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Year 53, Vol. 05. Editor: Shiva Gopal Mishra MAY, 2017

EDITORIAL

Labour Reforms through states Dear Comrades,

The Government of India, since beginning, after getting massive mandate in 2014, is pursuing labour reforms on behalf of the Prime Minister. 44 Labour Laws have been converted into four Codes in the name of simplification, but if one will analyze, they will find that all the changes have been drawn in favour of the employers.

For registration of the union the member number has been increased, for application of the Factories Act the number of employees has been increased in such a way so that thousands of factories will be out of Factories Act. For any call of strike the stringent rules had been made for victimizing striking workers and leaders as well as the union give call will also be penalized. The reforms will also restrain the unions to have leaders of their choice, and if it is implemented, the labour leaders of experience will be barred in one go and they will not be able to hold any office in the union. The reform has nothing for workers, but definitely has been in favour of corporate and that is the reason they are pressing hard for its implementation. The Government sees present labour laws a stumbling block in investments or FDI and wanted to push them through as quickly as possible.

In the Lok Sabha they have majority and that’s why they have cleared it from there while being in minority in Rajya Sabha now they have left the onus of labour reforms to State Governments. The Ruling Party at Central has vast majority in many states they are pursuing them to bring legislation on labour reforms like Gujarat and Rajasthan in their states. If they succeed, the labour across the country will face lots of problems and the labour laws will

become teeth less.

All India Railwaymen’s Federation in its Working Committee, held at Madgaon from 13th to 14th February, 2017, had resolved and called upon all the Central Trade unions to come on one platform along with the federation and fight against the labour reforms to safeguard the interests of the workers in the country.

With Fraternal Greetings! Comradely yours,

INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, May 2017

AIRF’S ACHIEVEMENT

On the persistent efforts of AIRF regarding review of GIS at RCF/Kapurthala vide letter no. AIRF/424(799) dated 30.12.2016 and reminder dated 16.03.2017, Railway Board vide their letter no. 2014/M (PU)/1/25 dated 19.04.2017 have decided: -

1. Status quo to be maintained regarding incentive and leave reserve. 2. Efforts should be made to keep the incentive levels similar to last year, while maintaining the outturn as per the allotted

targets. 3. Review by RITES to be conducted as early as possible. The equivalence factor of ICF & LHB coaches also should be

reviewed during the study. 4. The issue of creation of posts shall be considered in Railway Board and the outcome will be conveyed in due course.

Brief of the meeting held today with the Board (CRB & MS) reg.

measures to improve safety on the IR

A meeting between both the Recognized Federations and the Railway Board (CRB & MS) held on 27.04.2017 in the chamber of the CRB.

From AIRF, President and General Secretary, Com. Rakhal Das Gupta and Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, submitted a detailed justification, demanding calling back Railway Board’s letter dated 30.01.2017, which debars Supervisory Staff(Grade Pay of Rs.4200 and above) working in Safety Categories to become office-bearers of the unions, registering strong protest against these unilateral and arbitrary orders of the Railway Board.

On behalf of Railway Board, Shri A.K. Mittal, Chairman, Shri Pradeep Kumar, Member Staff, Shri Anand Mathur, Director General (Pers.) and Shri Alok Kumar, EDE (IR), Railway Board, were present in the meeting. While summing up discussion, the CRB stated that, Railway Board has no intention to interfere or weaken the recognized unions. He also requested the both the federations to contain and try to reduce the number of office bearers working as Supervisors in Safety Categories. The CRB entrusted the D.G.(Pers.) to settle the matter amicably in consultation with both the federations.

We urged upon him that, Railway Board’s orders dated 30.01.2017 may be called back to boost the morale of the Railwaymen.

Minutes of the separate meeting of the Federation (AIRF) with

EDPC-II & EDPC-I on 23.02.2017 on left over PNM/AIRF items.

16/2009:- Granting of Additional Allowance in favour of Loco and Traffic Running staff – extension of recommendation of VI CPC.

VIIth PC has recommended extending the Additional Allowance to more categories of Running Staff and to increase the amount to 750/1125/2250 respectively for the specified categories of Running Staff. The matter is under the consideration of the Committee of Secretaries presently as to whether this recommendation be accepted or whether any further revision is indicated.

26/2011: Grant of parity to the Stenographers working in the Zonal Railways.

The VIIth PC, under Chapter 7.1 of their recommendations, have gone into this demand but have recommended parity between Assistants/ Stenographers of HQ and Field only upto GP 4200, and not beyond. This recommendation is applicable to all Ministries/ Departments. Ministry of Railways therefore cannot act unilaterally in the matter. Further, the demand of petitioners claiming such parity has been dismissed in several Court cases. Some more Court

cases are pending on the matter, a list of which has been submitted to the Federation. Federation urged that, even recommendation of 6th CPC has not yet been implemented on the Zonal Railways. Official side requested that, as they have no information to the contrary, Federation may provide details of instances where Zonal Railway(s) Field Units have not implemented approved/ notified recommendation of the 6th CPC.

51/2012: Serious injustice done to the category of Claims Tracers.

The position as regards Claims Tracers was explained by the Official side. However, the Federation observed that their demand pertained to Coal Tracers of ER/ECR. The Official side intimated that as regards Coal Tracers, some data/clarifications had been sought from the Railway, and the matter would be processed further on receipt of the same. It was assured that this would be expedited.

05/2014: Fixation of pay on promotion to a post carrying higher duties and responsibilities but carrying same grade pay.


The issue was discussed in the specific context of fixation of pay to running staff after merger of grades in VI CPC, RBE No.54/2014 clarifies the methodology in different situations for pay fixation of Running staff. Staff side expressed their unhappiness that promotional pay fixation has not been provided for all such promotions within the same pay grade, and desired that the issue be discussed separately.

31/2015: Implementation of Cadre Restructuring in RCF/ RBL.

Required clarifications have been sent from Board’s office to RCF/ RBL to enable them to carry out the restructuring. Vide letter No.E/MCF/RBL/Cadre Rest. /Artisan Dated 16.02.2017, RCF/ RBL have given an assurance that the cadre restructuring would be completed by 31.03.2017. Copy of this was handed over to the staff side at the meeting for information/ follow up.

54/2015: Change in the designation of Trains Guard.

After discussion, it was agreed that the strong views of the Federation would again be communicated to the Traffic Directorate for a review of the matter. After detailed deliberations it was earlier agreed to designate Trains Guard as “Train In-charge”. As such, Federation demanded that, earlier decision should be implemented without further delay. It was, therefore, decided to put-up the views of the Federation to Traffic Directorate to expedite the matter.

06/2016: Cadre Restructuring of leftover categories.

Detailed position in this regard was furnished to the Federation. Federation agreed to get back with their comments/views after studying the position.

09/2016: (A) Cadre Restructuring of Cipher Staff over the Indian Railways.

(B) Restructuring of Sr. ALP and Jr. ALP in CLW/CRJ.

(A) Official side explained that Cipher Operators were in a single grade (GP 4200/) post VI CPC and therefore restructuring was not feasible. Federation wanted the feasibility of merging this cadre with a similar cadre such as Wireless Operator or Telecom Maintainer, to be examined.

(B) Official side explained that the confusion regarding cadre/ lien of ALPs in CLW had finally been clarified and enabling orders would be issued shortly by Board to CLW.

54/2016: Fixation of Pay of Running Staff on implementation of VII CPC recommendations.

As the minimum increase in pay consequent to pay fixation as per the approved formulation in VII CPC was less than 14% in several cases of Running Staff, a reference has already been sent from Board’s office to the Implementation Cell of the Ministry of Finance requesting for clarification.

60/2016: Review of RRs, upgradation of pay scales and change in nomenclature of designations of the Medical Lab. Staff of the Indian Railways.

Staff side wanted that the cadre structure as adopted by four central Medical Institutions and recommended by the VII CPC for adoption by others, may be considered for Medical Lab staff of Indian Railways also.

Official side pointed out that as per rough data available at present in Board’s office, the revised cadre structure being proposed for consideration could impact certain pay levels of the existing cadre structure negatively- that is, while certain categories would benefit due to upgradation, some of the existing promotional/higher categories could also see a reduction in their percentage. Data has therefore being called for from all Zonal Railways/Units to examine the matter further.

5/2006: Avenues of promotion of Senior Supervisor in Scale S-13 to S-14 Group ‘B’ (Gazetted) on railways.

Federation has requested for a separate meeting with DG(Pers.).

30/2008: Voluntary Retirement of Drivers and Gangmen.

The matter is sub-judice. However, Federation has requested for a separate meeting with DG(Pers.).

7/2010: Inclusion of left out categories of the staff working in Railway Hospitals of the Indian Railways for the purview of Hospital Patient Care Allowance.

Inclusion of Laundry Staff, Hamal, Jamadar, Aaya, Dietary Tech., Hospital Peon will be examined further in consultation with DG/ Health.

3/2011: Revision of rates of Kilometreage Allowance and Allowance in lieu of Kilometreage (ALK).

The matter is under deliberation by the Joint Committee.

4/2011: Placement of Pharmacists in the Entry GP of 4200(non-functional grade) on completion of two years service in GP 2800 as well as grant of three MACPs to the Pharmacist category on the Indian Railways.

Official Side stated that a proposal seeking Board(FC) approval for waivar of recovery has been initiated and further action will be taken in accordance with Board’s decision. Federation wanted to discuss the matter with Board(FC).

9/2011: Caretaking Allowance to Hostel Staff and merging of Caretaker posts with Ministerial Staff.

A separate meeting fixed for 15.11.2016 could not be held. Genl. Secy./ SCR could not attend, so Genl. Secy./SCR will come and discuss with EDPC-I separately.

10/2011: Grant of pay scale 5000–8000 (pre–revised)/ PB–II GP 4200 in new pay scales to Tower Wagon Drivers of Electrical Department.

Official Side pointed out that in the last meeting with the Board(ML) it has been observed that the category of Tower


Wagon Driver is not comparable with Goods Driver and therefore they cannot be allowed Pay Scale of 5000-8000 at par with Goods Drivers. Federation stated to revert back on this issue and the matter should be discussed with Member(Traction), Railway Board.

13/2011: Grant of LAP, LHAP and Casual Leave to paramedical staff engaged to work in Railway Hospitals etc. on contract basis.

The matter will be examined by IR directorate.

18/2012: Payment of Breakdown Overtime Allowance to Mechanical Supervisors (C&W) – Mechanical Dept.

The matter is being examined in consultation with IR directorate.

32/2012: (A) Wrong implementation of MACP Scheme in IT Cadre.

(B) Granting of financial benefit under MACP Scheme to EDP Staff.

(A) & (B): In the meeting, Official Side stated that the proposal sent to DOP&T, as agreed in previous meeting, has not been agreed by them and that a copy each of Board’s proposal and DOP&T’s reply has been furnished to the Federation. In view of this, it has been agreed to finalise the item. (Finalised) 46/2012:(A) Payment of Running Allowance to medically de-categorised Running Staff kept on supernumerary posts. (B) Fixation of pay of medically de-categorized Running Staff while kept on supernumerary posts- Grant of benefits of Running Allowance. Necessary instructions have been issued. (Finalised) 24/2013: Payment of Special Allowance to Traffic Gatemen deployed to work on Level Crossing Gates. Federation has requested for a separate meeting with DG(Pers.). 29/2013: Stepping up of pay to Loco Running Supervisors promoted prior to 01.01.2006, viz-à-viz their juniors promoted after 01.01.2006. The matter is sub-judice and Federation has been advised vide Board’s letter dated 25.01.2017. Copy of instructions on stepping up of pay dated 24.07.2009 were enclosed as desired by Federation. Federation mentioned that, this issue was decided by the CRB, hence the matter should be reviewed in the light of discussions held with him. The official side however pointed out that vide letter dated 24.07.2009, stepping up has already been permitted in cases where conditions for stepping up of pay are fulfilled. 15/2014: MACP Scheme for Railway Servants – Treatment of employees selected under LDCE/ GDCE Scheme – Clarification reg. In the meeting the Official Side pointed out that as agreed in the previous meeting the matter has been examined in consultation with E(NG) Dte. who has observed that in terms of Para 141(ii) of IREM, 25% Apprentice Mechanics quota is

