New Catering Policy in Railways

 New Catering Policy in Railways
New Catering Policy has already been notified on 27th February, 2017 with the objective to provide quality food to rail passengers by unbundling of catering services on trains. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) has been mandated to carry out the unbundling by creating a distinction primarily between food preparation and food distribution. In order to upgrade quality of food preparation, IRCTC shall be setting up new kitchens and upgrading existing ones. New Catering Policy, inter-alia, includes the following features for unbundling of catering services

(i) IRCTC shall manage catering services on all mobile units.
(ii) Meals for all mobile units will be picked up from the nominated kitchens owned, operated and managed by IRCTC.
(iii) IRCTC will engage service providers from hospitality industry for service of food in trains.
(iv) IRCTC shall not outrightly outsource or issue licenses for provision of catering services to private licensees. IRCTC shall retain the ownership and shall be fully accountable for all the issues pertaining to setting up and operation of the Base Kitchens and quality of food.

33% sub quota for women in allotment of each category of minor catering units at all category of stations has been provided in the new Catering Policy 2017.

In compliance of provision in Budget 2016-17 that IRCTC would begin to manage catering services in a phased manner, new Catering Policy 2017 has come into effect on 27.02.2017 in supersession of Catering Policy 2010. The implementation and roll out plan will have essentially two sub components:- (i) Take over scheme for static /mobile units both departmental and licensee operated units. (ii) Unbundling implementation including identification of sectors and subsequent sequencing for takeover. Accordingly, in the first phase, IRCTC would take over 52 mobile units and 38 static units over the New Delhi -Mumbai (NDLS-BCT) route within the calendar year 2017 wherein contracts awarded by Zonal Railways through Standard Bid Document will be reassigned to IRCTC for starting the unbundling process.

This Press Release is based on the information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 12.04.2017 (Wednesday).

Supply of Rail Neer

Supply of Rail Neer

At present, Rail Neer is mandatorily supplied to passengers of all Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Duronto/Suvidha trains. There is also mandatory supply of Rail Neer in 139 pairs of trains and 200 stations as identified by the Ministry of Railways. For remaining trains/stations, other brands of Packaged Drinking Water (PDW) bottles are being supplied to the passengers, as approved by the Zonal Railways. Presently, approximately 6 lakh litres of packaged drinking water is being supplied to passengers all over the Indian Railways, through production in seven Rail Neer plants located at Nangloi, Delhi (2003), Danapur, Bihar (2004), Palur, Tamil Nadu (2011), Ambernath, Maharashtra (2014), Amethi, Uttar Pradesh (2015), Parassala, Kerala (2016) and Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh (2017). However, since the estimated demand for PDW is approximately 25 lakh litres per day, six more Rail Neer plants are planned to become operational in the next two years which will augment the total capacity to approximately ten lakh litres per day. In addition, 1106 Water Vending Machines set up by Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) have been installed at 345 stations for dispensing drinking water to passengers at prescribed rates in refills and with containers as under:-

Another 1100 Water Vending Machines are planned to be installed on other railway stations shortly. Further, all railway stations already have provision of potable drinking water on all platforms to satisfy the needs of rail passengers, free of cost. On most of the important stations, water coolers and chiller plants are also in operation for providing cold drinking water to passengers during the summer season.

This Press Release is based on the information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 12.04.2017 (Wednesday).

Railway News: Rail Development Authority

Rail Development Authority

Ministry of Railways had brought out a concept paper for public consultation on setting up of Rail Development Authority of India. Based on inputs received from stakeholders, a proposal for setting up of RDA has been approved by Government.

Some of the aims and objectives of Rail Development Authority are: pricing of services commensurate with costs; enhancement of Non Fare Revenue; protection of consumer interests by ensuring quality of service and cost optimization; competition, efficiency and economy; market development; creation of positive environment of investment; benchmarking of service standards against international norms; providing framework for non-discriminatory open access to Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC); absorption of new technologies for achieving efficiency and performance standards; and human resource development to achieve any of its stated objectives. Rail Development Authority’s envisaged functions pertain to the above aims and objectives.

