7CPC - Reduction in the amount of NDA in 7th CPC as compared to 6th CPC and imposition of pay ceiling at Rs. 43,600/- p.m. for entitlement of NDA

 

Reduction in the amount of 7th CPC Night Duty Allowance as compared to 6th CPC and imposition of pay ceiling at Rs. 43,600/- for entitlement of NDA

Dated: 07/10/2020

No.I/5(E)

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Reduction in the amount of NDA in 7th CPC as compared to 6th CPC and imposition of pay ceiling at Rs. 43,600/- p.m. for entitlement of NDA -reg

Ref: (i) NFIR’s PNM item No.35/2018.
(ii) NFIR’s letters No.I/5(E) dated 30th July, 2018, 7th December, 2018 and 18th March,2019.
(iii) Railway Board’s reply vide No.E(P&A)II-2017/HW-1 dated June,2020 to NFIR.
(iv) NFIR’s letter No. I/5(E) dated 24/07/2020 addressed to Railway Board.
(v) Railway Board’s letter No. E(P&A)II-2017/HW-1 dated 29/09/2020 (RBE No.83/020).

Responding to Railway Board’s reply vide letter No. E(P&A)II-2017/HW-1 dated June 2020 to the GS/NFIR, Federation vide its letter dated 27/07/2020, requested the Railway Board to provide a copy of the proposal sent to Department of Expenditure (DoE) for taking further action at Government’s level. It is however observed that copy has not been made available till now, while the Railway Board vide RBE No. 83/2020 dated 29/09/2020 since issued instructions revising the rates of Night Duty Allowance (NDA), fixing unjustified pay ceiling at Rs. 43,600/-per month for entitlement of Night Duty Allowance to be applicable with effect from 01/07/2017. The said decision of the Railway Ministry prescribing pay ceiling of Rs. 43,600/- per month has resulted in deprival of Night Duty Allowance to large number of Railway employees, therefore unacceptable to the Federation in view of the following:-

Also check: 7th CPC Night Duty Allowance – Payment of (NDA) pursuant to the recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission

• All Group ‘C’ Railway employees (working in GP 1800 to 4600, PB-1 & 2) are eligible to receive Night Duty Allowance (NDA) as could be verified vide Board’s letters dated 09/06/2016, 14/12/2016, 17/11/2017 & 08/03/2018. These provisions are also applicable to the Group ‘C’ Railway employees in GP 4600 and also those who got financial upgradation under MACPS in GP 4800 & 5400 respectively.
• It is relevant to note that since 6th CPC pay of the Railway employees has been fixed in 7th CPC pay levels applying multiplication factor of 2.57, similar criteria should have been applied for fixing rates of Night Duty Allowance without imposing any ceiling limit.
• With the issuance of Railway Board’s instructions vide dated 29/09/2020, prescribing pay ceiling of Rs. 43,600/-, the Railway employees working even in GP 1900, 2000, 2400/Pay Level 2, 3, 4 and above have been deprived of Night Duty Allowance, although they ‘continued to perform night duty for smooth running of train services at all times.
• The decision of Railway Board vide letter dated 29-09-2020 prescribing pay ceiling of Rs.43,600/- p.m w.e.f. July 1, 2017 would also cause financial hardship to the staff who have already been paid Night Duty Allowance at the rates prevailed till date as it may lead to recovery of the NDA already paid. This situation may lead to resentment and agony among Group ‘C’ employees of all pay levels. The Railway Ministry should take initiative and place the case before DoP&T, highlighting the uniqueness and complex working to review and allow Railway to sort out the matter in consultation with the Federations.

2. Federation also desires to re-iterate again that the issue relating to grant of Night Duty Allowance to Railway Employees w.e.f. 01-07-2016 and 01-01-2017 consequent to increase in the Dearness Allowance rates from 125% to 132% raised vide NFIR’s PNM Agenda Item No.35/2018 and discussed already has not yet been resolved, therefore the same needs to be addressed now.

NFIR, therefore, once again requests to Railway Board to kindly review and see that all the points relating to grant of Night Duty Allowance to Railway employees mentioned above and also in PNM Agenda No.15/2018 are addressed and the correspondence exchanged with the DoE be also made available to the Federation. An early action in the matter is solicited.

Also check: Implementation of Government decision on 7th CPC’s recommendations on Night Duty Allowance (NDA)

Yours faithfully,

(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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Allotment of qualification based pay matrix - ECG Technicians in Railways

Allotment of qualification based pay matrix – ECG Technicians in Railways.

No.II/1/2019/ Pt.I

Dated: 31/07/2020

The Secretary (E)
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Sub: Allotment of qualification based pay matrix – ECG Technicians in Railways.

Ref: (i) Railway Board’s reply to GS/ NFIR vide letter No.PC-VII/2018/R-U/8 dated IR’s letter No.II/1/2019 dated 30th March, 2019 and 18th April, 2019 to the Railway Board.
(iii) NFIR’s PNM agenda item No.25 (sent to Railway Board on 29th May, 2019).

Dear Sir,

Kind attention is invited to the references cited above, on the above subject relating to allotment of qualification based pay matrix to the ECG Technicians in railways. Federation once again furnishes below, the important facts relating to the demand for granting higher entry grade pay to the ECG Technician category with appropriate cadre structure for their growth.

• The ECG Technicians appointed in Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi (under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) have never been in possession of the standard qualification relating to the job expected from an ECG Technician, while in Railways, the ECG Technicians possess “Diploma in ECG Lab Technology”.
• ECG Technicians in Railways have never been treated atleast equal to those working in the Central Government Hospitals and have rather been treated inferior. This negative situation has been prevailing since the period of 3rd CPC.
• The DR qualification prescribed for the post of Sr. ECG Technician pay scale Rs.1400-2600 (IV CPC)/5000-8000) V CPC)/ PB-2 GP 4200 (VI CPC)/ Pay Level-6 in 7th CPC in Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital is Bachelor’s Degree in Science with Physics with one year experience in handling cardiological equipment or 3 years Diploma Course in Electronics/ Electrical communication Engineering. Whereas in Railways, though the qualification for the post of ECG Technician got revised during 6th CPC regime to Degree in Science plus Diploma in ECG Lab Technology/ Cardiology/ Cardiology Technician/ Cardiology Techniques of reputed institution [refer Railway Board’s letter No. E(NG)II/2001/RR/45 Pt. A dated 29/09/2015], this category has not been treated at par with those ECG Technicians of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

NFIR therefore requests the Railway Board to take action for revising the pay structure of ECG Technicians of railways for the purpose of providing entry grade pay 4200/Level 6 of pay matrix with further avenue of promotion to pay level 7, similar to the pay structure of ECG Technicians of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi.

