NFIR of IndianRailwaymen Federation National ROAD,NEWDELHI.110055 3 , C H E L MS F ORD Affiliated,to: UnionCongress(INTUC) lndianNationalTrade International TransportWorkers'Federation(lTF)

Dated: 19/0312014

No.NFIR/PNM/105 The Secretary(E), RailwayBoard, New Delhi

Kind attention of Ms. Rasini Yechurv, ED(IR). Railway Board

Dear Sir, Sub: Agenda for the forthcoming PNM Meeting to be held betweenNFIR and the Railway Board.

Pleasefind enclosedNFIR's PNM Agendawith 30 subjectsfor discussionin the PNM meeting. NFIR also requeststhe Railway Board to fix the mutually convenientdates for holding PNM meetingearly so that the scheduleof meetingscan be adheredto as per extantpolicy and equallythe issuesmay hopefully get resolvedthroughagreement.

YoursfaijhdullV,. Encl: Aeendawith 30 subiects

trF.'LT (M.Raghav'66tyt General Secretary

Copy forwardedto the GeneralSecretaries of affiliatedUnionsof NFIR. Media CentreA{FIR.

ph.: 011-23343305, : RAILMMDOR Telegram Rly.22382, 011-23744013, 65027299,R\y.22283,22626,Fax: : www.nfirindia.com Website [email protected], gs@ nfirindia.com; E-mail: OUALITYOF LIFE OF HIV/ AIDS- PROLONGS EARLYDETECTION

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AGENDA ITEMS OF NFIR FOR FORTHCOMING PNM MEETING AT RAILWAY BOARD's LEVEL ItemNo.l Sub: Fixation of pay under rule 13 to those promoted to identical pay band/grade pay shouldering higher responsibilities. Ref:

(i) (ii)

(iiD (iv) (v)

Ministry of Finance(Deptt.of Exp.) OM No. I0/02/2011-EIIIAdated 7fr January2013. Railway Board's letterNo. PCVI/20T1/LC/|dated12/0912013. DC/JCM Item No. 1412007. NFIR's PNM Item No. 35/2006. NFIR's letterNo.I/2/Pt.IIdated04/1012013.

Federationinvites attention of Railway Board to their letter dated 12/0912013wherein benefit of fixation of pay on promotion to identical gradepay shoulderinggreaterresponsibilities has been extendedto a few categoriesignoring those categoriesof staff who are legitimately entitled for pay fixation. Somesuchcategoriesare:S. No. I

(ii) (iii) (iv) (v)

(vi) (vii

Feeder Category

Promotional Categories Revised Pay structure (Pav Band. Grade Pav) Track Maintainers-IV Kevman PB-l GPRs 1800 Peon RecordSorter/Gastetner PB-l GPRs 1800 Operator ST.ALPworks under Loco Loco Pilot (Shunting) PB-IGPRs2400 Pilot Works Independentlv. CommercialClerk Enquiry-cum-Reservation PB-IGPRs2800 Clerk Sr.GoodsGuard PassengerGuard PB-2GPRs4200 Sr.LocoPilot (Shunting) Loco Pilot (Goods) PB-2GPRs.4200 StationMaster

SectionController

PB-2cP Rs.4200

In this connection, Federationwishes to state that the subject matter was discussedby Z, I'i:rtR in a specialmeetingwith the Rail*ay Board (CRB, MS & FC) on 2310812013, minutes c:irculatedvide letter No.2013/E(LR)-IV1i15dated 0210912A]f,against Item No. 3 wherein Federationhad mentionedthat in such cases,no referenceto Ministry of Finance is warranted. The Board however agreedto look into this aspect. NFIR again re-iteratesthat generalinstructionsof Ministry of Finance alreadyexist and hence,there is no needto approachMoF for clearanceagain and again.NFIR, therefore,requests the Railway Boardto extendthe benefitof fixation of pay underFP.22 (l) (a) (l)/Rule l3l3-RII (erstwhileFR-22 C) to the staff promotedin the abovecategorieson or after 0110112006. Similar categorieSif any left out may also be consideredfor extendingpay fixation benefit to suchstaff. &m-Ijp2 Sub: Problems faced by Train Guards in the course of performing duties - due to adverseworking conditions-reg. Ref:

NFIR'vletterNo. I.4lPt.g-dated 07/1212013.

Federationhas received complaints regardingpoor maintenanceand upkeep of Guard's "BrakeVans as highlightedbelow:o c o * c r

Guard'sseatsin brokenconditionandnot fit for use, Toilet in bad shape,thus staff unableto use, Windowsincludingglassesin brokencondition, r\;System exists for undertakingrepairsat primary and secondarymaintenancepoints Lights not functioning, No log book hasbeenprovidedto Guardsto reportthesecasesto Sr DOMs/SrDMEs.

NFIR, therefore, urges the Railway Board to seethat policy instructions are issuedfor ensuringproper mechanismfor maintenanceand upkeepof Guard's Brake Vans. The subjectis proposedfor discussionin the ensuingPNM meeting. ftem No.3 .

4

Sub: Counting upgraded Group 'D' posts in scale Rs 3050-4590/- GP Rs.1900(PB-l) in DieseUElectricLocolEMU Sheds-for cadre restructuringreg. Ref:

(i) (ii) (iii)

NFIR's letterNo.I/8/CRC/09/Vol.9 dated2llIll20l3. I dated 17/02/2014. Railway Board's letter No. PC-11U2004,/DC-JCI\4/I NFIR' s letterNo.I/8/CRC/09/Vol. 9 dated03/ 03 120| 4.

With referenceto Railway Board's reply vide letter dated 1,7/02/2014,NFIR once again desiresto convey facts of the caseas below for review:-

(i)

J

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

Vide para (i) of the Board's letter dated 17/0212074,it has been stated that the Railway Board vide its leffer dated28/0911998,had specifically mentionedthat there will be no consequentincreasein the numberof posts in the gradeshigher than Rs 3050-4590.NFIR is awareof this "rider" imposedby the Railway Board in the year 1998. However, on nine Zonal Railways, these posts were taken as part of cadre strengthand grantedcadrerestructuringw.e.f. lllll2003 in diesel/electricLocolEMU Sheds.Thus it hasbecomefate-accompli. When the Railway Board issuedinstructionsto withdraw the benefit, Federationshad strongly protested against such step, consequentlythe Zonal Railways have not reviewedor regulatedwhereveralready.implemented to avoid staff agitation. pay Consequentto the implementationof 6'n CPC structure(Grade Pay & Pay Band) w.e.f. 0110112006 the minimum educationalqualificationfor entry into GP Rs 1800/has been revised as matriculationor above. Whereasin the vear 1998. the entrv qualificationin Diesel/Elec.Loco, EMU Shedswas reducedto #h standarifor Group 'D' while placing 50% postsin pay scaleRs 3050-4590to be filled by thosestaffwho possessedMetric/Act Apprenticeship/ITl.From thesefacts, it could be seenthat entry qualificationfor Group 'D' postsprior to September1998 in Diesel/ElectricLoco, EMU Shedswas Metric/ITI/Act Apprenticeship. Having allowed cadrerestructuring from 01i 1112003duly taking upgradedHelper posts into considerationand having grantedbenefit of restructuring/promotionwith effect from November, 2003, it would be improper to quote Board's letter dated 2810911998 for denying benefit. Railway Board instead sticking to illogical stand should realistically analysethe issue for renderingjustice to the technicalstaff working in Diesel/ElectricLoco/EMU Sheds. Incidentally,NFIR desiresto point out that while in all Technical Departments, promotion Quotato the post of TechniciarrGradeIII has been 507o,surprisinglyin the

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caseof Diesel/ElectricLoco/EMU Sheds,the promotion quota was only 20o/othus careergrowth of Helperswas blockedsincethe pastover 15 years. NFIR thereforeurgesthe Railway Board to considerthe matter on the basisof facts highlightedaboveand accordapprovalfor implementingrestructuringordersduly counting upgradedhelpers(GP Rs.1900/-)as pait of Technician-lllin Diesel,Electric Loco Shedsand EMU Car Sheds. ItemNo.4 Sub: Restructuring of certain Group oC' cadres - promotion benefit to the staff - reg. againstvacanciesexistedas on 1.11.2013 Ref:

Railway Board's letterNo. PC-[I|20I3/CRC/4 dated08.10.2013.

