No.42/10/2014 P&PW dated 27.04.2015. PC-VI/2008/1/7/2/2 dated 01.05.2015
2. 2. ( i) O.M. No. 23/1 /97- P&PW (B)dated 23.02.1998(ii) O.M. No. 23/3/2008- P&PW (B) dated l 5.09.2008 N.A.
3. 3. ( i) O.M. No. 4/59/97- P&PW (D) dated 14.07.1998 (ii) O.M. No. 4/29/99- P&PW (D)dated 12.07.2000 (i) F(E)III/96/PNI/9 dated 18.08.1998 (ii) F(E)III/96/PNI/9dated 02.08.2000
4. 5. (i) O.M. No. 45/73/97- P&PW (G)dated 02.07.1999(ii) O.M. No. 38/88/2008-P&PW (G)dated 09.07.2009 (i) F(E)III/99/PNI/21dated  05.08.1999(ii) E)III/2008/PNI/13dated  20.07.2009

3. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.
DA: As above
(M.K.Panda)
Jt. Director,
Pay Commission
Railway Board.
F. No. 42/10/2014-P&PW(G)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,
Khan Market, New Delhi – 110003
D a t e : 26th Sept, 2015
OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : Grant of Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners/family pensioners – Revised rate effective from 1. 7 .2015.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s OM No. 42/10/2014- P&PW(G) dated 27’h April, 2015 on the subject mentioned above and to state that the President is pleased to decide that the Dearness Relief (DR) payable to Central Government pensioners/family pensioners shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 113% to 119% w.e.f. 1st July, 2015.

2. These orders apply to (i) All Civilian Central Government Pensioners/Family Pensioners (ii) The Armed Forces Pensioners, Civilian Pensioners paid out of the Defence Service Estimates, (iii) All India Service Pensioners (iv) Railway Pensioners and (v) The Burma Civilian pensioners/family pensioners and pensioners/families of displaced Government pensioners from Pakistan, who are Indian Nationals but receiving pension on behalf of Government of Pakistan and are in receipt of ad-hoc ex-gratia allowance of Rs. 3500/- p.m. in terms of this Department’s OM No. 23/1197-P&PW(B) dated 23.2.1998 read with this Department’s OM No. 23/3/2008- P&PW(B) dated 15.9.2008.

3. Central Government Employees who had drawn lump sum amount on absorption in a PSU/Autonomous body and have become eligible to restoration of 113rct commuted portion of pension as well as revision of the restored amount in terms of this Department’s OM No. 4/59/97- P&PW (D) dated 14.07.1998 will also be entitled to the payment of DR@ 119% w.e.f. 1.7.2015 on full pension i.e., the revised pension which the absorbed employee would have received on the date of restoration had he not drawn lump sum payment on absorption and Dearness Pension subject to fulfillment of the conditions laid down in para 5 of the O.M. dated 14.07.98. In this connection, instructions contained in this Department’s OM No.4/29/99-P&PW (D) dated 12.7.2000 refer.

4. Payment of DR involving a fraction of a rupee shall be rounded off to the next higher rupee.

5. Other provisions governing grant of DR in respect of employed family pensioners and re-employed Central Government Pensioners will be regulated in accordance with the provisions contained in this Department’s OM No. 45/73/97-P&PW (G) dated 2. 7 .1999 as amended vide this Department’s OM No. F. No. 38/88/2008-P&PW(G) dated 9th July, 2009. The provisions relating to regulation of DR where a pensioner is in receipt of more than one pension will remain unchanged.

6. In the case of retired Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, necessary orders will be issued by the Department of Justice separately.

7. It will be the responsibility of the pension disbursing authorities, including the nationalized banks, etc. to calculate the quantum of DR payable in each individual case.

8. The offices of Accountant General and authorised Pension Disbursing Banks are requested to arrange payment of relief to pensioners etc. on the basis of these instructions without waiting for any further instructions from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and the Reserve Bank of India in view of letter No. 528-TA, 11/34-80-11 dated 23/04/1981 of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India addressed to all Accountant Generals and Reserve Bank of India Circular No. GANS No. 2958/GA-64 (ii) (C53L)/81 dated the 2151 May, 1981 addressed to State Bank of India and its subsidiaries and all Nationalised Banks

9. In their application to the pensioners/family pensioners belonging to Indian Audit and Accounts Department, these orders issue after consultation with the C&AG.

10. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide their OM No. 1/3/2015-E.ll(B) dated 23rd September, 2015.

11. Hindi version will follow.
(Charanjit Taneja)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Please visit this Department’s website http://pensionersportal.gov.in for the orders on pension matters including above orders.
Download Railway Board letter S.No. PC-VI/357 RBE NO. 128/2015 dated 14.10.2015

Railway News: Bonus 2015 : Cabinet approved 78 Days for Railway Employees

Railway News: Bonus 2015 : Cabinet approved 78 Days for Railway Employees
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT TODAY HAS ANNOUNCED 78 DAYS BONUS TO RAILWAY EMPLOYEES.
DECISION HAS BEEN TAKEN IN A CABINET MEETING HELD TODAY AT NEW DELHI.

CEILING REMAINS SAME i.e. Rs. 3500/-.
78 days wages approved as Productivity Linked Bonus for the year 2014-15 to Railway Employees
The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal of the Ministry of Railways for payment of Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) equivalent to 78 days wages for the financial year 2014-15 for all eligible non-gazetted railway employees. The wage ceiling for payment of PLB fixed at Rs. 3500/- per month.

Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) equivalent to 78 days’ wages for the financial year 2014-2015 for all eligible non-gazetted Railway employees (excluding RPF/RPSF personnel).

No Change in Calculation Ceiling and Eligibility Ceiling…

The formal orders for the payment of Bonus are expected soon.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Railwaymen likely to get 78 days bonus

Railwaymen likely to get 78 days bonus
Railway News
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu
New Delhi: Railway employees are likely to be given 78-day wages as productivity-linked bonus (PLB) for the fiscal 2014-15, the same as in the last three years, despite the financial crunch.

The proposal to give 78-day bonus to railwaymen is likely to come up tomorrow at the Cabinet meeting, sources said.

If the Cabinet decides tomorrow for a 78-day bonus then about 12 lakh railway employees will get about Rs 8897 as bonus this month, they said.

There will be about 11 lakh railway employees who will get the benefit of PLB and it is estimated to cost more than Rs 800 crores to the public transporter.

In 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 also, 78-day wages were given as PLB to railway employees.

Productivity-linked bonus is paid to railway employees each year before the Dussehra festival.

However, General Secreatry of National Railway Federation of Indian Railwaymen M Raghavaiah said “We are demanding to increase the ceiling of Rs 3,500 per month as Labour Ministry has also advocated for the hike in bonus and we have written to Prime Minister for this.

“But since the election code of conduct is in force, the government has to have special permission from the Election Commission to raise the amount.