Also check: Railways – One time relaxation for retention of railway accommodation in view of Novel Coronavirus COVID-19

Yours faithfully,

(Dr M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

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NFIR - Merger of Dearness Allowance with the Basic Pay w.e.f. April 1, 2004

NFIR

Merger of Dearness Allowance with the Basic Pay w.e.f. April 1, 2004

No.IV/RSAC/2020

Dated: 11/03/2020

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Merger of Dearness Allowance with the Basic Pay w.e.f. 01/04/2004 - Computation of emoluments of Running Staff for granting retirement benefits -reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR’s PNM Item No. 23/2017.
(ii) GM/N. Rly’s letter No. 720/ EW/Misc/ Union-Items/2015/E.IV/ Loose dated 16/11/2015.
(iii) Railway Board’s letter No. E(P&A)II-2014/RS-24 dated 24/08/2016 addressed to General Manager (P), Northern Railway.
(iv) NFIR’s letter No. IV/RSAC/ Conf/Part VII dated 05/09/2016.
(v) Railway Board’s letters No. E(P&A)II-2014/ RS-24 dated 22/07/2016, 04/10/2016 & 17/10/2016.
(vi) NFIR’s letter No. IV/RSAC/ 2018 dated 16/08/2019.

Federation invites kind attention of the Railway Board to the minutes of special meeting held between NFIR representatives and EDPC-I, Railway Board on 04/06/2019 relating to PNM Agenda Item No. 23/2017. When Federation explained the case and urged that the instructions issued by Northern Railway vide letter dated 16/01/2015 to its Divisions be restored and accordingly conveyed to Zonal Railways, the Official Side agreed to consider and take action for issuing clarificatory instructions. But however, there has been no positive action despite several months.passed.

This subject has again been discussed by NFIR with EDPC-I on 27/01/2020 and with EDFE on 05/02/2020 who agreed to issue clarification to the General Manager, Northern Railway for restoration and implementation of earlier instructions dated 16/11/2015. Though more than a month has passed, the clarification has not been issued yet, while the PNM item is pending since over 2 and 1/2 years.

Also check: Merger of Dearness Allowance equal to 50% of basic pay w.e.f. 01/04/2004 - Reckoning as pay for running staff

NFIR, once again requests the Railway Board to kindly issue clarification to the General Manager, Northern Railway for restoration of his instructions dated 16/11/2015, duly endorsing copy to the Zonal Railways and to the Federation.

Yours faithfully,
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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Covid-19 (Corona Virus) Cases - Precautionary measures needed

Registration No. : RTU/Nnn/31/2012

NFIR

National Federation of Indian Railwaymen

No. II/34/2020

Date: 05.03.2020

The Chairman,
Railway Board,
New Delhi.

Dear Sir,

Sub: Covid-19 (Corona Virus) Cases - Precautionary measures needed - Reg

I) In view of announcement of confirmed Corona Cases officially in different places in our country, the railway employees and their families are worried a lot about their safety. The running staff and other frontline categories staff with public interface are more vulnerable under the present circumstances. In the case of running staff, they have to mandatorily go through the Breath Analyser Test, by which, there are chances of quick spread of Corona Virus. If such unfortunate development takes place, the entire running staff will be affected adversely which may lead to disruption of train services on all zonal railways.

In view of the above critical scenario, NFIR requests the Railway Board (CRE) to consider that the staff who are supposed to undergo the Breath Analyser Test are not forced to take the test till such time Corona Virus is brought under control in India. While suspending Breath Analyser Test, the administration may make alternative mechanism for conducting checks.

Also check: Exemption to employees to mark biometric attendance in Aadhar Based Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS)

II) The staff working in different public interface categories like commercial, operating etc., and also in the field are required to be provided masks to enable them wear while on duty and perform duties with self-confidence. Besides face masks, it may also be ensured to supply alcoholic soap/hand sanitizers at work-places to facilitate the staff to wash their hands very frequently.

III) The present system of Bio-metric Attendance would lead to spreading of virus from one person to another, in view of touching the machine to give attendance by large number of employees. In view of the risk involved, many Corporate Institutions have already suspended the system of Biometric Attendance to its employees. Similar action is also warranted in all the Railway Establishments/Workshops etc., till the period, the Corona Virus is fully controlled.
The Federation (NFIR), therefore, requests the Chairman, Railway Board to kindly arrange to issue instructions to the General Managers of Zonal Railways/Production Units for:

• deferring Breath Analyser Tests on Running Staff
• supplying face masks, hand sanitizers / alcoholic soaps at work places and;
• suspending the Bio-Metric Attendance System in all all the Railway Establishments / Workshops etc., immediately.

You may like: Latest clarification on MACP scheme – Financial upgradation, to Junior Cashier promoted from the post of Senior Shroff / JAA / Senior clerk

Yours faithfully,

(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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Union Budget 2020 - Proposals by the NFIR for review and inclusion in the budget proposals before Parliament

Union Budget 2020 - Proposals by the NFIR for review and inclusion in the budget proposals before Parliament

Union Budget 2020 - NFIR

No. IV/Budget/ Part III

Dated: 30th Dec 2019

Shri Narendra Modiji,
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India,
Raisina Hills, South Block,
New Delhi - 110 011

Respected Shri Modiji,

Sub: General Budget 2020 – NFIR’s proposals for consideration and inclusion in the Budget proposals to be presented before the Parliament – reg.

NFIR requests the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, to kindly consider the following proposals for inclusion in the ensuing Union Budget 2020 to be presented before the Parliament during Budget presentation in February 2020 :

1. Pension/ Earnings of Senior Citizens may be exempted from Income Tax upto Rupees 15 lakhs per annum.
2. Additional quantum of pension may be allowed to the pensioners on attainment of 70 years age instead of 80 years as at present with further increase to those who attain 80 and 85 years age.
3. Restoration of commuted value of pension be done on completion of 10 years instead of 15 years.
4. The Single Female Government Employees be granted “Old Age Parent Care Leave” on the pattern of “Child Care Leave”.
5. Female Government Employees be allowed 05 days extra Casual Leave to facilitate maintaining their health (specially those females of age 50 years and above), keeping in view the peculiar menopause stage leading to hormonal changes as has been granted to “Physically Challenged Employees”.
6. Child Care Leave for women employees be granted with full salary in the 2nd year as against 80% of salary at present.
7. Accumulation of Earned Leave (EL / LAP) by Government employees in excess of 300 days be allowed without restriction in the light of judgement delivered by the Punjab & Haryana High Court.
8. Family Planning Allowance, discontinued with effect from July I, 2017 should be restored and continued wherever already granted in terms of provisions made by the Government of India.
9. Pay re-fixation be granted to the retired Defence Forces Personnel re-employed in the Central Government Department / Organizations on the basis of last pay drawn by them at the time of retirement from Armed Forces.
10. Fixed Medical Allowance for retired Government employees be enhanced to not less than Rs. 3000 per month as against Rs. 1000 p.m. at present in view of high cost of medicines and medical treatment.
11. Provision be made for construction of Shelter Homes for Pensioners at various locations in the country.
12. Reimbursement of Tuition fee and Hostel subsidy be allowed upto Post Graduation level in the case of wards of Central Government employees.
13. Reimbursement of College/ Hostel fee may also be permitted in the case of wards of retired Government employees (pensioners).
14. Provision of accommodation for Office /recreation purposes be made to various Pensioners’ Orgarizations in the country.