Federationwishesto invite kind attentionof the Railway Board to the instructionsissued vide letterdated08.10.2013(para4.4) asunder:-

I

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"All vacancies(including chain/resultantvacancies)arising purely due to this cadre restructuring should be filled up by senior employees who should be given benefit of the promotion w.e.f. 01.11.2013 whereas for the normal vacancies existing on 1.11.2013,junior employeesshould be posted by modified selectionprocedure but they will get promotion and higher pay from the date of taking over the posts as per normal rules. Thus the special benefit of the promotion w.e.f. 1.11.2013is available only for vacancies arising out of cadre restructuring and for other vacancies,the normal rules of prospective promotion from the date of filling up of vacancywill apply." Accordingto the abovepara,the staff being promotedagainstnormal vacanciesexisting on 1.11.2013have beenallowed promotiononly on the date of taking over of the chargeof the post in higherpay and not from l.lI.2013.In this connection,NFIR wantsthe Railway Boardto appreciatethat in the past, pursuantto the discussionsbetweenthe Federationsand Railway Board orders were issued vide letter No. PC-ilIlz}}4lFE-IIl4 dated 17.02.2006allowing proformabenefit with effect from 1.11.2003to thosestaff who were promotedlater on against thevacancies existedon 1.11.2003. The Railway Board vide para4.2 of their letterdated8thOctober,2013 havealso issued ordersthat thoseselectionswhich havenot beenfinalizedshouldbe cancelled/abandoned. With the issuanceof instructionsvide para4.4 and4.2 of Board's letterdated08.10.2013, the staff who areentitledfor promotionagainstthe vacanciesexistedon 1.11.2013havebeendeprivedof the benefit of promotion from the said date.The decisionfor Cancellation/abandonment of ongoing selectionsprior to 1.11.2013has ruined their career growth of those staff who faced selection.It would thereforebe necessaryto ensurejustice to the staff who would havecomeup for promotion againstthe vacanciesexistedprior to 1.11.2013had selectionsbeen finalized beforeNovember,2013.In this contextNFIR invites Board's attentionto the ordersissuedby Railway Board vide letters dated17.02.2006and 09.06.2006for taking realisticview to render justiceto the staff. NFIR thereforeurgesupon the Railway Board to considerfor grantingproformabenefit w.e.f. 1.11.2013to thosestaff who getpromotedagainstvacanciesexistedon 01/1ll20l3.

item No"5

Sub: Technician III posts in Diesel/Electric Loco/EMU Railways - Increaseof Promotion quota percentage- reg. Ref:

(1) (2) (3) (4)

1

Sheds on Indian

Railway BoardsletterNo. E(NG) III95/RR-1/8dated191911995. Railway Board's letterNo. PC-VI 97lIl 1| I 17 dated28I 9I 1998. Para 159 (i) of IREM (RailwayBoard's letterNo. E(NG)IU87lRC-2125 dated24l6/1988. NFIR's lenerNo. IIl2/Pt.Vl datedl2lll/2013.

The Recommendationof Vth CentralPay Commissionvide para 54.23 was considered by the R.ailwayMinistry and accordinglydecidedvide letterNo. PC-yl97llll\17 dated28l9l1998 that5AYaof postsin the gradesof Rs.750-94A Q550-3200V CPC)andRs. 800-1150(2650-4000 V CPC)as on 1-9-1998shallbe placedin the gradeof Rs 950-1500-(3050-4590)in Diesel/Elec. LocolEMU Sheds,consideringthe minimum entry qualification of Artisan Khalasis in these sheds was Matriculation/Apprenticeshippass/Diploma in Electrical/Mechanical/Electronic Engineeringasprescribedin Railway Board'sletterNo. E(NG)IU95/RR-1/8dated191911995. The Railway Board had also revisedthe methodologyfor filling the posts of Skilled artisansin gradeRs 3050-4590(GP Rs 1900/) in Diesel/ElectriciEMUmaintenancetradesas under:(i) (ii)

(iii)

60% by direct recruitmentfrom successfulCourseCompletedAct Apprentices/ITl Passcandidatesand matriculatesfrom openmarket. 20%ofrom servingsemi-skilledand unskilledstaff with 3 yearsof regularservicewith educationalqualificationas laid down in the ApprenticeAct as outlined in Railway Board'sletterNo. E(NG) /961P}l47156 dated2l2ll998and 20%by promotionof staff in the lower gradeasper prescribedprocedure.

With the implementationof revised methodology,it could be seenthat only 20o/oof vacanciesof skilled Artisans in Diesel/ElectricLoco/EMU Shedsshouldbe filled by promotion of Helperswho arein GP Rs 1800/-

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In this connection,NFIR invites attentionof Railway Board to para 159 (i) of IREM, accordingto which 50% of the vacanciesof SkilledArtisansin variousEngineeringDepartments should be filled by promotion of Helpers,25oh from serving Semi-skilledand Unskilled staff rvith educationalqualification as laid down in ApprenticeshipAct (through LDCE) and remaining25Yoplus shortfall, if any againstLDCE quotafrom openmarket. Attention is also invited to para 7 of Railway Board's letter No. PC-Yl97lIllll7 dated 28/911998wherein the qualification for Direct Recruitmentof Helper in the Diesel/ Elect Sheds/EMUCar Shedswas reducedto 8'h ClassPass,thus the entry qualificationconditionof Matriculation/ApprenticeshipPass/DiplomaHolder/ITI was abolishedand 8thclassintroduced. Sincethe year 1998 onwards,the promotionquota for Helpersto the post of TechnicianIII in Diesel/ElectricShed/EMUCar Shedshasbeen only 20o/oof vacancies. It may however be appreciatedthat the existing minimum entry qualification to GP Rs.l800/- in all departmentsin the Railways is Matriculation or above. Inspite of this, the Railway Board have committedmistakeby not enhancingthe promotionquotato 50Yoin these Sheds,consequently the staff have lost the promotionopportunitiesall theseyearswhile in other TechnicalDepartments,the Helpers continuedto be promoted against 50yo promotion quota vacanciesas a TechnicianIII (GP Rs 1900/-).Hencethere is need to review the decisionfor

increasingthe promotion quota from the Sheds/EMUCar Sheds.

