MINUTES

of

The PNM Meeting

between

Railway Board

and

National Federation of Indian Railwaymen

held

on 22nd & 23rd December, 2016

MINUTES

of

The PNM Meeting

between

Railway Board

and

National Federation of Indian Railwaymen

held

on 22nd & 23rd December, 2016

MINUTES

of

The PNM Meeting

between

Railway Board

and

National Federation of Indian Railwaymen

held

on 22nd & 23rd December, 2016

MINUTES OF THE PNM MEETING HELD BETWEEN RAILWAY BOARD ANDNFIR ON 22ND AND 23RD DECEMBER, 2016

MEMBERS PRESENT

OFFICIAL SIDE FEDERATION(NFIR)

1. Shri Pradeep Kumar, Member Staff2. Shri Anand Mathur, DG(Pers)3. Dr. Anil Kumar, DG/RHS4. Shri K. Swaminathan, AM(ME)5. Shri R.N. Misra, AM(PU)6. Shri B.N. Mohapatra, AM(Finance)7. Shri V K Aggarwal, AM(Elect.)8. Shri Sanjiv Garg, AM(T&C)9. Shri S.C. Jethi, AM(Comml)10. Shri B.B.Verma, Adv.(Accounts)11. Shri Manoj Pande, Adv.(T&MPP)12. Dr. Gajendra Kumar, Adv.(Health)13. Shri A.S.Upadhyay, Adv.(Safety)14. Shri Alok Kumar, ED(IR)15. Shri Achal Jain, ED(L&A)16. Shri Arvind Mital, ED(Signal) I17. Ms. Rashmi Chowdhary, EDE(GC)18. Shri Anil Kumar Dubey, EDCE(G)19. Shri Amitabha Khare, EDE(RRB)20. Ms. Neera Khuntia, EDE(N)21. Shri Balachandra Iyer, EDPC-II22. Shri B.M. Gupta, EDV(E)23. Shri S.P.Mahi, EDE(Res.)24. Shri Satish Kumar, ED (Safety)25. Shri Dhruv Singh, EDPC-I26. Shri Tanveer Ahmed, EDF(E)27. Shri Sanjay Lavania, EDF(X)I28. Shri Ramesh Kumar, Dir. (L&A)29. Shri Satyendra Kumar, DTT(POL)30. Shri Rohit Parmar, DF(CCA)31. Shri D.V. Rao, DE(LL)32. Shri Debashis Mallik, DE(IR)

1. Shri Guman Singh, President2. Shri M. Raghavaiah, Genl. Secy.3. Shri R.P. Bhatnagar4. Shri T.K. Chatterjjee5. Shri Shakeel Haider6. Shri J.G. Mahurkar7. Shri B.C. Sharma8. Shri R.P. Singh*9. Shri P.S. Suriya Prakasam10. Shri Munindra Saikia11. Shri R.C. Sahoo12. Shri Binod Sharma13. Shri C.P. Yadav#14. Shri Somnath Malik15. Shri Praveen C. Bajpai16. Shri C.P. Singh17. Shri R.G. Kabar18. Shri G.P. Yadav19. Shri V. Gopala Krishnan20. Shri Ramesh Mishra21. Smt. Kasturi Dutta22. Smt. Pranita Mazumdar23. Shri P.S. Chaturvedi24. Shri S.R. Mishra25. Shri G. Prabhakar Andrew26. Shri Sharif Khan Pathan

* attended on 22.12.2016 only.# attended on 23.12.2016 only.

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SECTION - A: INTRODUCTION

Member (Staff) as chairman of the meeting addressed the gathering as under:

Shri Guman Singh, President/NFIR, Shri M. Raghavaiah, General Secretary/NFIR,other representatives of the Federation and my colleagues in the Railway Board, I extend ahearty welcome to all of you to this meeting.

2. Your Federation has been playing an important role in maintaining harmoniousIndustrial Relations over Indian Railways and hope that the spirit of solving the problemsthrough mutual consultation, dialogue and discussions will continue.

3. The biggest strength of IR is our competent human resource capital. The Railwaymenhave been traditionally our inherent strength and our industrial relations have beenexemplary and we need to nurture it together. We are very sensitive towards issues of ourstaff. With a view to involve all Railwaymen and incorporate their suggestions, the first everVichar Shivir was held on 18th to 20th November, 2016 and it was addressed by our Hon’blePM.

4. I will now briefly touch upon the performance of Indian Railways. During April,2016 to November, 2016, we have carried freight traffic of approx. 715.68 million tonnes ascompared to approx. 721.94 million tonnes in the corresponding period of last financial yearwhich is approx. 6.26 million tonnes less compared to last year. However, during the sameperiod, Railways have witnessed an upward trend in number of passengers. During April,2016 to November, 2016 the number of passengers booked stood at 5507.62 millions ascompared to 5453.58 millions in the corresponding period of last financial year which isappox. 54.04 millions higher.

5. As far as total approximate earnings of Indian Railways are concerned, during 2016-17 (upto November, 2016), our earnings stood at Rs.103419.14 crore showing a decrease ofRs.2680.61 crore (i.e. 2.53%) in comparison to last year. These earnings were lower thanthe budgeted target also by approximately 13.09%. As far as our ordinary working expensesare concerned, during 2016-17 (upto November, 2016), it is Rs.88408.37 crore (14.63%more) against Rs.77127.50 crore during the corresponding period of previous year.

6. On the safety front, a broad look reveals that the number of train accidents decreasedfrom 135 in 2014-15 to 107 in 2015-16. However, during the current year from 1st June,2016 to 30th November, 2016, accidents have remained almost at the same level as comparedto corresponding period of previous year (60 in 2015-16 to 61 in 2016-17). Concerted effortsby all the departments need to be made to minimize the failure of Railway Staff and forimproving the work culture. Innovative approach to minimize human dependence andRailway Staff’s failure needs to be further explored.

7. On the medical services front, Water Quality testing policy has been issued as pernew water policy issued by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. For improvementin food safety in trains and stations, policy has been issued jointly. Training of all RailwayFood Safety Officers have already been completed in Bikaner by Food Safety and StandardsAuthority of India. Training of Joint Food Safety Commissioners and Designated Officersare also scheduled in the month of November. As part of digital India programme – online

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issuing of food licenses to food business operator is being processed in coordination withFood Safety and Standards Authority of India. Uniform HMIS (Hospital ManagementInformation System) for whole of Railways has been planned.

8. The Accounts and Finance department in the Railways plays an Integral Role inrendering timely financial advice, proper maintenance of accounts of the Railways in termsof earnings and expenditure and providing intime management information for decisionmaking. To achieve these objectives, the Integrated Pay Role and Accounting System(IPAS) application software application has been developed by CRIS on web based 3-tiercentralized architecture using Java and Oracle which has been successfully implemented onall the Zonal Railways and will be implemented in Production Units, RDSO andMetro/Kolkata also by the end of the current Financial Year.

9. I would like to share with you some of the recent developments/ initiatives that havetaken place over the railway system:

Hon’ble MR has launched NIVARAN portal, an online system for redressal ofservice related grievance of serving and former railway employees on 30th June, 2016.

Hon’ble MR has dedicated Deen Dayalu Coach to the Nation on 19th July, 2016. Hon’ble MR has laid the foundation stone of Imphal Railway Station on 30th July,

2016. In the presence of Hon’ble MR and Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, a joint Venture

Agreement was signed between Ministry of Railways and State Government ofChhattisgarh for “Formation of Joint Venture Company” on 04th August, 2016 forfocused project development, resource mobilization, land acquisition, projectimplementation and monitoring of critical rail projects.

Orders for enhancement of ceiling limit of Rs.3500/- to Rs.7000/- for payment ofProductivity Linked Bonus to Non-Gazetted Railway Employees (excludingRPF/RPSF personnel) for the year 2014-15 have been issued on 15.09.2016.

Orders for Payment of Productivity Linked Bonus to Non-Gazetted RailwayEmployees (excluding RPF/RPSF personnel) for the year 2015-2016 withenhancement ceiling limit of Rs.7000/- have been issued on 28.09.2016.

Instructions regarding enhancement of age of superannuation of doctors (GDMOs) ofIndian Railway Medical Service have been issued on 14.07.2016.

About 1/3rd of the Indian Olympic contingent i.e. 34 out of 117 belonged to IndianRailways. The 1st medal won by an Indian at the Olympic viz Ms. Sakshi Malik inwomen wrestling belongs to the Railways. In fact the only other medal won by Ms.P.V. Sindhu in Badminton is also the daughter of Sr. Sports Officer in South CentralRailway.

Apart from the above Railway players brought laurels at the World Women Boxing,World Snooker Championship, World Kabaddi Championship, Asian Kho-KhoChampionship, Asian Power-lifting Championship, Asian Hockey championship inboth men and women’s category, commonwealth Kabaddi Championship; also CrossCountry, Chess, Shooting and Table Tennis at World Railway Championships.

In the national scene, Indian Railways had a podium finish in 36 of the 58championship it participated last year. This year so far Indian Railways have podiumfinish in 14 National Championships and the list is growing as the variouschampionships are going on. This year 1 Railway player got Rajiv Gandhi KhelRatna Award, 2 player Arjuna Award, 1 player Dhyan Chand Award and 1 playerDronacharya Award.

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10. I wish all the best and hope this august body will deliberate in this meeting onimportant aspects which focus on employees’ welfare as well as which are in the interest ofthe organization. At this juncture we all rededicate ourselves in the task of nation building.

Shri Guman Singh, President/NFIR:

President NFIR stated “just now, we have observed two minutes silence as mark ofrespect to late Shri R.K. Sinha who remained part of NFIR contingent till last PNM meetingwith Railway Board and rendered sincere and dedicated services for betterment of Railwayemployees while working in the ERMC & NFIR for over five decades. He passed away on24/06/2016 while holding the posts of President of ERMC and Treasurer of NFIR. Hisservices will be remembered by Railway employees for all time to come.