Yours faithfully,
(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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Revised Training Module of Non-Gazetted Staff of Medical Department

Revised Training Module of Non-Gazetted Staff of Medical Department

NFIR

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

RBE No.206/2019
No. E(MPP)2019/3/51

New Delhi, Dated 27.11.2019

To
The General Managers,

Sub: Revised Training Module of Non-Gazetted Staff of Medical Department.

Ref: chairman/Railway Board's letter No. E(MPP)/ 2016/3/20 dated 28.11.2018 and Board's letter dated 06.12.2018

Vide Board (CRB) letter No. E(MPP)/ 2016/3/20 dated 28.11.2,018, DG/NAIR had been authorized as the Head of the Academic Council of all CTIs to develop Training Modules of all categories of Non-Gazetted staff. Accordingly, training module of Medical Department was finalized and sent to this office.

2. Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) has reviewed the above Training Modules proposed and submitted by DG/NAIR. Board (DG/Health & MS) has approved the revised training module.

3. The revised module prepared have been scanned and uploaded under E(MPP) Training Circulars and can be viewed or downloaded from railnet.

4. General Manager / PHOD shall identify and decide the locations for conducting training of staff on the above revised module in their respective Zones.

5. Kindly acknowledge receipt.

(Alka Arora Misra)
Principal Executive Director/MPP
Railway Board.

Source: NFIR

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NFIR Pending issues

NFIR Pending issues

 

NFIR

No. II/95/2018

The General Secretaries of

Affiliated Unions of NFIR

Dated: 09/12/2019

Brother,

Sub: Pending issues - reg.

During discussions with the Financial Commissioner (Railways) at Rail Bhavan, New Delhi, following pending issues were brought to her notice by NFIR for taking immediate action:-

Also check: Long pending demands of the Central Government employees

• Payment of Special Allowance to Stock Verifiers who were posted from the cadre of JAA on passing Appendix IV A (IREM Examination) - NFIR's PNM Item No. 22/2012
• Grant of one time relaxation for promotion against DR quota Vacancies of Accounts clerks to the eligible erstwhile Group 'D' staff of Accounts Department - NFIR PNM Item No. 30/2012.
• Implementation of commitment given to the Federation on NFIR's PNM Item No. 15/2013 during separate meeting held with the Member Staff and FC for granting stepping up of pay to the SSOs (Accounts) w.e.f. 01/01/2006 at par with their Junior (non-qualified)
• Implementation of 7th CPC recommendations for grant of GP 5400 to SSOs w.e.f. 01/01/2016. Correspondence between Railway Ministry and DoP&T/ MoF and back references continued - Accounts staff disappointed over abnormal delay.

After discussion on the above, FC has assured to take action on each item for quick finalization. She also assured to discuss with MoF /DoP&T on items (iii) and (iv).

The Federation also met Member Staff today at 9th December, 2019 and explained the necessity to take personal initiative for securing clearance for upgradation of 75% posts of Supervisors to GP 4800/Pay Level-8. Member Staff has assured to personally pursue even by reaching North Block (DoP&T/MoF).

Yours fraternally,
(Dr. M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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Rejection of 6th CPC minimum pay of the pay band to the Senior Nursing Superintendents on Railways Rejection of 6th CPC minimum pay of the pay band to the Senior Nursing Superintendents on Railways

Rejection of 6th CPC minimum pay of the pay band to the Senior Nursing Superintendents on Railways

NFIR

No. III/SECRMC/4
The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Denial of minimum pay of the pay band (VI CPC) to the Senior Nursing Superintendents (Nursing Sisters) on Railways-reg.

Ref: NFIR’s PNM Agenda Item No.13 sent to Railway Board on 29/0512019.

Kind attention of Railway Board is invited to Federation’s. PNM Agenda Item No.13, wherein the cases of denial of minimum pay in the pay band of 6th CPC to the Senior Nursing Superintendents (earlier called Nursing Sisters) working in Railway Hospitals have been cited as example to facilitate the Railway Board to examine the case and render justice. Federation feels sad to convey that though a period of over six months has passed, there has been no action on the said Agenda Item (sent on 29/0512019).

Also check: Special Allowance to Nursing Superintendents working in Operation Theatre/ Intensive Care Unit-revision of Allowances

In this connection, Federation further desires to bring to the notice of Railway Board that two Nursing Sisters working in the Divisional Hospital, N.E. Railway, Izzatnagar, filed an O.A. No. 914/2016 which has been decided by the Hon'ble Tribunal (Principal Bench), New Delhi on 1st November, 2018, operating portion of the order is placed below:-

“5. A careful perusal of the decision of this Tribunal in Malbika Deb Gupta, as upheld by the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi in WPC No. 8058/2015 dated 04/11/2016, clearly reveals that the subject matter of the present O.A. is squarely covered by the said decision. It is also relevant here to state that the Union of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure issued an Office Memorandum dated 28 /09/2018 on the same subject matter, which also supports the applicants’ case.
In the circumstances and for the aforesaid reasons, the O.A. is allowed in terms of the decision in Malbika Deb Gupta, as upheld by the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi in WPC No.8058/2015 vide order dated 04/11/2016, and the O.M. dated 28/09/2018. The respondents shall pass the necessary orders within three months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order. No order as to costs.”

Needless to mention that the above order passed by the CAT Principle Bench, New Delhi and upheld by the Hon'ble High Court, Delhi had attained finality, consequently orders are required to be issued to the Zones etc., for granting minimum pay of the pay band to the Senior Nursing Superintendents (Nursing Sisters) with effect from 01/01/2006. Federation re-iterates that its demand vide PNM Agenda Item No.13, presently pending with the Railway Board, is fully covered vide orders mentioned above, therefore, instructions need to be issued to the Zones etc., for granting correct fixation of pay to the concerned staff in the 6th CPC pay structure vis-d- vis 7th CPC pay level.
NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to issue suitable instructions to the Zonal Railways etc., to grant minimum pay of Rs. 18750 (as on 01/01/2006) to the Senior Nursing Superintendent (Nursing Sisters) promoted prior to 01/01/2006. A copy of the instructions issued may be endorsed to.the Federation.

Yours faithfully,

Dr.M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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Relief of the railway employees in the event of a transfer request

Railway transfer request

Relief of the railway employees in the event of a transfer request

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(RAILWAY BOARD)

RB.No: 203/2019

No.E(NG)I/2019 /PM2/ 18CC

New Delhi, dated November 26-11-2019

The General Managers
All Zonal Railways & Production Units.
(as per srandard mailing list)

Sub: Relieving of Railway employees in time after order of transfer in cases of request transfer.