20o/oto 50% for Helpers in Diesel/Electric

urges upon the Railway Board to review the case and issue orders for NFIR, therefore, 'quo-ta from 20Yoto 50Yoto facilitate the Helpers with GP Rs 1800/- in revising the promotion with GP Diesel/ElectricSheds/EMUCar Shedsto have promotionopportunitiesas T'echnician Rs 1900i-at par with similarly placedstaff in othertechnicaldepartments' IternNo.6 'C' cadres- Counting work charged postsof open Sub: Restructuring in Group line for extending promotion benefit to staff - reg' Ref:

1

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

RailwayBoard's letterNo.PC-IIrIlz}l3lCRC/4dated0811012013. and03l02l20l4. NFIR's letterNo.I/8/CRC/09/Vol.9dated0410112014 to NFIR 1910212014 dated Railway Board'sreply vide PC-III/2O13lCPtCl6 to Board. NFIR's letterNo.I/8/CRC/09/Vol.9dated0310312014

justification In continuationof referencescited above,NFIR desiresto re-iteratethat exists fof counting Work Charged posts created and operated continuously for open line activities of perennialnature for the pu.por. of granting cadrerestructuringbenefit to staff. The reply vide Board,sletterdatedlgl02l20l4 is not only unconvincingbut also not in termsof field ,".utity. Board may appreciatethat the open line work chargedof posts are not operatedon the thus staff areput to doubledisadvantage. basisof laid down percentages, It is also unfortunateto point out that the Zonal Railways (South Centrai Railway etc.,) o'regular"postsinspiteof Board's instructionspermit havefailedto get thesepostsconvertedinto conversionofsuch postsas regularones. NFIR, therefore,urgesupon the Railway Board to review the matter for mitigatingthe hardshipcausedto staff. ItemNo.7 Sub: Recognition of corporate hospitals for referral facility for treatment of railway employees(serving & retired)-reg.

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Ref:

NFIR's letterNo. UIzlPt.ilI dated08i 1112013.

It is reported that the Railway Board is attemptingto restrict the Zonal Railways from sendingpropoialsfor recognitionof corporatehospitalsfor the purposeof referringthe casesfor medical treatment.The staff are expressingdisappointmentover such negative action as they stronglyfeel that they shouldbe given wider choiceto avail the servicesof the best Corporate Hospital. It may be appreciatedthat a patient can only go to one corporate hospital and mere 2. recognitionof -or. corporatehospitals,is, really not going to causenegativeimpact on the system.On the other hand, patients may have greatersatisfactionwhen they avail treatmentat the hospitalof hisftrerchoice. NFIR, therefore,requestsRailway Board to review the extant policy and seethat greater autonomyis given to the CMDs to inspectthe infrastructure,skills, facilities etc of the corporate when the CMD is satisfiedand proposalssentto Railway Board,the sameshould hospitals.and be acceptedwithout any reservation.Necessaryinstructions may therefore be issued in this regardto the Zonal Railways/ProductionUnits. 5

ItemNo.8 Sub: Simplification of rules/prpcedure on withdrawals from Provident Fund by Railway employees-reg. Ref:

(i) (ii)

(iiD (iv)

Railway Board's letterNo. F(EyIII 77 PFI/3 dated27/5/1977. Rule 925 readwith sub rule (3) (a) of RI. NFIR's letterNo.I/3lPt.l dated25110/2013 . Railway Board's reply vide No.F(E)III/2 0l3 lPF13l l dated 13/01 12014.

NFIR is not convincedwith the Railway Board's reply on the subject. 2. In this connection,NFIR desiresto conveythat provision exists under Rule 925 readwith subrule (3) (a) of Indian Railway Establishment bode Vol-I (ReprintEdition, 1995)asbelow:"Marriage expenses- Withdrawals may be permitted for meeting expenses subjectto the following termsandconditions:(a)

meeting the expenditurein connectionwith the betrothal/marriageof the subscriberor his sonsor daushtersand any other female relation actually dependenton him".

In the above rules, no where it has been indicatedthat the employeeshould be askedto submitaffidavits and fulfill other unnecessarvformalities. 3. For easyprocessingand to overcomethe hurdles,NFIR urges that Zonal Railways etc.. may be directedto sanctionloan on a simple applicationform containingall relevantinformatiori with self certification. Extant provisions may be liberalized facilitating acceptanceof staff certificationmadebv staff who draw loan. NFIR, therefore, urges the Railway Board to issue suitable instructions to all Zonal Railways/ProductionUnits as suggestedaboveto avoid unnecessaryhardshipto staff. Item No.9

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Sub: Entitlement of 1" Class Privilege Passesto those staff joined on inter railway requestsin lower Gradepay-reg. Ref: (i) (iD (iii)

RailwayBoard'sLetterNo.E[W]2008/PS5-1/38 dated06.01.2011, RailwayBoard'sLetterNo.E[W]20l2lPs5-ll4dated 10.09.2013. y2013. NFIR'sletterNo. Vl5lpt.Ildated15/l

Railway Board vide letter No. E(W)2008/PS5-1/38 dated 6.1.2011(RBE No.03/2011) guidelines have issuedrevised on entitlementof privilege Passes& PTOs to the employees working in different categories. The revised instructions have conferred the entitlement of travellingin I't Class(AC-z Tier) on privilegepassesby the employees. In reply to the referencesmade by someof the Zonal Railways regarding entitlementof privilege passesfor those railway employees who are transferred on inter railway transfer, Railway Board vide Letter No. E(W)2012lPS5-14dated 10.09.2013have clarified that railway employeeswlto are transferred on inter railway transfer at their own request and are already entitledto I't classpasses,shall continueto draw I't classpassesimespectiveof their eligibility. With theseinstructions,the employeeswho were entitled I't classprivilegepassesandjoined on

transferon own volition to lower grades,are now eligible to avail I't classpassfacility in the new unitlor ganization. In this connection,Federationwould like to statethat the benefit of I't classpassfacility has howeverbeendeniedto such of thoseemployeeswho were in GradePay of Rs.4200/-and hadjoined on own requesttransferin anotherunit in lower gradesprior to the issuanceof revised passrules dated6ll/2011. NFIR, therefore,requeststhe Railway Board to considerfor allowing first classpass entitlementto thoseemployeeswho were in Vth CPC pay scaleof Rs.5000-8000i-GP Rs.4200/(VIth CPC) and subsequentlyjoined on inter-uniVinterrailway transfer in the new seniority unit/railwayprior to issuanceof Railway Board'sinstructionsdatedJanuary6,2011. ItemNo.10 Sub: Appointment on compassionategrounds to the wards/spouseof medically decategorisedrailway employees- reg.

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Ref:

NFIR's letterNo. II/ l-A/Pt. I 8 dated15I 10/2013.

It has been brought to the notice of Federationthat Zonal Railways are reluctantin offering appointmentto the wards/spouse of the employeesin caseswhere railway employees have been medically decategorisedpartially and chosen to retire and in lieu sought for appointmentof wards/spouse, eventhoughthe employeesarebelow 55 yearsof age. 2. On the issue,NFIR invitesBoard'sattentionto their letterNo. E(NG)II/95/RC-I/94dated para 4 of which clearly lays down that the compassionateappointmentto the 1410612006, ward/spouse/dependent of the partial medicallydecategorised employeesis permissibleonly in Group 'D' with the provisothat the employeemust haveleft out serviceof 5 yearsas on the date of medicaldecategorisation.