It is envisaged that RDA comprising a Chairman and three Members shall make recommendations to Government for appropriate consideration/decision.

This Press Release is based on the information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 12.04.2017 (Wednesday).

Merger of Dearness Allowance equal to 50% of basic pay w.e.f 01-04-2004 - Reckoning as pay for running Staff.

Merger of Dearness Allowance equal to 50% of basic pay w.e.f 01-04-2004 - Reckoning as pay for running Staff: Railway Board Clarification
 

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAILWAY BOARD

No.EP&A-II/2006/RS-28

New Delhi, dated 20.11.2016.

The General Secretary
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, Chelmsford Road,
New Delhi - 110 055.

Sub: Merger of Dearness Allowance equal to 50% of basic pay w.e.f 01-04-2004 - Reckoning as pay for running Staff.

Ref: (i) DC/JCM Item No.15/2009.
(ii) GS/NFIR’s letter No.IV/RSAC/Conf/Vol.VI dated 28-03-2016.

Please refer to your letter dated 28.03.2016 under reference no. (ii) on the subject noted above. In this connection, it is mentioned that Board’s letter dated 21.10.2014 addressed to both the Federations highlighted that the basis for the exclusions was the Ministry of Finance’s OM dated 01.03.2004 on the merger of 50% DA with basic Pay that was adopted by the Ministry of Railways. Vide letter dt. 28.03.2016, however, NFIR has not agreed with the reply and has reiterated that the exclusions violate the IREM provision of Running Allowance and that the OM dt. 01.03.2004 of MoF is not relevant in this connection.

For a better understanding of the logic on which the three exclusions have been made. the table given below may kindly by seen:-

Clause No.

	Benefit of 30% pay element (mentioned in the clause) applicable to Running Staff	Relevant wording in MoF O.M. dated 01.03.2004 pertaining to the benefit	Remarks
A	Entitlement for Pass/PTO	LTC specifically excluded from revision of entitlement on merger of 50% DA with Basic pay	As Railways, do not have LTC Pass. PTO revision excluded accordingly vide RBE No.77/2008
B	Fixation in pay in stationary posts	Fixation of pay not included as an admissible benefit for revision of entitlement on merger of 50% DA with Basic Pay	Counting of the benefit (of merger of DA with Basic) for Fixation of pay is an issue pertaining to all Government employees and not merely Running Staff of Railways. When this benefit has not been extended to any Government employee, it cannot be extended to Running Staff isolation. RBE NO.77/2008 has been issued accordingly. As erstwhile Basic Pay element (without merger of 50% DA) however continued to be admissible for Fixation of pay of Running Staff in stationary posts, there is no violation of relevant IREM provision.
C	Entitlement of Quarters	Government accommodation specifically excluded from revision of entitlement on merger of 50% DA with Basic Pay.	As Railway Quarters are Government accommodation. Revision of entitlement has been excluded accordingly vide RBE No.77/2008.

As brought out in the table above, there has been no violation of the Rules, It is therefore requested that the item may be closed.

Sd/-
For Secretary/Railway Board

Source: NFIR Click to download

Revision in the rate of Ration Money Allowance in respect of Non-gazetted RPF/RPSF personnel

Revision in the rate of Ration Money Allowance in respect of Non-gazetted RPF/RPSF personnel

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

RBE No.17/2017
No.E(P&A)I-2005/ALL/RPF/2

New Delhi, dated 28.02.2017.

The General Managers
All Indian Railways and Production Units.

Sub: Revision in the rate of Ration Money Allowance in respect of Non-gazetted RPF/RPSF personnel.

In terms of Board’s letter of even number dated 19.06.2015, non-gazetted RPF/RPSF personnel were entitled for Ration Money Allowance at par with Central Para Military Force (CPMF)/Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) Personnel i.e. @ Rs.95.52/- per day/per head w.e.f. 01.04.2014.