PNM meeting is the formal meeting of NFIR with the Railway Board therefore, it ismy sacred duty to apprise the Railway Board about the feelings of Railway employeesprevailing after the deferment of general strike which was decided to be commenced from11th July 2016. It is known that the NFIR communicated its reaction on perverserecommendations to the Railway Board and the Government of India including PM of ourcountry, immediately after the report submitted by the 7th CPC on 19th November 2015. TheJCM Staff Side also filed their objections before all concerned. When the Government didnot respond to the representations of Staff Side, then the National Joint Council of Action(NJCA) consisting all JCM constituent organization have decided to launch united struggleagainst the perverse recommendations of 7th CPC. The NJCA took decision to give call to allCentral Government employees go on strike from 11th April 2016. Thereafter, theGovernment formed Empowered Committee of secretaries headed by Cabinet Secretary whomet the members of Standing Committee of NC/JCM on 1st March 2016. The Staff Side gavepresentation on all the issues.

Unfortunately, the Union Cabinet on 29th June 2016 had taken decision to approve the7th CPC recommendations relating to minimum wage, multiplier factor besides abolition ofvarious allowances and advances ignoring the facts and merits placed by JCM (Staff Side).In the light of Government’s failure to address the issues raised by NC/JCM Leaders beforethe Empowered Committee on a number of occasions, the NJCA having reviewed thesituation arisen consequent upon Union Cabinet’s decision, had decided to proceed ahead forlaunching indefinite strike from 11th July 2016.

The NFIR Leaders met the Hon’ble MR on 29th & 30th June 2016 and conveyed thatindefinite strike would be inevitable on Indian Railways in the wake of Government’s failureto rectify 7th CPC retrograde recommendations. The Hon’ble MR has, however, takeninitiative in conveying to Hon’ble Prime Minister, thereby a message was received from theRailway Ministry that the Leaders of Federations/(JCM) may meet the Hon’ble FinanceMinister, Home Minister etc., at the residence of Hon’ble Home Minister on 30th June 2016(night). Accordingly, the Leaders of NC/JCM met the Group of Ministers and discussed theissues mainly the necessity for revision of minimum wage and multiplying factor. Afterdiscussions, it was conveyed by the Group of Ministers that a High Level Committee will beconstituted to consider these important issues. The NC/JCM Leaders, however, suggestedthat a written commitment is needed for convincing the rank and file of Central Governmentemployees. Another meeting was held between the JCM Leaders and Hon’ble HomeMinister on 6th July 2016, consequently, the Finance Ministry issued statement at 20/50 hrs.,

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on 06th July, 2016 that High Level Committee will be constituted to examine the issues raisedby the Staff Side Federations. Having considered the statement of Finance Ministry, theNJCA had decided on 6th July 2016 (night) to defer strike action. Sadly though more than 5months passed, there has been no improvement although the Committee headed by the Addl.Secretary (Exp) met the Staff Side of JCM and heard our pleadings.

Shri Guman Singh said that the situation prevailed prior to 6th July 2016 has arisenagain and requested the Railway Ministry to take note of the startling situation as a result offailure of the Government to fulfill its commitment.

He further said that the following agreed Railway related issues were highlightedbefore Hon’ble MR for implementation without delay:

Replacement of GP 4600/- with GP 4800/- for all Supervisors, Upgradation of Apex level Group ‘C’ posts to Group ‘B’ Gazetted, Provision of GP 4600/- to Loco Pilots of Mail/Express Trains, Implementation of the report of Joint Committee for career growth of Track

Maintainers.

Time and again, attention of Railway Board was drawn to the implementation of thedecision regarding provision of combatised staff in the offices of RPF. The President NFIRsaid that a Joint meeting was convened on 30th March 2016 to decide modalities forimplementation of the decision but thereafter sadly there is no action.

The President NFIR also invited attention of the Railway Board to the issuepertaining to the RELHS beneficiaries who are anxiously waiting for smart card for medicaltreatment and said that the so called cashless scheme which has been launched recently is notin consonance with the spirit of cashless treatment scheme. He requested that necessarymodification may be made to the scheme as suggested by NFIR so as to ensure that theRELHS beneficiaries may not be asked to pay money further as they have already paid lastdrawn salary of one month to become member of the RELHS.

He invited Board’s attention to the following staff problems:- Over 2½ lakh vacancies are existing on the Indian Railways which include more than

1 lakh vacancies in safety categories, Condition of Railway quarters is deplorable because of no maintenance mainly due to

non-provision of adequate funds to the Zones/Divisions for the purpose, Medical facilities for the staff posted at way side stations is practically ‘NIL’, Acute shortage of Doctors in Railways continues.

The President NFIR congratulated the sportspersons for their significant performanceand winning medals at the highest levels which brought glory to the nation.

Shri M. Raghavaiah, General Secretary/NFIR:

The General Secretary, NFIR, at the outset, conveyed thanks to the Railway Board formaking payment of PL Bonus @ Rs. 7000/- p.m. for the year 2014-15. He also expressedthanks for granting 78 days wages with notional calculation at Rs. 7000/- p.m. towards PLBonus for the year 2015-16.

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2. Dr. Raghavaiah expressed thanks to the Hon’ble Miniser for Railways Shri SureshPrabhu for his participation and encouraging message in the 28th National Convention ofNFIR at Maligaon, Guwahati on 10th November, 2016. He expressed gratitude to theMember Staff Shri Pradeep Kumar for his participation in the Golden Jubilee Celebrations ofSCRE Sangh on 17th October 2016 at Secunderabad. He thanked the Chairman, RailwayBoard, Addl. Member (Sig) etc., for their participation and valuable speech in the “NFIR’sAll India Safety Seminar and Role of S&T Department” held at Secunderabad on 28th May2016. Dr. Raghavaiah expressed thanks to the Member Staff and the General Manager,Northern Railway for according sanction for construction of Library-cum-Meeting Hall atNFIR’s premises (3, Chelmsford Road, New Delhi) and further requested the Member Staffto see that sanction is accorded for renovation of the Central Office Building of NCRE Sanghat Allahabad (proposal pending in Railway Board) without further delay. He also expressedthanks for issuance of orders for payment of ex-gratia at Rs. 25 lakhs with effect fromJanuary 1, 2016 to the families of those who lost lives while performing duties.

3. Reminding the Member Staff about the agreements reached with the Federations, theGeneral Secretary, NFR expressed that the Railway employees are extremely agitatedconsequent upon the failure of Railway Board in implementing the agreements, notably:-

(i) Replacement of 6th CPC Grade Pay 4600/- (PB-2) with GP 4800/- (PB-2) for theSenior Section Engineers and other Inspectorial/ Supervisory Officials in theRailways.

(ii) Upgradation of Apex level Group ‘C’ posts (3335 posts) to Group ‘B’ Gazetted inRailways.

(iii) Stepping up of pay of Loco Inspectors inducted prior to 01/01/2006 on remaining6½ Zonal Railways. (Though SLPs dismissed, the Railway Board has been tryingto deny benefit by twisting matters, causing frustration among LIs and LPs).

(iv) Replacement of 6th CPC GP 4200/- (PB-2) with GP 4600/- (PB-2) for Loco Pilots(Mail/Express).

The General Secretary further said that during the months of November andDecember 2016 he visited seven Zonal Railways and having read the pulse of the employees,he found that employee in general are losing confidence in the Railway Board on account ofBoard’s inaction/lack of initiatives in solving the issues where decisions were given throughbilateral agreements. He further mentioned that he met the Hon’ble Minister for Railways on11th August, 10th October and 07th December, 2016 and explained the hurt feelings ofRailway employees. The General Secretary expressed NFIR’s unhappiness over no progresson pending issues and agreements.

NFIR General Secretary has also conveyed that the Federations may be driven to sitin “Dharna” in front of the residence of Hon’ble MR if the things are not improved and hespecially urged upon the MS to convey “employees’ disappointment and dis-satisfaction andNFIR’s serious concern to the CRB and Hon’ble MR”. The General Secretary alsomentioned on Running Staff issues dealt in the Fast Track Committee as well JointCommittee meetings and requested expeditious finalization through consensus. With regardto pay element of 55% & 30% for retirement and other purposes respectively, he expressedhis unhappiness over Board’s decision to constitute a Committee without prior consultationswith the Federation and added that the 55% and 30% pay element which is in vogue sincedecades as a result of acceptance of Bhalla Committee Report should continue without anydilution in the 7th CPC pay matrices also. He specially requested Member Staff to see that theBoard responds positively on the proposal of Federations for induction of Course Completed

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Act Apprentices as substitutes against safety vacancies in view of administrative exigencyprevalent now and regular absorption of quasi-staff as they are not outsiders. He againrequested Member Staff to look into the note sheet given by NFIR justifying merits forregular absorption of quasi staff in the lowest Grade Pay/7th CPC Pay Matrix Level 1. Hesaid that in the note sheet, relevant provisions of IREM and Board’s previous policydecisions were cited for facilitating decision without fear as regular absorption of quasi-staffdoes not infringe constitutional provision and also requested to arrange meeting with CRBand Hon’ble MR soon not only on this issue but also on other issues in order to sort out thematter through free and frank discussions.

Touching the 7th CPC recommendations vis-à-vis Government’s decisions, theGeneral Secretary has brought to the notice of MS, following specific items seeking positiveresponse:-

(a) Pursuant to July 25, 2016 Resolution of Ministry of Finance, the Running Staffshould have been granted pay hike of 14.29%, but unfortunately, the same has notbeen done. He urged upon the MS to see that Resolution of MoF is implemented intoto for ensuring 14.29% hike in 7th CPC Pay Matrix of Running Staff.

In this context, the NFIR General Secretary also pointed out that when the 6th CPCPay Band/Grade Pay structure was introduced, a separate fitment table was given forRunning Staff (2.118 multiplier factor), whereas this time it was not done,consequently the Running Staff are losing not less than Rs. 2,000/- p.m. due to non-grant of 14.29% hike.