As the Railway administrations are aware, instructions already exist which provide that in cases of request transfer, the requests should be dealt with in an organized and expeditious manner so that there is no occasion for any grievance in the mind of the staff in regard to the handling of their request.

It has been observed that despite the existence of such instruction, due to administrative exigencies,it sometimes becomes difficult to relieve the transferred employee a within a reasonable time, which results in loss of seniority to the employee in his new place of posting. The loss is even greater when he goes to posts one grade below, and new recruits from subsequent batches join before him.

Also check: Comprehensive Transfer Policy – Exemption from 5 years service condition – Indian Railways – NFIR

The loss in seniority in such cases resulting from delayed relieving of the emproyee often leads to litigation, and structures passed by Hon’able Courts.

In one such case recently, the Hon’ble CAT/Chennai in OAs, No.751/2019 and other similar OAs, vide their common order dated 05.07.2019, inter-alia observed as under:

Since it is submitted by the applicants that IREC is silent on the above issue and accordingly there is a void in this regard in the policy, we deem it appropriate to direct the first respondent to consider the concerned raised in the OAs as a policy issue and take an appropriate decision on whether and if so, how the interests of such transferred employees should be protected in regard to their seniority at-least from the date from which they where approved for IRT, if they could not be relieved soon thereafter in public interest. Such policy decision may be taken and orders issued within a period of six month from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.”

The matter has accordingly been considered in the Board. while it may not be desirable / feasible to assign seniority to transferred employee of approval of in the new unit from the date of approval of the transfer, when the employees is still actually working in the parent unit, every effort should be made to relieve her/him at an early date. Where delay in relieving of the employees after orders are issued exceeds is likely to exceed 3 months, the case should be put up by Sr.DPO/ WPO to DRM/ CWM as the case may be giving specific reasons for the delay and likely date of relief.

Please acknowledge receipt.

(D.Joseph)

Railway Board

Source: NFIR

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7th CPC Risk and Hardship Allowance for Track Maintainers working in Constructions Organization

7th CPC Risk and Hardship Allowance for Track Maintainers working in Constructions Organization

NFIR

No.IV/NFIR/7 CPC(Imp)/2016/Allowance/Part II

Dated: 20/11/2019

The Member Engineering,
Railway Board,
New Delhi

The Member Staff
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Recommendations of 7th CPC - Payment of Risk & Hardship Allowance for Track Maintainers working in Constructions Organization - reg.

Ref: (i) Railway Board’s letter No.PC VIII/2017/ 1/7/5/4 dated 10/08/2017 (RBE No. 87/2017).
(ii) Railway Board’s clarification issued to GM (P), E.C. Railway vide letter No.PC VII/ 2017/1/7/5/4 dated 25/10/2018.
(iii) GS/NFIR’ s letter No. IV/NFIR/7 CPC(Imp)/2016/ Allowance/ Part II dated 24/12/2018 to the Secretary (E), Railway Board and sent to AM (CE) & EDPC-II, Railway Board.

While enclosing copy of NFIR’s letter No.IV/NFIR/ 7 CPC (Imp)/2016/Allowance/Part II dated 24/12/2018 on the subject, the Federation expresses its disappointment over continued denial of Risk & Hardship Allowance to the Track Maintainers working in Construction Organizations on Indian Railways. The Federation in its letter dated 24/12/2018 had elaborately explained the merits, justifying payment of Risk & Hardship Allowance to the Track Maintainers of Construction Organizations also. Sadly, due to Railway Board’s clarification issued to the General Manager (P), E.C. Railway vide letter dated 25th October, 2018, the payment of Risk and Hardship Allowance to the Construction Organizations Track Maintainers has been denied and wherever paid for the previous period, the same is being recovered.

Also check: 7TH PAY COMMISSION TRANSPORT ALLOWANCE

Though nearly ten months passed from the date of letter of Federation, there has been no reply indicating action taken on this issue. This has compelled the Federation to seek intervention of Railway Board (ME & MS) for reviewing the case and allowing payment of Risk and Hardship Allowance to the Track Maintainers working in the Construction Organizations.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board (ME & MS) to kindly consider the matter objectively and accord approval for payment of Risk & Hardship Allowance to those Track Maintainers working in Construction Organizations over Indian Railways. It may kindly be appreciated that this issue deserves to be settled immediately without waiting for the report of EDs Committee in view of the merits involved for payment.

DA/As above

Yours faithfully,

(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

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Age of superannuation of the Central Government Employees, Government’s briefing to the PTI

Government’s briefing to the PTI on the age of superannuation of the Central Government Employees

No.NC/JCM/2019

Dated: September 25, 2019

All Constituents of the JCM (Staff Side)

Dear Comrades,

Government’s briefing to the PTI on the age of superannuation of the Central Government Employees

There are serious rumours in the air that the Department of Personnel & Training (Government of India) has mooted a proposal in regard to age of superannuation of the Central Government Employees, laying down condition of either 33 years of Qualifying Service or 60 years of age, whichever is earlier. It is also being claimed by several sources that, this proposal has already been sent to the Finance Ministry for their approval.

Also check: Central Government employees who have put in 33 years service or attained the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier, shall retire on superannuation

In this connection, it is clarified that, this has not to be given any cognizance since it is not possible without prior consultation with the JCM(Staff Side), being an important matter of the service condition, affecting the Central Government Employees.

Sincerely yours,
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
Secretary(Staff Side)
National Council(JCM)

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Extending the benefit of Special Allowance to Traffic Gatemen

Extending the benefit of Special Allowance to Traffic Gatemen

NFIR

 

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAILWAY BOARD

No. E(P &A)I-2013/FE-2/4a(pt.)
The General Secretary,
NFIR
3, Chelmsford Road,
New Delhi-110055.

New Delhi, dated: 23.10.2019

Sub.:- Extending the benefit of Special Allowance to Traffic Gatemen.

Sir,
The undersigned is directed to refer to your letter No. 1/5(g)/2019 dated 10.10.2019 on the subject noted above. In this regard it is stated that the issue regarding extending the benefit of LC Gate Allowance to Gatemen (now Track Maintainers) manning the Traffic Gates at par with the Gatemen (now Track Maintainers) manning the Engg. Gates is under consideration in Board's office in consultation with Ministry of Finance. A consolidated proposal in respect of payment of Special Allowance to the traffic Gatemen deployed to work on Level Crossing Gates (LC Gate) alongwith an another proposal has been sent to Ministry of Finance (MoF) vide U.O. dated 16.08.2019. However, no reply has since been received from Ministry of Finance so far.

For Secretary Railway Board

Source: NFIR

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Railway Vacancies in 7th CPC Pay Level-1 twent per cent quota reserved for Course Completed Act Apprentices

Railway Vacancies in 7th CPC Pay Level-1 twent per cent quota reserved for Course Completed Act Apprentices

NFIR

No. II/94/Part I

Dated: 08/11/2019

The Member (Staff),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: 20% quota vacancies in 7th CPC Pay Level-1 reserved for "Course Completed Act Apprentices" - need for delegation of powers to GMs to fill the posts promptly - reg.