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However confusionprevailson Zonal Railwayswith the issueof further instructionsof Railway Board vide letter No. E(NG)I-2011iRE-3112dated31212012 wherein the terminology "Medical Decategorization"has been replaced with "Alternative Employment on Medical Grounds",eventhoughthere is no materialchangein Railway Board's instructionsmentionedin letter dated 1410612006,so far as appointment of ward/spouse/dependent of partially decategorised employeesare concerned. 3. NFIR is constrainedto note that despiteaboveposition, ZonalRaitwaysare not clearing thesecaseswhich are piling up in hugenumberand the employeeshavebeenmadeto sufferunnecessarilyleadinglot of resentment.A few Zonal Railwayshave made referencesto Railway Board seekingcertainclarificationswhich have beenpending for long periodsas no reply has been issued.In this connection,letter No. WCR/P. HQ/Rectt/l22lComp./AppAvlS-l7ll3dated ll/06113 from WC Railway to Railway Board may be connected.It is further learntthat most of the zoneshave acceptedthe voluntary retirementrequestof medically decategorised staff and they have retired but their wards/spouse/dependents have not been granted compassionate appointment,leadingto seriousdisappointment and frustrationamongrailway families. NFIR, therefore,urges upon the Railway Board to review the matter de-novo for granting compassionate appointmentto the wards of medicallydecategorised employeeswhen they seek retirementvoluntarily.

I t e mN o . 1 l Sub: Entitlement various fypes of resi4ential accommodation based on -of the revisedPay Scalesrecommendedby 6thCpc_reg. Ref:

1

(i) (ii) (iii)

Railway Board's letterNo. 200g/LMB/10/16 dated2T/01/2011. NFIR's letterNo. IID3lpt.II dated13/03/2012. NFIR's letterNo. II/23tpt.II dared31t01/2014.

NFIR vide its letter dated 13/03/2012had requestedthe Railway Board to issue amendmentto the entitlementof varioustypesof accommodation consequentto'classificationof postsin GP Rs'1800/-as Group 'C' (i.e-erstwhileGroup 'D'). In order to simplify the rules, Federationhad suggestedthat the staff with GP Rs 1800/-or Rs 1g00/-shouldbe madeeligible for Type-II quarter asper priority. Federationalso reiterates that if the allotment of quartershas to be madebasedon GradePay of the efployee, certainpercentage of quartersin Type-II need to be earmarkedfor staff of GP Rs 1800/-a Rs iqoo/- respectivety to ratilitate equitablejustice to both the categories..Although proposalhas beenmadenearly two yearsback,there hasbeen no responseto Federation,scommunication. NFIR thereforeurges the Railway Board to issue revised instructionsduly amending Board'sletterdated27/01/2011. ItemNo.12 Sub: Promotion of Pointsm"n 1c.uo" Pay Rs.1900/-pB l) to the post of Guard (Goods)-Relaxationof2yearsResidencyPeriod_reg. Ref, (i) (ii) (iv)

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Railway Board lenerNo.E(NG)I-200I /p M7/ 17 dated 29.1 I .2004(RBE No.243/204) NFIR letterNo.IV/RSAC/conf-IV dated22.01.20r4to RailwayBoard. GIU/P/SCRailway letterNo.SCR/P/I{Q/43 3/5/14/ET dated20/12/2013.

As a result of discussionsheld in the DC/JCM Meeting, the Railway Board had granted relaxation to the '02 yearc service condition" for promotiin to the posi tr Lo.o pilots. consequently,the Loco Pilots have beenallowedpromotion with GM,s approvalin the interest of Administration, complete:i: Residencyperiod. In this connection,Board,s Y!91 1tt"v I:1. L etterNo.E(NG)I -200 | /pM7 / t I dited,29I | .;200 4 rnuy u. ttnnected. It is' however,noticedthat similar reductionin residency period is not allowedin the case of promotionof Pointsmento the post of Guard(Goods) therebyvacanciesof Guardscontinued unfilled on somezones. on Southcentral Railway, the Pointsmenwith Gradepay of Rs.l900 were subjectedto selectionfor promotion as Guard (Goods).They have successfullycompletedthe training,but howeverthey havenot fulfilled the condition ofi y"* r"ria"ncy periodln the lower Gradepay of Rs'1900,thoughthey have beenworking as Pointsm"r *itrt total serviceof over 20 years(in GP 1800/-and 1900/-put together).Theiinature of duties either in GraJe pay of Rs.lg0g or GradePay of Rs'1900is "Train operations"underthe commandof on duty of station Master. when the issue was taken up at ional level, urging for g.ant of promotion it *u, replied that G'M' has no powers.-t9=.9lu the 2 yearscondition foiGuards vide GM(p), S.c.Rly. letter No.SCR/p-He/433/ 5/ l4lET datedZ\t i2/2013. In this connection,NFIR contendsthat_ insistingupon 2 yearcresidency period is illogical as the empanelledPointsmenhave beenfound qualifiJd in irt. training as Guard(Goods).These

empanelledand trained staff are utilized as Guardsin full-fledgedmanner, while at the same time they are deniedpromotion.NFIR further contendsthat this impracticableresidencyperiod conditionshouldbe dispensedwith in the interestof administration. NFIR, therefore, urges upon the Railway Board to review the extant poiicy and grant relaxationfor promotingthe Pointsmenas Guard (Goods)againstpromotionquota.The trained staff who have been deployedto perform duties of Guard (Goods) for maintainingservices shouldbe grantedpromotion with retrospectiveeffect. The subjectis proposedfor discussionin the next pNM meeting. ItemNo.13 Sub: Delay in promotion of staff for want of service records/ACRs of staff transferred from/to other Divisions/Zones- Remedial measures- urged. Ref:

..:

NFIR's letterNo.II/l4lPt.4 dated19/0612013.

As per extantinstructions,Railway employeesare transferredfrom one Divisio nlZoneto anotherDivision/Zone,on administrationgroundsor on mutual exchangeor on own requestin accordance with the procedurelaid down by the Railway Board. It has however been reportedto NFIR that the LPCs, servicerecords,leave accounts, ACRs etc., of the railway employeeswho join new Divisi onlZone are not being sent for months/years togetherby the concernedDivision/Zonewhere the employeehad beei working prior to effectingtransfer.This deficiencyis causingall sorts of probiemsnot only to the staf? concernedbut also causingdifficulties to the Divisional/ZonalAdministrations(in which staff joined) with regardto fixation of pay, finalisationof selectlist, selectionpanels etc., equally leadingto difficult situationsfor the other staff whosepromotionsare alsobeingpostponed.This is causingavoidableresentmentamongrailway employeeson almost all Zonalnuit*uyr.

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NFIR, therefore,proposesto introducesuitablemechanismthrough a suitably designed proforma for incorporatingall eventsright from the appointment.All the entries in the said proforma should be attested by the cadr.eofficer and after attesting all relevant entries, the concernedofficer should sign the duly filled proforma finally and send the same to the Division/ZonelUnit along with application of the employee to seek NOC. Federationalso suggeststhat the ServiceRecords,LeaveAccount,ACRs etc.,may eitherbe handedover to the employeeor sentby the Division/ZonelUnitimmediatelyon joining the railway employeein the new Division/Unit. NFIR, therefore,requeststhe Railway Board that the abovesuggestionsbe consideredin true spirit with a view to simplify the procedureand eliminatethe problemsbeing facedby the staff andAdministrativeAuthorities. ItemNo.14 Sub: Grant of promotion to the staff who are at the verge of retirement duly dispensingwith induction training _ reg. There are instancesof staff who are empanelledfor promotion to the higher gradepay at the verge of their retirement/superannu4tion i.e. left out service of l2lli months. These empanelledstaff are deployedfor inductiontraining and in the courseof the training or by the time their training is over, they retire on superannuation. Thus their empanelmentas well as trainingbecomestotally disadvantageous to staff andto the Railway.

