Indian Rail Worker March 2014 Edition

India is ours - Indianization is our Religion MONTHLY JOURNAL OF NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDIAN RAILWAYMEN

Founder : Keshav H. Kulkarni Vol. 49 No.10

36 pages

www.nfirindia.org March-2014

Editor : M. Raghavaiah `.7.50/- per copy

Discussions Commenced on Strike Demands With the initiative taken by the Railway Ministry on 65 points Charter of Demands of NFIR for launching indefinite strike, a special meeting was held between the Railway Board and the Federations under the Chairmanship of CRB on 7th February, 2014.

The demand for withdrawal of National Pension System (New Pension Scheme) was taken up as a first item for discussion. NFIR has explained the uniqueness of Indian Railways, complex, complicated and hazardous nature of duties being performed by Rail workforce to

Veteran Leader Umraomal Purohit No More T he veteran Trade Union Leader, AIRF President and Secretary/JCM Staff Side Mr. Umraomal Purohit has passed away after brief illness at Bombay Hospital, Mumbai at early morning hours on 27th February, 2014.

Late Umraomal Purohit was a knowledgeable, efficient and honest leader who led not only Railway trade union movement but also working class of this country in various capacities. He has been very cordial and friendly with the organizations of different denominations and ideologies. A towering personality, late Umraomal Purohit has always pursued for unity among trade unions and towards achieving results, he has done lot of work. With 3-1/2 decades service in the capacity of Secretary/JCM Staff Side, late Umraomal Purohit has been successful in negotiating with the Government for the betterment of 36 lakh Central Government employees. Believing in the team sprit, late Umraomal Purohit has always been taking NFIR into confidence for focusing workers’ issues in various for a. In his death, the working class movement has faced set back and it may be difficult to fill the vacuum.

ensure uninterrupted movement of trains for serving the needs of the people of the country. NFIR contended that all these factors must weigh in favour of scrapping National Pension System (New Pension Scheme). After lengthy discussion, there was consensus on the demand for giving inputs collectively and sending communication with the approval of Railway Minister to the Finance Minister, Government of India seeking withdrawal of New Pension Scheme in the Railways.

The Railway Board have agreed to the Federation’s demand for covering the staff of TRD, Electrical Power, Track Machine, Bridge and PWI Khalasis of GP Rs.1800/under LARSGESS. The demand for

At A Glance 3 Railway Budget 2014-15

5 NFREU Biennial General Meeting 7 NFIR's Memorandum to Rahul Gandhi on Social Protection to Licenced Porters

The NFIR affiliates have condoled the death of late Purohit and conveyed support to the family members of the departed Leader.

17 NFIR's Affiliates Activities

NFIR General Secretary, M. Raghavaiah visited AIRF office at 4, State Entry Road, New Delhi on 27th February, 2014 and personally conveyed his deep condolences to AIRF General Secretary, Shri Shiv Gopal Mishra and AIRF Working President Shri Rakhal Dass Gupta.

26 NFIR References to Rly. Ministry 34-36 Railway Board's Decisions

INDIAN RAIL WORKER – YOUR UNFAILING GUIDE

retention of Railway quarters by wards appointed under LARSGESS was also agreed to. The long pending item for up-gradation of Apex Group ‘C’ posts to Group ‘B’ Gazetted (3335) was agreed to be finalized urgently duly obtaining the clearance of Finance Ministry.

