Railway Employees under the Medical Insurance Scheme for obtaining treatment in private hospitals - IRMS

Railway Employees under the Medical Insurance Scheme for obtaining treatment in private hospitals - IRMS

Medical Insurance Scheme for Railway Employees

INDIAN RAILWAYS TECHNICAL SUPERVISORS ASSOCIATION
(Estd. 1965, Regd. No.1329, Website http://irtsa.net)

M. Shanmugam,
Central President, IRTSA
# 4, Sixth Street, TVS Nagar, Padi,
Chennai – 600050.
Email-  cpirtsa@yahoo.com
Mob:09443140817

Harchandan Singh,
General Secretary, IRTSA,
C.Hq. 32, Phase 6, Mohali,
Chandigarh-160055.
Email gsirtsa@ yahoo.com
(Ph: 0172-2228306, 9316131598)

No: IRTSA/CHQ/Memo .2020-13

Date: 27.11.2020

DIRECTOR GENERAL (HR)
Railway Board
New Delhi

Sub: PROPOSAL OF MEDICAL INSURANCE SCHEME FOR RAILWAY EMPLOYEES.

Ref: 1) Railway Board letter No.E(W)2020/Misc/ Dashboard- GIS, dated 27.10.2020
2) Railway Board order No.ERB-1I/2020/23/30, dated 20.10.2020.

1) Ministry of Railways constituted a committee to examine and tender their recommendations to bring all Railway Employees under the Medical Insurance Scheme for obtaining treatment in private hospitals. IRTSA submits the following for the kind consideration of Railway Board.

 

2) Indian Railways Medical Service (IRMS) is spread across the length and breadth of the country. IRMS is having 125 hospitals and 586 dispensaries, manned by 33,300 medical staff catering to approximately 66 lakh beneficiaries including 12.27 lakh serving employees. In the year 2018-19 Railway Hospitals treated 2.01 crore OPD patients, 5.08 lakh in-patients and performed 1.02 lakh major and specialty surgeries.

7th CPC Transport Allowance and DA granted for Indian Railway Medical Service (IRMS) officers drawing Grade Pay of Rs.10,000/- under DACP Scheme

3) Railway Hospitals performed pre-placement medical examination for 38,000 candidates and carried out periodical medical examination for 1.14 lakh employees. They also examined 12.51 lakh food and water samples.

4) Indian Railways total medical services expenses for the year 2018-19 including cost of medical staff is Rs. 6888.34 crore. That makes average medical expense per beneficiary as Rs.10,500.

5) No medical insurance company in India handles 66 lakh beneficiaries. Medical Insurance doesn’t cover OPD. Since Railway is catering 2.01 crore OPD patients in a year, it may not be possible to include huge OPD beneficiaries in private managed medical insurance.

6) In existing Railway medical system all medical services like OPD, diagnosing, medicines, Surgeries, in-patient care, major treatment/surgeries carried out in referral private/ CGHS hospitals and follow-up checking are part of employees’ welfare scheme offered to employees and their dependents. It is a part of service condition. For retired employees and their dependents who opted for RELHS on onetime payment, same medical services are extended.

7) In the Railway Medical system, no cost ceiling is fixed for entitlement of any required treatment. On the other hand, medical insurance cover is basically extended to in-patient treatments and for surgeries with a ceiling based on the premium paid.

8) For example, United India Insurance Company Limited offers Rs.10 lakh sum insured at premium rate per member Rs.12,386 in age group 41-45. If all 66 lakh Railway beneficiaries are covered under above premium Rs.8370.78 crore will be paid as total premium. Whereas total medical expense of Indian Railways for the year 2018-19 is Rs. 6888.34 crore which is for diverse services given in the Annexure.

9) In the same time there is a need for addition of more private empanelled hospitals in Indian Railways Medical Services with seamless cashless treatment, since large number of serving and retired health care beneficiaries live in the newly developed suburbs of various cities throughout India. It is pertinent to note that in case of emergency, beneficiaries first require to approach Railway Hospital, then they are referred to private hospitals and in many cases precious golden hours are lost in mere formalities endangering the life.

10) Beneficiaries living in faraway places from Railway Hospitals also find it difficult to get their regular treatments and minor treatments occasionally, since they are required to travel long distance to reach Railway Hospitals. These beneficiaries will be benefited if cashless treatment is extended to them in the hospitals available near their living place.

11) Hence it is requested that,

a. Existing Indian Railways Medical Service facilities may please be continued.

b. The proposal for Medical Insurance Scheme for Railway employees / Pensioners and their depended may please be made as additionally facility to the beneficiaries to get their regular treatments including OPD & IPD in empaneled private hospitals, premium thereof may please be borne by Railways.