meant for serving employees, hence this is not direct induction. Federation demanded for issuance of clarification on Board’s letter dated 12.09.2012, to the Zonal Railway Administrations. Official Side pointed out that Board’s letter dated 12.09.2012 is itself a clarificatory one. 07/2015: Anomaly in granting financial upgradation under MACP Scheme to directly recruited Engineering Graduates as HDA. Official Side stated that as agreed in previous meeting a proposal in context of Federation’s demand was referred to DOP&T but the same has not been agreed by them. No further course of action is available in the matter. 27/2015: Denial of due financial benefits on promotion – Case of the Motormen of Central Railway. Comments from Central Railway are awaited. 39/2015: Consideration of the period spent by Loco Pilots as Crew Controllers/ Power Crew Controllers for the purpose of employment under LARSGESS. It was explained that as the issue of LARSGESS is sub-judice & the Hon’ble High Court of Chandigarh has considered the scheme as unconstitutional, it would not be appropriate to consider the matter till the case is settled. Finally, it was decided to have a meeting with the DG(Pers). 05/2016: Uncalled for clarification on LARSGESS. Necessary instructions have been issued. Item may be finalized. (Finalised) 08/2016: Grant of enhanced qualification pay to Accounts Staff on passing Appendix-III (IREM) Examination w.e.f 01.01.2006 instead of 01.09.2008. Necessary instructions have been issued. (Finalised) 32/2016: Grant of ACP/MACP to the Stock Verifiers over Northern Railway. Necessary instructions have been issued. (Finalised) 35/2016: MACP benefit to Nursing Staff like other CG Hospitals. Reference has been made to DOP&T. 36/2016: Implementation of MACP Scheme over Indian Railways - Discrepancies – Reg. Position was advised to the Federation. 46/2016: Benchmarking for MACP from Good to Very Good. Federation has requested for a separate meeting with DG (Pers.). The issue has been referred to DOP&T, being the nodal department on MACPS. Federation urged that, DOP&T has already permitted the Railways to follow their own benchmark as is being done in the case of Selection. It will be discussed with the DG (Pers.). 48/2016: Payment of Officiating Allowance to Running Staff in higher grade up to 30 days - Error in placing bracket in Rule 913(i)(a) of IREM-1. The matter is under process. 59/2016: Payment of bonus to erstwhile IRCTC staff absorbed in the Railways. Full details will be furnished by Federation for examination of

the issue. Items Discussed Items Finalized Items Pending


35 05 30


AIRF’S REFERENCES TO RAILWAY BOARD ON STAFF MATTERS

Sub: Pay anomaly in the Supervisory Cadre of Accounts Department, Ministry of Railways, and pay disparity with other Supervisory Cadres of the Central Government Services

While deposing before the 7 th CPC, this Federation brought to the notice of the Commission that, subsequent to the acceptance of the VI CPC recommendations a peculiar anomaly arose where a junior drawing higher Grade Pay than the senior in the cadre of Section Officer (Accounts). The Committee of the 7th Pay commission observed that the above anomalous situation purely arose on circumstantial grounds and needs to be rectified. Thus in its report, the Commission found merit in the above contention and recommended that Seniors must be given the benefit of stepping up and further in line with their recommendations for Organized Accounts Cadres, it further recommended that “Section Officer (Accounts) Railways in GP Rs.4800 should be upgraded, on completion of four years’ service, to the existing GP Rs.5400 (PB-2), viz., Level 9 in the Pay Matrix, on non-functional basis. (Ref.: Para No.11.40.83 of 7th CPC).

The 7th Central Pay Commission acknowledged that the skill sets of the Organized Accounts Cadres are fairly higher

and the organized accounts cadres have to compulsorily pass various stringent examinations for promotions. Moreover, Sr. Section Officers(A/Cs) had been assigned complete parity with Section Officers(S.O.) of the Central Secretariat Service(CSS) and they had been granted the pay scale of Rs.6500-10500(S-12) w.e.f. 01.01.1996 in accordance with 6th CPC. Further, it was also noted that parity between Organized Accounts Cadres and the cadre of

Section Officers of CSS was disturbed by granting non-functional upgradation to GP Rs.5400 (PB-3) after four years

of service to Section Officers of CSS only. The Commission also noted that, non-functional up-gradation from GP Rs.4800 to GP Rs.5400 (PB-3), on completion of four years of service, has been accorded to a number of posts by the Government of India in 2008. The Commission also found no reason and justification to deprive this benefit of upgradation to GP Rs.5400 to the Officers of the Organized Accounts Cadres who are in GP Rs.4800.

“Thus, the Pay Commission recommended that, all officers in the Organized Accounts Cadres (in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, Defence Accounts Department, Indian Civil Accounts Organization, Railways, Post and Telecommunications), who are in GP Rs.4800, should be upgraded, on completion of four years’ service to GP Rs.5400 (PB-2), viz. pay level 9, in the pay matrix”. (Ref. Para 11.12.140 of 7th CPC).

But to utter dismay, the Government of India, while accepting the recommendations of the Pay Commission on

upgrading of posts, left out the Ministry of Defence and Railways for non-functional upgradation to GP Rs.5400 (PB-3) after four years of service for the categories of AAOs (Finance Division of Defence, Ministry of Defence) and Senior Section Officer (Accounts), Senior Travelling Inspector (Accounts) and Senior Inspector (Store Accounts), Ministry of Railways, with the remarks that, “it will be examined by DOPT for taking a comprehensive view in the matter”. The DoP&T took almost nine months and transferred the issue on 7th April, 2017 to the Ministry of Finance (Expenditure).In other words, benefit of upgradation to GP Rs.5400 after completion of four years of service has been granted to all other Organized Accounts Cadres of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, Indian Civil Accounts Organization and Post and Telecommunications. The Ministry of Defence in their recent ID Note No.369/C/2017 dated 23.03.2017 also recommended that, “above benefit be extended to the Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) of Defence Accounts Department”. On the other hand, DoP&T, in their communication ID Note No.1198678/16-Estt.(Pay-I) dated 02.02.2017 to the Executive Director, Pay Commission-III, Ministry of Railways, advised the Ministry of Railways to consult Department of Expenditure since revision of pay scales comes under the administrative domain of the Department of Expenditure in terms of Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules. It shows the indifferent approach of government of India towards Railway Accounts Employee.

This issue has been elaborated and explained in the tabulated format at Annexure `A’.

The Supervisory Cadre of the Accounts Department of the Railways is also entrusted with the responsibilities of presenting the Railway Accounts on widely accepted of accrual based Accounting in addition to presenting the Government Accounts as per requirements laid down in the Constitution of India, as announced by Hon’able Minister of Railway, Shri Suresh Prabhu, in his budget speech.

The Board are, therefore, requested to extend the benefit of grant of GP Rs.5400 to Supervisory Cadre of the Accounts Department, Ministry of Railways, on completion of four years of service in GP Rs.4800, who are the only left in this case. This will also end pay disparity between the Organized Accounts Cadres of the Government of India.

(No.AIRF/05.dt.27.04.2017)

Sub: Implementation of Rest Rules for staff of Track Machine Organization

Ref.: Railway Board’s letter No.2007/Track-III/TK/20 dated 02.03.2015

Our Central Railway affiliate - National Railway Mazdoor Union has represented that, despite specific instructions issued from the Railway Board for implementation of 21/7


roster to Track Machine Organization Staff, it has not been implemented on Central Railway.

Our affiliate has further stated that, during Special Meeting, held on the issues related to Track Machine Organization Staff with the Railway Administration on 08.08.2016, it was agreed to execute the roster initially for Track Machines T-28 and PQRS working in different divisions. When this was also not done, our affiliate raised this issue in their HQ PNM vide item No.73/16, and the administration responded with a lame excuse that, in the absence of adequate number of posts, which have to be earmarked as Rest Giver @ 47%, they could not execute Railway Board’s directives. This decision is very much detrimental against the interest of the staff.

The Board are, therefore, requested to communicate necessary instructions to all the Zonal Railway Administrations to implement 21/7 roster immediately, and necessary creation against the requirement of Rest Giver posts should be processed at the earliest possible.

(No. AIRF/12.dt.12.04.2017)

Sub: Provision of CUG SIM to Engg. Keymen/Patrolmen

Ref.: Railway Board’s letter No.2010/CE-I (Spl.) GNS/15(Pt) dated 10.09.2013

Provision of the CUG SIM to the Engineering Keymen/Patrolmen has been envisaged by the Joint Committee on Package and Career Progression for Trackmen, which has been accepted and circulated to the Zonal Railways by the Railway Board vide their letter under reference. On regular persuasions by our Central Railway affiliate – National Railway Mazdoor Union, Central Railway Administration vide letter No.W.226.MPP.Policy dated 01.01.2016, followed by reminder dated 20.03.2017 has sent proposal in this regard to Railway Board, seeking necessary approval of the Board. It would, therefore, be in all appropriateness that; the matter should be expedited early as the matter is hanging fire in Rail Bhawan despite elapsing a pretty long time, resulting in non-implementation of recommendation of the above cited Joint Committee on Trackmen, viz. provision of CUG Sim to Engineering Keymen/Patrolmen, Safety Category Staff of paramount importance, responsible for safe running of the trains, over Central Railway.

(No.AIRF/Sub-Committee 63.dt.12.04.2017)

Sub: Special Casual Leave to delegates for attending Annual General Meeting of Cooperative Credit Societies/Banks

Ref.: Railway Board’s letter No.E(G)2012 LE 1-20 dated 19.12.2016 (RBE No.157/2016)

It is quite regrettable that, Railway Board, instead of considering the views of this federation, communicated to

Railway Board vide this office letter dated 27th September, 2016, have arbitrarily issued above cited circular, without consulting the federation, to which we are not agreed to. We, therefore, demand a meeting with the Railway Board on the subject matter to discuss the issue threadbare.

(No.AIRF/09(733) dt.17.04.2017)

Sub: Proposal for modification of Railway Board’s circular dated 20.05.2014 regarding Railway Contract Doctors

Ref.: Railway Board’s letter No. 2013/E/(GR)/11/1/5, dated 20.05.2014

We would like to bring to the notice of the Railway Board; burning problem of the Railway Medical Department. There is dire necessity for recruitment of the Contract Medical Officers with break every year to overcome the acute shortage of the doctors. The UPSC panel doctors are seldom posted. Railway Board issued a circular, referred above, limiting maximum ten terms for each Contract Doctor (each term for one year with break). Because of this restriction of maximum ten terms, 10th terms completed young contract doctors are debarred from further contract service. This restriction is to be withdrawn, and Railway Board’s old circular is to be modified, so that, 10th terms completed young contract doctors may not be thrown out of employment in the middle age, and the Railways may utilize the rich and varied experience of the Railway Medical Service fruitfully. Unemployment rate amongst the young doctors in India is too high. It is worth mentioning here that, 5-year extension has been granted to all the permanent doctors up to the age of 65 years of their retirement. It is all more distressing, even retired doctors are being recruited as Contract Doctors to overcome the crisis, whereas 10th term completed young contract doctors are terminated in the middle age despite unemployment problem. Keeping in view the above, the Board are requested to modify their letter supra dated 20.05.2014 suitably without any further loss of time. In connection with the above, a copy of the note is being enclosed for ready reference

(No.AIRF/101.dt.17.04.2017)

Sub: Annual Review of the Cadre – Artisan Staff

Ref.: Railway Board’s letter No.PC-III/2016/CRC/1 dated 14.03.2017

We are not satisfied with the reply of the Railway Board given to this federation vide Board’s letter referred to above. We, therefore, demand a meeting with the Railway Board to discuss the matter in detail

(No.AIRF/364(VII CPC) dt.17.04.2017)

Sub: Compassionate ground appointment against death of trainee staff in 1S Pay Band – Case of Smt. Jyoti Jagtap, W/o Late Shri Pawan C. Jagtap, Khalasi(C&W)/MMR/CR


Our Central Railway affiliate National Railway Mazdoor Union has represented that, Shri Pawan C. Jagtap was appointed in Grade 1S as Trainee under LARSGESS on 17.12.2013. He was appointed in IS Grade in the absence of requisite qualification to absorb in confirmed grade pay. Unfortunately, during training period he was expired on 30.09.2014. His widow, Smt. Jyoti Jagtap, placed her request for compassionate appointment which has been regretted by the Divisional Railway Administration, Bhusaval Division. This matter was raised by our affiliate in the Headquarters’ PNM Meeting vide item No.80/16, wherein Railway administration has endorsed the decision taken by the Bhusaval Division on the ground that, Compassionate Appointment can only be extended to the heir of the staff appointed in regular service. In this connection, it is also pointed out that, there are no specific directives existing to deal with the case to provide compassionate appointment to widow/ward of the Trainee Staff engaged in the Railways. In this particular situation, where ambiguity exists to deal with the case, the Board are requested to extend the benefit of Compassionate Ground Appointment to Smt. Jyoti Jagtap, who is very much distressed after the death of her husband and unable to face the challenges of the life with a child of four year, to take care of herself and her family.