The agreement for placement of Track Maintainers in GP Rs. 2800, Rs. 2400, Rs.1900 and Rs.1800 at the ratio of 16:12:22:60 respectively was agreed to be implemented without further delay. In the meeting the Board have also agreed that the MACPS Anomalies identified by the Federation will be discussed separately with MS & FC after the budget session. It was also decided that Additional Members Committee with both the Federations will deliberate on various Running Staff issues in a time bound manner for sorting out matters. It was also agreed that Loco Inspectors’ stepping up of pay on six zones will be implemented. While agreeing for implementation of Cadre Restructuring expeditiously, the Railway Board have also assured that the issue relating to absorption of Quasi Administrative Staff will be discussed by CRB & MS with the Federations separately. Federations’ plea for stepping up of pay benefit to the SSOs (Accounts) with GP Rs.5400/- was agreed to be finalized. It was also agreed to review withdrawal of Board’s clarification dated 13 th December, 2012 which is adversely affecting the advantage of safety staff. The Railway Board have also agreed to allot adequate funds for maintenance of Railway colonies.

Equally, Mobile Medical Van System would be augmented for providing medical facility on remote/road side stations.

While concluding the first meeting, a commitment was given to constitute a Fast Track Committee in association with both the General Secretaries for resolving the issues raised in the Charter of Demands in a time bound manner.

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NFIR Secretariate Felicitated M. Subramanian on Retirement S hri M. Subramanian was given warm farewell by NFIR Secretariat Staff at New Delhi on his retirement on 27th February, 2014.

NFIR General Secretary, M. Raghavaiah, while addressing the farewell gathering said with heavy heart that he is relieving him from NFIR Secretariat due to his adverse health condition although his service were indispensable. He appreciate the services rendered by Shri Subramanian with devotion, sincerity and dedication and proved himself that he is an asset to NFIR. He further said that the Federation will utilize his services at Men's Congress DLW, Varanasi where he can build up the organization.

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Speaking on this occasion, Shri D.V. Gautam, Principal Secretary and S.K. Sharma Office Secretary appreciated the dedication of Shri Subramanian while working in NFIR. Shri S.K. Sharma also said that the office staff is really inspired by Subramanian's devotion and integrity. Shri S.K. Sharma said that himself and all other staff will follow the path shown by Shri Subramanian for improving the efficiency.

Shri Subramanian while speaking thanked NFIR General Secretary and all the staff for the whole hearted cooperation extended to him during his tenure and assured to visit NFIR very often. He also expressed that he will assist the organization at DLW, Varanasi also.

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Railway Budget 2014-15 – Salient Features Hon’ble Minister for Railways, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge presented Railway Budget 2014-15 in Parliament on 12th February, 2014. In his speech Shri Kharge stated that the Estimates for 2014-15 are for the whole year, but, at present the ‘vote –on-account’ is to cover the estimated expenditure for the first four months of the fiscal i.e. from April to July, 2014. The requirement for the remaining part of the year would be voted later, separately, he said. Following are the salient features of the Rail Budget.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE Ordinary working expenses during 2014-15 are expected to Rs. 1,10,649 Crore which is Rs.13,589 Crore more.

A sum of Rs.27,000 Crores has been budgeted towards pension payments during 2014-15 as against Rs.24,000 Crore during 2013-14.

The Gross Traffic receipts are expected to Rs. 1,60,775 Crore which includes passenger earnings (Rs.45,255 Crore), goods earnings (Rs.1,05,770 Crore) and other coaching and miscellaneous earnings (Rs. 9,700 Crore).

Operating Ratio is budgeted to be as 89.8%.

The Annual Plan is estimated to be Rs.64,305 Crore which includes budgetary support of Rs.30,223 Crore, internal resources at Rs.10,418 Crore and Rs.19,805 Crore as additional budgetary support.

Railways have met an expenditure of Rupees One Lakh Crore due to implementation of 6th pay Commission. Within its own means.

NEW SERVICES 17 Premium Trains, 38 Express Trains, 10 Passenger Trains, 4 MEMUs and 3 DEMUs. The service of 3 trains has been extended whereas frequency of 3 more Trains has been proposed.

New Surveys for 19 New Lines and 5 doubling projects have been proposed.

INDIAN RAIL WORKER

ACHIEVEMENTS Production has commenced in Rail Wheel Plant, Chhapra, Rail Coach Factory, Rae Bareli and Diesel Component Factory, Dankuni.