PTI

Recruitment of Persons with Disabilities in Indian Railway from Open market- Regarding publication of Employment Notices

Recruitment of Persons with Disabilities from Open market- Employment Notices shall also get the uploaded on the websites of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Department of Personnel and Training, Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities: Railway Board Order

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)
E(NG)-II/2015/RC-2/2
New Delhi, dated 16 .09.2015
The General Manager (P)
All Indian Railways/PUs,
Chairman/RRBs.
Sub: Recruitment of Persons with Disabilities from Open market- Employment Notices – reg.

As the Railways are aware, three percent of the vacancies in direct recruitment to non-Gazetted posts are to be reserved for persons with disabilities of which one percent each shall be reserved for persons suffering from
(i) blindness or low vision,
(ii) hearing impairment and
(iii) loco motor disability or cerebral palsy in the posts identified suitable for each disability.

Further, in terms of Board’s instructions as contained in letter No. E(NG)-Il/98/RC-2/8 dated 17/9/1998, in addition to the Employment Notices being supplied to the Employment Exchanges, Special Employment Exchanges, Vocational Rehabilitation Centres & National level Rehabilitation institutes, such notices are also to be published in Employment News.

 It has now been decided that recruiting agencies whether RRBs/RRCs/ Railway Administrations shall also get the Employment Notices/Advertisements uploaded on the websites of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Department of Personnel and Training, Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and any other Ministry/Department as deemed necessary through NIC or other means for information of all concerned. This will be in addition to, hoisting the same on the websites of the recruiting agencies concerned.

sd/-
(Neeraj Kumar)
Director Estt.(N)-II
Railway Board

Source: http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/establishment/ENG-II/2015/16_9_2015.pdf

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Re-classification of cities/towns on the basis of 2011 Census grant of House Rent Allowance to Railway Employees

Re-classification of cities/towns on the basis of 2011 Census grant of House Rent Allowance to Railway Employees
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)
RBE No.116/2015
No. E(P&A) II-2015/HRA-7
New Delhi, dated 24-09-2015
The General Managers/CAOs,
All Indian Railways & Prod. Units etc.
Sub: Re-classification of cities/towns on the basis of 2011 Census grant of House Rent Allowance to Railway Employees.
******
Attention is invited to Board’s letter No. E(P&A)II-2008/HRA-10 dated 12-09-2008 relating to grant of House Rent Allowance (HRA) to Railway employees on the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission whereby a list of cities/towns classified as ‘X’, ‘Y’ and ‘Z’ for the purpose of grant of HRA was enclosed as Annexure. The matter relating to re-classification of cities/towns on the basis of Census-2011 for the purpose of grant of HRA to Central Government employees has been considered by the Government.
2. The President is pleased to decide that in supersession of all the existing orders relating to classification of cities/towns for the purposes of grant of HRA to Railway employees, cities/towns shall now be re-classified as ‘X’, ‘Y’ and ‘Z’ for the purpose of HRA as enumerated in the Annexure to these orders

3. Consequent upon implementation of the recommendations of the 5th Central Pay Commission, certain cities/towns were placed in a lower classification as compared to their existing classification for CCA/HRA purpose, vide Board’s letter No.PC-V/97/I/7/13 dated 16.10.1997. However, these cities/towns were allowed to retain their existing higher classification, vide para 3 thereof; and further extended vide Board’s letter No.E(P&A)II-2004/HRA-16 dated 17.05.2005 & Board’s letter No. E(P&A)II-2008/HRA-10 dated 20.03.2009. As other cities/towns to which protection of retaining earlier higher classification was allowed, got upgraded during the intervening period, as on date only two cities i.e. Ajmer in Rajasthan and Durgapur in West Bengal were retaining such protection. Consequent upon upgradation of these two cities also on the basis of their population as per Census-2011, provisions contained in Para 3, of vide Board’s letter No. PC-V/97/I/7/13 dated 16.10.1997 which were allowed to further continue vide Board’s letter No. E(P&A)II-2004/HRA-16 dated 17.05.2005 & Board’s letter No. E(P&A)II-2008/HRA-10 dated 20.03.2009 stand withdrawn/ discontinued

4. Special orders allowing continuance of HRA (a) at Delhi (“X” class city) rates to Railway employees posted at Faridabad, Ghaziabad, NOIDA, Gurgaon and (b) at Jalandhar (“Y” class city) rates to Jalandhar Cantt. and (c) at “Y” class city rates to Shillong, Goa, Port Blair vide Board’s letter No.E(P&A)Il-2008/HRA-10 dated 12.09.2008 and (d) continuance of HRA at par with Chandigarh (“Y” class city) to Panchkula vide Board’s letter No.E(P&A)II-2008/HRA-10 dated 16.05.2011, shall continue to be applicable till the recommendations of 7th CPC are considered by the Government

5. These orders shall be effective from 01.04.2015

6. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

( Salim Md. Ahmad )
Deputy Director/E(P&A)II,
Railway Board.

ANNEXURE
To Board’s letter no.E(P&A)II-2015/HRA-7 dt.24.09.2015

LIST OF CITIES/TOWNS CLASSIFIED FOR GRANT OF
HOUSE RENT ALLOWANCE TO RAILWAY EMPLOYEES

SI.No STATES/UNION TERRITORIS CITIES CLASSIFIED
AS “X”
CITIES CLASSFIED
AS “Y”
1 ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS

2 ANDHRA PRADESH/TELANGANA Hyderabad (UA) Vijayawada (UV), Warangal (UA), Greater Visakhapatnam (M.Corpn.), Guntur (UA), Nellore (UA)
3 ARUNACHAL PRADESH

4 ASSAM
Guwahati (UA)
5 BIHAR
Patna (UA)
6 CHANDIGARH
Chandigarh (UA)
7 CHATTISGARH
Durg-Bhilai Nagar (UA), Raipur (UA)
8 DADRA & NAGARHAVELI

9 DAMAN & DIU

10 DELHI Delhi (UA)
11 GOA

12 GUJARAT Ahmadabad (UA) Rajkot (UA), Jamnagar (UA), Bhavnagar (UA), Vadodara (UA), Surat (UA)
13 HARYANA
Faridabad* (M.Corpn.) Gurgaon*(UA)
14 HIMACHALPRADESH

15 JAMMU & KASHMIR
Srinagar (UA), Jammu(UA)
16 JHARKHAND
Jamshedpur (UA), Dhanbad (UA), Ranchi (UA), Bokaro Steel City (UA).
17 KARNATAKA Bangalore/Bengaluru (UA) Belgaum (UA), Hubli-Dharwad (M.Corpn.),Mangalore (UA), Mysore (UA), Gulbarga (UA)
18 KERALA
Kozhikoda (UA), Kochi (UA), Thiruvanathapuram (UA), Thrissur (UA), Malappuram (UA), Kannur (UA), Kollam (UA)
19 LAKSHADWEEP