2. It has now been decided to revise the rate of Ration Monely Allowance from existing rate of Rs.95.52 per head per day to Rs.97.85 per head per day from 01.04.2015 to 31.12.2015.

3. Accordingly, sanction of the Ministry of Railways is hereby accorded post-facto to revise the rate of Ration Money Allowance from Rs.95.52 per head per day to Rs.97.85 per head per day from 01.04.2015 to 31.12.2015.

4. The other terms and conditions as stipulated in para 4 of Board's letter of even number dated 10.06.2009 remain unchanged.

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

6. Please acknowledge receipt.

(Anil Kumar)
Dy.Director Estt. (P&A)-I
Railway Board

Source: NFIR Download Railway Board Order

Revised classification and mode of filling up of non-gazetted posts - Scheme for filling up of vacancies after 31.12.2016

Revised classification and mode of filling up of non-gazetted posts - Scheme for filling up of vacancies after 31.12.2016.

Benchmark for Revised Classification and Promotion: Railway Board Clarification in view of 7th CPC Report on Revised classification and mode of filling up of non-gazetted posts - Scheme for filling up of vacancies after 31.12.2016

RBE No.20/2017

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAILWAY BOARD

No.E(NG)I-2008/PM1/15

New Delhi,dated 03.03.2017

The General Managers (P)
All Indian Railways & PUs.
(As per standard list)

Sub: Revised classification and mode of filling up of non-gazetted posts - Scheme for filling up of vacancies after 31.12.2016.

Ref: Board's letters of even no dated 03.09.2009, 07.06.2010, 21.11.2011, 23.05.2012, 15.1.2013, 24.05.2013, 03.01.2014, 16.06.2014, 31.12.2014 & 09.02.2016 on the above subject.

Attention is drawn to Board’s order issued on 03.09.2009, consequent upon implementation of 6th CPC recommendations, regarding mode of filling up of Non-gazetted posts consequent upon merger of grades. The above scheme of such mode of filling up of non-gazetted posts has since been extended from time to time, last validity being till 31.12.2016.

2. 7th CPC, in its report in para 5.1.45 has recommended that benchmark for performance appraisal for MACP as well as for regular promotion be enchanced from ‘Good' to 'Very Good'. While recommendation for MACP has been accepted by Government and instructions in this regard have been issued vide Board's letter No.PC-V/2016/MACPS/1 dated 19.12.2016 (RBE No.155/2016), the issue regarding benchmark for regular promotion is still examination in consultation with DoP&T.

3. Accordingly, it has been decided by the Board that till such time instructions for benchmark for regular promotion are issued, the existing methodology and benchmarks for Promotion, as enumerated in the Board’s letters referred to above, may continue till further orders.

Please acknowledge receipt of this letter.

(P.M.Meena)
Deputy Director-II/E(NG)

Signed Copy

Grant of Advances - Seventh Central Pay Commission recommendations - Amendment to rules on computer Advance to Railway Servants

Grant of Advances - Seventh Central Pay Commission recommendations - Amendment to rules on computer Advance to Railway Servants

Government of India (Bharat Sarkar)
Ministry of Railways (Rail Mantralaya)
(Railway Board)

No.I/11-Part I
PC-VII No.: 15/2017
RBE No. 10/2017

No.F(E)Spl./2016/ADV.4/1(7th CPC)

New Delhi, Dated: 07-02-2017

The General Managers and FA&CAOs
All Indian Railways & Production Units
(As per standard List)

Subject: Grant of Advances - Seventh Central Pay Commission recommendations - Amendment to rules on computer Advance to Railway Servants.

Consequent upon the decision taken by the Government on the recommendations of Seventh Central Pay Commission, the Ministry of Finance vide their OM No.12(1)E.II(A)/2016 dated 07.10.2016 have amended the eligibility criteria in the existing provisions relating to the grant of personal Computer Advance.