Railway’s Sports Persons dominated National events by winning Titles in 23 Disciplines, Runner up in 9 Disciplines in addition to winning 2 Gold, 4 Silver and 3 Bronze Medals in various international Championships.

In 2013-14, 1532 Kms. of New Lines, Doublings and Gauge Conversion commissioned.

Railway Energy Management Company becomes functional and Windmill and Solar Power Plants will be set up with Government subsidy.

Railway bagged 22 out of 112 Awards given by the Government.

Capital of Arunachal Pradesh will be brought on the Railway Map during this financial year.

National Project of Kashmir witnessed a major land mark when 11.2 Kms. long tunnel linking Banihal with Qazigund became operational. The Tunnel is an Engineering Marbel and it has reduced the distance from 35 Kms. to 17.5 Kms. Construction on UdhampurKatra Section has been completed and trial runs have started. With completion of the work, the passenger services would be run up to Katra very shortly and it will be boon to the pilgrims to reach Vaishno Devi Shrine foothill.

SAFETY Total 5,400 un-manned level crossings have been eliminated – 2310 by manning and 3090 by closer/merger/construction of ROBs/RUBs during last 5 years.

After successfully completing

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field trials, indigenously developed Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) is planned to be inducted over Indian Railways.

Provision of Vigilance Control Device (VCD) to be provided in all Electric and Diesel Locomotives to monitor and judge the alertness of Driver to ensure Safety of the Train.

A comprehensive Fire and Smoke Detection System is on trial and based on the results, it will be extended to all major Trains.

During the last 5 years employment opportunities have been offered to over one lakh person in Group ‘C’ and 1.6 lakh persons in erstwhile Group ‘D’ categories.

To prevent fire incidents various measures have been planned such as Use of Fire Retardant materials, Portable Fire Extinguishers in Coaches, Induction based Cooking in place of LPG in Pantry Cars.

Passenger Friendly Initiatives Up-gradation scheme extended to Second Class sitting, AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car passengers to optimize demand satisfaction in the lower classes.

51 Jan Aahar Outlets for Janta Meals, Commissioning of 48 Passenger Escalators at 48 Stations and 61 more being planned.

Air Conditioned EMU Services will be introduced in Mumbai Area by July, 2014.

Public Private Partnership (PPP) Investment in Railways is being stepped up by partnership with Private Sectors.

PPP Projects relate to Rolling Stock Units, Modernization of Stations, Multi-functional Complexes, Logistics Parks, Freight Train Operations.

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It is also proposed to implement PPP on Dedicated Freight Corridors in 12th Plant.

A proposal is under consideration for Foreign Direct Invest-

ment (FDI) to foster creation of world class rail infrastructure.

The contracts for 100 Kms. of Civil Construction works have been awarded on Eastern and

Western Dedicated Freight Corridor are making good progress and another 1000 Kms. is proposed during 2014-15.

General Budget -2014-15 Hon’ble Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram presented General Budget 2014-15 in Parliament on 17th February, 2014.

year – while Rs.239.74 crore has been set aside for Youth Welfare Schemes as compared to Rs. 296.77 crore.

Following are the salient features of the General Budget.

10% surcharge will continue to impose on those whose taxable income exceeds Rs.1 crore per year.

The fiscal deficit is likely to be 4.6% of GDP. A Budgetary Support of Rs.29,000 Crore has been allocated to Railways for 201415 as compared to Rs.26,000 Crore during 2013-14.

Ministry of Home Affairs has been allocated Rs.59,387 crore during 2014-15. Besides, a Rs. 11,009 crore modernization plan has been approved to strengthen the capacity of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

Out of Rs.59,387 crore announced for the home ministry, Rs.789.09 crore has been earmarked for security related expenditure and Rs.600 crore for modernization of police forces.

Nearly Rs.2 crore will be spent on schemes relating to women’s safety in Delhi.