Thanking You

Yours faithfully,
(Harchandan Singh),
General Secretary, IRTSA

Annexure

List of diverse services performed by Indian Railways Medical Service (IRMS)

1) Attending Railway accidents and similar incidents;
2) Emergency medical treatment for sick passengers;
3) Pre-employment medical examination for prospective employees;
4) Periodical medical examination for employees;
5) Medical boards and other medical certification for employees;
6) Safe water supply at Railway stations;
7) Safe food supply at Railway stations;
8) Running medical first-aid posts for IR factories under the Factories Act;
9) Certification of dead bodies;
10) Certification of perishable goods;
11) Curative healthcare; and
12) Preventive healthcare.

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Appeal for review of decision; And Grant of option to credit the Additional DA to Provident Fund

Appeal for review of decision; And Grant of option to credit the Additional DA to Provident Fund

Latest central government news today

INDIAN RAILWAYS TECHNICAL SUPERVISORS ASSOCIATION
(Estd. 1965, Regd. No.1329) Website http://irtsa.net
CHq. 32, Phase 6, Mohali, Chandigarh-160055.

No:IRTSA/CHQ/Memo. 2020-3

Date: 30.4.2020

Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman,
Hon’ble Minister for Finance,
Government of India,
North Block, New Delhi-110001.

Respected Madam,

Subject: Freezing of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners at the current rates till July 2021 - Appeal for review of decision; And Grant of option to credit the Additional DA to Provident Fund

Ref: Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure OM No.1/1/2020-E-II (B), dated 23-04- 2020

1) Indian Railways Technical Supervisors Association (IRTSA) extends its fullest support and cooperation to the Government of India in its all-out effort to control COVID-19 pandemic. Railway men are working on the forefront risking their lives to keep freight & parcel services operational for ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential commodities across the country. Indian Railways have taken up many special tasks to fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

2) Railways’ and other government employees and pensioners have contributed generously to PM CARES for the fight against COVID-19.

3) It is, however, very disheartening that the Government has decided, as per the order cited above, that the DA/DR is frozen and would not be revised up to July 2021; and that no arrears will be paid. This has adversely affected the morale of the employees.

4) DA is a part of Pay, compensating for the erosion in the real value of the salary. DA can only be deducted either as a punitive measure or with the consent of the employees.

5) Assuming 4% additional DA & DR for each of 3 spans of six months, the total loss of employees and pensioners would be over 1.5 months of Pay & Pension and possibly even more than that, if the inflation is higher than 4 % in the next 2 spans.

6) Freezing of DA will also delay the revision of HRA rates since as per decision of the Government on 7th CPC, whenever DA crosses 25%, rates of HRA will be revised.

7) It will also cause additional heavy loss to the employees who retire between 1-1-2020 to 30-6-2021 in terms of Gratuity and Leave encashment as the DA is counted for the same.

8) We fully realize that a lot of funds are required to combat the social & economic impact of COVID. But freezing the DA & DR would be counter-productive, as freezing this huge amount would give a further blow to the market as well as to the employees and the pensioners since the amount paid as DA and DR will actually flow out to the market. This will help boost the sagging economy in post-COVID times.

9) Government had advised all private sectors to pay their employees for the lockdown period. Government, as a model employer should set an example by not making any cut in the pay & allowances of its own employees.

10) Lower and middle class employees and pensioners are hard pressed to meet their liabilities due to heavy inflation which is bound to increase in the post-COVID-19 scenario especially in respect of cost of Medicines and household requirements.

11) In the past,when funds were required for a National calamity like War, Floods or Cyclones etc., DA installments were deposited in the Provident Fund with the consent of the employees. It was never frozen as of now.

12) It is, therefore, requested that, keeping in consideration all the above aspects, the following proposals may please be considered sympathetically to avoid heart burning amongst employees and pensioners:

• Order for freezing of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief may please be withdrawn.
• Instead option may please be given to Employees for crediting of the amount of Additional DA to their Provident Fund in case of pre-1-4-2004 employees and to the Pension Fund (Tier 2) in case of those covered under the NPS.
• Employees and pensioners may be encouraged to invest in Infrastructure Bonds etc. by increasing the ceiling limit thereof. This would provide the government with the requisite funds and the employees will not be at a loss in the long run.

Thanking you

Yours faithfully,
(HARCHANDAN SINGH)
General Secretary.

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Regularization of absence period of officers / staff due to lockdown w.e.f. 25th march 2020

Regularization of absence period of officers / staff due to lockdown w.e.f. 25th march 2020

Officers / Staffs who have not been able to resume duties following the completion of the approved leave period due to the suspension of Train Road Communication during the lockout period shall be treated as Special Casual Leave.

EAST COAST RAILWAY
Office of the Principal Chief Personnel Officer
Rail Sadan, Mad Floor, Bhubancswar-781017

No. ECoR/ Pers/ COVID-19 /Bills

Date: 07.04.2020

All PHODsCHODs
DRM/ECoR- SBP/AVAT/KUR
CAO 'Con/ BBS, CWM'CRW/MCS
All Concerned
East Coast Railway

Sub: Regularization of absence period of officers / staff due to lockdown w.e.f. 25.03.2020.