2. Amendment conditions of grant of Computer Advance are as follows:

Advance	Quantum	Eligibility Criteria
Personal Computer Advance	Rs. 50,000/- or actual price of PC, whichever is lower.	All Government Servants
The Computer Advance will be allowed maximum five times in the entire service
The other terms and conditions governing the grant of personal computer advance shall remain unchanged.

3. Further, Ministry of Finance in their ibid OM have also decided that the other interest bearing advances relating to Motor Car Advance and Motorcycle/Scooter/Moped Advance will stand discontinued.

4. The above mentioned OM of Ministry of Finance relating to grant of Interest bearing advances will apply mutatis - mutandis to Railway employees also.

4.1 So far as the interest free advances are concerned, Bicycle and warm clothing advances stands abolished for Railway employees also in terms of MoF's decision.

4.2 Orders relating to other interest free advances will be issued separately separately by concerned Directorates.

5. Necessary/Advance Correction slip to the chapter XI of the Indian Railway Establishment Manual, Vol.I Revised Edition, 1989 will follow.

6. The revised orders are effective from 07.10.2016 i.e the date of the issue of the aforesaid OM of the Ministry of Finance. Past Cases where the advances have already been sanctioned under the provisions of earlier rules on the subject need not be reopened.

7. Please acknowledge receipt.

8. Hindi version will follow.

(A.C.Jain)
Dy.Director Finance (Estt.)
Railway Board.

Download the Order

Staff Benefit Fund - Amendment of provisions relating to Railway Staff Benefit Fund - Chapter 8 of IREC Vol.I, 1985 Edition (Second Reprint Edition 2003)

Staff Benefit Fund - Amendment of provisions relating to Railway Staff Benefit Fund - Chapter 8 of IREC Vol.I, 1985 Edition (Second Reprint Edition 2003)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAILWAY BOARD

No.E(W)2016/FU-1/10

New Delhi, dated 27-01-2017

The General Secretary,
NFIR,
3, Chelmsford Road,
New Delhi.

Sub: Staff Benefit Fund - Amendment of provisions relating to Railway Staff Benefit Fund - Chapter 8 of IREC Vol.I, 1985 Edition (Second Reprint Edition 2003) - Reg.


Ref: NFIR's letters No.II/28/Part VI dated 01.08.2016 and 16.01.2017

The undersigned is directed to refer to your letters cited above. The item-wise comments are as under:-

Necessary amendment in the IREC in the matter of inclusion of corrigendum issued under Board’s letter dated 08.12.2014 has been issued as per ACS No.130 (Board’s letter No.E(W)2014/FU-1 dated 18.01.2017 (Copy enclosed).

 As regards the NFIR’s request for enhancing the allocations against three heads of scholarships covering educational/technical education, attention is drawn to Board’s letter No.E(W)2008/FU-1/2 dated 29.01.2009 vide which the SBF Committees have been empowered to invoke the provision to re-appropriate upto 25% amongst the different Heads/activities except “Education, Sprots & Scouts activities”.

The intention for fixing the ceiling limit of upto Grade Pay 4600/- for grant to financial assistance in distress and sickness etc was that such financial assistance should be available to lower Grade Pay Staff. Moreover, consequent to implementation of 7th CPC recommendations, there is a substantial increase in the salaries of staff including the staff in the Grade Pay of above Rs.4600/- and does not require further revision in the existing provision.

In view of above foregoing, NFIR’s request is not feasible for acceptance for the time being.

For Secretary/Railway Board.
[Source: NFIR]

 

Board’s letter No.E(W)2014/FU-1 dated 18.01.2017 

RBE No.04/2017

ACS No.130

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No.E(W)2014/FU-1/1

New Delhi, dt: 18-01-2017

The General Managers
All Zonal Railways and
Production Units etc.

Sub: Amendment of provisions relating to Railway Staff - Benefit Fund - Chapter-8 of the Indian Railway Establishment Code Volume-1, 1985 Edition (Second Reprint Edition - 2003).