One Rank one promotion will be implemented prospectively for armed forces from 2014-15 with the government transferring of Rs. 500 crore to the defence pension account in the current fiscal to close the gap for all retirees (pre-2006 and post-2006) in all ranks.

Setting up of a venture capital fund for dalit entrepreneurs with an initial corpus of Rs.200 Crore announced.

Out of the total outlay to Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Rs.631.9 crore has been allocated for sports and games as against Rs.785.31 crore last

INDIAN RAIL WORKER

No change in direct taxes proposed during the financial year 2014-15.

On illegal offshore bank accounts held by Indians, the Government has launched prosecution against 17 cases for ‘willful tax evasion’ and detected information in 67 other cases.

Additional allocation of Rs.1,000 Crore to the “Nirbhaya Fund” for the security and empowerment of women to India’s Women’s bank increasing the total funds available to Rs.2,000 crore.

Cars, SUVs and two wheelers will become cheaper as the excise duty reduced on automobiles i.e.

6% on SUVs and 4% on Bikes, Scooters.

Excise duty on products ranging from vacuum cleaners to food mixers and microwaves will come down to 10% from the present 12%. Hence the domestic durables viz. TV, Video recorders, DVD players, CDs, VCDs, DVDs, Vacuum cleaners Refrigerators etc. will be cheaper.

Any service provided by cord blood banks for preservation of steam cells is exempted from service tax.

Four 500-MW solar power plants announced to set up during 2014-15.

Seven New Atomic Power

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Plants will be set during 2014-15.

Reduction in customs duty for non-edible oils announced which will impact the products like soaps etc.

The interest subsidy scheme on educational loans to those with outstanding loans taken prior to March, 2009 announced.

A provision of Rs.1,15,000 crore has been kept for Food subsidy during 2014-15.

Provision of Fuel subsidy for 2014-15 kept to Rs.65,000 crore.

Rs.628 Crores had been transferred for various programmes under the direct benefit transfer scheme.

Rs.3370 crore subsidy had been given to 2.1 crore cooking gas cylinder beneficiaries under the Aadhaar based direct benefit transfer scheme.

57,000 Crore New Aadhaar Card (Unique identification) had been issued during last year.

The power generation increased to 29350 M.W during 2013-14.

14 Crore people have been up lifted from poverty line.

Agitation Against Increase of Working Hours Reservation Clerks of South East Central Railway launched agitation under the banner of SECRMC protesting against the increase of working hours of reservation counters up to 10 P.M. The agitation was called off in view of assurance of South East Central Railway to seek Board’s decision on the revised counter working hours.

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Highly Successful Biennial General Meeting S.K. Chatterjee and Munindra Saikia Re-elected President & General Secretary Respectively 34th Biennial General Meeting of N. F. Railway Employees’ Union (NFREU) held at Alipurduar Jn, from 10 th February 2014 to 12 th February, 2014.More than six thousands of Railway employees from all over N. F. Railway participated spontaneously in the convention. The BGM was hosted by NFREU Divisional Council, APDJ Division under the able leadership of Shri Bijan Debroy, Vice President, NFREU, Jogindar Singh and Sri Sujit Misra.

Shri M. Raghavaiah, General Secretary, NFIR despite of his several important preoccupations attended the convention.

On 11th February, 2014 the Union Flag was hoisted by Shri Subir Kr Chatterjee, President, NFREU before the start of Working committee meeting. Shri M. Raghavaiah, General Secretary, NFIR inaugurated the working Committee. Shri Raghavaiah interacted with the General Body of the Union.