20 MADHYAPRADESH
Gwalior (UA), Indore(UA), Bhopal (UA), Jabaipur (UA), Ujjain (M.Corpn).
21 MAHARASHTRA Greater Mumbai (UA), Pune (UA) Amravati (M.corpn.), Nagpur (UA), Aurangabad (UA), Nashik (UA), Bhiwandi (UA), Solapur (M.Corpn.) Kolhapur (UA), Vasaivirar city  (M.Corpn.), Malegaon (UA), Nandad-Waghala (M.Corpn.), Sangli (UA).
22 MANIPUR

23 MEGHALAYA

24 MIZORAM

25 NAGALAND

26 ODISH
Cuttack (UA), Bhubaneswar (UA), Raurkela (UA),
27 PUDUCHERRY (PONDICHERRY)
Puducherry/Pondicherry (UA)
28 PUNJAB
Amritsar (UA), Jalandhar (UA), Ludhiana (M.Coprn).
29 RAJASTHAN
Bikaner (M.Corpn.), Jaipur (M.Corpn.) Jodhpur (UA), Kota (M.corpn.), Ajmer (UA)
30 SIKKAM

31 TAMIL NADU Chennai (UA) Salem (UA), Tiruppur (UA), Coimbatore (UA), Tiruchirappalli (UA), Madurai (UA), Erode (UA).
32 TRIPURA

33 UTTAR PRADESH
Moradabad (M.corpn.), Meerut (UA), Ghaziabad* (UA), Aligarh (UA), Agra (UA), Barcilly (UA), Lucknow (UA), Kanpur (UA), Allahabad (UA), Gorakhpur (UA), Varanasi (UA), Saharanpur (M.Corpn.), Noida* (CT), Firozabad (NPP), Jhansi (UA),

Source: http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/establishment/E(P%26A)/2015/Houserentallow.pdf

Payment of Overtime allowance to C&W Staff of Mechanical Department escorting trains

Payment of Overtime allowance to C&W Staff of Mechanical Department escorting trains

Government of India
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)
No.E(LL)/2015/HER/6
New Delhi, dated: 17-09-2015
The General Manager,
NFIR
3 chelmsford Road,
New Delhi.
Sub: Payment of Overtime allowance to C&W Staff of Mechanical Department escorting trains.
Sir,
The undersigned is directed to refer your letter No.I/8/Part. I dated 05.08.2015 regarding above mentioned subject requesting therein to issue the suitable guidelines to Zonal Railways for payment of Overtime Allowance and Night Duty Allowance to C&W staff of Mechanical Department escorting trains.
In this regard, it is mentioned that Western Railway has been replied to vide Board’s letter of even number dated 17.07.2015. A copy of the Board’s reply to Western Railway is enclosed.
DA:As above
For Secretary, Railway Board.

Government of India
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)
No.2015/E(LL)/HER/6
New Delhi, dated: 17.7.2015
The General Manager,
Western Railway,
Mumbai.
Sub: Payment of Overtime allowance to staff escorting train no.19301/19302 Indore – Yashwantpur Express- Ratlam Div.
Ref: Railway’s letter No.E/HER/487/RTM/387 dt. 03.6.2015.
In Reference to Railway’s letter, referred to above, it is stated that the instructions issued under Letter No.E(LL)/73/HER/26 dt. 13.1.1977 has not been superseded, As such the existing instructions may be followed.
(Ashutosh Garg)
For Deputy Director Estt. (LL)
Railway Board
Source : NFIR
[https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B40Q65NF2_7UREZBSG95cWJxRkk/view]

Denial of payment of HRA, Transport Allowance etc. to trainees appointed on compassionate ground in Grade Pay 1900/- in artisan category etc-reg

Denial of payment of HRA, Transport Allowance etc. to trainees appointed on compassionate ground
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(Railway Board)
No PC-V/2015/PNM/NFIR/1
New Delhi, dated 21.09.2015
The General Secretary
NFIR
3, Chelmsford Road,
New Delhi – 110055

Sir
Sub:- Denial of payment of HRA, Transport Allowance etc. to trainees appointed on compassionate ground in Grade Pay 1900/- in artisan category etc-reg. (PNM/NFIR item No.11/2015)

The undersigned is directed to refer to the minutes of the separate meeting held on 15.07.2015 on the leftover PNM/NFIR items and to state that,DoP&T’s OM dt.03.04.2012 have been adopted by the Board vide letter dt. 14.09.2012 (RBE No.102/2012) issued by its Estt. Dte. Accordingly, the matter has been examined in consultation with Estt. Dte. of Railway Board and they have clarified that Board’s instructions dt. 14.09.2012 applies exclusively in cases, where candidate being considered for appointment on Compassionate grounds are not meeting the minimum qualification for entry into the Government service that is, in Grade Pay Rs. 1800/- and the word ‘trainees’ have been coined only for this limited purpose. It has nothing to do with trainees (who get stipend and not salary) in various posts of Grade Pay Rs.1900 & above, where it is mandatory for persons to complete the training successfully, before joining a working post.
In view of the above position Federation’s demand is not feasible for acceptance.

Yours faithfully,
for Secretary / Railway Board
Source : NFIR
[https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B40Q65NF2_7USFJBZURFeThRblhvWWJkVWNCN1FFMkZ6eEI4/view]

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Railway Board Order: Advance reservation period increased from 60 days to 120 days w.e.f.1.4.2015

Railway Board Order: Advance reservation period increased from 60 days to 120 days w.e.f.1.4.2015


It has been decided to increase the advance reservation period from 60 days to 120 days (excluding the date of journey) w.e.f. 01.04.2015. CRIS will make necessary changes in the software for this purpose under intimation to all Zonal Railways as well as Board’s office.

There will be no change in case of certain day time Express Trains like Taj Express, Gomti Express, special trains, etc. where lower time limits for advance reservations are at present in force. There will also be no change in case of the limit of 360 days for foreign tourists.

Board desire that the above change may be given wide publicity well in advance of its implementation. Suitable instructions to all concerned may be issued to ensure smooth change-over to the new time limit.

Time limit for Advance Reservations in Railways has been increased from 60 to 120 days effective from 1.4.2015

Railway board issued orders on increasing the time limit for advance reservation in IRCTC has been enhanced from 1st April 2015

Source: 90paisa blog

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Highlights of Railway Budget 2015

Highlights of Railway Budget 2015

The key themes of the Budget were in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives – Swachch Bharat Mission, Make in India and Digital India.

1 The most-expected part about this year’s Railway Budget – there is no increase in passsenger rail fares.

2 Rs.8.5 lakh crore will be invested in Railways in next 5 years.

3 ‘Operation 5 mins’, wherein passengers travellling unreserved can purchase a ticket in 5 minutes.