(b) The recommendation of 7th CPC for upgradation of SSO (A/cs) and Chemical &Metallurgical Staff (Paras 11.40.83& 11.40.124 of the report of 7th CPC) was referredto DoP&T by the MoF for examination. He said that the Federation is not aware ofthe contents of proposal sent by Railway Ministry to the DoP&T and copies of thesame are yet to be made available to the Federation inspite of NFIR’s letters to theBoard. He invited Board’s attention to NFIR’s letter vide No. IV/NFIR/7 CPC(Imp)/2016/R.B. dated 12/09/2016 and 15/11/2016 in this connection.

The General Secretary also mentioned that in a special meeting held in the chamber ofMS wherein FC was also present, the PNM item No. 15/2013 was discussed forgranting GP 5400/-to SSO/Accounts as their juniors have been granted the said GP. Itwas agreed and accordingly record note of discussion was issued stating that onfinalization of 7th CPC recommendation, granting GP 5400/- with retrospective effect,will be favourably decided. He requested the MS to see that clearance of DoP&T isobtained and equally the injustice done to seniors be remedied duly granting them GP5400/- with retrospective effect as agreed to already.

(c) With regard to the 7th CPC recommendation (Para 11.62.4 & 11.62.15 of the Report)for allotment of GP 4200 to those who were recruited through Written test as welloral interview, the General Secretary said that in Railways, the candidates for theposts of JAA were subjected to written test and oral interview by RRBs and thereforethe Grade Pay of JAAs should be upgraded from GP 2800/- to GP 4200/-. In thisconnection, he drew the attention of Railway Board (MS) to Federation’s letter dated30/09/2016.

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(d) He reminded the Member Staff that a meeting was held under the chairmanship ofFinance Secretary on 28th November, 2016 wherein, NFIR had given detailedjustification for continuation of Railway Specific Allowances and equally Advances.He said that the Member Staff was present during the meeting and the Railway Boardis also fully aware of the necessity to continue the Allowances/Advances and theirupward revision. He requested the MS to see that Railway Board pursues the subjectwith the Committee for ensuring that the Government retains Railway SpecificAllowances and advances and revises upwardly.

(e) General Secretary pointed out that while 6th CPC anomalies are yet to be resolved, the7th CPC anomalies have since cropped up due to disturbance in relativities. He citedas an example the Guard category where the entry qualification is “Graduate” and thepercentage of recruitment at entry level (GP 2800/-) is small, therefore the Guardcategory deserves to be granted upgradation of entry Grade Pay to GP 4200/- as the7th CPC has failed to do justice to this category. Similarly the entry Grade Pay/PayMatrix levels of Loco Pilots needed to be improved. He also said that NFIR will alsoplace the issues before the Departmental Anomaly Committee for rectification.

(f) Referring the Opening address of the MS, the General Secretary stated that nothinghas been mentioned about the dedication and sacrifices of Railway employees. Hesaid that while almost all important developments have been dealt in MS’ speech, thedeaths of employees in the course of performing duties as well injuries sustained bythem while on duty have not been mentioned. He said, the Railway employees areunsung soldiers and on their death on duty atleast an Officer of Branch/Divisionshould have visited their families to console and assure support. The GS/NFIR hasexpressed with pain that this culture is missing in the Railways. He also stated thatduring previous decades, the Officers during inspections used to invite all employeesof that particular station or depot/shed and interact with them for ascertaining theirdifficulties in order to boost their morale and making efforts to address theirgrievance. The General Secretary said that this culture has, unfortunately,disappeared.

(g) On demonetization decision, the General Secretary said that the employees arewasting their energy while man-days are also lost as they are driven to stand in queuefor drawing their legitimate money from the Bank accounts. He requested the MS totake necessary steps for ensuring cash payment for atleast Rs. 25,000/- to each stafffrom out of December 2016 salary to enable the employees and their families tosustain their livelihood.

4. Other points highlighted by the General Secretary:

The General Secretary said that although IR Directorate in the Railway Board hasbeen very actively pursuing the pending PNM subjects and letters of the Federation for quickfinalization, but due to delayed response from other Directorates, the issues get accumulated.He requested MS to see that the Machinery is geared up further so that results flow andconclusions reached after serious dialogue. He also expressed unhappiness over non-receiptof replies in over 90% of letters sent by NFIR and requested MS to see that replies are sentby the Board promptly and equally replies should contain the logic and grounds on which thedemands raised by the Federation have not been found feasible of acceptance. He at the same

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time complimented the team members of IR directorate for their devotion in pursuing theissues for logical conclusion.

He complimented the ED(IR) and his Directorate for prompt response on staff mattersand in this context he cited the case of ex-servicemen re-employed in Railways wherein,pursuant to the discussion on PNM Item No. 1/2013, instructions have been issued to theZones etc., for reckoning MSP for the purpose of pay fixation. He also expressed hope thatall pending issues will get sorted out speedily by Railway Board’s pro-active approach.

With regard to Board’s decisions, the General Secretary pointed out that when ordersare issued by the Board, the Advance Correction Slips are not being issued simultaneously,leading to avoidable Court cases and consequent wastage of resources, abnormal delay ingranting promotions and staff dissatisfaction.

5. The General Secretary specially mentioned the cases of MACPS which are continuedunresolved. He said, the meeting at the level of MS & FC is yet to be held while meetings atthe level of EDs were held, but with no fruitful results. He specially requested the MS that onall MACPS issues raised by NFIR, detailed comments may be furnished soon so that aseparate meeting can be held for fruitful discussions and decisions before it is too late.

6. On the policy instructions issued on man power planning under Board’s letter dated28th October 2016 relating to “pool of surrendered posts”, the General Secretary said that inthe letter, the clause “consultations with the recognized Unions” has not been incorporated.In this connection, he invited the attention of the Railway Board to the previous policyinstructions wherein it was clearly laid down that “recognized Unions should be consultedand their views be taken into consideration for satisfactory implementation of the policy”. Hespecially requested the MS to see that clarificatory instructions are issued, citing previousorders, thereby the policy implementation may go on smoothly.

7. The General Secretary reminded the Board of NFIR’s letter dated 05/09/2016addressed to Hon’ble MR, CRB etc., expressing disappointment over CTSE. He said that theso-called Cashless Scheme is actually Cash Oriented one and is not really in the interest ofRELHS beneficiaries. He reminded the Railway Board, the announcement made by theHon’ble MR on the floor of the Parliament during Budget presentation in the year 1996-1997that the retired Railway employees shall be provided medical facilities on par with theserving employees and requested to review the CTSE. He however felt happy that DG/RHShas taken a meeting with the Federations and discussed at length and assured to take steps formitigating the problems.

8. With regard to the family members of NPS subscribers, the General Secretary saidthat the Railway Ministry have issued orders that in those cases of families of NPSsubscribers (who die in service) they are entitled for family pension under LiberalizedPension Scheme, but sadly on South Western Railway, N.F. Railway, North Central Railwayand Northern Railway, these instructions are not adhered to, consequently, the families ofdeceased Railway employees (NPS subscribers) are facing lot of hardships. He also said thatNFIR has written to the General Manager, S.W. Railway, citing Board’s decision butunfortunately neither implementation has been ensured nor reply sent to the Federation’sletter. He requested the MS to intervene for setting the matters right.

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9. With regard to cadre restructuring of IT cadre in Railways, the General Secretaryexpressed his dismay over procrastination of the matter while similarly situated JEs/SSEsworking in other Technical Departments were granted restructuring/upgradation with effectfrom 1/11/2013. He said that when he explained to the MS sometime ago, he immediatelyspoke with AM/IT on telephone but though 1½ months passed, orders have not been issued.He requested MS to see that restructuring orders for IT Staff are issued, immediately, givingeffect from 01/11/2013 as was done in the case of JEs/SSEs.

10. Responding to one of the points of the Opening address of MS, the General Secretarysaid that “On Board Catering Services” are totally unsatisfactory and on the other hand therehas been deterioration. He further said that the role of Health Inspector, their ControllingAuthority has been causing more confusion resulting no proper working system. He furthersaid that the General Manager, Northern Railways has referred the matter to Railway Board,on the subject, after discussions with the recognized Unions. He requested the MS to see thatanalysis is done for remedying the situation and improving the system.

11. The General Secretary mentioned that Kidney/Cancer patients continued to suffer dueto longer periods of ailments. He requested the Board to issue orders for extending monthlyfinancial assistance from SBF to mitigate the hardship being faced by the patients. He alsosaid that adequate funds are available in the Zonal SBF and as such there should not be anydifficulty in extending financial help.

12. With regard to the payment of honorarium to the Cashiers and Shroffs on N.F.Railway, the General Secretary, NFIR brought to the notice of MS that N.F. Railway’sproposal seeking sanction is pending with the Railway Board since long. He further said thatthe proposal pertains to the year 2009 where post-facto sanction is needed for the amountbeyond the prescribed ceiling. He requested MS to kindly see that approval is accordedwithout further delay.

13. The General Secretary requested the Board (MS) to consider retention of RailwayQuarters in the case of wards of medically invalidated employees appointed on grounds ofcompassion at par with the wards of deceased Railway employees.

14. Non-filling of vacancies, more particularly in safety categories has been causingserious set back to efficiency and safety standards as already highlighted by thePresident/NFIR. General Secretary also emphasized the need to take immediate action forfilling of vacancies through Fast Track Mechanism. He urged for induction of CourseCompleted Act Apprentices in accordance with extant Board’s instructions as substitutes tomeet the administrative exigency.