(No.AIRF/226 Dated: 17.04.2017)

Sub: Restoration of 30% HRA to the staff deployed at Saswad Station in Pune Division

Our Central Railway affiliate - National Railway Mazdoor Union has represented that, Saswad Station is situated within the peripheral area of Pune City and is a part of Pune Municipal Corporation. On raising this issue by our affiliate NRMU(CR) in their Headquarters’ PNM Meeting, vide item No.24/17, a proposal to sanction HRA @ 30% has been sent to Railway Board by the Central Railway Administration with necessary facts of recommendations and documentary evidence. This station is fulfilling the criteria of granting HRA on par with `A’ Class City being a part of Pune Municipal Corporation. The Board are, therefore, requested to communicate necessary sanction to Central Railway Administration to grant 30% HRA to the staff working at Saswad Station in Pune Division at the earliest.

(No.AIRF/12 Dated: 17.04.2017)

Sub: Non-consideration of mutual transfer Requests of Group `D’ Staff by the Central Railway Administration

Ref.: Railway Board’s letter No.E(NG)I-2004/TR/16 dated 14.08.2007 and No.E(NG)I-2008/TR/12 dt. 10-8-2009.

In terms of extant provision of the IREM, mutual transfers are allowed from one seniority to another, subjected to the conditions of assignment of seniority between two persons seeking mutual transfer from different divisions. Regrettably,

despite having necessary provision in the IREM, mutual transfer requests are not entertained in certain divisions of Central Railway, as represented by our Central Railway affiliate – National Railway Mazdoor Union. The facility of mutual transfer is being denied by the Central Railway Administration, quoting irrelevant part of the orders, restricting feasibility to the corresponding cadre only. The Board are, therefore, requested to communicate necessary instructions to Central Railway Administration to entertain mutual transfer requests of Group `D’ Staff from one cadre of a division to another cadre of other Division/Railways.

(No.AIRF/12 Dated: 17.04.2017)

Sub: Grant of financial upgradation under MACPS in the promotional hierarchy (instead of grade pay hierarchy) as per judgment of various courts – Board’s Item No.03

Ref.: Railway Board’s letter No.PC-V/M/4/NFIR/Pt. dated 07.04.2017

Reference above, contention of the Railway Board, as explained under para 2 (i), (ii) and (v), has been studied. Factual position in these cases is explained below:-

Para 2(i) – A directly recruited Office Clerk (GP Rs. 1900) would get 1st financial up gradation in GP Rs.2000, and in case he does not get any promotion up to 20 years, he will be placed in GP Rs. 2800 as 2nd MACP, and after completion of 30 years service in GP Rs.4200 under MACPS. Only in case when an Office Clerk recruited in GP Rs. 1900, if he gets first promotion in GP Rs.2800, then and then only he would be placed in GP Rs. 4600 by virtue of 3rd MACP.

Para 2 (ii) -- A Technician Gr.III, recruited directly in GP Rs. 1900 would also get 1st MACP in GP Rs. 2000 if he is not promoted up to 10 years of his service. On completion of 20 years service, he would get GP Rs.2400 as 2nd MACP, if not promoted up to 20 years and further GP Rs.2800 after completion of 30 years of service. In case he gets promoted in the grade of Technician II (GP Rs. 2400),

Then he will get 2nd MACP in GP Rs.2800 after completion of 20 years service or 10 years service after 1st promotion in GP Rs.2400 and third MACP in GP Rs. 4200.

Evidently, a directly recruited Office Clerk or Technician III in GP Rs.1900 gets first financial up gradation in GP Rs. 2000 in promotional hierarchy, i.e. GP Rs.2400 in case of Technician and GP Rs.2800 in case of Junior Clerk under MACPS, but in terms of ACP he/she gets financial up gradation.

It would, therefore, be quite appropriate that, this issue may be discussed threadbare in a joint meeting with both the federations for better appreciation thereof.

(No.AIRF/MACPS(878) Dated: 19.04.2017)


Sub: Indigenous System of Medicine– Homeopathic/Ayurvedic Dispensaries – Revised Policy – Reg.

Ref.: Railway Board’s letter No.E (W) 2013/ISM /1dated 23.07.2014(RBE No.80/2014)

Reference is invited towards the aforementioned letter of the Railway Board, whereby detailed procedure for engagement of Homeopathic/Ayurvedic Consultants under the Central Staff Benefit Fund Scheme was circulated to all the Zonal Railways.

It is a matter of deep regret that, working hours of all the dispensaries have been outrightly limited to 04 hours a day, whereas, a substantial number of Homeopathic/Ayurvedic dispensaries had been operating on 08 hours a day basis also. With the implementation of Railway Board’s orders supra, the competent Homeopathic/Ayurvedic Consultants would not show interest in running these dispensaries, because their monthly emolument and other facilities have been reduced significantly. Railway employees, who have been availing these facilities, would virtually be deprived of the consultancy from a reputed Homeopathic/ Ayurvedic Doctor on this account. It may further be appreciated that, the Government of India is promoting Indigenous System of treatment under Ayush Scheme. On the contrary, in the Railways picture is just reversed.

The Board are, therefore, requested to review the matter in the light of the foregoing and monthly honorarium for the Consultants and Dispensers be revised upward to a satisfactory level as also cost of the medicines, which is quite meager, i.e. Rs.8,000 per month, which does not serve the purpose properly. It would also be highly appreciated if some of the dispensaries are allowed to work on 08 hours a day basis as was in vogue prior to issue of RBE No.80/2014 with the associated facilities to the Consultants, for the welfare of the Railway beneficiaries.

An early action in the matter shall be highly appreciated.

(No.AIRF/101.Dated: April 19, 2017)

Sub: Restructuring of IT Cadre on Zonal Railways/PUs/RDSO etc.

Ref.: Railway Board’s letter No.2016/AC-II(CC)/37/9 dated 18.04.2017 (RBA No.45/2017)

After sustained persuasions by this federation and taking up the issue at Railway Board PNM level, orders for Cadre Restructuring of IT Cadre over the Indian Railways have been issued by the Railway Board vide their letter supra dated 18.04.2017. It is quite unfortunate that, prior to issuance of these orders; federations have not been consulted, as has been mentioned in Railway Board’s letter ibid, at 2nd para.

It is an established principle of Cadre Restructuring that, orders for Cadre Restructuring are implemented with

reference to sanctioned strength of the particular cadre and not with reference to operational strength, whereas, in the present instructions, it has been laid down that, the same would be applicable with reference to operational strength of the IT Cadre (Para No.9(iii)), which is highly unfair. Besides, in Para No.1 of the circular it is mentioned that, vacant posts in operation as on 01.04.2017 would be treated as deemed to be surrendered and the resultant saving equivalent to surrendered posts will be credited to Vacancy Bank. This condition is very harsh and highly unjustified because since a long time there is ban on recruitment and huge vacancies are lying in the cadre. Hence, it is requested that, restructuring should be done only and only with reference to sanctioned strength of the cadre and the condition of surrender of vacancies should be removed.

IT cadre has been actually formed on 16.11.2006 vide Railway Board's Circular No.002/AC-II/37/8 dated 16/11/2006, but at that time, percentage distribution between different posts of the cadre had not been decided, reason better known to Board. Hence, it is requested that, this order of the restructuring should be implemented w.e.f. 16.11.2006.

CRC cannot have two principles. During the course of discussion with the Railway Board, it was agreed that, restructuring of the IT Cadre would be done at par with the Tech. Engineers (Supervisors) of the Indian Railways, but unfortunately, the orders issued are quite in contrast to that, which should not have been done.

Owing to the above quoted issues, it is requested that, these orders should be kept in abeyance and a meeting may be convened to discuss the issue threadbare to resolve the discrepancies at an early date.

(No. AIRF/364(VII CPC)(887) Dated: April 18, 2017)

Sub: Fixation benefit for Guards, selected from Non-Running to Running Category

The issue of fixation benefit for Guards, selected from Non-Running to Running Category during the period between 01.01.2006 to 04.09.2008 has been raised by our Central Railway affiliate - National Railway Mazdoor Union in their Headquarters PNM Meeting vide item No.65/15.

It worth-mentioning here that, RBE No.30/2014 dated 21.03.2014 clarifies that, benefit of factor based (2.113) fixation formula would be applicable in the above cases, but option for factor based (2.113) fixation formula was not available till last extended date of option, i.e. 31.12.2010. Hence, the staff selected during the period 01.01.2006 to 04.09.2008 has been deprived from the benefit. Detailed description of the case is enclosed herewith for ready reference.

Central Railway Administration vide their letter No.PC/CR/HQ/ET/510/14/NRMU-65/15 dated 16.12.2016 (photocopy enclosed for ready reference) referred the matter


to Railway Board. Subsequently, on 20.03.2017 Central Railway reminded to Railway Board in this regard.

The Board are, therefore, requested to expedite the matter early.

(No.AIRF/12.Dated: April 20, 2017)

Sub: (i) Payment of Incentive to RWF/SBC Staff

(ii) Incentive to PC Bay Staff of RWF/SBC

Ref.: AIRF’s PNM Items No.30/2014 and 43/2015

Last reply given by the Railway Board to this federation (AIRF) was, “RITES report is expected by the end of December 2016. Case shall be put to the Board for consideration and decision”.

Almost four months have been passed, nothing has been done by the Railway Board in this regard, though, during the course of discussions it was decided that, earlier decision would be implemented. The staff is being harassed financially.

It would be in all appropriateness, if the issue is resolved at an earliest, and, as has been decided, earlier old rates should be restored, i.e. Rs.1.40 and Rs.2.80 per Wheel and Axle respectively.

(No.AIRF/PNM/30/2014.PNM/43/2015.dt: 22.04.2017)

Sub: Non-regularization of the Substitutes after 120 days of their engagement

Ref.: AIRF’s PNM Items No.21/2014

This issue is pending at the RWF/SBC level since long. It was told to us that, regularization of the Substitutes in RWF/SBC has been done after completion of 120 days. But unfortunately, at the grassroots level it has not been done, which is agitating the mind of the Substitutes.

It would be in all appropriateness that, the issue should be resolved at an earliest, otherwise CPO/RWF/SBC, along with our representatives from RWF/SBC should be called and a meeting should be organized in the first week of May 2017 to resolve the issue amicably.

(No.AIRF/PNM/21/2014.dt: 22.04.2017)

Sub: Arbitrary imposition of Residency Period for promotion of the Running Staff

Ref.: Railway Board’s letter No. E(NG)I-2014/PM7/5 dated 09.04.2015

There was no Residency Period for promotion of the Running Staff(both Loco & Traffic) from Asst. Loco Pilot to Sr. Asstt. Loco Pilot, Loco Pilot (Goods) to Sr. Loco Pilot (Goods), Loco Pilot(Passenger) to Sr. Loco Pilot(Passenger), Motorman to Sr. Motorman and Asstt. Guard/Brakesman to Sr. Asstt. Guard/Sr. Brakesman, Guard (Goods) to Sr. Guard(Goods), Guard(Passenger) to Sr. Guard(Passenger). In this connection, please refer to Railway Board’s letter No.E(NG)I-2014/PM7/5 dated

10.11.2014. But suddenly two years’ Residency Period has been imposed for such promotions vide Board’s letter No.E(NG)I-2014/PM7/5 dated 09.04.2015.

Railway Board are, requested to remove the condition of Residency Period for promotion from Asst. Loco Pilot to Sr. Asstt. Loco Pilot, Loco Pilot (Goods), to Sr. Loco Pilot (Goods), Loco Pilot (Passenger) to Sr. Loco Pilot (Passenger), Motorman to Sr. Motorman and Asstt. Guard/Brakesman to Sr. Asstt Guard/Sr. Brakesman, Guard (Goods) to Sr. Guard (Goods), Guard(Passenger) to Sr. Guard(Passenger). (No. AIRF/55(888) Dated: 24.04.2017)

Sub: Grievances of the Running Staff As you are aware that, on the consistent persuasions of AIRF, a Fast Track Committee was formed by the Railway Board to resolve the issues related to Running Staff, raised by AIRF in various Negotiating Fora. It is quite unfortunate that, in spite of discussions, held a number of times, even agreed decisions have not yet been implemented. Many of the Running Staff related issues, i.e. fixation of pay as per 7th CPC Pay Matrix, revision in the rate of Running Allowance, abolition of SPAD, implementation of HPC recommendations regarding duty and rest hours of Running and Safety Categories Staff, improvement in the condition of Running Rooms, justice to medically de-categorised Running Staff, etc. etc., are still unresolved. This is very unfortunate and not a fair deal with the Running Staff. It is worthwhile to mention here that, Fixation Table of the Running Staff has not yet been circulated by the Railway Board, though AIRF vide its letters No.AIRF/24(C) dated 30.08.2016 and AIRF/405(VII CPC)(689) dated 05.08.2016 and 05.10.2016 represented the matter to Hon’ble MR and Railway Board as well. You are, therefore, requested to kindly expedite the matter and the aforementioned Running Staff related issues should be resolved at an earliest.