4 Bio toilets and airplane-type vaccum toilets in trains.

5 Surveillance cameras in select coaches and ladies compartments for women’s safety without compromising on privacy.

6 Rail tickets can now be booked 120 days in advance.

7 Speed on nine railway corridors to go up to 200 km per hour.

8 Wi-Fi in more stations, mobile phone charging facilities in all train compartments.

9 Facility of online booking of wheelchair for senior citizens.

10 Satellite railway terminals in major cities.

11 Centrally managed Rail Display Network is expected to be introduced in over 2K stations over the next 2 years.

12 All india 24/7 helpline – 138 from March 2015 ; Toll free No.182 for security.

13 917 road under-bridges and over-bridges to be constructed to replace 3,438 railway crossings; at a cost of Rs. 6,581 crore.

14 Four Railway Research Centres to start in four universities.

15 Details about new trains and increased frequency will be announced later in this session of Parliament after review.

Railway Budget 2015: No hike in Railway Passenger Fares

No hike in Railway Passenger Fares
  • Plan Outlay proposed Rs. 1,00,011 crore, increased by 52%
  • Allocation for passenger amenities up by 67%
  • Railways to become prime mover of Indian Economy, Five years action plan proposed
  • Rail Budget seeks resource mobilization for higher investment
  • Thrust on measurable and sustainable improvement in passenger experience and to make Rail a safer means of travel
  • Hot buttons, coin vending machines for railway tickets within 5 minutes, e-catering to select meals from an array of choices
  • 200 more stations to come under Adarsh Station scheme; Wi – Fi to be provided at B category stations
  • 24X7 helplines for attending passenger problems and security related complaints
  • For the safety of women passengers surveillance cameras in suburban coaches
  • More General class coaches will be added in identified trains.
  • The speed of nine railway corridors will be increased to 160 and 200 kmph
  • Train Protection Warning System and Train Collision Avoidance System to be installed on select routes
  • 77 new projects covering 9,400 km of doubling/tripling/quadrupling works proposed
  • A new department for keeping stations and trains clean under Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Railway Budget presented today in Parliament proposed measures to make Indian Railways prime mover of Indian Economy once again. It seeks resource mobilization for higher investment, decongestion of heavy haul routes and speeding of trains and project delivery, better passenger amenities and safety, and to make railways a preferred mode of transport for masses. Presenting the Budget in Parliament, Railway Minister, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu said that all critical initiatives proposed will be pursued in mission mode.
The Budget proposals have set four goals to transform Indian Railways over next five years which are- a sustainable and measurable improvement in customer experience, make rail a safer means of travel, expansion of capacity substantially , modernization of infrastructure and finally to make railways financially self-sustainable. To achieve these goals the budget proposes five drivers which include adopting a medium-term perspective plan consisting of White Paper, a Vision-2030 document and a five year action plan. Building Partnerships with key stakeholders for long term financing and overseas technology, improving last mile connectivity, expanding fleet of rolling stock and modernization of station infrastructure are included in these drivers. Railways will also leverage additional resources; envisages investment of Rs. 8.5 lakh crore in next five years.

Revamping management practices, systems, processes, and re-tooling of human resources will be taken up by the Railways to achieve targeted operating ratio for 2015-16 at 88.5%. Fast decision making, tight accountability, improved management information systems and better training and development of human resource will also be part of the action plan to achieve the goals.

In order to make travel on Indian Railways a happy experience, the Budget has given thrust on Cleanliness and proposes a new department for keeping stations and trains clean under Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. New toilets will be built at 650 additional stations; online booking of disposable bed rolls will be made available. 24X7 helpline number 138;toll-free number 182 for security related complaints have also been proposed in the budget.

In order to make ticketing more passenger friendly the Budget proposes “operation five minutes” for issuing unreserved tickets, hot buttons, coin vending machines, concessional e-tickets for differently abled travelers, for booking tickets a multi-lingual e-portal will be developed. Crediting of refunds through banks and unreserved tickets on Smart phones will be available. Proliferation of automatic ticket vending machines with smart cards and currency options, integrated ticketing system on the lines of rail-cum-road tickets, Defence Travel System developed for elimination of Warrants have also been proposed in the Budget.

The Budget has proposed e-catering to select meals from an array of choices. Ordering food through IRCTC website at the time of booking of tickets; integrating best food chains into this project; setting up of Base Kitchens in specified divisions to be run by reputed agencies for serving quality food and expansion of water vending machines will be taken up.

Hand-held terminals to Travelling Ticket Examiners (TTEs) for verification of passengers will now be provided for verification of passengers, possibility of extending facility of SMS on mobiles as a valid proof of travel for PRS tickets will be explored. A centrally managed Railway Display Network in over 2000 stations in next two years will be included besides “SMS Alert” service to inform passengers in advance of the updated arrival/departure time of trains at starting or destination stations.

For the safety of women passengers surveillance cameras will be provided on a pilot basis in selected mainline coaches and ladies’ compartments of suburban coaches.

The Railways will also take up a project for introducing on-board entertainment on select Shatabdi trains; Mobile phone charging facilities will be provided in general class coaches & will be increased in sleeper class coaches.

Now, 200 more stations to come under Adarsh Station scheme; Wi – Fi to be provided at B category stations; facility of self-operated lockers will be available at stations. Passenger capacity in identified trains will be augmented; more General class coaches will be added in identified trains. The Railways has also approached NID to design user friendly ladders for climbing upper berths. It has also proposed more quota of lower berths for senior citizens. TTEs will now be instructed to help senior citizens, pregnant women and differently-abled persons in obtaining lower berths; middle bay of coaches to be reserved for women and senior citizen. Provision of Rs. 120 crore has been made for Lifts and escalator; newly manufactured coaches will now be Braille enabled; building wider entrances for the ease of differently-abled passengers; allocation for passenger amenities up by 67%.

The Railways has proposed to revamp its station development policy completely and simplifies process for faster development by inviting open bids. It has proposed to develop 10 Satellite Railway terminals in major cities with twin purpose of decongesting the city and providing services to suburban passengers.

Seventy seven projects covering 9,400 km of doubling/tripling/quadrupling works along with electrification, covering almost all States, at a cost of Rs. 96,182 crore will be taken up. Traffic facility works a top priority with outlay of Rs. 2374 crore have been proposed. In order to accelerate the pace of Railway electrification, 6,608 route kilometres will be sanctioned for 2015-16, an increase of 1330% over the previous year.

As per the Budget proposal, the speed of 9 railway corridors will be increased from existing 110 and 130 kmph to 160 and 200 kmph respectively so that inter-metro journeys like Delhi-Kolkata and Delhi-Mumbai can be completed overnight. Average speed of freight trains in empty and loaded conditions, will be enhanced to 100 kmph for empty freight trains and 75 kmph for loaded trains.

Declaring safety of paramount importance for Railways, an action plan has been proposed for accident prone areas. The Budget also proposes 970 ROB/RUBs and other safety-related works to eliminate 3438 level crossings at a total expense of Rs. 6,581 crore, 2600% higher than the previous year. Train Protection Warning System and Train Collision Avoidance System will be installed on select routes at the earliest.