15. The GS/NFIR while thanking the MS for highlighting the Railways performance andsetback to in earnings, pointed out that policies have been framed by the Railway Ministrywithout caring to consult the Federations. He further said that the field workers know betterto throw light on wastage of resources, leakage of revenue etc., and their suggestions shouldbe given serious consideration. He also brought to the notice of MS that during his meetingwith Hon’ble MR on 7th December 2016, 10-Points note was handed over to Hon’ble MR inwhich inputs have been given for improving the Railways efficiency and also mentioned thenames of a few senior officers who may be consulted separately. The GS/NFIR further saidthat the Railway Board has introduced Double Decker Train where the occupancy was only8% and after long period the said train was withdrawn. He said that the resources and assets

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are being wasted in this manner. He also mentioned that while travelling by Rajdhani Trainfrom Bhopal to NZM on 20/12/2016, he found that only five passengers were travelling inAC-2 Tier towards NZM. He said that the policies are required to be reviewed for optimumutilization of assets and infrastructure for generating earnings.

16. The General Secretary also brought to the notice of MS that on many Zones, moreparticularly WCR, CR & E. Rly, the RRC empanelled candidates have not been issued offerof appointment in GP 1800/- on the pretext that Board have issued instructions not to fillvacancies in “other than safety posts”. He contended that it would be incorrect to denyappointment when hundreds of people of the same panels have already been appointedagainst erstwhile Gr ‘D’ posts. He requested Member Staff to intervene to ensure operationof RRC panels. He also requested to look into NFIR’s letter dated 29th September, 2016.

17. On the concluding sentence of the opening address of MS “we re-dedicate ourselvesfor the cause of the Railways and the Nation”, the NFIR General Secretary said that it hasbeen taken note of by the Federation for working together for improving the Railways’efficiency. He at the same time reminded that the proven track record of NFIR has been forstrengthening the Nation and Railways at all times and on no occasion the interests of IndianRailways has been allowed to be jeopardized by the Federation and on the other hand it hadgiven support during difficult situations, keeping Nation’s interests on priority. He wantedthe Railway Board to reciprocate adequately by their actions in solving staff problems raisedby the Federation speedily with human heart and positive mind set and equally ensuringimplementation of agreements without further procrastination.

Shri R.P. Bhatnagar

1. Shri R P Bhatnagar stated that additional posts have not been created for additionalassets which is causing heavy burden on the staff and at the same time affecting the qualityof work and safety. If any mishap happens, the staff are made responsible which is not fair.(for eg: BINA & BPL Divn of W.C.Rly new assets have been created, but additional postsnot sanctioned). He further said that in case of any mishap, accident, the Administrationshould be held accountable and not the staff as no fault lies with the staff in such cases.

2. He also stated that a number of times, it has been pointed out by the Federation thatthe posts as per norms have not been sanctioned in S&T Department resulting heavy burdenon the existing staff and supervisors. Sometimes, S&T staff are made to work for twenty fourhours and they are not given rest or permission to leave their HQs., thus they are cut off fromthe society he said. He also said that in the previous 3 PNM meetings, this subject wasbrought out, but unfortunately, there has been no positive action. He expressed seriousconcern over accumulation of thousands of vacancies in safety categories and consequentadditional burden on staff who have not even been paid OTA. He wanted quick action tosolve these problems.

3. Shri Bhatnagar said that there is heavy shortage of Doctors and medical facilities,resulting hardship to staff and their families. He suggested that, in remote places where non-availability of doctors, the employees should be permitted to take treatment in the nearbyhospitals and the agreement should be made with those private hospitals for cashlesstreatment or re-imbursement done at a later stage. He said that such arrangement is verymuch necessary as pregnant women as also the employees are not able to go frequently to theRailway Hospitals which are far away.

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He also stated that while the system of Mobile Medical Vans is quite successful, thefrequency is not added further although it was decided earlier that each Division will beprovided with this facility. He urged upon Railway Board to take action for deploying moreRoad mobile medical vans.

Shri J. G. Mahurkar:

The judgement of Hon’ble Court to terminate services of 104 ticket collectorsrecruited in 1997 is without a parallel in the history. There is no fault of these ticketcollectors who were recruited in GP Rs. 1900/- and now working in GP 4200/- for over 19years. The appeal of Western Railway before Gujarat High Court and even Supreme Courthas been turned down. WRMS has already sent a communication to NFIR for furtherreference to Railway Board. The legal Department of Western Railway has requestedRailway Board to file SLP in Supreme Court. Immediate action is therefore needed to protectthe Ticket Checking Staff.

2. LARSGESS on Western Railway is in doll drum since 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 forreasons of judgement of CAT-ADI declaring the scheme ultra vires. The judgement has beenreserved by Hon’ble CAT-ADI now. WRMS has requested General Manager that all theeligible employees who sought voluntary retirement and opted for appointment of theirwards should be protected duly granting appointment to their wards. The Railway Board wasspecially requested to take measures to overcome the problem.

3. The Chief Mechanical Engineer of Western Railway has sent a communication toAdvisor (PU), Railway Board to introduce Group incentives scheme in BVP CoachingWorkshop. Railway Board may accord approval to Western Railway’s proposal in theinterest of Railway’s efficiency.

4. There are about 9000 vacancies in erstwhile Group D safety categories on WesternRailway which are not being filled. The Western Railway also has 1500 Course CompletedAct Apprentices who are eager to join as Substitutes. The RRC recruitment has also not beeninitiated. Immediate action for induction of Act Apprentices as substitutes is required to betaken in view of administrative exigency.

Shri Tapan Chatterjee:

1. Acute shortage of Railway Quarters at Korba in Bialspur Division of South EastCentral Railway:

At Korba Railway Station on Bilaspur Division of South East Central Railway, thereis acute shortage of Railway quarters wherein against 1259 staff working at the station(including the staff working in Deepka Siding to cater to Balpur), only 365 staff quarters areavailable. Sufficient number of quarters should be constructed at Korba where on an average,37 coal rakes are loaded every day for which staff are required to be available for ensuringloading.

2. Non-availability of medical facilities to Railway Staff at Korba:-

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There is no Health Unit at Korba, though a large number of staff have been workingin the area. Railway Doctor from Champa visits Korba daily by Passenger train and remainsfor 02 hours only and returns back to Champa, consequently, the staff and their families atKorba are experiencing lot of problems.

Referral Hospitals available at Korba are far away, Viz., Krishna Hospital/Korba;SECL/Mudapar Hospital; Nehru Hospital/Gevra Road; SECL/Sulakachar Hospital - theseHospitals are about 7 Kms away from Korba area. The staff are facing lot of difficulties toreach referral Hospitals for treatment very often because of distance. Hence, Health Unit atKorba should be provided with sufficient number of Doctors and Medical staff for thewelfare of staff and families.

3. Insufficient Railway Quarters/Accommodation at Brajrajnagar station ofSECR/Bilaspur Division:

(a) At Brajrajnagar station, about 34 coal rakes being loaded per day. But, regretto point out that the Railway quarters for the Railway staff are very meager i.e. only157 quarters are available, resulting Railway staff including Running staff are put tolot of problems due to lack of residential accommodation. The staff quarters atBrajrajnagar area should be increased commensurating with strength of staff.

(b) Adequate Medical facilities at Brajrajnagar are also not available for Railwaystaff, consequently, the staff are compelled to go to Jharsuguda for private medicalaid. As per extant policy, for every 50 Kms distance, a Health Unit requires to beprovided, for the welfare of staff. Necessary action be taken to remove hardshipsfaced by the staff.

(c) Supply of drinking water in the Railway quarters of BRJN area is not upto themark in respect of purity. The staff are facing lot of problems by consumingunhygienic drinking water. The administration should provide Filter House at BRJNat the earliest.

(d) Recently, DRM/Bilaspur has conducted survey at Belpahar station andaccorded sanction for construction of about 50 quarters for staff of BRJN in 1st Phase,because there is no space/land available at BRJN. It is suggested that sanction ofquarters at Belpahar should be increased at par with staff strength.

4. Need for LHB Coach Factory at Bilaspur, South East Central Railway:

The LHB Coaches belonging to SEC Railway and plying on various mail/expresstrains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi etc., are sent to other Workshops at Mancheswar,DLW/Varanasi, Chennai for PoH, involving huge expenditure. Due to excessive time beingtaken by these workshops, there are delays in returning coaches with the result, services areaffected adversely and is source of public complaint.

It is suggested that LHB Coach Factory be established at Bilaspur, where more thansufficient Railway land is available. During the last visit of CRB to Bilaspur on 09/01/2016,SECRMC has submitted a Memorandum to CRB, seeking establishment of LHB CoachFactory at Bilaspur. Necessary action may be taken on priority for setting up a Workshop atBilaspur.

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Shri B.C. Sharma:

1. (a) He invited attention of the Member Staff to the following remarks presently beingprinted on the reservation charts:-

“Wait listed passengers not provided with confirmed or RAC accommodation shouldnot board the reserved compartments. TTE should not collect any extra amount fromthe passengers who have been upgraded to higher class. TTE should verify thepending amount to be collected due to fare revision.

Shri B.C. Sharma said that this provision is creating difficulties to the on duty TicketChecking staff on duty who are unable to regularize the reserved berth (reserved uptodestination) but the passenger terminates his/her journey in mid-section, leaving the berthvacant which goes upto the destination. He said that this is sheer wastage of Railwayrevenues and therefore, the TTEs be allowed to allot vacant berth to the waitlisted passengersor to the passenger boarding the train in midway, on realization of reservation fare, if notpaid earlier. He requested the Member Staff to review the policy.”

(b) He invited Board’s attention to the methodology adopted for fixation of flexi faresin the Rajdhani Trains. He stated that the policy pursued by the Railway Board is notyielding revenue, on the other hand coaches are vacant due to poor occupancy. He also saidthat possibility may be worked out to use flexi fare in Rajdhani Trains only prior to sevendays prior to the commencement of journey and with 20% additional fare to attract adequatenumber of passengers and to improve the occupancy of these important trains.