(No.AIRF/24(C)(893) Dated: April 22 & 24, 2017)

Sub: Creation of posts for new assets - Pooled surrender of posts

Ref.: This office letter No. AIRF/340(761) dated 24.11.2016

Some distortions on previous decisions had taken place in Railway Boards letter No.E(MPP)/2010/1/67 dated 28.10.2016 and they were brought to the notice of the Railway Board seeking corrective action vide this office letter under reference. Unfortunately neither those distortions have since been corrected nor any reply in this connection is received. The Board, are requested to take corrective actions and to intimate them to all concerned. (No.AIRF/340(761) Dated: 24.04.2017)

Sub: Development of the Engineering Workshops in Indian Railways

Railway Board vide their letter No.2012/CE-III/BR/Workshop Review Committee dated 03.10.2012 deputed the RDSO/LKO to undertake steps for the development of “Civil


Engineering Workshops” in Indian Railways. It is understood that, RDSO/LKO has already undertaken due survey and submitted its report to Railway Board. Railway Board are requested to intimate the steps taken by the Railway Board for the development of Engineering Workshops over the Indian Railways. (No.AIRF/83 Dated: 24.04.2017)

Sub: Relaxation of procedure while considering request for medical reimbursement

Ref: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Govt. of India)’s OM.No.4-18/2005-C&P[Vol.I-Pt.(I) ]dated 20.02.2009

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the Nodal Ministry in the matter of Health Services vide above Memorandum has relaxed the procedure for submission of claims for reimbursement of medical expenses doing away submission of Essentiality Certificate as well as Countersigned on bills etc. AIRF would request you to adopt the relaxed procedure, already relaxed by the Nodal Ministry. (No.AIRF/101(890) Dated: 24.04.2017)

Sub: Problems faced by the Zonal Railways in the matter of PF, Pension, Pay Roll and Cadre etc.

Ref.: AIRF’s letter No. AIRF/36(771) dated 06.12.2016 While enclosing a copy of the above letter (See website of AIRF), it is a matter of regret that, neither the problems, as pointed out in the letter under reference, have been redressed, nor any reply, even, has yet been received by AIRF. The CRIS has been created to assist the Indian Railways for quick and hassle free execution of all works. But it is found that CRIS has become an obstructive agent and do not respond to the problems pointed out by the Zonal Railways. It is highlighted that, Railway Board should take steps to remove the difficulties as pointed out by the FA&CAO/N.F. Railway, Maligaon, or to revert back to the procedure so long followed by the Railway. Action taken in the matter may please be intimated to AIRF. (No.AIRF/AIRF/36(771) Dated: 24.04.2017)

Sub: Payment of Allowance to Running Staff

working Duronto Express Trains Ref.: Railway Board’s letter No.E(P&A)II-2010/RS-17

dated 07.04.2017 Reference above, the proposal forwarded by the Railway Board to AIRF vide their letter dated 04.11.2016 is not acceptable to the federation as in the present situation also; ordinary Mail/Express Trains are running at the speed below 110 kmph, and the speed of Rajdhani/Shatabdi/ Duronto Express Trains is between 120-150 kmph. Criteria of deputing Co-Pilot was revised in the year 2002 pursuant to AIRF’s PNM Item No.23/2001. It would, therefore, be quite appropriate that, the issue may be discussed threadbare in a Joint Meeting with both the federations for some amicable solution of the issue. An early action in the matter shall be highly appreciated. (No.AIRF/55(880).Dated: 19.04.2017)

NC/JCM Sub: Proceedings of the meeting of the Standing

Committee meeting of the National Council (JCM held on 03.05.2017 under the Chairmanship of Secretary (DoP&T)

Immediately after Introductory Remark of the Secretary (DoP&T), the Staff Side raised the following issues:- 1. For more than 7 years now the National Council (JCM) has not met. Functioning of the JCM is completely diluted by the Government Departments are also not holding meeting. The grievances on service matter of the employees are getting accumulated. The JCM Machinery needs to be strengthened and meeting with the Staff Side should take place regularly. 2. It is now more than 10 months after proposed “Indefinite Strike” was deferred by the Central Government Employees; based on the assurance given by the Group of Ministers. None of the demands is settled. “The Staff Side is

ALL INDIA CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (BASE 2001 = 100)

Month/Year Base Year 2001 = 100 Average

Total of 12 months Twelve monthly Average

% increase over 115.76 for DA

Jan. 2016 269 3151 262.58 0.44

Feb. 2016 267 3165 263.75 0.89

March 2016 266 3179 264.91 1.33

April 2016 271 3194 266.16 2.81

May, 2016 275 3211 267.58 2.36

June, 2016 277 3227 268.91 2.86

July 2016 280 3244 270.33 3.41

Aug.2016 278 3258 271.05 3.85

Sep. 2016 277 3269 272.41 4.20

Oct. 2016 278 3278 273.41 4.49

Nov. 2016 277 3285 273.75 4.72

Dec. 2016 275 3291 274.25 4.91 *Average Price Index for January, 2001


in dark about the recommendations of the Allowance Committee”. “While Pay Commission’s report is put on the Public Domain after its submission to the government, why these reports are kept secret”, the Staff Side asked. Since Allowances Committee report is considerably delayed the date of effect of the revised allowances should be w.e.f. 01.01.2016. The Staff Side has demanded that, Minimum Wage should be raised, Pay Matrix should also be revised, to recommend at least Minimum Guaranteed Pension of 50% of the last pay drawn, Family Pension, and Disability Pension and GPF to all the Central Government Employees. It is unfortunate that, Option No.1, recommended by the 7th CPC for pre-01.01.2016 Pensioners, is also rejected. The Central Government Employees are very much agitated and there is going to be an uncontrollable unrest, hence the Chairman is requested to convey our feelings to the government to avoid a confrontation (Chairman intervened and assured that he would convey the feelings of the Staff Side to the government). 3. In spite of the Government orders many autonomous bodies have not revised the pay scale of the employees as per 7th CPC and no order is yet issued for revising the pension of the pensioners who retired from these autonomous bodies. These issues need to be settled by the government. 4. Staff Side demanded to fill-up all the vacant posts and also to sanction additional posts to man additional assets and additional workload without insisting on Matching Saving. Thereafter, Action Taken Report on the progress/decisions taken on the Agenda Points discussed during last Standing Committee Meeting was taken for discussion. Details are given below: DISCUSSION ON ACTION TAKEN REPROT 1. No privatization PPP or FDI in Railways and Defence Establishment The issue will be separately discussed by the Railways and Defence Ministry with the Recognized Federations. 2. No Corporatization of Postal Services Department of Post informed that there is no proposal of Corporatization / privatization at this juncture. 3. Scrap PFRDA Act and reintroduce the Defined Benefit Statutory Pension Scheme The Chairman stated that, we have to wait for the report of the NPS Committee. However, the Staff Side insisted that, there should be at least Guaranteed Minimum Pension of 50% of the last pay drawn, Family Pension, and Disability Pension. 4. Regularize the existing daily rated/casual and contract workers, and absorb trained apprentices. No labour reforms should be carried out which are not in the interest of workers. After discussion it was decided that, specific cases, if referred to the DoP&T by the Department/Staff Side, may be considered. The issue of Gun and Shell Factory Casual Employees would be considered in consultation with the MoD.

5. Revive JCM functioning at all levels as an effective negotiating forum for settlement of demands of the central government employees. It was assured that JCM Machinery would be activated 6. Remove the arbitrary ceiling on compassionate appointments. The Staff Side demanded the following:- a. The arbitrary and artificial 5% ceiling may be removed. b. Pending the same the 5% vacancies should be calculated on the overall vacancies and not in the vacancies of the particular year. c. For calculation of vacancies Group B posts also should be taken into account. d. In the Defence Ministry wards of service personnel are given Compassionate Appointment in the 5% of Civilian Vacancies. However while calculating 5% vacancies, the vacancies of service personnel are not taken in to account. This anomaly may be rectified. e. Defence Ministry has proposed a onetime relaxation of 5% ceiling considering the large number of pending applications. The DoP&T has rejected the same. The issue may be reconsidered by the DoP&T . After discussion on the above issues Secretary DoP&T assured that he would reconsider the whole matter. 7. Ensuring Five Promotions in the Service Career The Staff Side insisted that MACP should be in the promotional hierarchy and the condition of “Very Good” grading should be removed for granting of MACP 8. Non-implementation of the decision taken in the 46th National Council (JCM) Meeting held on 15th May 2010 with regard to Item No. 20. The Staff Side stated that in spite of the DoP&T’s direction not to recognize Associations of “Workers”, the Defence Ministry is not implementing the same. After discussion Secretary DoP&T assured that he would discuss the matter with the Defence Secretary and settle the same. 9. Reduction of one day Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) to the employees of OFB & DGQA under Department of Defence Production against Cabinet decision and Government orders. Staff Side protested against the arbitrary recovery of PLB days in the case of employees of Ordnance Factories, DGQA, DGAQA and EME. After discussion, Secretary DoP&T directed the Department of Expenditure to reconsider the matter and if necessary to put up the case to the Finance Minister for his consideration. 10. Grant of one time relaxation to the Central Government employees who have availed LTC-80 and travelled by air by purchasing Ticket from other than authorized agent. The Staff Side insisted that the employees who are otherwise not eligible for entitlement of air traveling, have purchased flight tickets from other than authorized agents due to their ignorance of rule position should not be punished by imposing recovery of the entire LTC amount


etc. Therefore to settle the matter once for all a onetime relaxation may be given to such employees. After discussion it was decided that DoP&T may reconsider the whole matter. 11. Grant of House Rent Allowance to the employees who have vacated government quarters. The Staff Side insisted that NAC should not be a pre condition for grant of HRA to those employees who vacate the government quarters. After discussion it was decided that the Directorate of Estate and Department of Expenditure would consider the matter. 12. Restoration of interest-free advances withdrawn by the Government based on 7th CPC recommendations. The Official Side assured that, the demand of the Staff Side would be conveyed to the government. 13. Grant of entry pay recommended by 6th CPC to the promotees under the provisions of CCS(RP) Rules- 2008. The Staff Side stated that the decision taken in the National Anomaly Committee meeting in this regard was not accepted by the finance ministry and at present the Principle Bench CAT New Delhi and the CAT Madras Bench has given judgment in favour of the employees and hence the Department of Expenditure may reconsider the matter. After discussion it was decided that the Department of Expenditure would reconsider the matter. 14. Grant of 3rd MACP in GP Rs.4600 to the Master Craftsmen (MCM) of Defence Ministry who were holding the post of MCM in the pre-revised pay scale of Rs.4500-7000 as on 31/12/2005. After discussion it was decided that DoP&T will refer the matter to Department of Expenditure recommending to reconsider their earlier decision of rejection since the demand is in conformity with the rules on ACP/MACP. 15. Carrying forward of Earned Leave by Defence Industrial Employees on transfer/ appointment from non Industrial to Industrial Establishment. DOPT has agreed with the demand and their decision would be conveyed to MOD after receipt of the proposal from Defence Ministry in this regard. 16. Reimbursement of actual medical expenditure incurred by the employees in recognized hospitals. CGHS rates are under revision and the same would be issued soon. 17. Dental Treatment in private hospitals recognized under CGHS / CS (MA) Rules, 1944 for CS(MA) beneficiaries. CGHS vide their OM dated 5th April 2017 has informed that the requirement of no objection certificate has been dispensed with vide OM No. S.14025/41/2015-MS dated 7.12.2016. 18. Removal of ambiguity in fixation of pay of re-employed Ex-Servicemen and grant of the same benefit extended to Commissioned officers to personnel below officers rank also