In view of complete lockdown of 21 days announced by Govt. of India, effective all over India w.e.f. 25.03.2020 on account of spread of pandemic COVID-19, a number of officers / staff of this Railway who proceeded on sanctioned leave/ HQ leave/ Duty may not have been able to return to their respective place of duty owing to interruption of train service and road communication etc.

1. Therefore. in terms of Para 7.9 of Master Circular No. 10 of Railway Board, following instructions are issued for guidance:

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

• Officers staff who could not assume duty after completion of sanctioned leave period, due to suspension of Train Road Communication during the lockdown period, their over-stay is to be treated as Special Casual Leave. Similarly,in case of staff who were on HQ Leave permission as on 25.03.2020, their absence from HQ during lockdown period may be treated as Special Casual Leave.
• Staff who proceeded on duty prior ta 25.3.2020 bur could not return to their respective HQs, due to suspension of Train Road communication during the lockdown period, such forced halts period to be treated as on-duty.

2. Officer Staff who arc above 50 years of age and having underlying conditions i.e. Diabetes, Respiratory problem, Renal Diseases and other life-threatening illness may be granted Commuted leave without insisting on RMC for a period up to 4th April vide Railway Board’s Lr.No. E (P&ADI- 2020 /CPC/LE-3 dated 23.03.2020.

3. Officer staff who have been advised for quarantine by the competent authority, their salary may be drawn for the period. However, regularization of the said period will be decided later in due course.

4. Keeping in view the present scenario, the following guidelines / instructions are to be followed by all Bill compiling officers / staff of this Railway :

Check this : 7th Pay Commission Leave Rules

• Salary / Stipend for April. 2020 may be drawn for off existing regular Employees / Apprentices Trainees irrespective of their presence / absence on duty during the lockdown period, except those who are unouthorisedly absent from their duties since long (unauthorized absence prior to 25.03.2020). Over-payment found, if any, will be adjusted in the regular salary of May. 2020 or later.
• List of such employees who were on sanctioned leaves/ on duty/ home quarantined / under Quarantine should be prepared by respective Bill sections Unit in charges and should be sent through the Master Roll and also brought to the notice of respective controlling officers.

This order is provisional and subject to further order guidelines of Railway Board that may be issued in this regard.

This has approval of PCPO.

(R.N.A. Parida)
Chairman / RRC-cum- Dy. CPO/ IR&W
For Principal Chief Personnel Officer

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Career progression of the staff working in GP Rs.1800

Career progression of the staff working in GP Rs.1800

All India Railwaymen's Federation
4, State Entry Road, New Delhi-110055

No.AIRF/24(C)

Dated: December 8, 2018

The Chairman,
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Sub: Career progression of the staff working in GP Rs.1800

Dear Sir,
As I have discussed this issue personally with your goodself and tried to get resolved the issue regarding career progression of the staff working in GP Rs.1800; because in many departments; the employees working in GP Rs.1800 are stagnating in GP Rs.1800 for 15 years and even 20 years, and these are the staff those who are working in GP Rs.1800 are virtually doing the job of skilled nature, in almost all the departments, including Technical and Non-Technical.

It would be in all fairness if 50% posts of GP Rs.1800 should be upgraded to GP Rs.1900, which will resolve the problems of the Railway Industry as well as the employees.

In this connection, it is worth-mentioning that, we have also requested your goodself for reduction in the Direct Recruitment Quota, and the employees having qualification of RRB should be given benefit for their selection against those vacancies through "LDCE open to all" policy, to facilitate the highly educated staff available over the Indian Railways.

We sincerely hope that, you will kindly consider it favourably and do the needful.

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Source: AIRF

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Railways: Disabilities employed in Central Government granting with Transport Allowance at double the normal rates

Railways: Disabilities employed in Central Government granting with Transport Allowance at double the normal rates

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAY
(Railway Board)

RBE No.117/2018
No. PC-V/2017/A/TA/1

New Delhi, dated 17/08/2018

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

Sub: Transport Allowance at double the normal rates to persons with disabilities employed in Central Government.

A copy of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure’s OM No.21/3/2017-E.118 dated 12th July, 2018 on the above subject is enclosed for information and compliance. These instructions shall apply mutatis mutandis on the Railways also.

This issues with concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways. Hindi version is enclosed.

DA: As above.

(Subhankar Dutta)
Dy.Director, Pay Commission-V
Railway Board

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Request for issue of clarification in respect of Rule (vii) of Schedule-II (Pass on Privilege Account) of Railway Servants (Pass) Rules, 1986 (Second Edition - 1993)

Request for issue of clarification in respect of Rule (vii) of Schedule-II (Pass on Privilege Account) of Railway Servants (Pass) Rules, 1986 (Second Edition - 1993)

NFIR

Government of India
Ministry of Railway
(Railway Board)

No.E(W)2018/PS5-2111

General Secretary
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen

3, Chelmsford Road
New Delhi - 110055.