The Budget proposes constituting an innovation council called “Kayakalp” for business re-engineering and introducing a spirit of innovation in Railways besides setting up of Technology portal to invite innovative technological solutions. Four Railway Research Centers in select universities for fundamental research have also been proposed besides ‘Malaviya Chair’ for Railway Technology at IIT (BHU), Varanasi.

PPP cell of Railways will be revamped to make it result oriented, “Foreign Rail Technology Cooperation scheme” will be launched. Joint ventures will be set up with States for focused project development, resource mobilization, land acquisition, project implementation and monitoring of critical rail projects. In order to meet the requirements of new lines JVs will also be set up with major public sector customers.
Rail Budget has also proposed Coastal Connectivity Program in partnership with ports for Nargol, Chharra, Dighi, Rewas and Tuna. Besides this, projects worth Rs 2500 crore will be taken up through BOT/ Annuity route. These include Wardha- Nagpur 3rd line, Kazipet-Vijaywada 3rd line, Bhadrak –Nargundi 3rd line and Bhuj- Nalia Gauge Conversion.

In order to make Indian Railways more environment friendly, 100 DEMUs will be enabled for dual fuel – CNG and diesel. Locomotives running on LNG are also currently under development. Noise levels of locos to be at par with international norms; concerns related to wildlife to be addressed.

As a part of its social initiatives, now Rail stations and training centers will be made available for skill development. Incredible Rail for Incredible India will be launched and training of auto-rickshaw and taxi-operators as tourist-guides on the model of Konkan Railway will be taken up for tourism promotion. IRCTC will work on promoting the Gandhi circuit to attract tourists to mark the occasion of 100 years of the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa. Kisan Yatra, a special travel scheme for farmers for farming & marketing technique centres has also been proposed.

According to Budget Estimates, Plan Outlay for 2015-16 has been proposed to Rs 1,00,011 crore, an increase of 52% over RE 2014-15 plan size. Out of this 41.6% resources will come from Central Government support while 17.8 % will be generated from internal resources.

– PIB

Introduction of SMS Alert in advance the updated arrival/departure time of trains

Introduction of SMS Alert in advance the updated arrival/departure time of trains


The Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu has said that it is proposed to introduce an “SMS Alert” service to inform passengers in advance the updated arrival/departure time of trains at starting or destination stations. Similarly SMS alert would be sent 15/30 minutes in advance of arrival of the train at the destination.

Presenting the Railway Budget 2015-16 in Parliament today Shri Prabhu said, a centrally managed Railway Display Network is expected to be introduced in over 2,000 stations over the next two years which will aid in providing information on train arrival/departure, reservations, general and emergency messages and also any other information of interest to citizens. This facility will promote “Digital India Campaign” and also unlock huge advertising revenue potential.

Mobile Phone Charging Facilities to be Provided in General Class Coaches

Mobile Phone Charging Facilities to be Provided in General Class Coaches

On-Board Entertainment on Select Shatabdi Trains

The Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu has said that Indian Railways’ Delhi Division is taking up a project for introducing on-board entertainment on select Shatabdi trains on license fee basis. He said,depending on the response, the facility will be extended on all Shatabdi trains.

Presenting the Railway Budget 2015-16 in Parliament today Shri Prabhu said, Mobile phone charging facilities would be provided in general class coaches and the number of charging facilities would be increased in sleeper class coaches.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Pre-Rail Budget Meeting of the Railway Federations with Hon’ble MoSR

Pre-Rail Budget Meeting of the Railway Federations with Hon’ble MoSR

No.AIRF/60
Dated: February 23, 2015
The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions,
Dear Comrades,

Sub: Pre-Rail Budget Meeting of the Railway Federations with Hon’ble MoSR

Today Presidents and General Secretaries/Secretary Generals of all the Recognized Federations of the Railwaymen met Hon’ble MoSR and handed him over following significant suggestions for including the same in the forthcoming Rail Budget 2015-16:-

The government is concerned about the safety and welfare of its workers and officers, serving round-the-clock to transport passengers and freight from one end to other end of the country.

The following burning issues may be considered favourably:-

  • Maintenance/repair cost of more than 60% over-aged staff quarters has gone considerably higher. As such, present allotment of budget for maintenance of railway quarters may be increased by 30%. Please take steps to improve the condition of the Drivers/Guards Running Rooms, Barracks, TTEs Rest Rooms, Subordinate Rest Houses also.
  • Smart Card Medical Facilities are requested to be extended to all the Railwaymen.
  • Vacancies of Safety Category posts may be filled-up in the larger interest of safe-rail operation.
  • Scope of the LARSGESS for Safety Categories, which has been found to be very useful, may be extended to all Group `C’ categories.
  • The government proposes to introduce “House and Education for all”. For this purpose, vacant railway land at various stations may be utilized, and the Ministry of Urban Development be approached to construct houses for the Railwaymen, and easy home loans may be provided through the Banks and Railway Schemes.
  • The government has decided to open Medical and Engineering Colleges, Universities for the children of its workforce. The same may be extended to the Railwaymen as well.
  • The government is concerned about the welfare of the Railwaymen and their families and dependants. Parents of the Railwaymen may be granted Railway Pass and Medical facilities.
  • Quasi-administrative staff, working in the Federation/Union Offices, who are availing Railway Pass and Medical facilities may kindly be absorbed in the Railways.
  • As the then Hon’ble Minister for Railways has already written a letter to the then Hon’ble Finance Minister to implement Old Pension Scheme in place of National Pension Scheme(NPS), and for that it has also been written that financial provisions will be made by the Railways itself. Therefore, it is requested that provisions for the same should be made in this Rail Budget.
  • Repealing of RPF Amendment Act, 2001 should be implemented to give powers to the RPF.
  • Railway Federations and Associations have been expressing their concern on outsourcing and FDI in the Railways. This has been considered by the government, and the Hon’ble Prime Minister has already announced that there is no intention for privatization of the Indian Railways. Keeping in view prevailing cordial industrial relations, it is requested to re-call the instructions of the government on FDI in the Indian Railways.
Yours faithfully,
(Shiva Gopal Mishara)
General Secretary

JCM Staff Side Meeting with 7th Pay Commission – Discussion about DA Merger and Interim Relief

Discussion about DA Merger and Interim Relief - JCM Staff Side Meeting with 7th Pay Commission

The JCM Staff Side delegation met the Chairman, Seventh Central Pay Commission, 25/02/2015 at 11:00 hrs. The detailed report as follows…
NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI . 110055

No.IV/NFIR/7th CPC/Corres/Pt.V
Dated 25/02/2015
Sub: JCM Staff Side Meeting with the Chairman, 7th CPC.
 