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In order to remedy the negative situation as mentionedabove,NFIR. proposesthat in the caseof those empanelledstaff where induction training is involved before granting promotion, they may.begrantedpromotionwithout insistingfulfillment of training. NFIR, therefore, requeststhe Railway Board to consider for granting exemption from training in thosecaseswhere staff got selectedwhen their left out service for retirementis 12 to 15months. I t e mN o . l 5 Sub: Extension of date for exercising option by the staff for pay fixation under rule S13 on promotion where feeder and promotional posts are in identical pay band and grade PaY. Ref: Railway Board's letterNo.PC VIlz}lIlICll

+

dated12.09.2013,

Railway Board vide their letter under referencehave issuedinstructionsfor extendingthe R-II, in the situationwhere promotions benefitof pay fixation under Rule 1313(FR-22)(IXa)(i) duties and responsibilitiesof greater pay, shouldering pay band/grade are granted in the same importance.Theseordershavebeenmadeeffectivefrom January1,2006. It has beenmentionedin para4.1 of Board's letter that the staff affectedby the above decisionmay submitthe option,within a period of threemonthsfrom the issueof the saidorder, to have their pay re-fixed from the date of promotion or from the date of next incrementin the feedercategory. In this connection,NFIR brings to Railway Board's notice that on ZonalRailwaysthe instructions were circulated belatedly and the same have not reached the staff intime, consequentlythey could not avail the opportunity of option within the stipulated time. At the field level the staff are unawareof this advantageevennow. NFIR thereforeurgesupon the Railway Board to extendthe period for exercisingoption by staff to enablethem to get the benefit of pay fixation.

+

Thereare also numberof employeeswho got promotionin the samepay bandand grade pay after 01.01.2006under normal promotionalhierarchyand subsequentlyretired / expired, thus unableto avail option. In their casealso pay fixation should be consideredsuo moto and benefit granted. ItemNo.16 Sub: Upgradation of the posts of Rs 6500-10500Nth CPC to Rs 7450-11500 (VCPC) with appropriate pay fixation and merger of the same for placement in GP Rs 4600/- (PB-2)-Implementation of Government's decision-reg. Attention is invited to para2 of Railway Board's letterNo. PC-VV2009/l/RSRP/8dated relevantlast sentenceof which is reproducedbelow:2211212009, "In casea post already existsin the scaleofRs 7450-11500,the post being upgraded from the scale of Rs 6500-10500should be merged with the post in the scale of Rs 745011500." 10

Attention is also invited to the last sentenceof para 3 of Railway Board's letter dated 22112120A9, referredto above,which is alsoreproducedbelow:"F urther as already stipulated in note 2 under schedulecirculated vide Annexure 'B' of Boardos letter No. PC-VI/2008/RSRP/1 dated lll09/2008 in case a post already existed in the pre-revisedscaleof Rs 7450-11500,the posts being upgraded from the scale of Rs 6500-10500should be merged with the post in the scaleof Rs 7450-11500.'

1.2

From the 2"d and 3'dparagraphs of Board'sletter dated22December2009,thepost of 5th CPC pay scaleof Rs 6500-10500shouldbe upgradedto Rs 7450-11500and the staff grantedupgradationbenefit and thereafterthe merged 5tn CPC pay scale (Rs. 7450i 1500)shouldbe placedin GP Rs 4600/-(PB-2)w.e.f.0l/01 12006.

2. NFIR also invites Board's attentionto illustration4,A.attachedto the notification vide RBE No. 103/2008dated 4s September2008 wherein pay fixation has been illustratedin the annexurewherepostshavebeenupgradedi.e. pre-revisedpay scaleof Rs 3050-4590to Rs 32004900. {.

3. It is however representedby NFIR affiliates that on several Zonal Railways, administrationhavenot grantedupgradationbenefitto the staff when the postsof Rs 6500-10500 were upgradedto pay scale of Rs 7450-11500before placementin GP Rs 4600/- (PB-2), consequently staffhavebeenput seriousdisadvantage. NFIR, thereforeurgesthe Railway Boardto issuesuitableclarificatoryinstructionsto the GeneralManagersetc to grant pay fixation benefit to those staff who were upgradedto V CPC pay scaleof Rs 7450-11500and allow pay fixation further duly placing GP 4600 in PB-2 with effect from 11112006. ItemNo.17 Sub: Acceptance of request of employeesfor change of cadre in Grade Pay of Rs.1800/-(PB-l) Ref:

NFIR's letterNo.IV/Committee(Trackmen)l2}l}lPtJI dated22llll20l3.

-

The minimum entry qualificationto the lowest GradePay post of Rs.l800/- (PB-l) on Railways is Matriculation or its equivalent,thus no candidateis eligible to be consideredfor inductioninto the GradePay of Rs.1800/-unlesshe/shefulfills the qualificationcondition. Representationsare received from the erstwhile Group-D staff who are in Grade Pay of Rs.1800/-that their changeof cadre requestson bottom seniority to other departments/cadres shouldbe allowed for the purposeof pursuingtheir career.The presentIREM provisionsare not providing greaterclarity for consideringsuch requests,resulting reluctanceon the part of the competentauthoritiesto considerthe requestsfor cadrechange. In view of the above,needhas arisento review the IREM provisionsto facilitatestaff to go on requesttransferto other departments/cadres in the entry GradePay of Rs.l800/- on bottom senioritywithout any restriction. In this contextNFIR brings to Railway Board's notice that there are Track Maintainers who possessMatriculationor aboveseekingtransferon bottom seniorityto the otherdepartments like S&T, Electrical etc., Although, these Track Maintainershave fulfilled the qualification 11

condition,the Administration on many Zonesis not processingsuch requests. Similarly, the erstwhileGroup-D Staff of TechnicalDepartmentswhen they seektransfer on bottom seniorityto other departmentsin view of their domesticproblerns,such casesare also not being considered thoughthey possessthe qualificationrequiredfor holdingthe postto which they soughttransfer. NFIR, therefore,urges upon the Railway Board to considerthe above points for making suitableamendmentto the IREM Provisionsfacilitating erstwhile Group-D staff in GradePay of Rs.1800/-to seektransfer/change of cadreon bottomseniority. ItemNo.l8 Sub: Denial of additional incrementsto the Nursing Staff possessingB.Sc.,I)egreeo North West Railway - reg. Ref:

L

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

NFIR's PNM itemNo.l1/2008. Railway Board's letterNo.PC-YI/20l0lI/7l5/I dated1410312012. NFIR',sletterNo.IVA.tFIRJ6th CpC/I0/pt.9 dated0410912012. NFIR's letterNo.I/11dated0511212013.