A colourful procession of Railwaymen and Women including the traditional culture of NE region sailed across Alipurduar town and Railway colonies. Thereafter the open session was started in the evening. The main speakers were Shri B. Sarker, Secretary Pradesh Congress Committee, West Bengal, Shri Mridul Goswami, Local MLA/ APDJ, Shri R S Virdhi, General Manager/NFR, Shri Chandrajit Saikia, CPO/NFR, Shri Munindra Saikia, General Secretary, N.F. Railway Employees Union and Shri M. Raghavaiah, General Secretary/ NFIR. Shri Munindra Saikia was critical in his speech particularly on NPS and the representation of the office bearers of other federation in the board of trusty. In the open session NFREU General Secretary Munindra Saikia, addressingly enlighten the august house with

INDIAN RAIL WORKER

various achievements and union activities and thanked all rank and files for extending their whole hearted cooperation.

Shri M. Raghavaiah in his long two and half hours speech explained the labour situation prevailing in Indian Railways and committed that the NFIR would leave no stone unturned to promote the causes of each and every category in Indian Railways. General Manager’s mother was also present in the open session for four hours.

She appreciated the functioning of the leaders of the NFREU. General Manager, in his speech congratulated NFREU for securing 1 st position in N.F.Railway in the last Secret Ballot Election for recognition of Trade Union. He also requested the leadership of NFREU, particularly, Shri Munindra Saikia to

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extend full cooperation for achievement of better productivity.

Further, he appreciated the union for maintaining sincere industrial relations between the labour and management. Shri Chandrajit Saikia, CPO/NFR expressed his satisfaction of the functioning of the NFREU and assured all cooperation for the cause of the Railwaymen. He also congratulated the union for securing 1 st position in the secret Ballot election. DRM/APDJ also spoke in the open session. Meeting was also attended by other Divisional Officers besides President & Secretary of NFRWWO/APDJ div.

Souvenir named ‘Ninad’ and a book on DAR compiled by Shri D M Neog/Div. Secretary/TSK were unveiled by GM/NFR and GS/ NFIR. On 12th Feb. a Women Convention

March , 2014

was held at 9.30 hrs. Several women employees spoked about their issues pertaining to their working condition and empowerment. More than 100 women employees participated in this programme. Women network formed and decided to have bimonthly meeting. The focus of the women convention was organizing women workers in the union.

Discussed about mapping of the women worker and research. Lots of emphasis was given on NFIR Slogan “Justice through equality”.

The adjourned Working Committee Meeting started after the women convention on 12th February 2014. The highest membership achieving branch of the Union of last year, KIR/T was felicitated by offering a trophy in the name of Late A.K. Deb Chowdhury, ex General Secretary, NFREU. Best branch in regard to organization, Guwahati Branch was offered a trophy in the name of Late. P. N. Kalita, ex President, N.F.Railway Employees’ Union. Also Shri Panay Dutta, Branch Secretary, NBQWS branch could beg the trophy of best branch Secretary in the name of Late M. M. Das ex branch Secretary Barpeta Road branch. Late M. M. Das while suffering from cancer shouldered the responsibilities of branch Secretary even during the trade union election in 2007, with full sincerity and devotion. Purnea Branch was awarded ‘Late Gopal Dey Trophy’ for highest percentage of membership.

Resolutions on the following were adopted.

Ban outsourcing and Privatization Improvement of safety standards and filling up of all safety categories vacancies immediately.

Improvement of safety related retirement scheme (LARSGESS).

Cadre restructuring without matching savings.

Improvement of running rooms Career growth with special package for Track Maintainer Improvement of conditions of

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Railway Quarters New posts for new assets Activating and energizing youth and women power

Elections In the elections for new body of NFREU, the following were elected.

S/Shri S.K. Chatterjee-President, Jitendra Singh, Bijan DebroyWorking Presidents, Manik Ch Dey, Pijush Majumder, Dilip Sarker- Vice Presidents, Munindra SaikiaGeneral Secretary, Sekhar DasWorking General Secretary, Partha Bhowmick, Diganta Kr Baruah, Vivekananda Chowdhury, Tridip Majumder- Jt. General Secretaries, Debasish Mukherjee, Rubul Baruah, Prakash Barman, P K Rastogi- Asstt.