The demand is under consideration of DoP&T in consultation with the Department of Expenditure 19. Permission to opt for pay fixation in the revised pay structure on a date after the date of issue of CCS(RP) rules 2016 notification (25.7.2016) in case of employees whose promotion becomes due after 25.7.2006. The issue is under consideration of Department of Expenditure and a decision would be taken soon. 20. Fill up all vacant posts including promotional posts in a time bound manner. DOPT is framing a fresh calendar for holding DPC and effecting promotions which will enable to fill up the promotional Posts in a time bound manner. Instructions will be issued very soon. 21. Abolish and upgrade all posts of Lower Division Clerks (LDCs) to Upper Division Clerks (UDCs) The Staff Side demanded that the LDC post may be merged with UDC and MTS may be promoted directly to UDC. DoP&T agreed to consider the demand. Due to paucity of time, new agenda points, given by the Staff Side, was not taken up for discussion. It was decided that the Action Taken on the New Agenda Points would be communicated to the Staff Side and a meeting would be thereafter convened to discuss these items. Cabinet approves revision of pension to pre 2016 pensioners The Cabinet approved modifications in the recommendations of the 7th CPC relating to method of revision of pension of pre-2016 Pensioners and Family Pensioners based on the suggestions made by the Committee, chaired by Secretary(Pensions), constituted with the approval of the Cabinet. While approving implementation of the 7th CPC recommendations on 29th June, 2016, the Cabinet had approved the changed method of pension revision recommended by the 7th CPC for pre-2016 pensioners, comprising of two alternative formulations, subject to the feasibility of the first formulation which was to be examined by the Committee. In terms of the Cabinet decision, pensions of pre-2016 pensioners were revised as per the second formulation multiplying existing pension by a fitment factor of 2.57, though the pensioners were to be given the option of choosing the more beneficial of the two formulations as per the 7th CPC recommendations. In order to provide more beneficial option to the pensioners, Cabinet has accepted the recommendations of the Committee, which has suggested revision of pension based on the information contained in the Pension Payment Order (PPO) issued to every pensioner. The modified formulation will be beneficial to more pensioners than the first formulation recommended by the 7th CPC, which was not found to be feasible to implement on account of non-availability of records in a large number of cases and was also found to be prone to several anomalies.

INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, April 2017

NEWS FROM AIRF’s AFFILIATES

Northern Railway Primary Multi State Co-Operative Bank

In the Delegate Election of Northern Railway Primary Multi State Co-Operative Bank Election held on 20th April 2017. The candidates of All India Railway Men’s Federation affiliates union, i.e. Northern Railway Men’s Union (NRMU) & North Central Railway Men’s Union (NCRMU) and DLW/Varanasi have won with thumping majority and created a historical record...

The Result are as under:-

Northern Railway Men’s Union (NRMU) on Northern Railway

a. Luknow Division–NRMU candidates won 24 out of 25 seats

b. Moradabad Division-NRMU candidates won on 21 out of 21 seats

c. Workshop Division-NRMU candidates won 8 out of 9 seats

d. Alambagh Store Lucknow-NRMU candidates won 1 out of 1 seats

e. RPF Medical-NRMU candidates won 2 out of 2 seats f. Bridge-NRMU candidates won 1 out of 1 seats

Total 57 seats won out of 59

North Central Railway Mens Union (NCRMU) North Central Railway Men’s Union (NCRMU) candidates won on 19 seats out of 34 seats

DLW/Varanasi DLW Varanasi candidates won on 4 seats out of 4. This is great victory of AIRF affiliates union.

Central Railway E.C.C. Society Ltd. (NRMU/CR) donated Medical Equipments to Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Memorial Railway Hospital

The Central Railway E.C.C. Society Ltd donated the following Medical Equipments to the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, Central Railway, Byculla on 08/04/2017.

1. Genxt Camera with LED Light – Source and Memory Card for Recording

2. “0” Degree Nasal Endoscope 3. LED Head Light 4. Electro Analyzer with REMI CENTRIFUGE

INSTRUMENT

The handing over ceremony held at Dr. B.R Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, Central Railway Byculla on 08/04/2017. The medical equipments were donated to the hospital in the gracious presence of General Manager of Central Railway Shri D.K Sharma who dedicated the same to the hospital through his hand for the better treatment of the patients. Shri Ravindra Goyal, Div. Rly. Manager, Mumbai Division, Dr. Shyam Sunder, Chief Medical Director, C.Rly, Shri Nitin Pradhan, President, NRMU(CR&KR) attended the function as guest of honour and also addressed the gathering. Shri

V.S. Sawant President, C.Rly. E.C.C. Society, Mumbai presided over the function.

While addressing the program, Shri D.K. Sharma, GM/Central Railway expressed his thanks to C.R. E.C.C Society, insisted all concern Doctors and staff to make the Hospital Facility as better as possible and he also assured that all types of help will be provided for the same. The General Secretary of NRMU (CR&KR) Com Venu P. Nair was the Chief Guest of the function. On this occasion, General Secretary, NRMU (CR&KR) expressed his sincere thanks to Shri D.K Sharma General Manager/CR for his presence in the function and also added a word of appreciation for the better changes being visible in the hospital from last few days due to the unconditional efforts of Shri D. K. Sharma, General Manager, Shri Ravindra Goyal DRM/Mumbai Div, Dr. Shaym Sunder CMD, C. Rly and all concerned Doctors, Officers and the other staff of the hospital.

WREU celebrated its victory in the case of Rakesh Kumar SSE (P-Way) MPR/BRC/WR

Shri Rakesh Kumar SSE (P-Way)/MPR/BRC Division, while working on 02.03.2017, was suspended for negligence of his supervision on TFR work. He was called by Sr.DEN (Co) BRC and without giving any opportunity even without conducting a preliminary enquiry he was served an NIP of 14(ii) Allegation against him was that, he left the work site and allowed contractor to carry out the work without qualified supervisor.

General Secretary WREU after getting message from DS-BRC contacted GM-W.Railway and requested him for withdrawal of 14(ii). A detailed letter demanding withdrawal of arbitrarily application of 14(ii) was also written to GM-W-Rly on 06.03.2017 by the General secretary WREU GS of the union also met PCE, Shri Pravin Kumar who had ordered an SAG grade enquiry on 07.03.2017 by CE (Planning) CCG.

WREU had further raised this issue before the GM as outset item No.14 on 22.03.2017. The General Secretary again met the GM on 29.03.2017. Thereafter, General Secretary met DRM-BRC on 11.03.2017 along with DS-BRC, Com. Santosh Pawar, DRM-BRC and discussed the matter with him.

Subsequently this issue was discussed by the General Secretary-AIRF with ME Rly Board and in turn Railway Board vide their letter dated 23.03.2017 issued necessary guidelines to all zonal Railways according which all TFR work shall be carried out under traffic blocks .DRM-BRC while taking final decision on the appeal of Shri Rakesh Kumar has reinstated him on the same position and posted him at DETC-BRC. This is a great achievement of organized labour under the banner of WREU.


OBSERVATION OF INTERNATIONAL LABOUR DAY/MAY DAY

The International Labour Day was observed by the all affiliates of AIRF all over the Indian Railways on 01.05.2017 by holding Gate Meetings, Seminars and Rallies etc. under the able-guidance of union leadership.

Union Officials and Activists attended the programmes and conveyed hearty greetings for the Labour Day and gave historic back ground of the May Day/ International Labour Day. The zonal reports are being gradually received. Some received reports are:--

Northern Railway Mazdoor Union

NRMU Delhi Division’s Hazzrat Nizamuddin Branch observed May Day on 01.05.2017. On this occasion, a massive Gate Meeting held at Coach Care Centre Nizamuddin. Wherein about 300 or 400 workers took part in this program and paid tribute to Chicago’s workers. Br. Secretary Shri Ajad Singh organized this programme and Divisional Secretary Shri Anup Sharma, AGS Shri Vikram Singh and Asstt. Div. Sec. Shri Sudhir Sharma also attended the programme.

NRMU Pathankot Branch also paid tribute to Chicago’s martyrs on first May, 2017. Wherein, Com. Shiva Dutt/ Divisional President, Com. Narendara Singh/Branch Secretary, Com. Ashwini Kumar/ ADS, Com. B L Yadav/ Divisional Vice President and all office bearers and activists attended the programme.

NRMU Ambala Division’s all branches celebrated first May. On this occasion to remember Chicago’s shaheed by hoisted red flag and briefed the present scenario of Political, Socio – economic situation, Trade union movement in National Level.

Firozpur Mandal, Ludhiana organized a mass rally at Railway Station. On this occasion, NRMU President Com S.K.Tyagi addressed the gathering he gave a clarion call to all Railwaymen for unite struggle.

Lucknow and Moradabad Mandal also organized worker’s meeting huge number of office bearers of union, delegates and railway workers attended the meeting with great enthusiasm.

On this occasion Amritsar workshop organized a mass rally presided by Com. Rajiv Kumar.

NRMU’s other divisions also observed the International Labour Day on 1st May, 2017 by organizing various activities at different places under the flagship of their great leaders and other central office bearers at their respective workplaces.

Western Railway Employees Union

On the occasion of International Labour Day a Gate meeting was organized on 01.05.2017 by WREU Sabarmati Workshop Branch at entry gate of engineering workshop. Com Ajit Gazzar, Divisional Vice President/WREU Ahamdabad, Com Rajiv Menon Br. Secretary Com Dinesh Panchal, Divisional President and around 225 railway employees also attended the programme. All Office Bearers gave best wishes for the Labour Day and also criticized government’s anti-labour policies, present scenario of allowances committees and gave details of the problems and achievements of WREU. At the end of the meeting, urged to be prepared for Struggle.

N. F. Railway Mazdoor Union

International “May Day” was observed on 1st May 2017 in Bongaigaon/New Bongaigaon with pomp and gaiety. The historic May Day was observed through whole day programme in collaboration with likeminded organization like AIREC, NFRPA etc headed by Hind Mazdoor Sabha, Bongaigaon/Chirang District committee. On this occasion a MASS-RALLY was organized by union. A huge number of workers from Railway, women organizations, Bank, LIC, BSNL and other un-organized sectors like Auto workers, Rickshaw Mazdoor Union, Railway Coolie Association, Domestic workers union participated in the long and cheerful procession shouting slogans. The huge rally of good number of auto, Bike, four wheelers piloted by “RED-BRIGADE” of youths on bikes reached New Bongaigaon Railway Market ground, the venue of Mass-meeting to be held. Com Phani Dhar Das, AGS/NFRMU was on the chair.

Com. Ashis Biswas, General Secretary, HMS/Assam and Jnt. General Secretary / NFRMU addressed the huge gathering detailing in brief the present scenario of Political, Socio – economic situation, Trade union movement in National Level. He also gave a clarion call to all the line minded organization for united struggle.

Com. Samar Sengupta, working President/AIREC said about the prevailing attitude of the Modi-Government. The meeting ended with vote of thanks given by Com. Dilip Deb, Convener of the May-Day Celebration Committee.

Rail Coach Factory Men’s Union – Kapurthala

The Rail Coach Factory men’s Union and employees Union jointly paid tribute to Chicago’s shaheed by hoisted red Flag at the gate of Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala. On this occasion, Union’s President Com Rajbir Sharma said about the prevailing attitude of the current Government. He also appealed to all workers of Railway and other organization’s workers to unite to fight the anti-labour policies of Central Government. On this Occasion, Union’s General Secretary Com Jaswant Singh Saini, Zonal Secretary Rajendra Singh, Cashier Harjeet Singh and other office bearers, delegates attended the programme.

INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, April 2017

Railway Board’s Order

Sub: Reduction in the residency for promotion from Helper (G.P.Rs.1800, Level-1, Rs.18000-56900) to Technician-III (G.P.Rs.1900, Level-2, 19900-63200).

In terms of extant provision contained in Board’s letter No.E(NG)I-96/PM7/56 dated 02.02.1998, Helpers (G.P.Rs.1800, Level-1) possessing the qualifications prescribed in the Apprentice Act, with a minimum of three years regular service are eligible to appear in the Selection against 25% qualified staff quota.

2. There has been a demand to reduce the residency period from existing three years to two years, at par with residency period of promotion for other categories. This issue has been raised by AIRF in the PNM forum.

3. Accordingly, the matter has been examined in consultation with the Zonal Railway, PUs & technical directorates of Railway Board and it has been decided that henceforth residency period for Helpers to appear in selection against 25% qualified staff quota will be two years.

The above instructions will be effective from date of issue of this letter. (No. E (NG)I-2015/PM1/20,dt. 03.05.2017. RBE No. 43/2017)

Sub: State Railway Provident Fund — Rate of interest during the year 2017-18 (April, 2017 — June, 2017).