Federationvide its letterdated04/0912012 had pointedout to the Railway Boardthe case of non-grantof two additionalincrementsto the Nursing Staff possessingB.Sc., Degreeon the revisedpay structureof VI CPC w.e.f. 11112006 despitediscussionsin the PNM meetingwith the Railway Board. Complaintsare continuedto be receivedthat the additional incrementswere allowedon zonalrailwaysonly from 11712006 insteadfrom backdate. 2. There is yet another case on N.W. Railway where the Nursing Staff recruited on 3110812006 and possessingB.Sc (Nursing) (acquiredin December,20ll) [ave beendeniedthe benefit of two additionalincrementson the plea that the said staff have been appointedafter, 0l/01/2006, thus their case is not coveredunder extant instructionsof Railway Board. This interpretation of N.W. Railway is totally wrong andviolative of IREM Provision.

L

3. NFIR further invites the attentionof Railway Board to the provision in IREM-VoI.I (2009First ReprintEdition) underitem (iii) of para 160- heading"Incentive" extractof which is reproducedbelow:oolncentive: Staff Nurses, Nursing staff, Matrons and chief Matrons who possessat the time of recruitment or acquire subsequently a degree in Nursing wil be granted two advance increments". NFIR, therefore,urges upon the Railway Board to issue clarificatory instructionsfor ensuringgrant of additional incrementsto all those Nursing Personnelwho possessB.Sc., Degreewithout any restriction with retrospectiveeffect (i.e. either from the date of appointmeni or from the datethey possessqualification). ItemNo.19 Sub: Denial of revised V CPC pay scale-Injustice meted out to Midwives on Western Railway. Ref:

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

NFIR's letterNo. IU26dated05105/2012. NFIR's letterNo.IU26dated30107/2012. .NFIR's letterNo.11126 dated30I0l 12013. NFIR's letterNo.II/26 dated26I06/2013. t2

(v)

(vi)

GM(E),Western Railway's letter No. E/MD|767||0IBVP/KAMUBEN dated 0l/10/2013 addressedto DD/PC-VI Railway Board and copy endorsedto NFIR. NFIR's letterNo. lI/26 dated14/1012013.

Railway Board's attention is invited to the referencescited above relating to denial of V CPCpay scaleof Rs 4500-7000and consequential pay fixation to Midwives. NFIR is shockedto seethe faulty reply sent by WesternRailway to Railway Board vide letter No. E(MD) 767110/BVPdated 2711212012, copy of which sent to Federationvide endorsementNo. E(MD)/767/10/BVP/KAMUBEN dated I-9/10-2013 stating that Midwife & ANM are different categories and further that the scale of Midwife is Rs 3050-45001520022200+ GP Rs 1900 whereaspay scaleof ANM is 4500-7000150200+ GP Rs 2800. Western Railway have also stated that the pay scales of ANM cannot be applied to the category of Midwife as contendedby NFIR. The plea taken by Western Railway and communicatedto the Railway Board is totally illogical and incorect on face of facts of the casehighlightedby NFIR through its letters. 2. In this connection,Federationinvites the attention of Railway Board to their letter No. PC-Vi98/DAC/1 (Pt. 4) dated 3010112001 wherein certain categoriesof staff were allotted improvedpay scalesas a requestof discussions held in the Anomaliescommitteemeetingsw.e.f. 30/01/2001.At Item No. 2 of the annexurqto Board'sletterdated30ll/2001, following category and saleshavebeenmentioned. S. No.

Category

2.

Midwife/Auxiliary Nurse-cum-Midwife

PresentScale

Rs4000-6000/-

Revised Scale

Rs4500-7000/-

Thus, it is very clear that Midwife and ANM both have been allotted V CPC pay scaleof Rs 4500-7000 w.e.f 30/112001.While the Western Railway have failed to make correct application of rules, it is unfortunate that Railway Board have also failed to guide the Zonal Railway properly. The denial of legitimatebenefit to staff hasresultedinto recoveriesof amount. NFIR, therefore, urges the Railway Board to issue instructions to General Manager/WesternRailway to remedythe injustice doneto Midwives. ItemNo.20 Sub: Staff grievances- Rail Coach Factory, Rae Bareli - reg. Ref:

(i) (iD

NFIR'sletterNo.IIVRCF-RBL/2013dated 19107120t3. NFIR's letterNo.IIVRCF-RBL/2013dated13/02/2014.

NFIR vide its letter dated 19/0712013had conveyedto the Railway Board (CRB, MS etc.,) the problems of railway employeeswho joined the newly establishedprestigiousRail Coach Factory at Rae Bareli. A period of over six months have passedfrom the date of first letter,unfortunatelythere hasbeenno responseso far. The main issuesagitatingthe mindsof staff listedbelow:o Four incrementsas incentive for counting for retirementpurposesnot being granted.

of staff in Cadresin Gp R.s.1800/-& Technicianshave sincebeenclosedbut promotions the categoryofTechnicianshavenot beengranted, o Railway F{ospitalwithin the premisesof the Coach Factory at Rae Bareli with required staff and facilities of specialist& SuperSpecialitiesto attendto Health problems of the their family membersyet to be established. o No drinking water in the Factory premises.Available water contains imPurities like large Floride und Sodium in large quantity. A centralisedwater treatment Plant of capacityneedsto be providedearly. Wards of railway employeesare not able to get admissionin the existing Kendriya of VidyalayaSchooi.fne Sctrootneedsto be extendedupto 10+2level to facilitatewards RCF employeesto take admission. personneland AccountsDepartmentsfunctioningin the AdministrativeBlock needto be shiftedto Factorypremisesto help out employeesworking in the Factory' It is reported that number of casesof theft/pilferagein the Factory compoundhas increasedas the Frivate Securityhaveno control.Thereis thus needto post RPF Staff to preventtheft/pilferageof Railway material/property' RCF Staff have been occupyingrailway quartersat their previousplaces,currencyof which is expiring. Extension may be grantedtill such time RCF quartersare made availableto them. o RpF Staff in the RCF/RBL may also be extendedthe benefit of incentives/increments similarto Projectstaff.

c

L

ItemNo.21 Sub: protection of Grade Pay and seniority of medically decategorisedstaff working in wagon Repair workshopo west central Railway, Kota. Ref:

L

(i) (ii)

NFIR's letterNo.IIVWCRMS dated0111212012' NFIR's letterNo. IIVWCRMS dated2510212014'

wherein Federationinvites attentionof the Railway Board to its letter dated0111212012 in posts working staff absorbedin alternative hardshipscausedto the medically decategorised Wagon Repair Workshop/WC Railway, Kota, in gross violation of rules and reducingtheir Gra-depay, seniority,statusetc.,were highlighted.NFIR is disappointedto note that a periodof morethan ayearhaspassedneitherthe grievancesof the employeeshavebeensettlednor action takenhasbeenadvisedto the Federation. In this connection,NFIR wishesto reiteratethat pursuantto enactmentof the Persons 2. with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities,Protectionof Right and Full Participation)Act 1995' provisionsof which were cirtulated by Railway Boardvide letterNo. E(NG)l96lRE3l9(2)dated Zgl04llggg GBE No. 86/99&8glgg),under Advance Correction Slip No. 77 vide RBE No. 89/99following provisionsexistsunderthe Act, 1995:,,A Railway employee who fails in a vision test or otherwise by virtue of disability acquired during service becomes physically incapableof performing the duties of the post which he occupiesshould not be dispensed*ittt or reducedin rank, but should be shifted to some other post with the samepay scaleand servicebenefits"' The above provision clearly stipulatesthat the pay structure,statusand other service benefitsof an employee,consequentto acquiringdisability when shifted to some other post, cannot be under ariy circumstancesreduced.Federationfeels sad in communicatingthat the Workshop Adminisiration in respectof ten employeesas per list enclosedto our letter has L4

^// ,/ '

lncorrectly reduced the Pay Band and Grade Pay of the medically decategorisedemployees and

have thus put them in financial disadvantageous position besidesreducing rank ignoring the rules.The actionof WC Railway is not only in violation of the Act but is also totally contraryto Railway Board's instructions.Federationreiteratesthat the affected employees,need to be restoredto the original Pay Band, Grade Pay and the Pay drawn by them at the time of medical deeategorisation with all consequential benefits. NFIR, therefore,urgesthe Railway Boardto issueinstructionsto the GeneralManager,to rectify the irregularactionearly. Item No.22 Sub: Placementof erstwhileGroup 'D' staff in PB-I+GP Rs.1800/- reg. Ref:

NFIR's letterNo.IIl8(i) dated12/1112013.