General Secretaries, Kushal Kalita, Smt. Mita Debnath, Smt. Pranita Majumder, Krishna Goala, Jitu

Hazarika, Parvindar Singh Dhillon, Sujit Kr Mishra, Nayan Kr Barman, Rajnish Kumar, Chandan Das, Lakshmi Thakur, Prabir DebOrganizing Secretaries, Smt. Kasturi Dutta- Secretary, John Das-Treasurer.

The Railway employees of APDJ and the members present in the meeting from all over N.F.Railway were cherished & assured to work and strengthen the Organisation besides achieving number one position in Railways.

Passive Resistance Persistence and faith in one's mission, faith in the Supreme Power makes one humble and fearless.

- M.K. Gandhi

Para 303.2, chapter III of Indian Railway Vigilance Manual Amended Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) have amended Para 303.2 Chapter III of the Indian Railway Vigilance Manual in consonance with the instructions issued by the Department of Personnel and Training Vide their O.Ms No. 372/19/2011-AVD-III(Pt.I) dated 26.09.2011 and 11.06.2013 as per the Advance Correction Slip No.17 given below:Advance Correction Slip No.17 Indian Railways Vigilance Manual (2006 Edition) The existing para 303.2 in Chapter III of Indian Railways Vigilance Manual stands replaced by the following insertion: Para 303.2: (a) CBI has to take the Head of the concerned Department/Office into confidence, before taking up any inquiry or soon after starting the inquiry, as per circumstances of the case. This stipulation also applies in case of a search at the premises of an officer. (b) As regards officers of the rank of Joint Secretary, or above, the competent authority to grant and/or refuse permission for taking up any inquiry, i.e., (P.E) will be the concerned Minister-in-Charge. (i) The competent authority shall decide the matter within three months of receipt of request accompanied with relevant documents. (ii) The Competent authority will give a Speaking Order, giving reasons for its decision. (iii) In the event a decision is taken to refuse permission, the reasons thereof shall be put up to the next higher authority (viz. the Prime Minister in respect of officers in the rank of Joint Secretary or above) for information within one week of taking the decision.

(DoP&T’s OM dated 372/19/2011-AVD-III(Pt.I) and Pt.(III) dated 26.09.2011 and 11.06.2013) Ref: Railway Board’s letter No. 2012/V-1/CBI/1/2 dated 24.01.2014

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March , 2014

NFIR’s Memorandum to Rahul Gandhi on Social Protection to Licensed Porters N ational Federation of Indian Railwaymen (NFIR) sent a letter vide No.II/95/Pt.VI dated 11.02.2014 to Shri Rahul Gandhi, Vice President of All India Congress Committee (I), New Delhi to communicate Railway Minister to extend the social protection providing facilities to Licensed Porters of Indian Railways.

The letter is reproduced below: Facilities to Licensed Porters working on Indian Rlys. – reg.

At the outset, while introducing ourselves, Federation wishes to state that the National Federation of Indian Railwaymen (NFIR) came into existence consequent to a resolution passed in the Working Committee Meeting Indian National Congress on the intervention of former Prime Minister of India late Pandit Nehru with other veteran leaders of the Congress in the year 1948 with the aim to organise and bring the workers of Rail Industry in the form of one Federation with the affiliation of Congress.

NFIR wishes to convey that there are over 36 thousand Licensed Porters working at various stations on Indian Railways. These unfortunate poor workers are not protected by any labour laws. You may kindly recall that the former Railway Minister had announced the facility of one complimentary pass and medical facility for self and wife. These facilities are incomplete as the same do not cover the family members of these unfortunate workers. Apart from this these licensed porters also encounter following difficulties in their working :Change of Badge : As you are aware that the Licensed Porters perform hazardous duties in carrying luggage of the passengers.

With the passage of time and on reaching the advance age, there is no provision and their next generation is without job.