The JCM Staff Side delegation met the Chairman, Seventh Central Pay Commission, 25/02/2015 at 11:00 hrs. The following issues were raised :-
 
i. Merger of DA with Pay and grant of Interim Relief :-
The JCM Staff Side insisted that the Pay Commission should consider Staff Side memorandum submitted in the month of June 2014 and recommend DA merger. The Chairman, 7th CPC replied that there is no communication from the Government of India to give interim report on DA merger demand. After discussion, the Chairman 7th CPC has decided to send D.O. letter to the Government today conveying the strong protest of Staff Side/JCM.
With regard to grant of Interim Relief, the Chairman heard the point of view of the Staff Side JCM that it is only “provisional payment in view of market situation and urged upon the Commission to send suo-moto recommendation to the Government.
ii. Allotment of time slots for explaining the case of Central Government Employees as well ‘ Departments like Railways, Postal, Defence (Civil side) etc.,
The Chairman suggested that small committees may be constituted by the Staff Side for meeting the Pay Commission for deliberations and enough time will be given. He also said that the Memorandums given by JCM, Federations/Unions/Associations have been gone into by the Pay Commission fully. He further said that VII CPC will meet the teams from each department and hear their proposals.
 
Responding to this, the JCM Staff Side has agreed to make out the proposal for the purpose of facilitating the Pay Commission to hear the views/submissions of the Federations/Unior/Associations. The deliberations may commence somewhere after 15th March, 2015. Staff Side JCM will prepare time schedule proposal and send to Pay Commission accordingly.
 
iii. Gramin Dak Sewaks – The case was explained. The Pay Commission was suggested that the copy of Supreme Court Judgment may be made available for examination.
On behalf of NFIR S/Shri M.Raghavaiah (JCM Staff Side/Leader), Guman Singh, R.P.Bhatnagar and B.C. Sharma have participated in the meeting.
sd/-
(Dr M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary
Source: NFIR

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Important Proposals for General Budget to Finance Minister – All India Railwaymen’s Federation

Important Proposals for General Budget to Finance Minister – All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF)


Important Proposals for General Budget to Finance Minister – AIRF

AIRF has sent suggestions for General Budget to Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley.

A.I.R.F.
All India Railwaymen’s Federation
4, State Entry Road, New Delhi – 110055
No.AIRF/60
Dated: January 20, 2015
Hon’ble Finance Minister,
Ministry of Finance,
(Government of India),
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Suggestions for the General Budget 2015-16

All India Railwaymen’s Federation(AIRF), representing more 1.3 million Railwaymen, being the largest and oldest organization of the Railwaymen in India, wish to put-forth following important suggestions to be considered favourably while finalizing General Budget proposals for the Financial Year 2015-16:-

1. Railwaymen are always termed as “Second Line of Defence” in our country. While National Pension Scheme(NPS) was introduced w.e.f. 01.01.2004 for all the Central Government Employees, however, Defence personnel have since been exempted from this scheme and are covered by the Old Traditional Pension Scheme/Family Pension Scheme with full social security.

AIRF is also struggling hard from the day-one to exempt the Railwaymen also from the NPS, and ultimately the then Hon’ble Minister for Railways Shri Mallikarjun Kharge on persuasions of the AIRF had recommended this issue to the then Hon’ble Finance Minister vide his letter No.2012/F(E)III/1/4-Part dated 29th March, 2014. AIRF, therefore, urges that, necessary provision to this effect may be made in the ensuing General Budget, so as to cover all the Railwaymen, irrespective of their date of appointment under Old Pension/Family Pension Scheme.

2. The BJP in the election campaign of the 16th Lok Sabha had repeatedly assured to raise ceiling limit of Income Tax adequately. It may be appreciated that, due to market inflation, the actual value of the “Rupee” has devaluated to the greatest extent as the Dearness Allowance being paid to compensate the devaluation the rupee has already crossed 107%. Therefore, it would be highly appreciated, if ceiling limit of the Income Tax is raised to at least Rs.5 lakh.

3. Education and medical facilities are gradually going out of reach of the common man because of business type institutions and private hospitals. The public education system and medical facilities have deteriorated over the years, due to inadequacy of funds being allocated under these heads. There being urgent need of augmenting education and medical facilities for the common man, allotment of funds under these heads needs to be raised to 6% and 4% of the GDP respectively.

4. In the wake of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India’s announcement at Varanasi on 25th December, 2014, while celebrating “Good Governance Day”, that different railway stations of the Indian Railways shall be augmented for the purpose of skill development, adequate fund allocation needs to be made for this purpose, so that necessary facilities are created on the earmarked railway stations for this purpose.

5. In the Rail Budget for the year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, the then Hon’ble Minister for Railways made announcement for establishment of Medical/Technical Institutions on certain important Rail-heads, but on account of paucity of funds, these welfare schemes could not see the day of light. Therefore, with a view to augment educational facilities of medical and technical education, some funds may be provided from the General Budget for this purpose.

6. Indian Railways being the lifeline of the country urgently need adequate budgetary support from the General Budget to augment the services as also to run this organization more safely and efficiently. It may also be appreciated that, since Indian Railways is a government organization, no Dividend and Lease Charges should be recovered from the Railways.

7. Indian Railways employees more than 13 lakh employees, and the former Hon’ble Minister for Railways had also announced “Own Your House Scheme”. Therefore, that scheme should be launched, so as to provide them house well before their retirement.

MEMORANDUM SUBMITTED TO HONABLE MINISTER FOR RAILWAYS

Dt.19-01-2015
MEMORANDUM SUBMITTED TO SHRI SURESH PRABHAKAR PRABHU, HONABLE MINISTER FOR RAILWAYS, ON HIS VISIT TO SOUTH CENTRAL RAILWAY, SECUNDERABAD ON 19-01-2015.

Respected Sir,
We welcome you on your maiden visit to the Headquarters of South Central Railway. South Central Railway is one of the best productive Railway out of all the 17 Zones and year by year it is increasing its earnings through freight and passenger traffic beyond the targets fixed by the Railway Board. Under the dynamic leadership of Shri P.K.Srivastava, General Manager, & his team of officers, it is increasing the productivity with disciplined staff who are straining their nerves every movement and bringing laurels from the Railway Ministry.

The following important issues are brought to your kind notice for favourable consideration:

1. WITHDRAW THE DECISIONS OF FDIs AND PPP ON INDIAN RAILWAYS AND SAVE THE INDIAN RAILWAYS.

Indian Railways having more than 64000 Kms. with running of 12,670 Passenger Trains and 7421 freight trains and carrying nearly 24 million passengers and 3 million Tonnes of freight traffic daily. It is the back bone for supply of essential commodities to the masses of this country. Indian Railways is doing great service to the poorest of the poor in the country with reasonable fares from one end to the other end of this country.
The Government’s decision to set up dedicated Freight Corridors and Bullet Trains under FDI is causing a lot of anxiety among the Railwaymen as the Railways will lose its entity as carrier of the poorest of the poor. The recent decision of introduction of Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendra (YTSK) under PPP is a wrong step and it will lead to malpractices in the Reservation System.

It is a proven fact, that, dependency on the Foreign Capital is the prime cause for the South East Asian Economic Crisis in the year 1997, when the workers and their families in these countries were affected badly.