Dated 07.08.2018

Sub:- Request for issue of clarification in respect of Rule vii) of Schedule-II (Pass on Privilege Account) of Railway Servants (Pass) Rules, 1986 (Second Edition- 1993).

Ref :- (i) NFIR's letter No.1/15/Part-111 dated 30.07.2018.
(ii) Board’s letter of even number dated 26.03.2018.
(iii) Board’s letter of even number dated 27.03.2018.

Dear Sir,

With reference to your above cited letter on the subject issue, it is stated that in response to your earlier references dated 13.10.2017 & 16.05.2017, instructions already stand issued vide Board's letter under Ref.(ii), interalia, stating that Rules 3(vii)(a), 3(vii)(b), 3(vii)(c) are independent provisions which is explicit by the use of the word "or" between them. A copy of the same also stands provided to you vide Board’s letter under Ref.(iii) (copy enclosed).

Yours faithfully,
for Secretary/Railway Board

Source: NFIR

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7th CPC - Post Graduate Allowance

7th CPC -  Post Graduate Allowance

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAY
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E(P&A)I-2017/AL-2

PC-VII No. 104,
RBE No. 75/2018

New Delhi, dated 28.05.2018

The General Managers and Principal Financial Advisers,
All Indian Railways & Production Units.

Sub: Implementation of recommendations of Seventh Central Pay Commission accepted by the Government - Post Graduate Allowance.

Consequent upon the decisions taken by the Government on the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission relating to revision of allowances, the President is pleased to decide that Medical Officers will be granted Post Graduate Allowance as detailed below:

Post Graduate Allowance

S. NO	CATEGORY	REVISED RATES
1	Railway Doctors up to the level of non-functional selection grade having Post Graduate degree qualification recognised under Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.	2250/- p.m
2	General Duty Doctors up to the level of non-functional selection grade having P G Diploma qualification recognised under Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.	1350/- p.m

2. The rates of this allowance will further rise by 25 percent each time DA payable on revised pay scales rises by 50 percent. The revised rates of the allowance shall be admissible with effect from 1st July, 2017.

3. The terms & conditions as contained in para 1426 of IREC Vol.II (Sixth Edition - 1987, Second Reprint Edition 2005), will remain unchanged.

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

5. Please acknowledge receipt.

S/d,
(N.P.Singh)
Jt. Director/Estt.(P&A)
Railway Board.
New Delhi, dated 28.05.2018

No. E(P&A)I-2017/ AL-2

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Railway - Award to Railway Staff for Accident Free Service

Railway - Award to Railway Staff for Accident Free Service

NFIR

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. 2016/Safety-1/9/3

New Delhi,
dated 01.06.2018

General Managers
All Zonal Railways and
CMD/KRCL

Sub: Award to Railway Staff for Accident Free Service.

Ref:- PNM/NFIR item No. 9/2018

During PNM meeting with NFIR on 26th & 27 April,. 2018, the Federation raised the issue of granting awards to Railway staff for accidents free service and urged-upon the Railway Board to issue clear instructions to Zonal Railways to ensure granting Accident Free Service Awards in a specially organized function, which would boost the morale of the staff.

Railway Board has decided that Accident Free Service Award for the retired staff should be given to them in a retirement function. Board desires that Zonal Railways shall strictly adhere to these instructions.

S/d,
(P.Srinivas)
Dir. Safety-III
Railway Board.

Source : NFIR

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Release of Berths Under Emergency Quota in Railways

Emergency Quota in Railways to High Official Requisition (HOR) Holders

Release of Berths Under Emergency Quota in Railways

In order to meet the urgent travel requirements of High Official Requisition (HOR) holders, which includes Central Government Ministers, Judges of Hon'ble Supreme Court/High Courts of various States, Members of Parliament and other emergent demands, who are on the waiting list, a limited number of berths have been earmarked as Emergency Quota in different trains and in different classes.

The quota is released by the Railways in accordance with the priority as per warrant of precedence and well established practice being followed since long. At the time of allotment of berths/seats, emergency quota is first allotted for self travel of HOR holders/Members of Parliament, etc., strictly as per their inter-seniority in warrant of precedence.

Thereafter, other requisitions received from various quarters are considered and the remaining quota is released taking into account various factors like status of passengers travelling, nature of urgency like travelling on government duty, bereavement in the family, sickness, job interview, etc.

Emergency Quota Cells are located at Zonal/Divisional Headquarters and at some of the important non-Headquarter stations. These Cells normally function under the control of a gazetted officer supported by requisite number of staff posted by Zonal Railways.

This information was made available in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.

Source: PIB

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Railway Minister gives directions for "comprehensive training programme" for all employees of Indian Railways to boost productivity & efficiency

Railway Minister gives directions for "comprehensive training programme" for all employees of Indian Railways to boost productivity & efficiency.

 

 Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Railways

14-November, 2017

Railway Minister gives directions for "comprehensive training programme" for all employees of Indian Railways to boost productivity & efficiency.