In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to Article309 of the Constitution, the President is pleased to direct that S.No.1 of Rule 805 of the Indian Railway, Establishment Code, Volume 1, 1985 Edition be amended as per enclosed Advance Correction Slip No.130. This amendment is effective from the date of instructions issued vide letter No.E(W)2014/FU-1/1 dated 30.07.2014.

2. Hindi version is enclosed.

3. Please acknowledge receipt.

encl: Advance Correction Slip

(Sunil Kumar)
Director, Estt. (Welfare)
Railway Board.

INDIAN RAILWAY ESTABLISHMENT CODE VOLUME-I, 1985 EDITION
(Second Reprint Edition - 2003)

CHAPTER-8
Staff Benefit Fund

Advance Correction Slip No,130

S.No	Head/activity	Allocation (in Rs. )	Scope
1	Education - Scholarship for Higher Technical/Professional Education for wards of non-gazetted staff in grade pay of above Rs. 2400/- ( as per pre-revised Railway Services Pay Rules, 2008) corresponding to revised level in pay matrix in Railway Services (Revised Pay Rules, 2016 @ Rs. 1500 p.m.	116	For wards of Railway employees in grade pay of above Rs. 2400/- (as per pre Revised railway Services Pay Rules, 2008) corresponding to revised level in pay matrix in Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016 pursuing Higher Technical/Professional Education.

Source: Railway Board Order

Revision of rates of stipend to apprentices and trainees on Railways

Revision of rates of stipend to apprentices and trainees on Railways

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(Railway Board)

S.No.PC-VII/14

No. PC-V/2016/PS/1(Stipend)

RBE No. 08/2017

New Delhi, dated 02-02-2017.

The General Managers
All Indian Railways and PUs
(As per mailing list)

Ref: Railway Board's letter No. PC-V/2008/PS/1 (Stipend) dated 15-12-2008

Consequent upon the promulgation of Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016 on the basis of the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission, the issue of revision in the rates of stipend to apprentices and trainees (non-gazetted) on Railways was under consideration. Now, the President is pleased to revise the rates of stipend to the apprentices and trainees as per the schedule attached herein.

2. It is likely that some of the existing categories of apprentices on certain Railways may not have designations identical to what appears in the enclosed Schedule. In such cases, the Railway administration, in consultation with FA & CAO, should identify the designation/category of the apprentice concerned with similar case appearing in the Schedule and determine the rate of stipend applicable thereto. Wherever such identification is not possible, specific cases may be reported to the Board with verbatim comments of the FA & CAO.

3. In case, the period of training as indicated in these orders is at variance with the actual practice in respect of one or more categories, the matter should be referred to the Railway Board for decision.

4. The apprentices and trainees will draw the revised rates of Dearness Allowance appropriate to the revised rates of stipend.