Ref:  (i) Railway Board’s reply to NFIR vide letter No. E(NG)II/2019/RR-I/5 dated 23/04/2019
(ii) NFIR’s letter vide No.II/94/Part I dated 17/08/2019 to the Member Staff, Railway Board.

Responding to Railway Board’s reply dated 23/04/2019, the Federation vide its letter dated 17/08/2019 has again conveyed to the Railway Board certain valid points with regard to fulfillment of 20% quota vacancies in GP 1800 Level-1 by Course Completed Act Apprentices of Railways.

Also check: 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix Table Level 1 to 5

NFIR once again re-iterates the following for re-consideration :-

• The 20% quota meant to be filled by Railways trained Act Apprentices has, in fact, not been fulfilled due to inexplicable reasons which are beyond the control of RRCs. This is causing adverse impact on the IR system as the vacancies in Level-l particularly in Safety categories of Technical Departments continued to remain unfilled while at the same time the Course Completed Act Apprentices of Railways are out of job despite the fact that they possess required skills for performing technical jobs in Railways.
• In Workshops and Depots/Sheds, the Act Apprentices (under training) are utilized by the authorities on regular jobs during training period due to heavy shortage of manpower, with the objective of achieving out turn targets fixed by the Railway Board. The earmarked 20% quota vacancies, if allowed to be filled under GM’s powers, the trained apprentices will have job opportunities and equally their skills will be of greater advantage for Railways to improve quality and efficiency.
• Another important factor causing negative impact on the IR system is non-consideration of Inter Railway transfer requests of Level-l safety category staff (Track Maintainers, Helpers etc.,) due to non-availability of replacement. Even the options of optees to different projects on Indian Railways are not being forwarded by the Zonal Railways despite communications from Project Organisations in view of heavy vacancy position.
• For ensuring quality and efficiency of Railways, adequate manpower possessing required skills is the need of the hour. The field position reveals that in Depots, Sheds and Workshops the staff strength is very much inadequate and for this reason, the GMs are required to be given powers for induction of course completed act apprentices against 20% vacancies in Level-l for meeting the exigency and urgency.

NFIR, therefore, once again requests the Railway Board (MS) to kindly re-consider the matter for delegating powers to the General Managers to induct Course Completed Act Apprentices against 20% quota vacancies of Level-1 posts as laid down in RBE No. 71/2016 dated 21/06/2016 de-linking with the recruitment process of RRC. Federation may kindly be replied on action taken on this letter.

Yours faithfully,
(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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Comprehensive Transfer Policy – Exemption from 5 years service condition – Indian Railways – NFIR

Comprehensive Transfer Policy – Exemption from 5 years service condition – Indian Railways – NFIR

NFIR

No.II/4/2018-I

Dated: 07/11/2019

The Chairman,
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir.

Sub: Comprehensive transfer policy – exemption from 5 years service condition-reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR’s PNM Item No. 18/2016.
(ii) Railway Board’s letter No. E(NG)I-2005/TR/20 dated 10/02/2017.
(iii) NFIR’s letter No. II/14/Part VII dated 21st Feb,2017, 23/02/2017 and 12/04/2017.
(iv) NFIR’s letter No. II/4/Part VII dated 15/05/2017 & 04/12/2017.
(v) Railway Board’s letter No. E(NG)I-2015/TR/20 dated 17/01/2018.
(vi) NFIR’s letter No. II/14/Part VII dated 30/01/2018,
(vii) NFIR’s letter No. II/14/2018 dated 23/07/2018.
(viii) NFIR’s letter No. II/14/2018-I dated 22/07/2019 & 25/03/2019.

Federation brings to the kind notice of the Railway Board (CRB) that NFIR’s PNM Agenda Item No. 18/2016 relating to relaxation of service condition of minimum five years service in the case of re-employed Defence Forces Personnel seeking inter Railway transfer on request has been pending since the last three years. During NFIR’s PNM meeting held with the Railway Board on 25/26-04-2019, the Official Side conveyed through Action Taken Statement as under:-

Also check: Comprehensive transfer policy – exemption from 5 years service condition

“The matter is presently under consideration. Feedback has been called for, from all the Zonal Railways. Responses from some of them are still awaited.”

Federation feels sad to state that though a period of over six months passed, progress made into the matter is yet to be conveyed.

In this connection, Federation also brings to the notice of the Board (CRB) that the NFIR General Secretary held discussions at the level of CRB more than once (last discussions held on 22/11/2018), when the CRB gave assurance that the relaxation has been processed and the final orders would be issued very shortly, but unfortunately relaxation decision has not been issued so far.

May I once again seek the intervention of CRB to kindly see that order issued granted relaxation to five years service condition in favour of former Defence Personnel re-employed in Railways, facilitating their inter Railway transfer requests soon.

Yours faithfully,

(Dr. M.Raghavaiah)

General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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Provision for granting Special Casual Leave for the Woman employees working in the Central Government Organizations

Provision for granting Special Casual Leave for the Woman employees working in the Central Government Organizations

NFIR

No.II/10/Part I

Dated: 24/10/2019

The Cabinet Secretary,
Rashtrapati Bhawan,
New Delhi - 110004

Dear Sir,

Sub: Provision for granting Special Casual Leave for the Woman employees (45 years of age and above) working in the Central Government Organizations - reg.

The Government of India is aware that with the increased efficiency levels among women in every walk of life, more importantly in the Government sector, a good number of female candidates has been joining services in various organizations of the Central Government in different capacities at all levels ranging from Group 'C' to Group 'A'. While many of them have been performing duties efficiently, their physiological condition changes when they reach certain age which is a natural phenomenon. Federation desires to bring to your kind notice that there is need to consider granting Special Casual Leave for the Women employees of 45 years age and above working in the Central Government services due to the reason that they face hormonal imbalances at the menopause stage which hampers the physical and mental health of women. Therefore provision for granting Special Casual Leave for those Woman employees of 45 years age and above including those who undergo Hysterectomy Operation needs to be considered.

Also check: 7th Pay Commission Leave Rules

NFIR, therefore, requests the Cabinet Secretary to kindly intervene and get the matter examined for making provision for granting Special Casual Leave to the Woman employees of Central Government services in the above mentioned situations.

Also read: TYPES OF LEAVE ADMISSIBLE: Leave Rules - CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972

Yours faithfully,
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary / NFIR &
Leader JCM (Staff Side)

Copy to the General Secretaries of affiliated Unions of NFIR.
Media Centre / NFIR .