There have been casesof Railway employeeswho were non-matriculatesand while working in erstwhile Group 'D' categories(in Vth CPC pay scales)during the period from 05/09/2008to the date of completion of appropriatetraining, have either retired/diedin harness before completingthe formality of training for placing them in GP Rs.1800/-(PB-l). These former employeeshave not beenextendedthe benefitof PB-l with GP Rs.l800/- with the result they havebeendeprivedofpensionarybenefitson the basisofrevised pay structure. South Central Railway had also made a reference to Railway Board vide letter No.P[R]/531/1dated08/0312013 seekingclarification,the sameis still pendingfor over one year andthe former employeesor familiesof deceased employeeshavebeenmadeto suffer. NFIR, therefore,urgesupon the Railway Boardto issuesuitableclarificatoryinstructions to GMs etc., for granting Grade Pay of Rs.1800/- (PB-l) in the above situations and consequential benefitsof pensionetc., Item No.23 Sub: Filling up of the postsof DresserGT.III/OTA GT.III in PB-I GP Rs.1900/-. Ref:

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)

Railway Board's letterNo.E(NG)I-2000/PML012 dated19/0912012. NFIR's letterNo.09/2008dated24/0912012. NFIR's letterNo.IIl8(i) dated19/07/2013. NFIR's PNM item No.09/2008. NFIR's letterNo. IV8(i) datedl3l01 12014.

Federationin responseto Railway Board's letter dated 1910912012 had conveyedthe discriminationmetedout to the categoryof HAs (non-matric)aspiringfor promotionto the post of Dresser/OTAssistantGT.III who have beendeniedpromotionin absenceof relaxationwhich was availableuntil issuanceof Railway Board's orders dated2810212011 pursuantto decision taken in NFIR's PNM meetingheld at the level of Railway Board on 27128December,2010. Federationin its letter dated 19/0712013has highlighted as to how discriminationhas been createdwith the HAs when comparedto similarly situatedfollowing staff:(a)

(b)

The employeesworking in GP Rs.1800/-(erstwhileGroup 'D') having VIII pass qualificationhave been allowedto be promotedto GP Rs.1900/-against33 %% quotavacancies& Also the Helpersworking in GP Rs.1800/-who are VIII passhavebeenpermitted to be promotedas TechnicianGradeIII in GP Rs.1900/-. L5

2. In view the facts mentionedabove,the standtaken by the Railway Board as conveyedto NFIR vide letter dated 19109/2012doesnot appearto be basedon anyjustification. NFIR",therefore,requeststhe Railway tsoard to re-considerFederation'sdemandfor continuance of relaxationfor non-matricHAs until they are absorbedas Dresser/OTAsst Gr.II in GP R.s.1900/or promotedin someothercategoryin Gp Rs.tr900/-. Item No.24 Sub: Payment of Incentive Bonus to the Supervisors (SSEs) of Road Transport Shop in Carriage & Wagon Repair Workshop, Perambur on Southern Railway-reg. . Ref:

NFIR's letterNo. I/II dated24/0112014.

The SSEsworking in Road TransportShopin Carriage& Repair Workshop,Perambur on SouthernRailway havebeendeniedincentivebonus(i.e. 15%of pay). In this connectionthe factsof the caseareplacedbelow:SeparateRoad Transport Shop is available only in C&W Works, Perambur since decades. Supervisors/SSEs working in the Transportshop of Caniage& wagon Repair Workshop,Peramburare not being paid IncentiveBonus @ 15% on the plea that Road Transportshop is existing separately. SSFs working in Mill Wright & Road Transport together in other Workshops as also exclusively in the TransportShopsof other Workshopsin other zonesarc paid i5yo incentivebonus. In this connection,NFIR wishes to state that the plea taken by SouthernRailway for denyingthe benefit doesnot appearto be valid in the light of decisionof Railway Board in ietter No.99lW (Prod)/8I4l35datedI8l071200Ias follows:"The matterhasbeenexaminedand it hasbeendecidedthat incentiveBonusto SE/SSEs supervisingshopssuch as millwright shopwhere there are no direct workers but where there are both incentiveand non-incentiveworkers, shall be calculatedas under. Incentiveto SE/SSEsshall be paid@80% of 15%of their basicpay,,. NFIR, therefore,requeststhe Railway Board to issueclarificatoryinstructions,allowing paymentof incentive bonus to SSEsworking in the TransportShop of Carriage& Wagon r.puii Workshop,Perambur(SouthernRailway). Item No.25 Sub: Filling up of vacanciesof Sr.Clerk (PB-I+GP Rs.2S00)on Central Railway * Grant of one time relaxation for fitling vacanciesby serving Graduates-."g. Ref:

NFIR's letter No.III/CRMS/Pt.3dated 28110/2013and 20/0112014 to Board.

Railwav

Federationvide its letter dated 2811012013, quoted under reference,has apprisedthe Railway Board of the peculiar situation arisenon CentralRailway where indentsfor ai many as 90 DR QuotavacanciE-s sentto RRB, yearsago, could not be compliedevenafter expiry of iead 16

time availablefor providing panels.NFIR wishesto add that the indentssentby CentralRailway to RRBs were not even published,the processof recruitmentof Sr.Clerksthus not even initiated with the result the working of zonal Railway hasbeenadverselyaffected. In order to tide over the shortagein the categoryof Sr.Clerk, one time dispensationfor filling up the vacantposts from amongstserving graduateshas been sought by NFIR affiliate CRMS. Consequently,the General Manager, Central Railway has sought Railway Board's approval for one time relaxation for filling vacancies by serving graduates. Federation is disappointedto note that no action has been taken by the Railway Board even after a period of nearly a year sinceCentral Railway's referenceto Board. NFIR, therefore,urges the Railway Board to considerthe proposal and convey sanction as one time relaxation for filling DR Quota vacanciesof Sr.Clerks from among serving Graduateson Central Railway. Item No.26 Sub: Grant of HRA & City Allowance to the Railway employeesworking at Loni Railway Station on Central Railway similar to the rates payable at the rate of Pune City - reg. Ref:

NFIR's letterNo. V5(c)/Pt.Idated13/0112014.

Our affiliate CRMS had taken up the demand in one of the PNM meetings at General Managerlevel in Central Railway, urging paymentof houserent allowanceand CCA to the staff of Loni Railway Station at the rates applicable to Pune City. The demand of CRMS was discussedin the PNM fora, consequentlya proposalbearing No.FV623.HPB/108/R-HRA-III dated27/lI/2012 was sent to Railway Board by GeneralManagerlCentralRailway for sanction on the following grounds:. .