2. Mr. Sharma invited the attention of Railway Board to the issue of merger of DearnessAllowance equal to 50% of Basic Pay with Pay w.e.f. 01/04/2004 in the case of RunningStaff. He said that the General Manager, Northern Railway had issued circular No.720E/Misc/Union-Items/2015/EIV/Loose dated 16/11/2015 duly granting merger ofDearness Allowance equal to 50% of Basic Pay with the Pay w.e.f. 01/04/2004 pursuant toan agreement in the PNM meeting at Zonal level against Agenda Item No. 9/2015 of URMUduly taking into account the provisions contained in Rule 49 of Railway Services PensionRule 1993 and Para 904 of IREM Vol. I. He stated that the Railway Board instead of holdingdetailed discussions at Federation level, have conveyed arbitrary decision vide letter No.E(P&A)II-2014/RS-24 dated 22/07/2016 to the General Manager (P), Northern Railway forreversing the PNM decision taken at GM’s level without formal discussions with theFederation. He urged upon the Member Staff to hold discussions with the NFIR to review theincorrect decision of Railway Board.

Shri R.P. Singh:

1. Speaking about the policy of Cashless Treatment to RELHS beneficiaries circulatedvide Railway Board’s letter No. 2014/H/28/1/Smart Card/Part A dated 14/07/2016, the JointGeneral Secretary, NFIR R. P. Singh said that while the policy is not Cashless, the RELHSbeneficiaries are not going to be benefitted when admitted in Referral Hospitals in emergentsituation due to the local conditions of the Referral Hospitals. He suggested review so thatthe scheme is improved.

He also said that while the N.C. Railway was about to finalize and implement its ownScheme on North Central Railway, the Railway Board’s order dated 14/07/2016 has resulted

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in stoppage of implementation of the local instructions of N.C. Railway, with the result allRELHS beneficiaries have been put to disadvantage. He requested Railway Board to obtainN.C. Railway’s proposal also for consideration.

2. He drew kind attention of the Member Staff to the ACS (Sl. No. 1 of Health 2010) toPara 641 of IRMM 2000, according to which the Railway Staff drawing Pay upto Rs. 7450/-p.m. are entitled for free diet while treatment of self or their family member. He said thatClause (vi) in the Annexure has created confusion and on North Central Railway only thoseemployees are provided free diet in the Railway Hospitals whose pay is Rs. 7450/- (afteradding Pay in Pay Band + Grade Pay).

He demanded that the free diet may be provided to the Railway employees receivingtreatment for themselves and/or their family members.

3. Counting of Training period while reckoning service for the purpose of grantingbenefit under MACP Scheme.

He invited the attention of the Railway Board to Para 9 of RBE No. 101/2009(conditions for granting MACP benefit) and stated that according to the said provision,'Regular service' for the purpose of the MACPS shall commence from the date of joiningpost in direct entry grade on a regular basis either on direct recruitment basis or onabsorption/re-employment basis. Service rendered on adhoc/contract basis before regularappointment or pre-appointment training shall not be taken into reckoning. However, pastcontinuous regular service in another Government/Department in a post carrying same GradePay prior to regular appointment in a new Department, without a break, shall also be countedtowards qualifying regular service for the purpose of MACPS only (and not for the regularpromotions). However, benefits under the MACPS in such cases are not considered till thesatisfactory completion of the probation period in the new post. He requested that onsuccessful completion of mandatory training when a Railway employee joins regular post,his period spent on training may be counted as regular service for the purpose of grantingMACPS benefit. He said that while in the case of casual labour and substitutes 50% & 100%service respectively is counted for granting MACP, denial of counting the training period asregular service is unjustified. He urged upon the Member Staff to take a positive view forissuing instructions for reckoning training period for the response of MACPS.

Shri Suriyaprakasam:

SAFETY ITEMS

The following issues were raised in the PNM Meeting.

1) In the TRD (Traction Distribution) Unit of Southern Railway

Time and again we have been highlighting about the shortcut methods resorted to, byhigher officials due to paucity of timings. The staff of TRD Unit have been experiencingmuch hardship while their safety is in jeopardy due to pressure of work. Many staff have notbeen trained adequately in placing trolley, obtaining line block/power blocks, removingcrow-nets, climbing 12 feet high mast, etc., resulting frequent accidents and injuries. About40% of TRD staff have not been sent for training and they do not possess competencycertificate as required under Traction Manual.

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2) Excess loading of parcels in SLR at Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore is a majorthreat to the safety. In the last 2 decades such practice has been continued despitehighlighting these lapses by SRES. For example GT, Tamil Nadu, Coramendal express trainshave been suffering detentions enroute due to excess loading of parcels taking place due tothe following irregularities.

a) Under weighment of parcels,b) Some parcels when weighed and while transshipping into the loading point, by

that time the tags were removed and replaced with other tags.

3) The honest Officers/Supervisors/Staff are threatened by the Mafia in several parts ofthe zone. Supervisors/Technical Staff were beaten up while on duty. Similarly Officers werealso beaten up and the women employees harassed by miscreants. On many occasions trainshave been stopped/sabotaged by disconnecting the cable wires in Signal Department. Veryunfortunate / sad to mention that no tangible action was taken by administration. Very often,news relating to the atrocities, corruption, violation of safety norms, train stoppage etc., hasbeen published in the leading news papers but sadly action yet to be taken by theAdministration.

4) The Railway stadium at Chennai being exploited by the Mafia gang.

5) The Southern administration have not published the lists of request transferapplications, quarters allotment, section transfers, selections results, marks, standard formatpay slips, office orders, etc. A mechanism be evolved for publishing all these systematicallyfor improving systems, otherwise malpractices will continue and staff would suffer.

Shri Munindra Saikia:

1. Stipend of Apprentices in 7th CPC:

The apprentices joined in Railways and undergoing training are being paid stipend asper 6th CPC scales, due to non-issuance of instructions in this regard by Railway Board. It istherefore requested to issue instructions to pay the stipend to the apprentices as per 7th CPCPay Matrices.

2. Allotment of higher type Quarter to the CG appointees against medical incapacitation:

Railway Board vide their letter No. E(G)2012QR-1-7 dated 25/04/2016 have allowedretention of Railway accommodation upto 2 years on normal rent from the date of retirementon grounds of total medical incapacitation. Also the Board vide their letter dated 28/04/2009had allowed allotment of one type below the entitlement of the deceased Railway employees.This facility should be extended to the appointees, appointed on compassionate ground onmedical incapacitation of their parents.

3. Financial assistance from SBF to the Cancer/Kidney patients:

Financial assistance to the Cancer/Kidney patients from SBF is extended one timeonly. A Cancer/Kidney patient now-a-days may survive for long periods with the problemwith continuous medical attention. In such cases, the one time assistance from SBF becomesfutile exercise. It is therefore requested to consider to see that such assistance to the

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Cancer/Kidney patients is allowed regularly during the days of his survival with propermedical attention/aid.

Shri Praveen C. Bajpai:

Undue delay in finalization of crew review of Running staff of Central Railway

Shri Praveen Bajpai, stated that, earlier the crew reviews of Running staff was doneon six monthly basis. However, due to the unrealistic time schedule and consequent delays,the periodicity was appropriately changed to annual basis. Detailed instructions withreference to procedures and time line to be adhered to, by branch officers, accounts &personal department have already been issued. These instructions and time lines are nevermaintained and in case of Central Railway the crew reviews have been delayed inordinately.As on date the crew reviews of year 2013/2014, 2014/2015 of loco and traffic running staffof all the divisions are yet to be finalized. Considering the increased number of trains in thelast three years, the Railway Board would appreciate the stress and strain, the running staffhave been suffering.

He requested that Central Railway be directed to immediately finalize the pendingcases of crew reviews without further delay. Time line contained in existing instructions onthe subject also needed to be ensured in future.

Shri R.C. Sahoo:

1. The TTE berths are not being allotted by the ECoR Administration inspite of Board’sguide lines, consequently, TTEs are put to hardship. Railway Board should take this issue onpriority and issue instructions to East Coast Railway to comply with Board’s instructions.

2. Inspite Board’s orders, not to transfer any employee during the middle of scholasticsession, the ECoR Administration has been issuing transfer orders during school session i.e.in Nov/Dec month of each year. Railway Board may issue clarificatory instructions on thisissue to avoid staff unrest and hardships.

3. The existing infrastructure of DLS/WAT in ECoR is not adequate to home theexisting Locos. The DLS/WAT was built for 150 numbers of Loco holdings. But now theLoco holding at DLSWAT is 225 and above. Besides, foreign Railways Locos are also beingexamined in DLS/WAT regularly, for which the augmentation of DLS/WAT is needed onemergency basis.

Shri Binod Sharma:

Time to time, Railway Board issued circulars without discussing the subjects matteror taking Federations into confidence, which creates confusion and panic among Railwayemployees. Very recently, a circular was issued by Railway Board on 02/12/2016 vide No.E(G)2016/FR1-6 regarding inclusion of Aadhaar number in the Service Book of Governmentservant. On the said subject, Zonal Railways have issued orders. Accordingly Divisions alsoissued orders which are objectionable as the said instructions contain that if an employeefails to submit Aadhar number, his or her Master Roll will not be accepted resultingemployee will not get salary. In this regard, recognized Unions should have been consultedand equally it needs to be considered whether such circulars issued by the Divisions are in

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consonance with the law of the land. Till date, Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has notdeclared Aadhaar Card as mandatory for all the citizens of India or for the CentralGovernment or Railway employees. As per judgement of the Hon’ble Supreme Court,Aadhaar Card is only mandatory when subsidy from the Government organizations oragencies is taken. Railway employees are not given any subsidy from the Railways.Moreover, salary of the employee cannot be treated as subsidy. More surprising part of theissue is that circular issued by the Railway Board does not contain any such condition,preventing Railway employees from their legitimate salary.

While we do not stand against the inclusion of Aadhaar number in the Service Book,we urge that sufficient time for the purpose is required to be given. Whip cannot be issuedand the subject cannot be made mandatory on Railway employees by trampling theirfundamental rights. Railway employee is asked to submit Aadhaar details of his/herdependents also. Same is also a subject of query that how and by which law of the land,Railway authorities can ask for Aadhaar details of the dependents of the Railway employeesand Ex-Railway employees who are not covered under Service Code of Conduct.