View the order

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Applicability of Rule 31 of Railway Service (Pension) Rules 1993 for counting service period paid from contingencies for calculation of pension, gratuity on retirement

Applicability of Rule 31 of Railway Service (Pension) Rules 1993 for counting service period paid from contingencies for calculation of pension, gratuity on retirement

Central Government Employees News Latest Update

No. 11/35/2018

Dated: 23/10/2019

The Secretary (E)
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Applicability of Rule 31 of Railway Service (Pension) Rules 1993 for counting of service period paid from contingencies for calculation of pension, gratuity on retirement - reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR’s PNM Item No: 27/2011.
(ii) Railway Board’s letter No. 2016/ E(LR)I/NM1-12 dated 14/12/2016.
(iii) NFIR’s letter No. II/35 Part XIII dated 19/12/2016.
(iv) Railway Board’s letter No. E(NG)II/2014/ CL/RWF/6 PNM - NFIR dated 17/05/2017 .
(v) NFIR’s letter No. 11/35/2018 dated 09/06/2018 &.06/11/2018.
(vi) Railway Board’s letter No. E(NG)II/2014 /RWF/CL/6 PNM-NFIR dated 21/12/ 2018.
(vii) PCPO / RWF’s letter No. RWF/ G0-26/566 dated 08th March, 2019 to Secretary (E), Railway Board.
(viii) Railway Board’s letter No E(NG)II/ 2017/ER/CL/4 dated 15/05/2019 addressed to GM(P) RWF.

Kind attention is invited to the Federation’s demand to consider applicability of Rule No. 31 of Railway Service (Pension) Rules 1993 for counting of service period paid from contingencies for calculation of retirement gratuity in favour of former casual labour who were paid wages for contingency and absorbed subsequently in Rail Wheel Factory, Yelahanka vide NFIR’s Agenda Item No. 27/2011. Federation takes note that though the Railway board vide letter dated 15/05/2019 issued half-baked clarification to RWF Authorities with reference to PCPO, RWF’s letter dated 08th March,2019 without mentioning NFIR PNM Agenda Item pending since the last about eight years since the year 2011.

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In this connection, NFIR re-iterates that the Apex Court in its Judgement / Order in Civil Appeal No. 3938 of 2017 [ arising out SLP (C) No. 23723 of 2015 dated 24th March, 2017] gave following directions (in para 55) for compliance:-

1. the casual worker after obtaining temporary status is entitled to reckon 50% of his services till he is regularized on a iegular/temporary post for the purposes of calculation of Pension.
2. the casual worker before obtaining the temporary status is also entitled to reckon 50% of casual service for purposes of pension.
3. Those casual workers who are appointed to any post either substantively or in officiating or in temporary capacity are entiled to reckon the entire period from date of taking charge to such post as per Rule 20 of Rules, 1993.

Federation feels disappointed that the clarification dated 15/05/2019 is inadequate due to the fact that instructions covering above points have not been incorporated for taking action by all Zones/ PUs to settle similarly placed cases including those of RWF, Yelahanka.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to consider and issue modified instructions to the General Managers of Zones / PUs & RWF citing NFIR’s PNM meeting discussions.

A copy of the instructions may be endorsed to the Federation.

Yours faithfully,
(Dr.M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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7th CPC Hospital Patient Care Allowance In Railway

7th CPC Hospital Patient Care Allowance In Railway

7th Pay Commission Hospital Patient Care Allowance to Group 'C' &'D' Railway employees working in Railway Hospitals

NFIR

No. I5(g)/2019

Dated: 21/10/2019

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi
Dear Sir,
Sub: Grant of Hospital Patient Care Allowance (HPCA) & Patient Care Allowance (PCA) to Group 'C' &'D' Railway employees working in Railway Hospitals & Health Units/Clinics.

Ref: (i) NFIR's PNM ltem No. 12/2016.
(ii) Board's letter No. 2015/H-1/10/10/HPCA dated 14/03/2016 addressed to CMD, Central Railway.
(iii) Board's letter No. E(P&A)II-98/HW-6 Vol. III dated 18/04/2016 (RBE No. 36/2016.
(iv) Board's letter No. E(P &A)II/2017/ AL-4 dated 27/06/2018 addressed to GM (P), Central Railway.
(v) NFIR's letter No. I/5(g)/Part VI dated 08/09/2018.
(vi) Railway Board's letter No. E(P&A)II/2018/Misc./4 dated 13/09/2018.
(vii) NFIR's letter No.I/5(g) Part VI dated 19/09/2018.
(viii) Railway Board's letter No. E(P&A)II/2018/Misc/4 dated 21/01/2019 addressed to GS/NFIR.
(ix) NFIR's letter No. I.5(g) Part VI dated 18/02/2019.
(x) Railway Board's letter No. E(P&A)II/2018/Misc./4 dated 08/03/2019 addressed to GS/NFIR.
(xi) NFIR's letter No. I/5(g) dated 28/05/2019.

Kind attention is invited to the correspondence cited above on NFIR's PNM item No. 12/2016 pending with the Railway Board. Though the subject was discussed with the Railway Board (ED/PC-I) in the special meeting held on 04/06/2019 and Official Side conveyed that the matter was under consideration, unfortunately the issue has not yet been settled.

Also check: Grant of Hospital Patient Care Allowance (HPCA) & Patient Care Allowance (PCA) to Group ‘C’ & ‘D’ Railway Employees

Federation further desires to convey to the Railway Board that pursuant to Railway Board's instructions revising the designations of various erstwhile Group 'D' Staff (RBE No. 201/2018 dated 27/12/2018), the following categories of staff working in the Railway Hospitals have been excluded from the payment of HPCA/PCA.

1) Hamals, GP 1800 and 2) Peon Assistants, GP 1800 now revised as Hospital Attendant.

In this connection, NFIR desires to state that the staff of above categories working in the Railway Hospitals also undertake various jobs and come into contact with the patients, therefore they should also be covered for payment of Hospital Patient Care Allowance / Patient Care Allowance.

NFIR, therefore, request the Railway Board again to review and issue instructions to the Zonal Railways etc., soon covering all the remaining categories of staff working in the Railway Hospitals for the purpose of payment of Hospital Patient Care Allowance / Patient Care Allowance as has been allowed to the staff of categories working in the Central Government Hospitals.

A copy of the instructions issued may be endorsed to the Federation.