A copy of Government’s Resolution No. 5(1)-B(PD)/2017 dated 18th April, 2017 issued by the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) prescribing interest at the rate of 7.9% (Seven point nine per cent) w.e.f 1st April,2017 to 30th June, 2017 on accumulations at the credit of the subscribers to State Railway Provident Fund, is enclosed, for information and necessary action. (No. F (E)III/2003/PF/1/1dt.25.04.2017 RBE No. 42 /2017)

RESOLUTION

It is announced for general information that during the year 2017-2018, accumulations at the credit of subscribers to the General Provident Fund and other similar funds shall carry interest at the rate of 7.9% (Seven point nine per cent) w.e.f.1st April, 2017 to 30th June, 2017. This rate will in force w.e.f. 1st April 2017. The Funds concerned are: 1. The General Provident Fund (Central Services) 2. The Contributory Provident Fund (India) 3. The All India Services Provident Fund 4. The State Railway Provident Fund 5. The General Provident Fund (Defence Services) 6. The Indian Ordnance Department Provident Fund. 7. The India Ordnance Factories Workmen’s Provident Fund 8. The Indian Naval Dockyard Workmen’s Provident Fund 9. The Defence Services Officers Provident Fund. 10. The Armed Forces Personnel Provident Fund 2. Ordered that the Resolution be published in Gazette of India (No. 5(1)-B(PD)/2017 dated 18th April, 2017)

Sub: Clarification regarding commutation of a part of pension on retirement under Rule 67 of Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 1993.

In terms of Rule 67 of the Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 1993, at any time after a railway servant has completed twenty years

qualifying service, he may, by giving notice of not less than three months in writing to the Appointing Authority retire from service. However, if the Appointing Authority is satisfied that the curtailment of the period of notice will not cause any administrative inconvenience, the Appointing Authority may relax the requirement of notice of three months on the condition that the railway servant shall not apply for commutation of a part of his pension before the expiry of the notice period of three months.

2. Recently, in a case, it has been observed that this Rule does not cater to the situation where superannuation is due within three months notice period. Notice period cannot go beyond the date of superannuation employee has more than months service at the time of seeking retirement under Rule 67, the commutation will be payable after three months but where normal superannuation will be the date to apply for commutation of a part of pension subject to fulfillment of all other conditions specified in this regard in the Railway Service (Commutation of Pension) Rules, 1993. (No. 2016/F (E)III/1(1)8,dt. 25.04.2017.RBE No. 41/2017)

Sub: Recording of educational qualification acquired during intervening period by compassionate ground appointees.

As the Railways are aware, wards/dependents of railway employees who die in harness/retire on medical grounds are given appointment according to their educational qualification on compassionate grounds against vacancies available in various Group “C” categories. However, in certain cases, such appointments are delayed owing to various reasons. During this waiting period, the candidate may acquire higher educational qualification(s) which were not mentioned at the time of application. AIRF have raised the issue in PNM with Board (Item No. 28/2016) that educational qualification as are acquired by compassionate ground candidates during such intervening period should be recorded in their Service Book.

2. The matter has been considered and accordingly it has been decided that at the time of actual appointment, if a compassionate ground appointee claims to have acquired educational qualification not mentioned by him/her earlier when applying for Compassionate Ground appointment request for relevant entries in his/her Service Book may be examined on merit, on case to case basis and if considered feasible, such entries in the Service Book may be made after due verifications. Railways may please ensure that the process of appointing on compassionate ground may not be halted because of the above dispensation Hindi version follow. Please acknowledge receipt. (No.E(NG)I-2016-2/1 dt.21.04.2017RBE No.37/2017)

Sub: Inordinate delay in conducting LDCE and Intermediate Apprentice Quota selections on Zonal Railways.

The Zonal Railway Administrations are aware of the fact that Selection is the process of screening eligible employees for filing up posts which have been classified as Selection Posts by the Railway Board. Selections are to be conducted annually in a regular manner by a duly constituted Selection Board. Extant instructions also provide that next selection can be initiated after a minimum time gap of 6 months from the date of last Selection, if situation so warrant. For this, a calendar of selections is to be maintained by every Railway Administration for smooth functioning.


3. In spite of clear instructions, cases have been brought to the notice of Board where it has been stated that LDCE or Intermediate Apprentice Quota selections are not held timely, causing undue hardship to staff. This issue has also been raised by NFIR in the PNM forum.

4. In view of above, it is hereby directed that all Selections, including LDCE and Intermediate Apprentice Quota may be conducted timely, so that staff are not deprived of timely promotion. (NO.E(NG)I-2016/PM7/1.RBE No.36/2017.dt.21.04.2017)

Sub: Grant of Dearness Relief to Railway pensioners/family pensioners- Revised rate effective from 01.01.2017

A copy of office memorandum F.No.42/15/2016-P&PW(G) dated 07.04.2017 of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions (Department of Pensions and Pensioners Welfare) on the above subject is enclosed herewith for information and compliance. This order shall apply mutatis mutandis on Railways also.

2. This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways. (F.No.PC-VII/2016/I/7/2/3.dated.21.04.2017.RBE No.35/2017)

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Grant of Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners/family pensioners – Revised rate effective from 1.1.2017.

The (Under Secretary to the Government of India) undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s OM No. 42/15/2016-P&PW (G) dated 16th Nov, 2016 on the subject mentioned above and to state that the President is pleased to decide that the Dearness Relief admissible to Central Government pensioners/family pensioners shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 2% to 4% w.e.f. 1.1.2017.

2. These orders apply to (i) Civilian Central Government Pensioners/Family Pensioners (ii) The Armed Forces Pensioners, Civilian Pensioners paid out of the Defence Service Estimates, (iii) All India Service Pensioners (iv) Railway Pensloners/family pensioners (v) Pensioners who are in receipt of provisional pension.

3. These orders shall not be applicable on following categories

(i) The Burma Civilian pensioners/family pensioners and pensioners/families of displaced Government pensioners from Pakistan who are lndian Nationals but receiving pension on behalf of Government of Pakistan and are in receipt of ad-hoc ex-gratia allowance.

(ii) Central Government Employees who had drawn lump sum amount on absorption in a PSU/Autonomous body and are in receipt of 1/3 restored commuted portion of pension.

(iii) CPF beneficiaries, their widows and eligible children who are in receipt of ex-gratia payment in terms of this Department’s OM No.45/52/97-P&PW(E) dated 16.12.1997 and revised vide this Department’s OM 1/10/2012-P&PW(E) dated 27.06.2013.

Separate orders will be issued in respect of the above categories.

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

5. Other provisions governing grant of DR in respect of employed family pensioners and reemployed Central Government Pensioners will be regulated in accordance with the provisions contained in this Department’s OM No. 45/73/97-P&PW (G) dated 2.7.1999 as amended vide this Department’s OM No. F. No. 38/88/2008-P&PW(G) dated 9th July, 2009. The provisions relating to regulation of DR where a pensioner is in receipt of more than one pension will remain unchanged.

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

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

8. The offices of Accountant General and authorised Pension Disbursing Banks are requested to arrange payment of relief to pensioners etc. on the basis of these instructions without waiting for any further instructions from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and the Reserve Bank of India in view of letter No. 528-TA, 11/34-80-11 dated 23/04/1981 of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India addressed to all Accountant Generals and Reserve Bank of India Circular No. GANB No. 2958/GA-64 (ii) (CPL)/81 dated the 21st May, 1981 addressed to State Bank of India and its subsidiaries and all Nationalised Banks.

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

10. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide their OM No.1/3/2017-E.II (B) dated 30th March, 2017.

(F.No.42/15/2016-P&PW(G) dated 07.04.2017)

Sub: Engagement of Act Apprentices in erstwhile Group ‘D’ Substitute.

Pursuant to amendment in the Apprentices Act, 1961, Board has issued instructions vide RBE No.71/2016 (E(NG)II/2016/RR-1/8 dated 21.06.2016), providing that 20% of the vacancies in case of direct recruitment to posts/categories in Pay Band-1 of the 5,200-20,200 having


Grade Pay of Rs. 1800/- shall be filled giving preference to Course completed Act Apprentices (CCAAs) trained in Railway establishments and possessing National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC).

In view of the above, the instructions of Board vide E(MPP)/2002/12/26/Vol.II dated 21.06.2004 (RBE No. 136/ 2004) stand withdrawn with immediate effect.

(E(MPP)/2009/6/14pt.dated 12.04.2017.RBE No.34/2017)

Sub: Removal of hardship being faced in availing higher class passes/escort facility in cases where both the employee and his/her spouse are physically challenged.

The hardship faced in availing escort facility by a physically challenged Railway Servant whose spouse is also a physically challenged person, due to a restrictive proviso in the Pass Rules has been brought to the notice of Board. The matter has been examined and in order to mitigate the difficulty being faced by such Railway Servants, it has been decided with the approval of Competent Authority to suitably amend the relevant Proviso. Accordingly, the 1st Proviso, below Item No. 3 (xxv) under the General Rules relating to privilege Passes/PTOs in Schedule-II of Railway Servants (Pass) Rules, 1986 (Second Edition-1993) is amended as follows:-

“Provided the facility at 1, 2 & 3 above will be allowed only on the recommendation of the DMO and where the employee has no family or eligible member for inclusion in the pass. However, the 2nd part of the condition will not be applicable where the employee’s spouse and other member(s) eligible for inclusion in the pass are physically challenged or invalid or children below the age of 12 years.”

2. The proviso, as amended above, will replace the proviso to Para 2 of instructions contained in Board’s letter No.E(W)93/PS5-1/10 dated 16.12.1993, vide which similar facilities were extended to physically challenged retired railway employees.

3. The other conditions for availing higher class passes/escort facility as contained in the Pass Rules for serving employees and the instructions cited above in respect of retired employees, including the proviso that no attendant will be given when an escort has been allowed, would continue to be applicable.

4. this issues with the concurrence of Finance Dte. of Ministry of Railways.

(No.E(W)2016/PS5-1/5.dated 06.04.2017.RBE No.31/2017)

Sub: Grant of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees – Revised Rates effective from 01.01.2017.

The Railway Board Dy.Director, Pay Commission-VII, is directed to refer to this Ministry’s letter RBE No.131/2016

dated 11.11.2016 (F.No.PC-VII/2016/I/7/2/1) on the subject mentioned above and to say that the President is pleased to decide that the Dearness Allowance payable to Railway employees shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 2% to 4% of the basic pay with effect from 1st January, 2017.

2. The term ‘basic pay’ in the revised pay structure means the pay drawn in prescribed level in the Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC recommendations accepted by the Government, but does not include any other type of pay like special pay, etc.

3. The Dearness Allowance will continue to be distinct element of remuneration and will not be treated as pay within the ambit of Rule 1303 (FR 9(21)), Indian Railway Establishment Code, Volume- II (6th edition -1987) – 2nd Reprint 2005.

4. The payment on account of Dearness Allowance involving fractions of 50 paise and above may be rounded to the next higher rupee and the fractions of less than 50 paise may be ignored.

5. The payment of arrears of Dearness Allowance shall not be made before the date of disbursement of salary of March, 2017.

(S.No.17/PC-VII.dated.31.03.2017.RBE No.30/2017)

Sub: Writing of APARs for the year 2016-17.

Railways/PUs etc. have been advised vide letter no, 2017/RBCC/7/10/eOffice-SPARROW dated.17.02.2017 that from the reporting year 2016-17, APARs of Railway officers at the level of Dy. Secretary (JAG) and above are to be filled online under the SPARROW system in terms of DOP&T’s instructions.

2. For the above purpose, a letter was issued on 17.03.2017 with detailed guidelines to all the Zones, PUS & CT Is for filling the Employees Master Data (EMD) and other forms. Most of the Zones, PUS & CTIs have sent the details to Board. NIC e-mail ID to officers will be issued once the data received is approved by the EMD Managers of the respective Zones/PUs/CTls etc. Other formalities like issuing of DSC and launching of SPARROW are also under process separately. Besides, training of staff/officers is also scheduled from April 2017.

3. It is advised that the online writing of APARs through SPARROW will be done in a phased manner after imparting necessary training to the officers. New format of APARs is also being uploaded on the REIS website shortly which may be used for writing of APARs after 1st April 2017. However, APARs for the 2016-17 initiated till now in the old format on account of retirement, deputation etc. will continue to be valid.

4. In view of the above, writing of APARs through SPARROW for the year 2016 – 17 may be started after the above formalities are over and in the meantime, if there is


any exigency like the respective authorities writing APARs retiring, proceeding on deputation etc. in the next 2-3 months say upto June 2017, such APARs may be filled in the manual mode.