It is requested to address the above problems soon and Federation apprised.

Shri S.R. Mishra:

S.E. Railway occupies the 2nd or 3rd position in loading performance. Many of its staffare working in remote areas where living conditions are difficult and facilities are lacking forperforming their duties without compromising with efficiency, but however, such staff do notget anything from the administration. This is the situation all over S.E. Railway andparticularly in CKP Division. In N.F. Railway such staff working in remote and terror-proneareas get 12% extra pay by way of compensation. Such staff in S.E. Railway too should begiven this benefit. There are no proper subordinate rest houses in many places on S.E.Railway. Wherever they are, they are only in name sake as their conditions are such thatnobody wants to use them. There are no stadiums for sportspersons to do physical exercisesand practice. There are no Hostels for stay, no facilities for any temporary medical attentionincluding medicines. In fact practically nothing that are required to exist in such placeswhere a working population lives.

7th Central Pay Commission recommended merging of a few grades into one and theAdministration has also implemented the same. But many of the staff in pre-merged gradeswere due for promotion. Such staff have suffered financial loss due to merger. It is thereforenecessary that promotions wherever due should be given and then merger be done.

Shri Ramesh Mishra:

He brought out following issues pertaining to the North Eastern Railway to the noticeof Member Staff for action:-

On Varanasi Division of North Eastern Railway, cadre restructuring benefit has notbeen granted to the staff working in the Operating Department such as Pointsman,Leverman, Shuntman inspite of Board’s instructions contained in letter No. PC-III/2013/CRC/4 dated 08/10/2013 – RBE No. 102/2013.

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There is acute shortage of staff in the safety categories like Pointsman, Gateman,ASM, Loco Pilot, ALP, Track Maintainers etc., with the result the existing staff areunable to avail mandatory rest and leave even in case of self sickness. The situationon Varanasi Division is alarming which is adversely affecting the operation of trains.

On North Eastern Railway the serving & retired Railway employees when referredby the authorized Medical Officers to the Referral Hospitals for diagnosis throughclinical tests, the amount of money spent by the employees and the RELHSbeneficiaries on the test/medicines is not being re-imbursed on the plea that there isno provision in Chapter 6 of IRMM 2000. He urged the Member Staff to look intothe matter and arrange to issue suitable instructions to all Zones including N. E.Railway for allowing reimbursement in cases where authorized Medical Officer hassponsored the patients for tests as the denial of reimbursement on this account is notat all justified.

The Ticket Checking Staff are not being paid Composite Travelling Allowance(CTA) for 20 days according to the provision of IREM Vol. I – Para 1605 on NorthEastern Railway. He urged the Member Staff to see that instructions are issued to theGeneral Manager, N. E. Railway to comply with the extant instructions and makepayment of CTA to the Ticket Checking Staff.

He invited attention of MS to certain sections of N.E. Railway where line capacityutilization is more than 100% as there is heavy density of traffic. He said that onthese sections the duty hours of Pointsman, Gateman etc., need to be brought down to8 hours in lieu of 12 hours duty.

Shri Shakeel Haider:

He invited the attention of the Member Staff to the fact that there are large number ofvacancies on North Central Railway in the categories of Guards, Loco Pilots, StationMasters, Ticket Checking, Personnel, Accounts, Signal and C&W but unfortunately, staff arenot being promoted even though majority of posts fall in non-selection category wherewritten test is not mandatory.

He demanded that the staff should be promoted immediately on occurrence ofvacancy where no written test is needed (non-selection post) and in selection posts timelypanel should be prepared to post staff immediately on occurrence of vacancies. He stated thatwherever the selections have been delayed due to administrative failure, the benefit ofpromotion should be extended to staff from the date of occurrence of vacancy.

Ms. Kasturi Dutta:

1. Indian Railways and Women employees:

Indian Railways is the largest transport sector where the number of employees is13,33,966 and out of which 89, 337 are women (6.7%). Now a days, women mark theirpresence in different fields of Indian Railways. Some of the jobs in Indian Railways arearduous in nature and it is very difficult for the women to perform such kind of jobs. Now adays women are working in different fields such as manning the level crossing gates, TrackMaintenance, duties of ASM, Porters, Pointsman Department, C&W Depots, Workshops etc.

a. Conducive Working Environment for Women - issues:

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The working Environment of women is not conducive at all. Despite the fact thatRailways is the biggest organization of the country, women are yet to obtain their dueshare within this huge organization. Earnest request to create a conducive workingenvironment for women-suggestions.

b. Skill development programme to be done for women employees.c. Specific Uniform for women employees depending on their nature of jobs.d. Safety of Women employees.e. Constitution of Internal Complaint (ICC) Committee in every workplace of Indian

Railways. As per the law, it is mandatory for every workplace to have an InternalComplaints Committee (ICC) that would play a critical role in prevention, prohibitionand redressal of sexual harassment at the workplace. The ICC has a responsibility toestablish an effective Internal Complaint procedure.

2. Nursing category:

a. Those staff Nurses/Nursing/Sister/ANO who have been awarded 1st & 2nd financialupgradation under ACP Scheme in the hierarchy of pay scale Rs. 5500-9000 & 6500-10500 upto 31st August 2008 are entitled for replacement grade of Rs. 4800 (PB-2)P& Rs. 5400 (PB-3). In the said instructions, it has also been stated that 3rd financialupgradation under MACPS whenever granted in GP 5400/- (PB-3), the same berevised to GP 6600/- (PB-3). This needs to be granted.

b. Nomenclature of the Nursing staff should be changed as per other CentralGovernment Organizations.

c. 40 hrs duty roster for Nurses as per Central Government O.M. to be implemented.d. Separate Nursing Directorate for Nurses is needed. Medical Model of care deals with

the CURE part of the patient whereas Nursing Model deals with the CARE part of thepatient. “CURE” part cannot coincide with “CARE” part now a days, we are givingmore emphasis on CARE part of the patient i.e. holistic approach of treating patient aswell as the preventive aspect of care.So, a separate Nursing Directorate is required for the smooth functioning of Nursingcadre.

e. Enhancement of qualification of Nurses in entry grade:-In Indian Railways, ANMs were converted to GNM (General Nursing & midwifery).- The present GNM Nurses may go for higher study i.e. post basic B.Sc., Nursing.- The recruitment criteria for staff Nurse should be B. Sc Nursing/Post Basic B. Sc

Nursing.

Ms. Pranita Majumder:

Anomalies of family pension: Case of employee dies without any children and moreover his wife also expired before his departure:-

In above cases, the dependent sisters are getting the opportunity of job but they arenot entitled for pension. In some cases, the dependent sisters are not in a position to do thejob. It is requested to see that a provision is made, facilitating dependent sister can either optfor family pension or suitable job.

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SECTION - B: MINUTES

DG/RHS

25/2012: Periodical Medical Examination - Relaxation for Loco Pilots and Guardsdeclared with TYPE-II Diabetes – Reg.

Instruction in this regard has been issued vide Board’s letter No.2008/H/5/18 dated05.08.2016.

(Closed)

41/2016: Reimbursement of Medical Expenses incurred by the serving and retiredRailway employees - Simplification of procedure – urged.

Official side explained that a new simplified procedure is being drafted and it will befinalized shortly in consultation with Federation.

46(B)/2016: Staff Welfare measures – Need for clearance of proposals sent by GMs ofZonal Railways etc-reg.

It was explained by the official side that HMIS is likely to be rolled out. In this regard a pilotproject is going to be implemented in NR.

AM(CE)

44/2016: Insufficient provision for Dry Cell Batteries for the Track Maintainerdeployed to perform patrolling duty on Railway tracks-reg.

This is being processed for enhancing to Rs.150 per month.

AM(Mechanical)

25/2011: Problems encountered by A.C. Escorting staff due to deterioration in workingconditions.

It was explained by the official side that departmental ACCA has been provided in manyzonal Railways. On the other zonal Railways, efforts will be made for provision ofdepartmental ACCA to assist ACCI.

12/2015: Maintenance of cleanliness on trains and at stations etc. - implementation ofFood Safety and Standard Act, 2006 in Railways.

Federation(NFIR) stated that they will come up with the suggestions as agreed in the separatemeeting held on 18.01.2016.

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AM(Electrical)

6/2013: Need for air-conditioning Running Rooms and Loco Cabs.

All new locos to be turned out from DLW & CLW (both electrical and diesel) have beenplanned for air-conditioning of Loco Cabs.

Till date, 450 diesel locos and 12 electric locos have been provided with air-conditioned lococabs.

As far as existing locos are concerned, Federation requested that a feasibility study should bedone to ensure air-conditioning of Loco Cabs. Official side agreed to examine this proposal.

Regarding existing Running Rooms, all Railways have been advised vide letterNo.2016/M(L)/165/3 dated 22.09.2016 to take necessary action taking local conditions andbudgetary constraints into account. First priority of air-conditioning shall be in humid andcoastal areas. All existing Running Rooms to be covered in 5 years and all new RunningRooms to be sanctioned with air-conditioning facilities.

24/2013: Urgent need for construction of a new Running Room at Mumbai Central –Western Railway.

GM/WR has been advised to propose the work of construction of new Running Room atBCT under PH-64. To expedite the sanction of the work on out of turn basis, GM/WR shallbe advised to send a revised proposal within a fortnight.

9/2015: Supply of subsidized meal/food to the running staff – upward revision – urged.

Attention of the Federation was drawn to Para-H of Board’s Letter No.2006/M(L)/46/2 dated07.03.2007 providing that even after introduction of the scheme if some staff prefer to havetheir personal ration cooked in the running room kitchen, then the same may be allowed butno subsidy would be involved in these cases. These instructions will be reiterated andincorporated in the contract agreements in future.