This comprehensive training programme is being launched under the name "Project Saksham".

The week-long training in skills and domain knowledge will be imparted to all the employees of Indian Railways.

The focus of all such training is to 'make a difference' to the job performance.

Under the direction of Minister of Railways & Coal, Shri Piyush Goyal, a comprehensive plan for imparting training to all employees of Indian Railways is being prepared with a view to upgrade skill & knowledge. This comprehensive training programme named as "Project Saksham" will help boost productivity and efficiency.

Under this plan, all employees in each zone will be put through a week's training in skills and knowledge relevant to their work area over next one year. A communication to this effect from Chairman Railway Board, Shri Ashwani Lohani, has been sent to all General Managers of zonal railways and railways production unit.

General Managers have been advised that such priority training need should be quickly identified for each category of employees (employees can be grouped into their work areas) based on the needs of respective zone. Identification of training needs and formulation of planned training calendar will be required to be completed by December 31st, 2017, ensuring that each employee is imparted training.

It has been emphasized that while continuous learning and education/training has been an integral philosophy and approach of the Railways, there is a need to do a concentrated capsule of training for all employees in a short period of time to boost their productivity and efficiency. This training programme will fulfill this need.

With growing rail network, new trains, different high quality services designed by the railways and the promise of the government to deliver superior and safe rail services and growing expectation of our passengers and commuters for better amenities and services, it is imperative that the railway employees rise to the occasion to deliver on the promise. Employees can and do deliver only when they have the right skills, knowledge and the mindset to deliver to the new standards of excellence that the organization hold from them all. This training will help achieve these objectives.

This training shall be a five-day on the job training or as classroom training in Railway Training Centre depending on the nature of training. However, the reporting managers of all employees receiving training need to be actively involved in the Pre-training and post training process to ensure that the benefits of training get reflected on the job performance and there is improvement within a short time after the training is imparted. The focus of all such training has to be to ‘make a difference’ to the job performance of all departments and employees and thus Indian Railways.

The training, as per the calendar, must be completed within 9 months. You may personally monitor the completion of the plans and their progress. The zone must also devise a few metrics to monitor the impact of Project Saksham.

This training will not only upgrade skill of each of the employees but also go a long-way in improving the performance of the Indian Railways.

PIB

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Incorrect fixation of pay for Pharmacist - NFIR

Incorrect fixation of pay for Pharmacist - NFIR

Incorrect fixation of pay in the Non-Functional Grade (GP 4200/-) in the ease of Pharmacist working in the Medical Department on Indian Railways

No.1/2/Part IV

Dated: 05/06/2017

The Secretary (E),
Railway Baoard,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub:
Incorrect fixation of pay in the Non-Functional Grade (GP 4200/-) in the ease of Pharmacist working in the Medical Department on Indian Railways-reg.

Ref: Railway Board's clarification vide No. PC-V/2009/ACP/2 dated 20/04/2011.

Representations are being received from the staff that the Zonal Units have been interpreting wrongly the Board's instructions on the subject of pay fixation when the staff working as Pharmacists are placed in NFG (GP 4200/-) on completion of 2 years service in GP 2800/- i.e. in the entry grade.

In this connection, Federation cite the instructions issued by the CPO/Southern Railway vide  letter dated 15/05/2017 (copy enclosed) wherein the Divisions have been advised to the placement of
Pharmacist in NFG (GP 4200/-) as placement only and to fix their pay in the initial Pay Band plus Grade Pay (PB-2 + GP 4200/-) only. This action on the part of Southenl Railway is unjustified in view of the fact that instructions exist vide Railway Board’s letter No.PC-V/2009/ACP/2 dated 20/04/2011 to treat the placement of Pharmacist on completion of 2 years in the entry grade pay (GP 2800/-) to NFG/GP 4200/- as one financial upgradation, therefore the Pharmacists are entitled for one increment benefit on being placed in GP 4200/-.

While issuing instructions vide letter dated 15/05/2017, the CPO/Southern Railway has wrongly  relied on Board’s instructions contained in RBE 109/2010 dated inspite of Board's  clarification vide letter dated 20/04/2011. Due to wrong decision of Southern Railway, recoveries have  started on the Divisions of Southern Railway.

NFIR therefore, requests the Railway Board to issue immediate clarification to all Zonal  Railways etc., in general and GM/Southern Railway in particular to allow 3% increase in pay fixation of  Pharmacists when they are placed in GP 4200/-, having completed 2 years service in GP 2800 (PB I).  A copy of the instructions issued may be to the endorsed to the Federation.