Government’s decision in the year 1991 to open the economy completely to outside market did not yield any result. Because of Government of India’s contribution, no bad effect was felt on Indian Railways whereas the other countries suffered huge economic crisis in the year 2008.

In view of the above, your kind self is requested to advise the Government to withdraw the 100% FDI and PPP decision on Indian Railways and save the Railways and Save the Nation.

2. EXEMPTION OF RAILWAY EMPLOYEES FROM OPERATION OF THE NEW PENSION SCHEME W.E.F.1-1-2004.

Indian Railways, on the orders of the Government of India have introduced New Pension Scheme for all its workforce appointed on or after 1-1-2004. The New Pension Scheme has withdrawn the social security cover given to the Railway employees which was in vogue prior to 1-1-2004 under Railway Service (Pension) Rules 1993.

The Defence Forces as well as Paramilitary forces under Ministry of Home Affairs have been kept out of the purview of New Pension Scheme introduced w.e.f. 1-1-2004 and they are continued Old Pension Scheme. On the request of All India Railwaymen’s Federation, the then Hon’ble Minister for Railways, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to Shri P.Chidambaram, the then Hon’ble Minister of Finance on 29-3-2014 for exemption to Railway employees from operation of NPS and take necessary approval from the Cabinet and communicate the same to the Railwaymen. He pleaded for exemption from NPS for the Railway employees on consideration of special, riskier and onerous nature of duties which are resulting in heavy death toll among Railway employees on duty.

So far, no decision is taken by the Ministry of Finance and the matter is still pending with the Ministry of Finance.

Your kind self is therefore requested to apprise the present Hon’ble Minister of Finance and take up the issue in the Cabinet and secure exemption for the Railway employees from the purview of New Pension Scheme w.e.f. 1-1-2004, duly bringing them under old Pension Scheme.

3. FILLING UP OF VACANCIES IN THE GROUP’C’ & GROUP ‘D’ CATEGORIES BY LOCAL CANDIDATES THROUGH RRBs / RRCs.

At present, as per the policy laid down by the Government of India, any Indian National can apply for the Central Government Jobs irrespective of his being resident of any state, which rule is causing unrest among the unemployed youth of a particular area, as they are not able to get employment in their local area/state. Article 16(1) of the Constitution of India provides for equal opportunity for employment /recruitment to all citizens of India.

Due to lakhs of applications received for filling up of vacancies on Indian Railways, it is becoming very difficult for the RRBs / RRCs to fill up the vacancies in time and nearly 2 lakhs vacancies exist at any time on Indian Railways.

To avoid hardship in filling up of the vacancies and also to provide job opportunities for the local unemployed youth, you are requested to take appropriate action and issue instructions to fill up the vacancies from the unemployed youth belonging to the particular states which are in the jurisdiction of the particular zone.

4. NON REDRESSAL OF CHARTER OF DEMANDS

The problems of Railwaymen like Filling up of vacancies, Creation of additional posts to commensurate with the additional work load arisen out of introduction of New Trains, New Lines, Electrification, Opening of New Electric Locosheds/Diesel sheds/Workshops, Removal of anomalies arisen out of implementation of VI CPC recommendations, Problems created in implementation of MACP Scheme, LARSGESS, Demand of recruitment of wards of Railwaymen, Grievances of Loco and Traffic Running Staff, Operating Staff, Commercial, ECRCs and Ticket Checking staff, Technical and Artisan staff, C&W Staff, Electrical Staff, A.C.Staff, P.Way staff, Staff of Bridge and Works in Civil Engineering Department, Signal and Telecommunication Staff, Medical and Paramedical staff, Health and Sanitary staff, Stores Department Staff, Ministerial Staff, Accounts Staff, Drawing Staff, Stenographers, EDP Staff, Rajbhasha Staff, Absorption of Quasi Administrative Staff in railways, Engagement of Course Completed Act Apprentices in the Railways etc. are pending with the Railway Ministry for redressal.

Even though several rounds of discussions were held with the Railway Board by the All India Railwaymen’s Federation, no tangible results are forthcoming, which is creating unrest among the Railway employees.
You are therefore requested to impress the Full Board to hold negotiations with AIRF in a time bound programme and redress the grievances, so as to motivate the staff to achieve better productivity.

5. STAFF AMENITY PROGRAMMES – PROVISION OF FUNDS In every Railway Budget, the grant given for maintenance of Railway quarters and Staff Amenity Programmes are reduced in the name of non-availability of sufficient funds.

Due to non-availability of funds, the repairs to the Railway Quarters, drains, water facilities etc. are not properly carried out, which is causing lot of hardship to the employees residing in the Staff Quarters.

In the same manner, due to non-provision of adequate funds for medical facilities and also appointment of regular Doctors, Paramedical Staff, the services are getting deteriorated leading to loss of man hours due to regular health problems to staff.

You are requested to secure adequate funds for the medical services, Staff Quarters and Staff Amenities to help the Railwaymen and their families. You are also requested to issue a policy decision to regularize the Contract Paramedical Staff duly holding required examination by the concerned departments.

6. EXTENDING THE FACILITY OF INCLUSION OF PARENTS IN THE PRIVILEGE AND POST RETIREMENT PASSES AND FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT.

An assurance was given by the then Hon’ble Minister for Railways for including the parents of the serving/retired employees in the Privilege Passes/Post Retirement Passes and also for medical facilities.
Your kind self is requested to issue necessary instructions to the concerned officials in this regard.

7..IMPARTING TECHNICAL TRAINING TO WARDS OF RAILWAYMEN:

Railwaymen work round the clock and in all weather conditions throughout the Country irrespective of availibility of minimum facilities like housing, Education, Medical and Recreation. Their Children are deprived of Good Education, Medical and Recreation facilities due to their parents working in remote villages, forests and border areas. They are also subjected to periodical and administrative transfers to other stations for operational convinence at the cost of their Children Education, medical and other facilities.

Hon”ble Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modiji desire that the youth of this country should be imparted Technical Training by providing Apprentice Training. Railways has got lot of facilities forgiving Apprentice training in Production Units, Workshops, Electrical/Diesel sheds, C&W Depots, Yards and Stations. Necessary orders may please be issued to Rly.
Management to give Apprentice training to the wards of Railwaymen and absorb them in group D vacancies.

8.Appointment in Railways to Licenced Porters, Quasi-administration staff.

Previously Railways absorbed Licenced Porters and Quasi Administration staff in Group D jobs. Similar orders may please be issued to help the poor licenced porters & quasi administrative in group D vacancies .

9.Provision of Super Speciality Hospital at Vijayawada , the new Capital of Residual Andhra Pradesh:

New Capital is built up for Andhra Pradesh State near Vijayawada . Railway services will increase from Vijayawada Junction and Railway Employees strength will also increase.

We request you to sanction in the ensuing budget Super Speciality Railway Hospital to Vijayawada.