Federation has suggested that the contract need not necessarily be awarded on the basis oflowest price in case of open tender. In view of the fact, that Board has prescribed the cost ofeach meal, the contract should not be awarded for lesser than the cost limit in order to ensurequality of the food. Official Side agreed to issue necessary instructions in this regard.Federation agreed to finalise the item after issuance of aforesaid instructions.

36/2016: Loss of hearing among running staff due to whistling Loco horns – preventivesteps - requested.

Official Side explained as under:

Electric Loco: RDSO has measured the noise level in Electric Locos and has informed thatall new high HP 3 Phase electric locos being manufactured by CLW are having noise level atpar with International level,

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Diesel Locos: Railways have taken action for relocation of horn which will reduce the noiselevel in the cab.

Design requirements of horn in locomotives are in line with International standards viz. UIC6440 which covers the basic mechanical acoustic requirement. At present HHP locos arebeing provided with AC equipments to reduce fatigue during continuous driving. Theacoustic layers are provided between cab wall and rubber sealing also provided on cab doorto reduce noise level inside the cab.

Pneumatic horns provided in locomotives should be suitable for satisfactory operation in thepressure range from 3 to 10 kg/cm2. The permitted variation in sound level between 3 to 10kg/cm2 pressure range is not more than 8dBA. Hence, provision of pressure regulating valvemay not be very useful. Also, inaccurate setting of the pressure control valve below therecommended range of pressure may have an adverse impact of sound intensity and thus mayadversely affect safety. Hence, the modification proposed has not been recommended byRDSO.

49/2016: Provision Invertors & Solar Energy system in Electric Locos to avoiddiscomfort to Loco Crew during shut down periods of Locos.

After detailed discussions, it was agreed that functional LED light/fan shall be ensured inloco cabs. Item will be closed after issuance of necessary instructions in this regard.

(Closed)

AM(PU)

6/2011: Incentive Bonus under Group Incentive Scheme to the Chemical andMetallurgical Superintendent (Grade Pay Rs.4600/-) in Rail Wheel Factory (RWF),Yelahanka

After detailed discussions it was decided to hold a separate meeting with theFederation(NFIR) at the level of DG(Pers.) involving AM(PU) and associate Finance.

24/2014: Payment of Incentive Bonus to the Supervisors (SSEs) of Road TransportShop in Carriage & Wagon Repair Workshop, Perambur on Southern Railway-reg.

As already stated earlier, the matter has been discussed with Southern Railway, S.Rly videtheir letter No. M/WS/SRMU/PNM/Vol.II dated 18.02.2016, have advised that it is notfeasible to consider incentive bonus to the Supervisors (SSEs) of Road TransportShop/CW/PER in isolation. Diesel POH shop of GOC & AC Loco POH of LW/PER are alsonon incentive shops and SSEs of these shops also do not get incentive bonus. Further, nonew shops/activities can be brought under CLW pattern of incentive scheme in theWorkshops as per extant norms.

(Closed)

52/2015: Revision of Incentive Rates – Rail Wheel Factory, Yelahanka, Bengaluru.

The study of incentive scheme at RWF by RITES is under progress and report will besubmitted shortly.

23

25/2016: Review of Group Incentive Scheme at Carriage Repair Shop, Tirupati,S.C.Railway.

Regarding the review, additional activities have been identified in consultation with the localunions and quotation has been called for from RITES for conducting the review. This workwill be taken up shortly.

Regarding provision of additional manpower, SCR has to submit proposal with justificationfor consideration of Board.

AM(Signal)/ EDE(N)

14/2010: Upgradation of posts commensurating with the increased work load andresponsibilities – ESM Category – S&T Department.

Conclusions arrived at in the separate meeting held on 10.05.2016 will be implemented. Forenhancing qualification separate proposal shall be mooted.

AM(Comml)/ EDPM

13/2011: Provision of cooking facilities at Rest Rooms meant for Ticket Checking Staff

Comprehensive instructions already exists in Board’s letter dated 08.02.2011 regardingprovision of adequate facilities for Ticket Checking Staff in TTEs’ Rest Houses and havebeen reiterated from time to time. A D.O. letter has also been written to the CCMs on28.04.2016 to make good the deficiencies. It was decided that Zonal Railways shouldconduct survey to assess the number of TTEs willing to avail of the cooking facilities.Federation pointed out that there are certain problems in Rest Rooms located in Delhi area.Official side agreed to take up the issue with NR for ensuring requisite facilities.

5/2015: Arbitrary decision revising norms for manning of Coaches by the TicketChecking Staff -reg.

Official side explained that the matter has been placed before the full Board.Federation(NFIR) has pointed out that this is an agreed item and therefore conveyed theirunhappiness over the delay.

37/2015: Simultaneous creation of posts of Ticket Checking Staff when new trains areintroduced or runs extended-reg.

File has been submitted to Board(MT) for fixing up a meeting with the Federation.

59/2015: Ticket Checking staff grievances – redressal urged.

Official side mentioned that already scale of provision for berth for TTEs exists. Whereverthere is a shortfall, zonal Railways have been advised to make good the shortfall.

47/2016: Withdrawal of 2nd Pantry Car from Rajdhani trains – Non-provision

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adequate accommodation for escorting staff of Mechanical, Electrical and S&TDepartments and to the Train Superintendent – Staff put to hardship-reg.

The position in respect of S&T and C&W staff regarding adequate availability ofaccommodation on Rajdhani/Duronto type Trains will be reviewed again.

AM(Comml)/ EDFM

11/2016: ‘Comprehensive Parcel Leasing Policy’ over Indian Railways-Difficultiesencountered by staff-remedial measures-requested.

The matter has been responded to by six Railways – SR, WR, NR have expressed difficultiesin random checking whereas SCR, NER and SER are comfortable with the existing policy. Afurther view will be taken on receipt of replies from other Railways.

Adv.(Stn. Dev)/ ED(L&A)I

11/2014: Entitlement of various types of residential accommodation based on therevised Pay Scales recommended by 6th CPC

The details of availability of Qtrs Type-wise and zone wise provided to Federation.Federation, however, requested to review the matter considering the fact that GP Rs.1800/-has been classified in Group C and therefore allotment of Type II quarters can be re-considered on the basis of registration.

15/2016: Acute shortage of staff quarters of various types and non-provision oftoilets in the suburban section of Mumbai on Western Railway-reg.

It was agreed to issue instructions to WR to provide individual toilets in Type I Qtrs in thesuburban section in a time bound manner.

27/2016: Review of license fee on the Railway land allotted to the Staff Welfare/Organizations at Railway settlement of Bilaspur-reg.

It was agreed to hold a separate meeting with AM(Finance).46(A)/2016: Provision of 15 numbers special rooms with 30 bed capacity for Group ‘Ç’staff in the Central Hospital, Lallaguda, Secunderabad

Official side explained that as this is a new work costing approx. Rs.1.75 crore, this is withinthe powers of GM as per revised delegations contained in Board’s letter 2016/F(X)II/PW/5dated 07.12.2016.

(Closed)

Adv(Fin)

4/2011: Denial of TA/DA to the Staff Car Drivers in the Railways.

The matter will be reviewed after connecting DoP&T's instructions on the subject ascontained in DoP&T’s O.M. No. 15020/7/91-Estt.(Allowances) dated 15.12.1997 and any

25

other relevant circular. Federation to also point out any other relevant circular on thissubject.

4/2013: Emoluments to be reckoned for grant of retirement/death benefits of staffworking in Construction Organisations etc., on Indian Railways.

A separate meeting of the Federation with Board(MS & FC) is to be fixed early.

Adv.(Safety)

56/2016: Award to Railway Staff for Accident-free service – Implementation of extantinstructions-reg.

In the light of discussions, it was agreed to re-examine the matter.

Adv(T&MPP)

26/2015: Creation of posts for TRD Organisation in Railways.

The matter will be pursued with WCR.

50/2015: Training Module for Loco Pilot (Shunting) on Indian Railways – wronginterpretation by Southern Railway – reg.

Letter will be sent to SR to follow Board’s directions.

02/2016: Training to newly recruited ALPs in Electric and Diesel traction at the time ofinitial appointment – Additional chances in either of the tractions-requested.

Federation(NFIR) was requested to give suggestions in this regard.

26/2016: Creation of additional posts of Instructors at IRISET/Secunderabad-reg.

Six posts of Instructors have been sanctioned by Board’s letter No.E(MPP) 2015/1/52 dated03.11.2016.

(Closed)

EDF(X)I

39/2012: Enhancement of Income Tax exemption limit in case of Running Staffreckoning of Running Allowance as pay for the purpose of deduction of Income Tax.

Another reference dated 21.12.2016 has been made to the CBDT, copy of which provided tothe Federation. The Federation however contended that the exemption limit needs to behiked with retrospective effects from the dates the KMA rates revised as a result of DAincrease (w.e.f. 2011 & w.e.f. 2014).

26

EDE(GC)

35/2004: Inadequate promotion opportunities for Technical Supervisors in railwayprinting presses

During detailed discussions, Official Side pointed out that four possible solutions viz. (i)filling of the group B posts in Stationery & Forms Depot by Printing Press supervisors; (ii)Allowing Group C staff of Printing & Stationery Department to compete for Group B post ofACOS/AMM in Stores Deptt. (iii) Merger of Group B gazetted cadre of Printing &Stationery Deptt. with that of Stores Deptt. (iv) providing avenue of promotion to Group Cstaff of Printing & Stationery Deptt in the Mechanical Engg. (Workshop) Deptt. have beenexplored. However, these were not found feasible to be implementable.

In order to give the cadre of P&S better promotional prospects, a cadre review has beenmooted. All efforts will be taken to expedite the proposal. Moreover, it was also decidedthat a separate meeting will be held with DG(Stores) to discuss once again the aforesaid (i) to(iii) options. Federation also stated that GS/NFIR’s letter 31.08.2016 may be taken note of.