Loni Station is situatedwithin a dishnce of 6 kms from the corporationlimit of pune Municipal Corporation. Staff of Loni Station staff dependon Pune City for daily necessitiesof life (Grocery, School,College& Hospital etc) and a certificatehasalso beenissuedby the Collectorof StateGovernmentunderNo.PSC/KAWlll3z&l2}l1 dated05112/2012 to this effect.

2. Though a period of more than one year has passedsanctionhas not been communicated by the Railway Board, consequentlythe employeesare deprivedof their legitimate entitlement. NFIR, therefore,urges the Railway Board to accord approval for payment of HRA and Compensatory(City) Allowance to the staff of Loni Station at the rates of Pune Citv with retrospectiveeffect. Item No.27 Sub: Promotion of serving Diploma Holders as JE/Elect against D/R quota Metro - Railway, Kolkata - reg. Ref:

(i)

NFIR'sletterNo.III/MRWC/Pt.3dated 05108/2013 &04103/2014.

Attention of Railway Board letters dated August 5, 2013 and March 4, 20L4 on the subject.In continuationof thesereferences, the casebrief is given below:-

17

Diploma possessing Metro Railway Kolkata, although du'e The Techniciansnumbering18 in (PB-2) ;; i"r f'otnotion u' l6-U Cp Rs'+200/to able been not have ls quota Engineering in "";; iocgpro*otion quotas.so far as promotion against oiuu"un.i.s who secured to limited number in the orderof seniorityamongthose the panersarerequired,o u. a-ru*n not ableto concerned, are -"""" th" servingDiploma Holders to tttit tt"t"n' written qualifyingrnarks iO p.r".nt. Due irtough th;y were qualile$. in the "fpromotion quota p;i; the come up in of scopefor among them on ut"ount of non-availability examination.Frustrationis growing becomingJE letter dated5thAugust,2013,the patheticcondition as explained11,:rr. 5il;'J*. filiing the DR Quota Board to grant specialrelaxationfor Federation6uo."qu".Li,h. Ruit*ay F{owever,therehasbeen 'orll* irrr;rgr, selectionprocess. Diploma serving by JE of vacancies Board' n"i ft.t reply nor decisionfrom the

/

N F I R a g a i n u r g e s u p o n t h e R a i l w a y B o a r d t o . c o n sHolders i d e r g r athrough n t i n g sthe p e cselection ialrelaxation Diploma ty uu"u"Ji"'' DR the Quota facilitating filling "*ing processas onetime measure' ItemNo.28 Y

Sub:IncorrectdenialbenefitofplacementasofSr.P.waysupervisortothose e x p i r e d / m e d i c a l l y o e c a t e g o r i s e d b c t w e - e n t h e p order' eriodfromdateoforderto of Railway Board's trr. u"tuur date of implemeitation Ref:

Railway Board letterNo.PC (RBE No'45/2007)

-lrll2004lcRc/1 (Pt.1) dated22'03'2007 -

MinistryofRailwaysvideletterunderreferencehavedecidedtophaseoutthecategory p.*uv rt'ri'i'yltuptrvisors) working in scale Rs'4500-7000+ of track supervisor (erstwhile Rs'5000-8000' oi Sr. Pt'tanent way supervisorin scale 100(Sp)and introducedthe category

scale placed in the categoryof Sr'P'Way supervisor so far pay tixation to the staff clause6 of the saidletteras under:is concerned,it hasbeen.nlniiontA in Rs.5000-8000 p.ayof the ,, pay Fixation : The staff placed in the new categorywill draw at (1) above' on

or effect as mentioned superiorcatffgory#;",!;ii. be fixed Supervisor' q? of the staff would absorption/ f'?-totion as Sr'P'Way FR 22 C) with the usualoption underRule 1313(FR22)(D(a)0il-ri ii.r,*hile for payfixationasperextentrules' betweenthe Feriod *ho ur. othu.ryiseeliqible but retirg/reEien-i4 ctual implementation of "*oron"". from the date of iss +l"osa nrtlers

will

U

t

ate of issueof t

medically the cases of staff who expired / The above paragraphs' do not cover of order to actual also otherwiseeligible from the date and period the between decategorised expired/medically ;;;;' ;n uu.iou, Jivision where staff implementationof the same.There *" on the plea that grant"J 'utt' benefrt by the administration been not have who decategorised deniedto p..l"a ur. .on".Ld, thus the benefithasbeen tfri, between in only staff retired/resigned orderin Nefn, therefore'urgesto issueclarificatory thosewho expired/medicallydecategoris'i' 18

this regard for extending benefit in the casesof those expired / medically decategorisedas has beenallowed for thoseretired/resigned. Item No.29 Sub: Ticket Checking Squads- Changeof nomenclature- reg. Ref:

(i) (iD (iD

NFIR's letterNo.IVT3 dated4hOctober2011. NFIR's letterNo.IIl73 dated2t/03/2012. NFIR's letterNo.IVT3dated2S/08/2013.

Federationhas been inviting attentionof the Railway Board on the issueof changein the nomenclatureof Ticket Checking Staff used to detect frauds, unusedTickets/Passesetc on the ZoneslPUsunfortunately,there is no response. In this connection, NFIR wishes to reiterate following changes in the existing nomenclatureof Ticket Checking Staff used atthe Zonal and Railway Board's level:(A)

ZONAL LEVEL

(B)

RAILWAY BOARD LEVEL "Railway Board's InvestigationTeam"

"HeadquartersAnti-Fraud Squad" or "Special Investigation Team" or "HeadquartersDetective Team"

or "Railway Board's Anti-Fraud Squad" or "Railway Board's Anti-Fraud DetectiveSquad" NFIR requeststhe Railway Board to kindly consider and lssue Railways.

to all Zonal

Item No.30 Sub: Adverse working conditions faced by Bridge Staff on Northern Railwav remedial measuresurged. It has been reported that the field staff of Bridge Departmentand Bridge Workshop on Northem Railway have been facing hard working conditions in their day to-day working ryite. as indicatedbelow:a a a a a

2.

Bridge Staff have beenliving in tents away from their families for monthstogether, They are working at remoteplacesand in jungles, There is no drinking water facility at work site, Dismal Welfarefacilities have beenexisting at the work site, Staff have been forced to work and live under open sky at altitude for the constructionof bridges in the maintenanceof routes. These staff are not being provided medical aid and no authorisedmedical attendantis accessibleto them within the reach, while track machinestaff have beenprovided with the facilities of

19

'

Camping in Railway coaches,duty roster of three weeks and one week periodic rest and paymentof overtime when duty hours exceedthe rostered hours, no ,u"h racltty is made availableto Bridge/Bridge workshop staff on Northern Railway, In order to mitigate the hard working conditionsfacedby the

(i) (ii) (iii)

staff, NFIR proposesthat:-

!'9vis9d duty roster of three weeks working and one week rest akin to the Track Machine staff should be introduced, over Time should be paid from the time they leave Headquarters and stay at work site, till they are relieved,treatingthe period ui duty, At the work site, facilities of'camp, toilets, bath.oomr, (hot water during winter) shouldbe ensured.

NFIR requeststhe Railway Board to issuesuitableinstructions as proposedabove.

e*

20