5. The revised rates of stipend will take effect from 01.08.2016.

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

7. Hindi version is enclosed.

sd/-
(N.P. Singh)
Dy. Director/Pay Commission-V
Railway Board

S.No.	Category	Training period	Grade Pay in VI CPC Pay structure (Rs.)	Corresponding Revised Pay level in the 7th CPC Pay Matrix	Revised rates of stipend in the corresponding Pay level (Rs.)
S & T Department
1.	Telephone Operator	Less than one year	1900	2	19900
2.	Signal Maintainer	One year	1900	2	19900
3.	Signal Maintainer	Eighteen months	2400	4	21700 (22400 in the second year)
4.	Telecommunication Maintainer Grade III	One year	1900	2	19900
5.	Wireless Maintainer Grade III	One year	1900	2	19900
6	Jr. Engineer (Signal) (Diploma holder)	12 months (52 weeks)	4200	6	35400
7.	Sr. Section Engineer (Signal) (Degree holder)	One year	4600	7	44900
8.	Jr. Engineer (Telecom) (Diploma holder)	12 months (52 weeks)	4200	6	35400
9.	Sr. Section Engineer (Telecom) (Degree holder)	12 months (52 weeks)	4600	7	44900
10.	Jr. Engineer (Workshop) (Diploma holder)	12 months (52 weeks)	4200	6	35400
11.	Sr. Section Engineer (Workshop)	One year	4600	7	44900
Civil Engineering Department
12.	Jr. Engineer (Works) (Diploma holder)	One year	4200	6	35400
13.	Sr. Section Engineer (Works) (Degree holder)	Upto one year	4600	7	44900
14.	Jr. Engineer (Permanent Way) (Diploma holder)	One year	4200	6	35400
15.	Sr. Section Engineer (Permanent Way) (Degree holder)	Upto one year	4600	7	44900
16.	Jr. Engineer (Bridge)	Two years	4200	6	29200 (30100 in the second year)
17.	Sr. Section Engineer (Bridge) (Degree holder)	One year	4600	7	44900
18.	Jr. Engineer (Engg. WS)/ JE (TM/TT)	One year	4200	6	35400
19.	Sr. Section Engineer (Eng WS)/SSE (TM/TT)	One year	4600	7	44900
20.	Design Assistant (Degree holder)	Upto one year	4200	6	35400
Mechanical & Electrical Departments
21.	Jr. Engg. (W.S)	One year	4200	6	35400
22.	Sr. Section Engineer (W.S)	One year	4600	7	44900
23.	Sr. Section Engineer (Electrical)	One year	4600	7	44900
24.	Jr. Engineer (Electrical)	12 months (52 weeks)	4200	6	35400
25.	Sr. Section Engineer (Degree holder)	One year	4600	7	44900
26.	Jr. Engineer (Diploma holder)	12 months (52 weeks)	4200	6	35400
27.	Motorman	One year	4200	6	35400
28.	Assistant Loco Pilot (Elec.)	17 weeks	1900	2	19900
29.	Assistant Loco Pilot (Diesel)	17 weeks	1900	2	19900
			Drawing Office
30.	Jr. Engineer (Drawing/Design) (Mech. Elect. and S & T Deptt.) (Diploma holder)	52 weeks	4200	6	35400
31.	Jr. Engineer (Drawing / Design) (Civil Engg. Deptt.) (Diploma holder)	52 weeks	4200	6	35400
32.	Sr. Section Engineer (Drawing/Design) (Degree holder)	One year	4600	7	44900
C.M.T (Mechanical Department)
33.	Chemical & Metallurgical Assistant	One year	4200	6	35400
Artisans
34.	Technicial Gr. III (with Metric qualification)	Three years	1900	2	18000 (18500 in 2nd year and 19100 in 3 rd year
35.	Technician Gr. III (with ITI qualification or Apprenticeship qualification in non-Railway Estt.)	Six months	1900	2	19900

Source: NFIR

Applicability of Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 for persons re-employed in Railway service after retirement from Defence Forces

Treatment of Military Service Pay(MSP) while fixing the pay of ex-servicemen re-employed on the Railways: Railway Board

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAILWAY BOARD
No.E(G)2013/EM 1-5

New Delhi, dated 16/01/2017

The General Secretary,
N.F.I.R.,
3, Chelmsford Road,
New Delhi - 110055.

Dear Sir,

Sub:  Applicability of Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 for persons re-employed in Railway service after retirement from Defence Forces - reg.
The undersigned is directed to refer to NFIR's letter-(No.II/35/Pt. XIII dated 23/11/2016 on the above subject and to state that as decided in the meeting with representatives of NFIR in the meeting held in ED/IR's room on 27/9/2016, reference has been made to DOP&T for seeking clarification, duly incorporating the-views of NFIR (copy enclosed). Their reply in the matter is awaited despite a reminder dated 4/1/2017.

Instructions have also been issued to GMs/Zonal Railways, Production Units etc. vide letter No. E(G)/2013/EM 1-5 dated 15/12/2016 (copy enclosed) for strictly complying with the instructions contained in Board's  letter No. E(G)2013/EM 1-4 dated 24/7/2013 regarding treatment of Military Service Pay(MSP) while fixing the pay of ex-servicemen re-employed on the Railways.

DA: As above

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
for Secretary Railway Board