14/2011: Avenue of Promotion for Junior Lecturers to the posts of Lecturers in RailwayDegree College, Secunderabad

NFIR’s request to review the case of providing promotional avenue to the Junior Lecturers tothe post of lecturers at RDC based on the pattern being followed by Government DegreeColleges of Telegana state affiliated to Osmania University has been examined inconsultation with Pay Commission Dte. It is observed that if service conditions of onecategory of employees are to be followed on the pattern of Osmania University, serviceconditions of other categories of employees as being followed in Osmania Universtity wouldalso be taken into account. In view of this, adopting the pattern of Osmania University onlyfor providing promotional avenues for Junior Lecturers without adopting the same for othercategory of employees (when there is no such proposal) does not appear to be a feasibleoption.

However, after lengthy discussions it was decided to hold a separate meeting with EDE(GC)associating CPO/SCR.

59/2016: Selection of Group ‘C’ staff to Group ‘B’ Gazetted in the ElectricalDepartment on Metro Railway, Kolkata-reg.

Instructions are being issued to Eastern Railway to take the nature of working on MetroRailway into account while setting up of question papers.

EDE(Res)

33/2015: Denial of promotions against vacancies of Loco Pilots on Zonal Railwaysconsequent to Court cases – Railway Board’s intervention – urged.

Federation(NFIR) pointed out that in many zonal Railways promotional process are held upon account of multiple Court cases. They expressed their concern that due to non- filling upof promotional posts, staff is suffering as well as railway safety is getting jeopardized.

27

Official side explained that ramifications of Supreme Court’s judgment in Nagaraj case(2006) is under examination at highest level in DOP&T besides pendency of contemptproceedings in CP No. 314/2016 in SLP No. 4831/2012 and therefore Railway Board cannottake unilateral decision in the matter.

After detailed discussions, official side agreed to clarify that as far as regular promotions areconcerned all the zonal Railways are supposed to implement extant instructions on the issueof promotion and reservation including RB no. 117/2016. However, wherever, due to anycourt case or any injunction/ direction given by CAT/High Court/ Apex Court the promotionorders/ promotional processes are under challenge, the promotion order may be issuedprovisionally subject to outcome of each such Court case. However, decision regardingissuance of promotion order in each case will be taken by respective competent authoritiesduly taking into account specific orders of Court in each such particular case.

EDPC-I

Genl. Secy./NFIR vide letter No. NFIR/PNM/108 dated 17.12.2016 has agreed for closure ofthe following items:

18/2004 :Revision of special allowance to the Accounts staff for passing Appendix II andIII examination with effect from 1.1.96.

&9/2012: Qualification pay to Accounts staff on passing Appendix III (IREM)Examination – Rectification of anomaly.

Instructions in respect of admissibility of Qualification pay to appendix III qualified staff inthe V and VI CPC from 01.01.1996 and 01.01.2006, have been issued vide Board’s letter No.E(P&A)I-2012/SP-1/Genl-1 dated 15.06.2016.

(Closed)

5/2011: Categories exempted from the period of officiating - Revision of DailyOfficiating Allowance

The rates of Daily Allowance in the Pay structure recommended by the VI Central PayCommission have been revised vide Board’s letter No. E(P&A)I-2011/FE-4/1 dated04.07.2016.

(Closed)

54/2015: Scheme for filling up of the posts of Loco Running Supervisors – WesternRailway.

The matter has been examined again and the position has been advised to NFIR vide Board’sletter No. E(P&A)II/2015/RS-15 dated 24.10.2016.

(Closed)

20/2016: Selection for the posts of Loco Inspector-PB-2+GP 4600/- on Central Railway-Allowing medically decategorised Motormen deployed as LP (Shg) for LI post.

28

The position has been advised to NFIR vide Board’s letter No. E(P&A)II/2016/F.E.2/2 dated07.11.2016.

(Closed)

EDPC-II

15/2008: Railway Service (Revised Pay) Rules, 1986 – exercising option for fixation ofpay with effect from 1.1.1986

Discussed.(Closed)

23/2011: Grade Pay of staff in the Inspection wing of Production ControlOrganizations

Federation pointed out about Court judgments including the Hon’ble Supreme Court in thismatter which it was agreed to connect and examine further.

21/2012: Implementation of VIth CPC Pay Structure – Merger of pre-revised PayScales w.e.f. 01.01.2006 – Promotion of staff to the same Grade Pay of Rs.1800/- A.C.Coach Attendant’s category.

&1/2014: Fixation of pay under rule 13 to those promoted to identical pay band/gradepay shouldering higher responsibilities.

&32/2015: Grant of pay fixation under rule S 13 to the erstwhile Group ‘D’ staffpromoted to same grade pay of 1800/- (PB-I).

Federation pointed out that in erstwhile Group D categories, despite the fact that thesecategories has been given a single GP of Rs.1800/-, the practice of promoting from, forexample, Helper Grade II to Helper Grade I is still continuing. However, they are not beinggiven benefit of fixation with one increment on the ground that both belong to identical payscale/ Grade Pay. Similarly, Federation also cited the example of different AVCs where aSafaiwala (GP 1800/-) is promoted to the post of Hospital Attendant (GP 1800/-) but thepromoted Safaiwalas are not being given the benefit of pay fixation with one increment asprovided in Rule 1313 R-II. Federation pointed out that the duties of Hospital Attendantconstitutes duties of greater and higher responsibilities. Hence, Federation argued forallowing such fixation.

After detailed deliberations, official side agreed to call for details to identify the scale of theproblem and thereafter review the matter.

28/2012: Grant of upgradation to P.Way Supervisors in the Pay Scale of Rs.5000-8000/-(pre-revised) w.e.f. 01.11.2003.

Federation desired that Board should await for final outcome of the Court case.

4/2014: Restructuring of certain Group ‘C’ cadres – promotion benefit to the staffagainst vacancies existed as on 1.11.2013.

29

Details of existing/normal vacancies as on 01.11.2013 have been called for fromRailways/Units. The requisite details are still awaited from some of the Railways. Matterwill be examined further after getting details from Railways/Units.

16/2014: Upgradation of the posts of Rs.6500-10500/Vth CPC to Rs.7450-11500 (VthCPC) with appropriate pay fixation and merger of the same for placement in GP 4600/-(PB-2)-Implementation of Government’s decision.

Federation desired that Board should await for final outcome of the Court case.

22/2014: Placement of erstwhile Group ‘D’ staff in PB-1+GP Rs.1800

Instructions regarding placement in PB-1 with Grade Pay Rs. 1800/- w.e.f. 1.1.2006 of thosenon-matriculate/non-ITI erstwhile Group ‘D’ staff who died in harness or retired fromservice subsequent to the date of notification of Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008have already been issued vide Board’s letter No. PC-VI/2008/I/3/1 dated 04.07.2016.

(Closed)

1/2015: Career Progression of Track Maintainers in Railways – implementation of thereport of the Joint Committee – reg.

The matter has been examined in Pay Commission Directorate and full facts of the case havebeen put up for decision on modalities of implementation to Civil Engineering Directorate.

19/2015: Allotment of revised pay structure for Official Language Staff on IndianRailways reg.

Discussed.(Closed)

58/2015: Restructuring of Group ’C’ Cadres – Western Railway-reg.

Federation(NFIR) conveyed their utmost unhappiness over the blatant violations of Board’sorder dated 8.10.2013 with ulterior motive to harm the career of empanelled staff.Federation insisted upon justice to the empanelled staff. Detailed position will be called forfrom GM/ WR and the matter will be reviewed.

08/2016: Option opportunity to staff for switching over to VI CPC Pay (Pay Band &Grade Pay) from the date subsequent to the date of grant of third promotion-reg.

The issue pertained to some Assistant Loco Pilots in BZA division of South Central Railway.The matter was examined in consultation with Finance Dte. and a clarification was issuedvide Board’s letter No.PC-VI/2011/IR-A/2 dated 19.09.2016.

(Closed)

10/2016: Drawal of annual increment to the Running Staff on their pay as laid down inrule 1303 (F.R.9) (21) a read with sub-rule (iii) of IREC, Vol. II (Sixth Edition – 1987),Second Re-Print Edition 2005.

30

The matter has been referred to MOF, copy of reference given to the Federation(NFIR).

28/2016:Implementation of cadre restructuring orders – loss of promotionopportunities to the employees of General Printing Press, Kharagpur – S.E. Railway-reg.

The issue raised vide PNM/NFIR item No.28/2016 has been re-examined in consultationwith South Eastern Railway and it is stated that prior to implementation of cadrerestructuring, posts of Sr. Technicians & Technicians Gr.I in Printing Press, Kharagpur wereoperated in excess and not as per the prescribed percentage (in some cases, just double of theexisting percentage). Therefore, there is a negative impact of current cadre restructuring insome cases and revised sanctioned strength is less than the existing strength even with theincreased percentage. Further, there is no surrender of posts of Technicians Gr.III in PrintingPress, Kharagpur as stated by the Federation in the above item. Only 3 posts of TechnicianGr.III in various trades have been surrendered to implement cadre restructuring in Artisancadre of Printing Press, Kharagpur and presently there are sufficient posts of TechnicianGrade III in various trades in Printing Press, Kharagpur.

(Closed)

53/2016: Denial of pay fixation benefit in the case of Sr. P. Way Supervisors (GP 4200/-+ PB-2) merged with JE/P. Way (GP 4200/- + PB-2)-reg.

Official side stated that the pay fixation benefit was already given when these supervisorswere upgraded from Pay Scale Rs.4500 - 7000 to Pay Scale Rs.5000 - 8000. Therefore, formerger within the same GP of Rs.4200 another pay fixation benefit under Rule 1313 R-II isnot admissible. Federation, however, stated that due to merger staff the P. Way Supervisorshave shouldered the higher responsibilities and therefore they deserved to be granted PayFixation. The matter will be examined.

SECTION - C: SUMMARY

Total Items Itemsdiscussed

Items could notbe discussed

Itemsfinalised

Balance

148 58 90 14 + ItemNo. 46(Part A)

134

****