Yours faithfully,

sd/-
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)

General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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Heavy vacancy position on Indian Railways leading to unbearable additional burden and serious staff discontentment - immediate action

Heavy vacancy position on Indian Railways leading to unbearable additional burden and serious staff discontentment - immediate action

 

NFIR

No. II/95/Part X

Dated: 27/05/2017

The Chairman,
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Heavy vacancy position on Indian Railways leading to unbearable additional burden and serious staff discontentment - immediate action - requested

NFIR brings to your kind notice that due to accumulation of vacancies in lakhs in safety as well other than safety categories, the systems are suffering very badly and employees are heavily over burdened. Serious discontentment and unrest is prevailing among staff as they are heavily over burdened with the additional workload on account of non-filling of vacancies.

Non-creation of additional posts for maintenance of newly created assets has further aggravated the situation. New stations are opened for traffic on some Zonal Railways, but sadly new posts of Operating Staff (Station Master, Points Men etc.,) have not been created. Likewise, new Railway Lines have been opened for traffic but unfortunately safety category posts have not been sanctioned and above all, safety category vacancies continued unfilled. On some stations, no pointsmen are available while at some stations, the station masters are managing with single Points Man, facing heavy stress while performing train passing duties.

Complaints have also been received that periodic rests are denied to staff on some Zones,leave refused due to shortage of staff and at the same time shortcut methods are being resorted to for denying payment of Over Time Allowance etc.

In C&W, S&T, TRD, TRS and Diesel Organizations, there is heavy shortage of staff as the norms/yard sticks are not being followed, consequently staff are put to sufferings. There is also heavy shortage of Supervisory Staff in the Technical and Operational categories. On some Zones, the shortage of Track Maintainers is so heavy that for patrolling duties, Tiack Maintainers are not available. It is no exaggeration to frankly state that crisis situation has developed on Railways mainly on account of heavy shortage of staff.
NFIR wants to convey to the CRB without mincing words that any delay in filling the vacancies and creating new posts in safety categories for maintaining newly created assets would cause serious setback to the Railways' efficiency. The Federation further conveys that the Railway employees are very restive, extremely unhappy and angry over the failure of Railway Board in filling the vacancies.

Federation therefore, requests you to kindly take a realistic view and see that approval is given for filling vacancies and creating new posts immediately to save the Railways and equally preserve healthy industrial relations

Yours faithfully

(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source : NFIR

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Shares of Railway PSEs - IRCTC, IRFC and IRCON to be listed

Shares of Railway PSEs - IRCTC, IRFC and IRCON to be listed

Consolidation, mergers and acquisitions of CPSEs to be encouraged, an integrated public sector oil major soon

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana budget target doubled to Rs. 2.44 lakh crores

Rs. 10,000 crores earmarked for recapitalisation of Banks, Need based additional allocation assured
While presenting the General Budget 2017-18 in Lok Sabha here today, the Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley has said that the shares of Railway Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) like IRCTC, IRFC and IRCON will be listed in stock exchanges. The Government will encourage strengthening the CPSEs through consolidation, mergers and acquisitions and soon create an integrated public sector ‘oil major’, he added.
Stating that the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) has proved an overwhelming success in extending funds for the deprived sections, Shri Jaitley doubled the budget target under the scheme to Rs. 2.44 lakh crores.

Easing the stressed legacy accounts of banks, Shri Jaitley earmarked Rs. 10,000 crores for recapitalisation of Banks in 2017-18 and assured need based additional allocation.

Stating that the disinvestment policy announced in the last budget will continue, Shri Jaitley further said that the Government will put in place a revised mechanism and procedure to ensure time bound listing of identified CPSEs on stock exchanges. This will foster greater public accountability and unlock the true value of these companies, he added.

Shri Jaitley said the CPSEs will be integrated across the value chain of an industry through consolidation, mergers and acquisitions. By these methods it will give them capacity to bear higher risks, avail economies of scale, take higher investment decisions and create more value for the stakeholders, he added. Possibilities of such restructuring are visible in the oil and gas sector. The Government proposes to create an integrated public sector ‘oil major’ which will be able to match the performance of international and domestic private sector oil and gas companies.

The Finance Minister said that the Exchange Trade Fund (ETF), comprising shares of ten CPSEs, has received overwhelming response in the recent Further Fund Offering (FFO). The Government will continue to use ETF as a vehicle for further disinvestment of shares. Accordingly, a new ETF with diversified CPSE stocks and other Government holdings will be launched in 2017-18, he added.

Shri Jaitley said that the focus on resolution of stressed legacy accounts of Banks will continue and the legal framework has been strengthened to facilitate resolution, through the enactment of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and the amendments to the SARFAESI and Debt Recovery Tribunal Acts. In line with the ‘Indradhanush’ roadmap, an amount of Rs. 10,000 crore is provided for recapitalisation of Banks in 2017-18 and additional allocation will be provided, as may be required, he added.

Shri Jaitley said that the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana has contributed significantly to funding the unfunded and the underfunded. He further said that the last year target of Rs.1.22 lakh crores was exceeded and for 2017-18, he proposes to double the lending target of 2015-16 and set it at Rs. 2.44 lakh crores. Priority will be given to Dalits, Tribals, Backward Classes, Minorities and Women, he added.