10. Provision of POH workshop for Eletrical Locos at Kazipet:

S.C. Railway is housing large number of Eletrical Locos at ELS/LGD, ELS/KZJ & ELS/BZA. A New Eletrical locoshed is coming up at Guntakal . For POH Electrical Engines there is urgent need to sanction POH workshop at Kazipet which is situated in central place of S.C. Railway. You are requested to sanction the same in the ensuing budget.

11. Withdraw matching savings clause for creation of new posts for New trains, New lines etc.:

Railway Board imposed unrealistic clause of MATCHING SAVINGS for creation of New Posts which are necessary for manning New Trains introduced, New lines brought into system, New Electrification etc. Due to non availability of funds in the saving Bank new posts required to maintain safety and amenities to passenger services are not created.. All General Managers & Federations voiced their protest against this clause but Railway Board insists on the same against safety and public amenities.

You are requested to issue necessary instructions to withdraw the matching saving clause for creation of new posts.

12. Removal of ceiling on Productivity Bonus:

Railway Employees are paid PLB during DASARA FESTIVAL. Even though the number of Days Bonus is increasing they are not getting minimum wages as PLB due to the ceiling of Rs.3500/- for month. The minimum wage is Rs.7000/-(Rs.5200 + Rs.1800/- GP) for Group D in Railways. They are not paid at least minimum of Pay per month as Bonus. You are requested to recommend Cabinet for amending Bonus Act to remove the ceiling Limit.

Thanking you,
With kind regards, Yours faithfully,
(Ch.SANKARA RAO)
GENERAL SECRETARY

http://www.airfindia.com/AIRF%202015/Memorandum%20SCRMU%20to%20MR.pdf

Demands of central government employees regarding Interim Relief, Merger of DA etc.

Demands of central government employees regarding Interim Relief, Merger of DA etc.


Staff Side NC JCM writes to Cabinet Secretary for Interim Relief, Merger of DA etc.

Secretary Staff Side NC JCM writes to cabinet secretary regarding demands of central government employees:-

Shiva Gopal Mishra
Secretary
National Council (Staff Side)
Joint Consultative Machinery
for Central Government Employees
13C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi – 110001
E-Mail : nc.jcm.np@gmail.com
No. NC/JCM/2015
Dated: January 11, 2015
The Cabinet Secretary,
Government of India,
Cabinet Secretariat,
Rashtrpati Bhawan Annexe,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
I solicit your kind attention to my letter in No.NC/JCM/2014 dated 16 th December, 2014, wherein we had conveyed the decisions taken at the National Convention of representatives of the organisations participating in the JCM. We are distressed that you have chosen not to respond to our letter till date. We have so far not received any communication from any quarter of the convening of the National Council of the JCM. No effort has also been taken by any Ministry to convene the Departmental Councils.

We have now been given to understand that the Government has taken serious steps to set up a corporation to carry on the functions of the 41 ordnance Factories, presently functioning under the Ministry of Defence. We have also noted that the report of the Committee set up by the Government to corporatize the functions of the Postal Department. The inordinate delay in settling the demands for Interim Relief and Merger of DA is causing distress amongst the Central Government employees. The Railwaymen are particularly agitated over the decision of the Government to induct FDI to the extent of 100% in Railways, which we are aware cannot be done without privatisation of the Railways. The declaration of the Convention, which we had forwarded to you vide our letter cited had amply explained the anguish of the Central Government employees.

In order to register our opposition to the recent decision of the Government to corporatize the functions of the Ordnance factories, we have amended Item No.2 of the charter of demands. We send herewith the revised charter of demands.

The National JCA met today and took note of the silence on the part of the Government to our pleadings. The meeting has, therefore, decided to go ahead with the agitational programmes, the first phase of which will culminate in a massive March to Parliament by Central Government employees on 28th April, 2015. If no settlement is brought about on the 10 point charter of demands, we will be constrained to go for an indefinite strike action, the date of commencement of which will be decided on 28 th April, 2015.

Thanking you,
Comradely yours,
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
Secretary (Staff Side)
NC/JCM & Convener
Copy to: Secretary, DoP&T – for information and necessary action please.
Copy to: Director, JCA – for information and necessary action please.
Copy to: All Constituents of NC/JCM(Staff Side) – for information.

NJCA
National Joint Council of Action
4, State Entry Road New Delhi–110055
No.JCA/2014
Dated: January 11, 2015
Dear Comrades,
As scheduled, the meeting of the National JCA was held at the Staff Side office today, i.e. 11th January, 2015. The list of members who attended the meeting is annexed to this communication. The meeting was chaired by Com. M. Raghavaiah, General Secretary, National Federation of Indian Railwaymen. The meeting made the following observations and took the following decisions:

The Statement made by Shri Narendra Modi, Honourable Prime Minister of the country at Varanasi to the effect that the Railways would not be privatised was misleading and intended to create confusion in the minds of the Railwaymen, especially in the background that the proposal to induct FDI in Railways to the extent of 100% is being pursued vigorously.

The Government has decided to set up a Corporation to carry on the functions of the 41 ordnance factories under the Ministry of Defence.

Except in a few States, the steps required to be taken for form the State level Committees of the JCA have not been undertaken.

In order to expedite the formation of such committee in all States, the NC JCM website will carry the names and addresses of the State leaders of the participating organisations

The Zonal Secretaries of AIRF will be asked to ensure that such committees are formed at all State Capitals before the end of this month and the convention is held on a mutually convenient date for all but before 15th February, 2014.

District conventions or March to Collectorates will be organised by the Committee in all District capitals of the country.

The entire month of March and the first half of April will be utilised for campaigning amongst the employees at all work- spots.

The March to Parliament will be organised on 28th April, 2015.

Every effort will be taken to reach a target of 5 lakh workers to participate in the said March. Target quota for each organisation will be fixed.

The State Committees will advise the National Convenor as to which organisations (those CGE organisations who are not presently participating in the JCM must be addressed to join the movement.

The State Committees after the convention will hold Press Conferences to give media publicity to the decisions taken including the decision to go on indefinite strike action.

The National JCA will hold a Press Conference at Delhi prior to the March to Parliament programme.
The Charter of demands will be amended (Item No.2) to include the following words: “and ordnance factories under the Ministry of Defence.”

Reminder letter will be sent to the Cabinet Secretary expressing distress over his silence and the non convening of the National Council, Anomaly Committee and Departmental Councils of the JCM.

The Convenor reported that the 7th CPC has informed him of their intention to convene the meeting of the organisations for tendering oral evidence in the month of February, 2015.
sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
Convenor
List of Members who participated in the meeting:

Comrades Rakhal Das Gupta & Shiva Gopal Misra(AIRF), Guman Singh & M. Raghavaiah(NFIR) S.N. Pathak & C. Srikumar(AIDEF), K.K.N. Kutty,(Confederation) Giriraj Singh,(NFPE) Ashok Singh &, R. Srinivasan (INDWF) and S.K. Vyas.(Confederation).

Source: www.ncjcmstaffside.com