(No.2017/SCC/03/06.dt. 24.03.2017)

Sub: Grant of Advances – 7th CPC recommendations – Discontinuance of Advance of Leave Salary.

The 7th CPC vide Para 9.1.4 had recommended that all the interest free advances being granted to the Central Government employees should be abolished. The Government’s decision in this regard has been conveyed by the Ministry of Finance vide their OM No.12 (1)/E.II(A)/2016 dated 07.10.2016. According to the instructions contained therein, the Advance of Leave Salary in addition to six other advances has been abolished.

2. The Government’s decision in respect of abolition of advance of leave salary has been considered by the Ministry of Railways in consultation with Finance Directorate. It has been decided to abolish advance of Leave Salary w.e.f. 07.10.2016.the cases where the advances have already been sanctioned need not be reopened.

3. The provisions in respect of advance of leave salary are contained in Rule No.548 of Indian Railway Establishment Code (IREC), Volume-I, 1985 Edition (Reprint Edition-2008). In view of this, in exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to Article 309 of the Constituion, the President is pleased to direct that Rule No. 548 of IREC Vol.-I may be amended as in the enclosed Advance Correction Slip No.131.

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

(No.E(P&A)I-2017/CPC/LE-2.dated 23.03.2017.RBE No.27/2017)

Sub: Staff Benefit Fund – Grant for Sports activities in Educational Institutions on Railways for the financial year 2016-17.

Approval of Ministry of Railways is hereby communicated for the sanction of the following amounts in favour of your Zonal Railways/Production Unit’s Staff Benefit Fund for promotion of Sports Activities in the Educational Institutions during the financial year 206-17, as indicated against each:-

S.No. Zonal Railways/Production Units & Others

Amount (In Rs.)

1. Central Railway 25000.00

2. Eastern Railway 25000.00

3. East Central Railway 25000.00

4. East Coast Railway 25000.00

5. Northern Railway 25000.00

6. North Central Railway 25000.00

7. North Eastern Railway 25000.00

8. North East Frontier Railway 25000.00

9. North Western Railway 25000.00

10. Southern Railway 25000.00

11. South Central Railway 25000.00

12. South Eastern Railway 25000.00

13. South East Central Railway 25000.00

14. South Western Railway 25000.00

15. Western Railway 25000.00

16. West Central Railway 25000.00

17. Chitaranjan Locomotive Works 15000.00

18. Diesel Locomotive Works 15000.00

Total 430000.00

2. The allotments indicated above should be met from within the existing budgetary provision for the relevant grant.

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

(No. 2013/E(sports)9(1)2/SBF.dt.10.03.2017.)

Sub: Technical Resignation & Lien-Consolidated guidelines.

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions (Department of Personnel & Training)’s Office Memorandum No.28020/1/2010/Estt.(C) dated 17.08.2016, containing policy guidelines on the various subjects including that of technical resignation, lien etc. is enclosed (see website for details) herewith for necessary action and compliance. The instructions/guidelines contained therein will apply mutatis mutandis on Zonal Railways also.

(No. E(NG)I-2016/AP/2.dt.07.03.2017)

Sub: Policy letter on Cashless Treatment Scheme in Emergency situations (CTSE) in empanelled hospitals for retired Railway employees and their dependent family members.

Please refer to Board’s letter No.2014/H/28/1/smartcard/ Part A dated 14.07.2016 on the above subject vide which broad outlines of the Cashless Treatment Scheme in Emergency situations (CTSE) were circulated to all Zonal Railways and Production Units. The Scheme has been launched as a ‘pilot scheme’ in four (4) Metro cities (Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai) and their suburbs for one year (the period of one year of pilot scheme shall start only after the website starts working and not from the date of


issue of Board’s letter No. 2014/H/28/1/smart card/Part A dated 14.07.2016).

2. In respect of above, option of CTSE, may be taken from retirees, who intend to settle in the four Metro cities mentioned in para 1 above, in addition to RELHS, at the time of filling of pension papers. Also, this form may be included in the list of ‘forms to be submitted’ by a retiring Railway servant. The CTSE option may be taken in Annexure 3 of the Board’s letter dated 14.07.2016, a copy of which is enclosed (see originals for annexure). (No.2016/F (E) III/1(1)/7.Dated: 16.02.2017)

Sub: Policy letter on cashless treatment scheme in emergency (CTSE) in empanelled hospitals for retired employees and their dependent family members.

Railway provides Comprehensive Health Care Facilities to its beneficiaries through its health Institutions along with referrals to recognized hospitals whenever necessary. The beneficiaries, among others, include retired employees and their dependent family members. Large no. of retired beneficiaries live in the newly developed suburbs of various cities throughout India. These parts of the city are often far away from the established Railway Health Institutions. In this scenario the RELHS beneficiaries coming to Railway Health Institutions in routine is acceptable, however in emergency situations, precious time is lost in travel to the railway hospital.

To overcome this problem, Railway Board has decided to roll out a "Cashless treatment scheme in empanelled hospitals for retired employees and their dependent family members in emergency situations" (CTSE). The empanelled hospital shall give necessary treatment in emergencies (defined in the draft agreement or DA) and raise the bill directly to Railway authorities; provided the identity and eligibility of the patient is established as CTSE beneficiary and emergency is certified by designated Railway Medical Authority (RMA). To implement this scheme on the ground, a system will have to be developed with provisions which are summarized as follows:-

i. It should be possible for the retired employee/dependant family member to establish their identity and eligibility under the scheme, reasonably beyond doubt to the private/referral hospital.

ii. The hospital should be able to communicate to the local Railway medical authorities sufficient medical data through internet/phone to establish the emergency, to get an authorization to treat the patient on railway account.

iii. The bills raised by hospitals should be as per the mutually agreed rates.

iv. This scheme should work seamlessly on pan India basis, i.e. any retired beneficiary retiring from anywhere, settling in any city or moving from place to

place, should be able to get emergency medical facility anywhere in India, in any of the recognized hospitals without the need of formal referral from the local railway medical authorities.

Note: To gain experience and smoothen out the possible hiccups, initially the scheme shall be launched in four metro cities; Delhi Urban Agglomeration (UA) or Delhi NCR, Mumbai (UA), Kolkata (UA) and Chennai (UA) as a pilot scheme for one year. The term 'Urban Agglomerate' includes the metro city and its suburbs, not necessarily restricting to municipal limits of the metro concerned.

To achieve the above objectives, it has been decided to issue such RELHS beneficiaries (retired employees and their dependent eligible family members, registered in these four cities at present) who are willing to become member of the new scheme, individual 'CTSE Plastic Photo Identity Card' (CTSE Card). This new CTSE card and scheme will have the following features:-

(a) The new CTSE card should have relevant demographic detail of the beneficiary, i.e. name, date of birth, date of retirement of the ex-employee, photograph, address, PPO number, last pay drawn, designation at the time of retirement, office from which retired, health unit/hospital at which RELHS card is registered, relation to the ex- employee etc. Since identification of beneficiary can be established quickly in real time by Aadhar No. , it should also have Aadhar no. of the beneficiary. Accordingly, RELHS beneficiaries wishing to join eTSE shall be required to provide Aadhar Number as in absence of Aadhar Number establishing identity may consume precious time. To protect confidentiality of the beneficiary only certain part of this entire information (to the extent required) shall be printed in language. The remaining part shall be available in barcode/QR code which will be printed on the card.

(b) The hospital should be able to communicate with the Railway authorities on real time basis. M/s UTIITSL has been authorized to develop a website to facilitate this. Address of the website shall be communicated in due course.

(c) The new CTSE card shall be valid throughout the country and the website shall also be accessible from every part of the country.

(d) The list of referral hospital shall be available on website and should be updated regularly by zonal railways and should be visible to all beneficiaries.

(e) It is also to be noted here that CTSE is a new and additional scheme; even without the new CTSE Identity card, all the existing facilities will continue to be available to the RELHS beneficiaries as before.

(f) The prerequisite to join CTSE shall be the membership of RELHS. For this purpose the option to join RELHS now, for


the already retired employees, is again thrown open. Such retired employees will have to complete all the formalities and deposit required fees with concerned personnel department office.

The outline of the CTSE scheme -is as follows:-

The website will be maintained by the M/s UTIITSL, which will be operational round the clock, throughout the year. The website will have various modules:

(i) List of recognized hospitals, zone, state, city and area wise, along with information on the services/ specialties for which the hospital is recognized. Medical Department, at every zonal HQ shall provide the list of recognized hospital within their jurisdiction to the agency maintaining the site online.

The authorized persons from the Railway administration shall be able to log on to the site with unique id and password and perform various functions like updating the list of hospitals, type of treatments for which the hospital is recognized, authorize treatment, correspond with M/S UTIITSL and communicate with hospitals etc.

(iii) The recognized hospitals will also be having access to the site with a unique id and password to establish the identity and eligibility of the patient reporting to them, communicate with the Railway medical authorities, correspond with M/S UTIITSL, raise bills etc.

(iv) M/S UTIITSL shall enter into an MoU with Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). At the backend the website shall verify the identity of the patient by matching the biometrics (primarily fingerprint only and retinal scan if and when required) with the biometrics stored at the UID website through Aadhar no.

(v) The basic data, with Aadhar number being the key and the unique CTSE registration nos., of all beneficiaries, shall be stored at the website. Ideally, the initial identification of the beneficiary at the time of presenting to the hospital should be through comparison of the patient's fingerprints (at the hospital's finger print reader) to the UIDAI website stored biometric parameters itself. However, though there may be times when this is not possible, in such cases also the hospital can start the treatment. However, it will be the duty of the hospital to establish the identity of the patient through the biometrics (as described above) or otherwise before discharge. In absence of this verification, it will not be considered authorized treatment by Railways. In these cases it will be incumbent upon hospital to prove the emergency and get authorization of Medical Emergency from RMA.

(vi) In every case, the hospital will take the fingerprint of the patient treated in the case sheet, so that random checks may be conducted by Railway, whenever required.

(vii) The data base of the beneficiaries shall be provided to M/S UTIITSL by the Personnel Department. It is envisaged that all the Sr. DPOs shall be updating the data base at ARPAN and the data base at M/S UTIITSL shall be updated and matched daily (or at a frequency as decided by railway) with ARPAN, at a fixed time, online. The updating of the data base of ARPAN shall be done by railway with help of M/S UTIITSL as spelled out in detail in 'Online and Offline mode of CTSEID Card Application and Issue'.

(viii) M/S UTIITSL shall maintain the website on a 24 hour basis for at least the next 5 years, with above mentioned functions, extendable on usual terms and conditions. The software, source code, etc. shall be the property of railways.

(ix) M/S UTIITSL may have to make a few modifications when the system starts working as per the experience gained from the working of the system.