Shri Jaitley said that the Stand Up India scheme was launched by the Government in April 2016 to support Dalit, Tribal and Women entrepreneurs to set up green field enterprises and become job creators. Over 16,000 new enterprises have come up through this scheme in activities, as diverse as food processing, garments, diagnostic centres, etc, he added.

PIB

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Delhi Commission for Women notice to DoPT over blind woman's appointment cancellation

Delhi Commission for Women notice to DoPT over blind woman's appointment cancellation

New Delhi: Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) today issued notice to Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in connection with a complaint by a blind women alleging cancellation of appointment in Ministry of Railway due to her disability.

The woman who qualified the civil services examination in 2015 has alleged that she was initially allotted Indian Railways Accounts Service.

The woman claimed her appointment was cancelled because of her blindness and later when she excessively followed it up with DoPT, she was reallocated Postal and Telecommunication, Accounts and Finance Service.

"While she was allocated the IRAS service as per her rank in CSE-2015, her appointment was cancelled by the Ministry of Railways. She has further alleged that after several weeks of follow-ups she has now been allocated IP and TAF service which is in contravention of her rank, merit and preference of service," DCW Chief Swati Maliwal said in the notice issued to DoPT Secretary BP Sharma.

"It is evident that the lady has already undergone a great deal of struggle and after painstaking efforts has cleared the civil services examination. Crucial time of training and foundation course has been wasted due to systemic delays. Therefore, it is necessary that immediate action is taken to rectify the same," the notice further read.

The commission has sought within a week's time the factual report of the woman’s candidature, reasons for rejection of IRAS service initially allocated to her and the proposed action plan of the DoPT to resolve the issue and compensate the loss of time to the candidate.

PTI

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Railway Unions demand 3% DA hike

Railway Unions demand 3% DA hike

New Delhi: Expressing “dissatisfaction” over over the announcement of 2 per cent increase in dearness allowance by the government, railway unions have demanded it be raised to 3 per cent.

We have expressed dissatisfaction over the announcement of a meagre 2 per cent rise in DA by the Central government from July 1, 2016, National Federation of Indian Railwaymen M Raghavaiah said.

Ahead of Diwali, the Centre has announced 2 per cent dearness allowance for Central government employees effective from July.

“Central government employees and pensioners have been waiting eagerly for the announcement of DA since September 2016. But we are disappointed that the government has announced only 2 per cent whereas the 12-month average of Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016, works out to be 2.92 per cent,” Raghavaiah said and added “The Government ought to have been considerate in announcing this half-yearly hike in DA and rounded off to 3 per cent.”

All India Railwaymen Federation General Secretary S Gopal Mishra said 2 per cent DA is not satisfactory and it should be raised to 3 per cent.

PTI

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Filling up of one vacant post of Section Officer of CSS (Administrative Officer) in Indian Institute of Legal Metrology, Ranchi

Filling up of one vacant post of Section Officer of CSS (Administrative Officer) in Indian Institute of Legal Metrology, Ranchi - regarding

Filling up of one vacant post of Section Officer of CSS (Administrative Officer) in Indian Institute of Legal Metrology, Ranchi - regarding

Immediate

No.4/17/2015-CS-II(A)(part-II)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

3rd Floor, LokNayakBhawan,
New Delhi -110 003.
Dated the 08th July, 2016

Circular

Subject:- Filling up one post of Private Secretary (PS) in the office of Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS), Lucknow under Ministry of Civil Aviation-reg

One post of PS of CSSS is likely to be vacant at the % Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS), Lucknow, an attached office of Ministry of Civil Aviation very shortly.

2. All the cadre units of .CSSS are requested to give publicity of the vacancy circular and applications of willing officers for filling up the outstation post of PS, as indicated above, as received may be, forwarded along with personal particulars in the enclosed proforma immediately but not later than 22.07.2016. The officers who have already served in the said office will not be considered for transfer.

3. Before forwarding the application(s), the vigilance status of the officer(s) concerned may also be ascertained and a certificate to that effect may also be forwarded along with the application. It should also be ensured that the data in respect of officer applying for the post is completed/updated in all respects in the web based cadre management system i.e.cscms.nic.in.

(Kameshwar Mishra)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Encl:- as above.

DoPT Order

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NFIR – Implementation of the recommendations of 7th CPC – Fitment Factor and pay Fixation for Running Staff

NFIR – Implementation of the recommendations of 7th CPC – Fitment Factor and pay Fixation for Running Staff

No. IV/NFIR/7CPC(Imp)/2016/R.B.

Dated : 13/07/2016

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir.
Sub: Implementation of the recommendations of 7th CPC – Fitment Factor and pay Fixation for Running Staff – reg.

The Railway Board is aware that the Union Cabinet has decided on 29th June 2016 for implementation of revised Pay Matrices of the 7th Central Pay Commission w.e.f. 01/01/2016 duly applying 2.57 multiplier factor. The notification, in this regard, is expected from the Ministry of Finance in due course.