Yours faithfully,
(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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NFIR President raised following issues in Railway Board Meeting 2019

NFIR President raised following issues in Railway Board Meeting 2019

Every Railwayman should work to curb avoidable expenses, he said and raised following issues for taking speedy action:

Also read: Highlights of PNM Meeting Dr. M. Raghavaiah, General Secretary / NFIR

• The allowances to all the staff was paid from 1st of July 2016 but the KMA and other related allowances to running staff have not been decided. Such delay is a cause of Railwaymen blaming the Federation and gives room for staff agitations. This type of situation cannot do well to the institution. The Railway Board should seriously think and resolve the issues quickly.
• Railway Board constituted a Task Force Safety Committee consisting of five very senior officers (General Managers), the Committee gave recommendations on 10th January 2017 wherein it has been mentioned that the running staff who join duty after leave at 0:00 hours and worked train immediately after resumption, commit accidents. Therefore, the Committee recommended that the running staff should not be booked to work train before 8 ‘o’ clock in the morning when they resume duty after availing leave.
  Unfortunately recommendations of the Committee are not being followed and the running staffs are booked invariably to work first train after 0:00 hours on resumption from leave. He urged the Member Staff to see that suitable instructions are issued to the Zonal Railways to follow the recommendations of the Committee to avoid situations which may cause accidents.
• The Railway Board issued orders in the year 2004, as a result of decision arrived at, in the DC/JCM meeting, but unfortunately this decision has been changed unilaterally in the year 2007 by the Board. This change has created adverse situation like denial in granting appointment on compassionate grounds. He urged the MS that the order of 2004 be restored without delay.
• Time and again the Railway Board had issued detailed guidelines, not to retain money from settlement dues of railway employees on superannuation, but unfortunately these orders are being violated by withholding heavy amounts from settlement despite the fact that employees are not in occupation of Railway quarter and equally no disciplinary action pending against them.
• Retired Railway employees have been re-engaged against vacancies, but they are not paid Night Duty Allowance though they perform night duty. OT Allowance is also not paid to these re-engaged staff when they work over hours of duty at out stations. He empathetically stated that injustice is being caused to the retired Railway employees who are re-engaged as all such rules are equally applicable to them when they have been re-engaged to Railway service.
• The PPOs of running staff are not being revised because concordance tables have not been provided although orders have been issued to revise their pension pay orders by sighting illustrations, but it is not working as the staff have developed habit of working with the assistance of concordance table, as such concordance tables be
  prepared and issued.
• Regarding filling up of vacancies, he expressed satisfaction on the information given by Member Staff that by the end of May 2019, a panel of 62,960 selected candidates of Pay Matrix Level-I and similarly panels of ALPs and SMs will also be made available. He stated that occurrence of 3% vacancies of total cadre is through natural attrition, therefore the sequence of formation of panels should be planned and followed in a methodical manner as a regular course.
• Case of payment of honorarium to cashiers and other accounts staff of NWR for the year 2008, 2009 and 2010, is pending in the Railway Board for sanction. The inordinate delay in payment is a matter of concern for everyone. He requested Member Staff for early communication of sanction to the NWR for which NFIR has also made reference.
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• The condition of railway quarters continues to remain deplorable as there is no maintenance. Our position becomes very embarrassing when staff complain about differential treatment as there is zero maintenance of staff quarters while on the other hand the quarters of officers are well maintained. He requested that immediate action be taken in the matter to mitigate the staff complaints.

Source: NFIR

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Minutes of PNM meeting of Railway Board with NFIR held on 25th and 26th April, 2019

Highlights of PNM Meeting between Railway Board and NFIR held on 25th & 26th April, 2019

Minutes of PNM meeting of Railway Board with NFIR held on 25th and 26th April, 2019.

Dr. M. Raghavaiah, General Secretary /NFIR

General Secretary/ NFIR at the outset thanked Member Staff and Chairman of the PNM meeting for highlighting the significant performance of Railways during the year 2018-19, surpassing the previous targets. General Secretary also thanked the Member Staff for conveying the important decisions towards staff welfare including that of orders issued, granting 10 : 20 : 20 : 50 ratio to the Track Maintainer category in GP 2800, 2400, 1900 and 1800 respectively with effect from 08/03/2019.

While assuring Federation’s support for improving the efficiency levels further, the NFIR General Secretary placed the following points for taking necessary action.

Also check: RAILWAY EMPLOYEES BONUS 2019

I. The PNM meeting now being held after lapse of 111⁄2 months although Agenda was sent on 26/06/2018. Many issues continued to remain unsettled. Activating the PNM Machinery is very much essential for holding formal meetings frequently for sorting out the issues.

II. Railway employees are heavily overburdened due to non-filling of vacancies, for long period. With the recent decision of the Board to fill all vacancies, Federation hopes that the staff hardships may be mitigated to some extant.

III. Railway employees are extremely disappointed over:-

• Government’s failure to fulfill its assurance through Group of Ministers on revision of minimum wage, fitment formula and abolition of NPS.
• NFIR’s meeting with Hon’ble MR on 04/04/2018 and subsequently – latest being 23rd January, 2019 with regard to Federation’s repeated pleas for exempting Railways from NPS as already agreed to, by two successive Railway Ministers in view of complex and unique working of Railways and hard working conditions of Railway Staff akin to defence forces personnel (over 85% work in remote places, Jungle areas where no basic requirements of life exist). Although Hon’ble MR has assured to take action to pursue at Government level, it is observed that there has been no progress. Railway employees are extremely agitated as they do not get covered under Liberalized Pension Scheme. Over 7 lakh Railway employees joined on and after 01/01/2004, are extremely disappointed as they cannot hope for guaranteed pension of 50% of last pay drawn at the time of retirement. General Secretary specially requested the Member (Staff) to take initiative on this important issue.

IV. Aggressive decisions towards closure of establishments, outsourcing regular activities, contractorisation without prior consultations, surrender of posts are indiscriminately, contractorising the activities resulting staff dislocation and loss of seniority and career growth have been contributing for staff unrest. These are required to be addressed and instructions be re-iterated for ensuring prior consultations on all such matters in the interest of healthy industrial relations.

No prior consultations are held and arbitrary decisions resorted to.

Also read: Upgradation of posts in Railways recommended by 7th CPC – clearance of DoP&T and MoF

V. 7th CPC issues:-

• Departmental Anomaly Committee (DAC) was constituted by the Railway Board vide letter No.PC-VII/2016/DAC/1 dated 05/10/2016. NFIR had placed issues before the DAC vide Federation’s letters No.IV/DAC/7CPC/2016 dated 09/06/2017 and dated 16/08/2017. Second meeting of DAC was held on 04/01/2018, but with “ZERO RESULT” as Official Side maintained that the issues dealt did not come under the definition of ‘Anomaly’ (Loco Running Staff, Guards, Technical Supervisors, Pharmacists, Radiographer, ECG Technicians, Physiotherapist, Health & Malaria Inspector etc.).
• Railway Ministry has not initiated action on the positive recommendations of 7th CPC to give benefit to certain categories though a period of over 2 years 9 months passed. GS/ NFIR specifically mentioned NFIR’s letter No.IV/NFIR/7th CPC(Imp)/2016/RB dated 22/09/2016 and 15/11/2016.
• GS/ NFIR reminded that the proposals sent by the Railway Ministry vide No.PC-VII/ 2015 /R-U/9 dated 08/02/2017 to the MoF/ DoP&T relating to revision of pay structure of Senior Supervisors in Group `C’ of all Departments (other than Accounts Department) for upgrading 75% supervisory posts from Level-7 (erstwhile GP 4600) to Level-8 (GP 4800) and revision of Pay Levels of Group‘B’ Officers of all Departments (other than Accounts Department) to Level-9 have been pending for more than 1 1/2 years. He requested prompt follow up action for obtaining clearance.
• Shri Raghavaiah further stated that the Railway Ministry’s proposal for revision of KMA rates for Running staff w.e.f. 01/07/2017 has not been concurred yet by MoF. Similarly the Running staff are not being paid Leave salary on 7th Pay scales on Northern and West Central Railways due to IPAS problems. These issues should be settled without further delay.