How to Implement the CTSE Scheme along with responsibilities of various departments

a M/s UTIITSL will develop an application to enable RELHS beneficiary to apply for new 'CTSE Card' at the website. Advertisements will be issued in the national, regional and local newspapers by NR, WR, CR, ER, SER,SR, Metro Railway and ICF advising all RELHS beneficiaries registered in the four metro cities (UA) to apply online for CTSE. – Action by Personnel Department

Note: For the benefit of those RELHS beneficiaries who are not comfortable with the online form, an offline process of obtaining the card has also been designed, please see the annexes.

b. After filling up the form, the .print out of the completed form will be submitted by the retired Railway employee to the concerned Personnel Department (Division/Zone/ PU/Other Units) along with Self attested photocopy of Aadhar Card, RELHS Card, PPO and any other documentary proof on the claims made in application form. The fee, to join CTSE per family (comprising of all eligible members as per RELHS Card) shall be as follows:

Those entitled to Pvt Ward: - Rs.50,000/- (fifty thousand)

Those entitled to Semi-Pvt Ward:-Rs.25,000/- (twenty five thousand)

Those entitled to General Ward:-Rs.10,000/-(ten thousand)

Ward entitlement is dependent upon last salary drawn and shall be displayed at the website while filling the form.-Action by Personnel Department

Note:- All the existing facilities are even otherwise available to the RELHS beneficiaries. However to avail cashless treatment in recognized hospital (the new facility) they will have to get the new CTSE Card. Personnel Department shall enter into an MOU with M/S UTIITSL for issuing the plastic CTSE card. One card to each beneficiary will be


issued on payment of Rs 200/-. Additional cards (in case of loss, mutilation etc.) can be issued after payment of Rs.200/- by the beneficiary. The CTSE Card shall also serve the purpose of RELHS Identity card, for these beneficiaries; however the vice versa will not be true. The amounts received (one time aSE joining fee and CTSE Card cost) shall be credited to sundry earning, detailed head no. 657 as below:

Minor Head Sub-head Detailed Head

600 Miscellaneous

657 Other Unclassified receipts

657 Receipts on account of recovery towards cost of Cashless Card and one time recovery for subscription under CTSE

The Personnel Department will authenticate the bonafide of the beneficiaries (from the RELHS Card etc.) New/additional information as mentioned in application form, duly verified by personnel department would also get incorporated in the data base for each and every application (within a reasonable time frame). Personnel Department shall duly authenticate application and authorize M/S UTIITSL to make "CTSE Photo-identity Card" which will be issued to the beneficiary. M/S UTIITSL shall use the updated database at ARPAN/UTI website for printing the new CTSE card. This way there will be 100% conformity between the data base and the new CTSE Card. - Action by Personnel Department and W Railway in respect of ARPAN

Note: - Since there are different practices in different zones for maintaining the service records every zone will devise its own methodology for verification of the application forms. For smooth implementation of the scheme it would be advisable to issue a Joint Procedure order duly signed by CPO, FA&CAO, CMD and PHOD/CHOD of concerned Department (wherever other Departments maintain their employees's service records separately); the requirements for manpower and other resources may be taken care of in the JPO.

d. After commencement of the scheme, the newly retired personnel intending to settle in the four metros can apply to become member of CTSE in addition to RELHS. Personnel department shall issue CTSE cards to them with the help of M/S UTIITSL (till the time scheme is extended to the other regions this shall be restricted to those retiring persons who are settling in four metros (UA).- Action by Personnel Department

Note: -The points given herein above at (a) to (d), will take care of both the groups of retirees; those who have already retired and those who will be retiring in future. In any case the exercise of issuing the CTSE Cards shall be a continuous one. Those persons who are not comfortable with online application shall be able to obtain CTSE card by complete offline mode. Detailed process flows are attached as Annexes.

e. Medical Department of zonal railways will empanel private hospitals (located in its geographical limits) recognized by CGHS at the same rates (CGHS empanelled hospitals which are not lying in the jurisdiction of any Zone/PU shall be empanelled by the zone which has jurisdiction in some part of that district/state). Model MoA to be followed, is attached along with this letter as Draft Agreement (DA).' The MoA has been vetted by the Finance directorate and Legal Directorate of Railway Board and as such there is no need to get it vetted again at Zonal/Divisional level. The concerned MD/CMS/CMO can enter into MoA with the CGHS empanelled hospital located, within jurisdiction of the hospital, with concurrence of the associate finance. If there is no CGHS empanelled hospital at a place and a need is felt for an empanelled hospital, then Railways will recognise suitable hospital(s} as per the already existing procedure. All the zonal HQs will be communicating the list of empanelled Hospitals online to M/S UTIITSL who are maintaining the site on real time basis. Initially only the CGHS recognized hospitals shall be empanelled by Railway, but eventually the objective is to have at least one suitable hospital empanelled by railway in every district. The list of civil districts distributed amongst railway divisions for the purpose shall be distributed separately later. – Action by Medical Department Note: All the CGHS empanelled Hospitals shall be approached by concerned CMS/MD and if willing every hospital in CGHS list, providing emergency treatment, shall be empanelled by Railway. There shall be 2 annexes with the prescribed MoA. First Annexure will be the relevant city specific CGHS rate list and the second set of Annexes will be the different process flows attached with this letter as annexes. f. Every year 5% cases of every hospital shall be audited. - Action by Medical Department g. Each empanelled hospital will be allotted to a particular Railway Health institution which "- is nearest/ suitable as decided by the divisional/zonal authorities. For every administrative function e.g. authorization of emergency, bill submission, bill payment etc. the empanelled hospital will have to communicate with that particular Railway Health ·Institution or the concerned CMS/MD/CMO office only. The CMS/ MD/CMO/ ACMs-in-charge will have to make a roster so that at least one medical officer is always available to authorize treatment at each empanelled hospital daily. -Action by Medical Department Note: In earlier system, hospital recognition used to be for the treatment of patients of that particular division/unit only. In this new scheme, any railway patient belonging to any Zone/unit may be treated at any recognized hospital but the bill shall be processed by the local medical and account department only. If need be, a debit note shall be raised later by this local unit on to the concerned zone/PU. h. A CTSE beneficiary in an emergency situation can go to any of the nearby private empanelled hospital (list accessible at the M/S UTIITSL website). At time of


admission in Private Hospital the beneficiary will have to make a deposit at following rate: Those who are entitled to Private Ward: - Rs. 10,000/- Those who are entitled to Semi-Private Ward: - Rs.5000/- Those who are entitled to General Ward: - Rs.2000/- If the medical condition turns out to be an emergency then the hospital shall refund the deposited amount (to the CTSE beneficiary) within 48 hrs of authorization otherwise this deposit shall be adjusted towards the bill payment of the treatment/investigations undertaken till the time emergency authorization is declined by Railway. In such cases, where condition is not found to be an emergency, the balance part of payment (after adjustment of initial deposit by the beneficiary) shall be borne by Railway, only till the time emergency was declined. - Action by Medical Department i. Information about any railway patient admitted to an empanelled hospital will be communicated by the empanelled hospital to the Railway Health Institution which signed the MoA (described in detail in process flows attached to this document). Authorization for treatment will be given by Railway Health Institution (through its designated Railway medical Officers) based on clinical parameters communicated by the hospital within 24 hrs. The communication will be normally through the website/SMS, however if the situation demands other means of communication may also be employed. - Action by Medical Department j. If the authorization is not forthcoming from the designated doctor within 24 hours period then at the end of 24hr period the concerned MD/CMS/CMO shall automatically receive an alert, to make a decision and communicate it to hospital. Likewise there will be an automatic alert to the concerned CMD at 36 hrs and AGM at 47 hour period. If Railway fails to respond within 48 hrs, then that case shall be considered an emergency and the cost of entire treatment shall be borne by Railway. List of all cases, in which no decision could be made about emergency within 48 hrs period, despite private hospital submitting all the details, shall be put up to GM every month. k. If emergency authorization is declined the patient shall be apprised through sms by the system and the patient will be transported to Railway Hospital by the empanelled hospital in its own ambulance or the patient may be asked to report to Railway hospital for treatment at convenient hour. The Railway will bear the expenses till the emergency authorization is declined by a positive act. If the patient or his/her representative refuses Railway Medical Services and opts to continue treatment in the non-railway facility, the cost of such treatment will be borne by the patient or his / her representative without any further reimbursement from Railway. In line with provisions of MoA signed between MoHFW and CGHS empanelled hospitals, such bills by the hospital shall however be at CGHSrates as per terms and condition of Railway MoA with the hospital and payments will be made by the patient or his representative. Railway Beneficiaries shall be required to give an undertaking to this effect at the time of applying for CTSE Card and for such

balance treatment Railway will not be liable for payment in any way and the entire liability will be borne by the patient or his/her representative. - Action by Medical and Personnel Department I. The hospital shall raise the bill online to M/S UTIITSL (within 7 days of discharge of the patient) which will exercise checks and get it corrected from concerned hospital, if required. Thereafter a physical copy of the corrected bill shall be submitted by the hospital to M/s UTIITSL. - Action by Medical Department m. M/S UTIITSL shall process the bill as per the extant rules and applicable rates as per MoA, and thereafter submit it to MD/CMS/CMO office both online and offline (within 15 days of submission of corrected bills by the hospital). After approval of MD/CMS/CMO the office shall submit the bill to associate Accounts Department (within 15 days of submission of corrected bills by M/s UTIITSL). Account Department will pass the bills and make the payment to the hospital and M/S UTIITSL (within 15 days of submission of approved bills). M/S UTIITSL fee is 2% of the amount of the bill raised by the hospital subject to a minimum of Rs. 12.50 and a maximum of Rs. 750) plus Re.1/- for the SMS service. The M/S UTIITSL fee is not in addition to the hospital bill; rather this amount shall be subtracted from the hospital bill money. The money paid on account of this scheme shall be debited to the heads as per the note below. The 2% fee of M/s UTIITSL has been fixed at the same level as CGHS is paying them, this may go upward or lower revision as per the CGHS action in this regard and

such changes shall be advised by Railway Board. - Action by Accounts Department on Zones and Health Directorate of Railway Board

Note: - The process flow charts in various situations and backend are attached as annexes 1.1 to 1.7. Detailed accounting head, under minor head 200 and subhead 240,

have been modified/ created for debiting the cost as follows:

Minor Heads

Sub-Heads Detailed Heads

200 Medical Services (Existing)

240 Payment to non-Railway Hospitals, reimbursement of Medical expenses and miscellaneous

241 Reimbursement to serving railway officials for emergency medical treatment and assistance at non- railway institutions/hospitals. (Non-referred cases where beneficiary pays first and then claim reimbursement later) 242 Reimbursement to retired railway officials for emergency medical treatment and assistance at non-railway institutions/hospitals. (Non-referred cases where


beneficiary pays first and then claim reimbursement later). Institutions /hospitals. (Non-referred cases where beneficiary pays first and then claim reimbursement later). 243 Payment to non-railway institutions/hospitals for medical treatment of serving railway official in cases referred by Railway Medical Dept. (Referred cases).

Minor Heads

Sub-Heads Detailed Heads

244 Payment to non-railway institutions/ hospitals for medical treatment of retired railway officials in cases referred by Railway Medical Dept. (Referred cases). 245 Payment to non-Railway institutions/ hospitals for treatment of retired railway subscribers to Cashless Treatment Scheme in Emergency (CTSE)declared as emergency by RMA. 246 Payment to non-Railway institutions/hospitals for medical treatment of retired railway subscriber to Cashless Treatment Scheme (CTSE) in cases which are not declared as Emergency. 247 Payment of fees to outsourced mediating agency (M/s UTIITSL) under Cashless Emergency Treatment Scheme. 248 Cost of TB treatment in Sanatoria. 249 Other expenses.

In case the patient belongs to some other railway zone, then the debit shall be raised to the concerned zone at a later stage as per the extant codal provisions, but the bill shall be passed by the local accounts only.- Action by Accounts Department

The whole exercise will require creation of additional infrastructure like space, computers, printers, scanners, other associated equipments, furniture etc to be created in offices, responsible for running the schemes that is health units, hospital, Sr.DPO office, Sr.DFM office.

This requirement needs to be worked out by the respective branch officers. As far as purchase of new PCs, printers etc. is concerned, the same is left to the discretion of the DRM and this requirement would be over and above the normal powers given to DRM for purchase of new PCs.

FA & CAO, CMD and CPO of these 8 zonal Railways/PU (NR, WR, CR, ER,SER, Metro railway, SR and ICF) may nominate one deputy FA & CAO, deputy CMD and one deputy CPO as nodal officers of these units to implement the cashless treatment scheme and for authorization of various activities for CTSE scheme. An effort has been made to foresee all the situations and give solutions to them. However, a new work of this magnitude will throw up new challenges as we go along. Those challenges will have to be met with the underlying philosophy that this scheme is to give social security to one of the most vulnerable group of society i.e. the elderly group of people who had served Railways in their youth, hence, innovative solutions may have to be found many a times. Having said this, it is also imperative to state that enough safeguards and precautions are always exercised to ensure that the provisions of the scheme are not misused. M/S UTIITSL shall be conducting coaching cum interactive sessions for the empanelled hospital staff and the railway staff of Medical, Personnel and Accounts Department to familiarize them with the working of the website and different procedures to be followed (The period of one year of pilot scheme shall start only after the website starts working and not from, the date of issue of this letter). All the Zones/PUs are advised to nominate and get their staff members, who will be working for implementation of the scheme, trained in these sessions. The Railway shall be implementing this scheme in coordination with M/S UTIITSL, hence it is desirable that the concerned officials should be in touch with the local M/S UTIITSL officials so that any problem that crop up can be sorted out swiftly. A list of contact persons of M/S UTIITSL will be circulated in due course of time. These documents are very comprehensive and contain a lot of information; it may be read in its entirety, for proper understanding of the scheme. In case of any difficulty/clarification the respective directorate (viz. Health, Finance or Personnel) official may be contacted at a convenient time. This letter is issued with approval of Railway Board. The draft agreement attached with this letter is also vetted by the finance and legal directorate of the Railway Board. This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of the Board.

(No. 2014/H/28/1/smart card/Part A dt:14.07.2016)

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