In this connection, the NFIR invites Railway Board’s attention to letter No. PC- VI/2008/1/RSRP/1 dated 12/09/2008 relating to Pay Fixation tables for Running Staff which were given effect from 01/01/2006 and wherein the Fitment Factor was 2.118 for Running Staff (in view of pay element) instead of 1.86.
Considering the 30% pay element of Running Stuff which is needed to be taken for arriving at multiplier factor, the Federation is of the view that the Fitment Factor for Pay Fixation of Running Staff in the 7th CPC Pay Matrix shall be “3” instead of “2.57”.

NFIR, therefore, urges upon the Railway Board to take the above points into consideration for the purpose of determining the Fitment Factor as “3” in the case of Running Staff for granting 7th CPC Pay Fixation w.e.f. 01/01/2016.

Yours faithfully

sd/-
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source : NFIR

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Letter addressed to Minister for Railways on Charter of Demands – AIRF / NFIR

Letter addressed to Minister for Railways on Charter of Demands  – AIRF / NFIR

Letter addressed to Minister for Railways (Both Federations NFIR & AIRF) on Charter of Demands, mainly minimum wage, multiplier factor, railway specific issues etc. – serious resentment among Railway employees against the Government’s decisions.

No.II/95/Part IX

30.6.2016

Shri Suresh Prabhu,
Hon’ble Minister for Railway,
Rail Bhavan,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Charter of Demands, mainly minimum wage, multiplier factor, railway specific issues etc., – serious resentment among Railway employees against the Government’s decisions-reg.

The Presidents and the General Secretaries of Federations (AIRF & NFIR) called on you yesterday i.e. 29th June 2016 and conveyed our serious disappointment as well unhappiness among railway employees on the Government’s decisions relating to VIIth Central Pay Commission’s recommendations.

We are extremely sad to convey that the Government has not reasonably dealt with our demands mainly minimum wage, multiplier factor, abolition of National Pension System in Railways etc. The railways specific issues mentioned in Part ‘B’ of Charter of demands have also not been settled through discussions.

We have also conveyed to you that the industrial peace is being threatened in railways on account of Government’s unreasonable and illogical decisions. During discussions, we have specially requested to kindly reach Hon’ble Prime Minister for conveying the total disappointment among all categories of railway employees and for finding ways and means to resolve matters to avert untoward developments in Railways. Here it is worth-mentioning that on previous occasion too during the course of discussions, we had requested for our meeting with Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.

We therefore request you to kindly approach the Hon’ble Prime Minister for solving the issues amicably as we are keen to preserve healthy industrial relations in railways.

We trust that the railway specific issues will be resolved through negotiations under your leadership without further delay.

Yours faithfully,

sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary/AIRF

sd/-
(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary/NFIR

Source: NFIR

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NIVARAN – Online system for grievance redressal of both serving as well as retired Railwaymen

NIVARAN – Online system for grievance redressal of both serving as well as retired Railwaymen

    Railway Minister directs to develop an online system for grievance redressal of both serving as well as retired Railwaymen.

    The system called NIVARAN to come into operation by 24th June, 2016.
    The System to have provision for progress tracking and appeal.
    Railway Minister to personally review and monitor the functioning of this system.
    The move to benefit around 27 lakhs persons.

In an innovative measure aimed at staff welfare, Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu has directed railway administration to develop an online system for the redressal of grievances of Railway Employees both serving as well as retired. The IT Department of Indian Railways has started working on developing this system which will be called “NIVARAN” and will come into operation by 24.06.2016. Under this system, a railway personnel will be able to submit his grievances online and can also track the progress in resolution or disposal of the grievances. The main focus areas of the grievance redressal will be reimbursement of medical claims, pension claim, compassionate appointment and improvement in staff quarters. The move will benefit around 13.26 lakhs serving railway employees and around 13.79 lakhs retired railway personnel that is the system NIVARAN will serve the needs of around total 27 lakhs persons.

The Railway Minister has also directed the Railway Administration to create a provision or mechanism in this system for “appeal” against a particular decision of an authority. The Railway Minister has accorded important priority to this new system and has decided to personally review and monitor the functioning of this system. The monitoring and review will also be done at Railway Board Level, at Zonal Level and at Divisional level also. The Railway Minister has always been emphasizing on measures aimed at the welfare of the staff and resolution of their problems. He has always been pointing out the sincerity, dedication and hard work being put in by the railway employees to make Indian Railways as the world class railway system.

PIB

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Travel Insurance For Rail Passengers Soon

Travel Insurance For Rail Passengers Soon

In order to minimise financial loss to passengers from untoward incidents, Railways will launch a travel insurance scheme.

“Currently there are railways claims tribunals which provide compensation in case of mishaps. One can claim compensation in case of accidents. Now we are offering additional service of insurance,” Railway Board Chairman A K Mittal said.

However, he said the insurance scheme is optional and passengers will be given the option at the time of booking tickets.

PTI

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