VI. Implementation of commitments dated 07/02/2014.

• LPs Mail/Exp – placement in GP 4600/- pending.
• Stepping up of pay of LIs inducted prior to 01/01/2006 – pending.
• Merger of Technicians-II with Tech-I – pending.

VII. Other important issues:-

• VII CPC report – Para 9.2.37. – Hospital Leave, Special disability leave and sick leave subsumed in a new leave named “Work Related Illness and Injury Leave (WRIIL):- Orders yet to be issued.
• RELHS-97 – Railway Board’s letter dated 31/05/2012 allowed post March 2009 retirees/dependents to join as members within one year period. Some retired staff living in remote places were unaware of opportunity, consequently not availed the provision. Railway Board may now provide opportunity for those retired staff/dependents between March, 2009 and May, 2012) to join RELHS. (Board’s letter No.2011/H/28/1/RELHS/Court Cases dated 31/05/2012).
• Extension of Scheme for contract employment of para-medical personnel against vacancies beyond 30/06/2019 is needed as RRB empanelled candidate may not be available by that date, while retired personnel may not join lower level posts. On one Zone there are 2 regular Dialysis Technicians, while contract Dialysis Technicians are working. Similarly, 25 contract Nursing Superintendents in a Central Hospital who may face termination on 30/06/2019 and if posts go unmanned, health care suffers badly.
• Extension of MACPS to Railway School/College Teachers – All Teaching Staff of HRD Ministry, Delhi National Capital Region, Defence Ministry run schools are covered under MACPS. Action be taken for bringing Railway Teachers under MACPS with retrospective effect.
• Minimum educational qualification for Pharmacists in Railways – Government’s Notification/Ministry of Health & Family Welfare not implemented. Action be taken for revising the entry qualification.
• Harmonization of the cadre structure of Medical Laboratory Staff with those in Central Government Hospitals – Case pending despite elaborate proposal sent by NFIR.
• Employees visit Hospitals for eye vision test. After dilation of eyes, it will take hours for them to be able to see. If roll on sun glasses are provided, the present problem can be got solved. Instructions may be issued to stock “roll on sun glasses” in hospitals for use of those undergo eye vision test.
• On S.E.C. Railway – Raipur Division:- Compassionate appointment requests for wards of medically decategorised and voluntarily retired employees are rejected despite Board’s orders. Instructions may be issued to respect Board’s orders and consider rejected cases.
• Pending MACPS issues – Separate meeting at MS/FC level needed as already committed to the Federation.
• 100% objective type question paper – Negative marks stipulation be removed.
• Railway Board’s norms for creation of posts ESMs, JE, SSE (Signal) etc., not implemented. Action be taken for implementation of Norms without further loss of time.
• Lateral induction of Track Maintainers:- Board’s instructions are not being complied with, on Zonal Railways resulting disappointment among Track Maintainers. Board should issue instructions again to GMs.
• No Dues Certificates : The General Secretary, NFIR stated that responding to the instructions issued by the Railway Board vide letter dated 30th July, 2018, Federation requested to issue clear instructions to the GMs of Zonal Railways and Metro Railway, Kolkata not to levy penal/interest charges where dues have been cleared by our affiliated Unions. He requested the Railway Board (MS) to kindly refer NFIR’s letters dated 18/08/2018 & 22/09/2018 and see that this issue is resolved. He also requested the Railway Board to connect Federation’s letters dated 08/10/2018 and 11/12/2018 relating to the specific case of South Eastern Railway and sort out problem.
• Retention of Railway residential accommodation by the Office Bearers of recognized Unions on their superannuation : GS/NFIR invited kind attention of Board (MS) to the instructions issued vide Board’s letter dated 06/04/2018 to various Zonal Railways asking Zonal Railways to get vacated the Railway residential accommodation allotted to the Office Bearers of recognized Unions after their superannuation. He stated that NFIR has sent series of letters dated 11/05/2018, 21/05/2018, 04/06/2018, 23/07/2018, 03/08/2018, 07/08/2018, 21/08/2018 and 11/09/2018, but unfortunately clear instructions to Zonal Railways are yet to be issued. He further said that the accommodation allotted to the Office-Bearers of the Union by the competent authority should be allowed.
• Appendix II A qualified Accounts Clerks as JAA against D/R quota upto 331⁄3% vacancies: GS/NFIR requested the Railway Board to issue appropriate clarification to the Zones etc., to take 331⁄3% of total DR quota vacancies of JAA into account for granting promotion to Appendix-II A qualified Accounts Clerks so that all the qualified staff will have benefit of promotion. He requested that the modification in the Board’s order is necessary in view of some confusion in calculating vacancies against 331⁄3% quota on a Zonal Railway (South Central Railway) wherein the Seniority Units are 2 or more in the Zone.
• Replies to NFIR’s letters : Dr. Raghavaiah expressed disappointment that though the Federation has been writing letters to the Railway Board on various staff grievances there has been no satisfactory response and no replies sent, consequently the references remain pending. He cited NFIR’s letter dated 31/01/2019 wherein list of 33 pending cases and letter dated 13/02/2019 (16 Pending cases) was sent to Railway Board. He urged for speedy resolution of the grievances in favour of staff.
• Incorrect revision of pension in case of pre-2016 Railway pensioners: Mr. M. Raghavaiah stated that the revision in pension has not been taking place correctly in favour of retired Railway employees particularly those who retired prior to 2016. He cited the example of a case of retired Technician Gr-I whose pension revision has been done incorrectly. He further stated that the Federation has also sent a communication to the Railway Board vide No.II/35/2018 dated 22/02/2019 together with copy of incorrect PPO. [A copy of Federation’s letter with enclosure was handed over to DG (Personnel) in the meeting].
• DNB Trainee Doctors S. Railway and other Zones – Stipend according to 7th CPC not paid at Pay Level-11 despite representations: GS/NFIR brought to the notice of the Member (Staff) that DNB Training Doctors on Southern Railway and also on other Zones are not being paid stipend at 7th CPC Pay Scale despite representations by the staff. Federation understands that instructions have already been issued to pay arrears to the DNB Trainee Doctors on 7th CPC Pay Scale. He urged the Railway Board to take action to remedy the situation in order to settle the justified demand of DNB Trainee Doctors working in Railway Hospitals/Health Units.

While concluding, the NFIR General Secretary expressed confidence that the healthy industrial relations on Railways would continue in the coming days also and the issues raised by the Federation will be redressed with speed and positive mindset.

Source: NFIR

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