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Uniform, Stitching Charges and Washing Allowance : The Licensed Porters deserve to be provided with standard quality cloth of Uniform with stitching charges and payment of suitable amount as Washing Allowance due to their low income.

change badge, uniform with stitching charges and mechanism for rates of remuneration in respect of these unfortunate workers who have been working on the Railway Stations of Indian Rly. throughout the Country.

Mechanism for revision of remuneration rates : Federation is disappointed in conveying that there is no procedure/mechanisms for revising the rates of remuneration for changing from the travelling public for the low paid worker.

We trust that you would be kind enough to consider the fair and just demand of these workers and would communicate suitable instructions to the Railway Minister for extension of above facilities.

May we request you to kindly communicate to the Railway Minister to extend the facilities of Complimentary Pass and free medical facilities to the dependent family members of the Licensed Porters besides providing facility of

Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of true democratic spirit.

-M.K. Gandhi

Reply to NFIR’s letter In reply to NFIR’s letter No. I/12/Pt.III dated 08.11.2013 regarding recognition of corporate hospitals for referral facility for treatment of Railway employees (serving & retired), Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) has clarified the position vide letter No.2014/H-1/11/19/ 1/ NFIR dated 24th Jan., 2014 which is reproduced below: “Sub: Recognition of corporate hospitals for referral facility for treatment of Railway employees (serving & retired) – reg.

Please refer to your Federation’s letter dated 08.11.2013 on the above mentioned subject.

In this regard, it is submitted that Zonal Railways empanel private hospitals on the need basis to refer Railway patients for the treatment of the diseases for which facilities are not available at Railway hospitals. To select a private hospital for empanelment a committee of three doctors is constituted at the Zonal level which inspects at least 3 to 4 private hospitals of same level and recommends a private hospital for empanelment based on the infrastructure, facilities, rates and distance from the Railway Hospital. After recommending a private hospital for empanelment a proposal is prepared based on the check list by Chief Medical Director which is concurred by Finance and after getting the approval from General Manager of the Railway proposal is sent to Board’s office for empanelment of the hospital. Thus, Railway Board considers only those private hospitals for empanelment which are recommended by the Zonal Railways. Hence, Railway Board has already given a greater autonomy to the Zonal Rly. for empanelment of private hospitals.

I hope you will appreciate the position.”

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Minutes of the Meeting held between Railway Board & Federations (AIRF and NFIR) on 07-02-2014 A Meeting by Railway Board with Federations (AIRF and NFIR) was held on 07.02.2014 in the Committee Room, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi on the issues listed in the Charter of Demands raised by the Federations. S/Shri Guman Singh, President, M. Raghavaiah, Genl. Secretary and R.P. Bhatnagar, Working President, NFIR participated in the meeting. The Minutes are given below: New Pension Scheme : Federations opposed parallel existence of two sets of Pension Schemes for Railwaymen. They brought out that the New Pension Scheme has not been made applicable to the Defence Forces as well as the Para-military forces under MHA. They further brought out that the working of the Railwaymen is totally different than that of other Ministries of the Government of India. The NPS is causing great amount of discontentment amongst some 4.5 lakhs Railway Employees, who have joined the Railways after 1-1-2004 So, this needs to be withdrawn.

From the Official Side, it was agreed that a letter would be written from the MR to the Finance Minister.

Necessary material/justification may also be furnished by the Federations for the proposed reference, so as to jointly draft a letter within a week. Federations agreed to this.

(2) LARSGESS (a) Inclusion of additional categories as demanded by the Federations: After discussions that the 5 (five) categories viz., Electrical Power Staff, Track Machine staff, Bride staff, TRD, and PWI Khalasis working on track, also impact Safety on the Railways, it was agreed to include these categories in LARSGESS.

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(b) Quarter retention by wards of Railway employees appointed under LARSGESS: After discussions, it was agreed that quarters occupied by the employees taking VRS under the LARSGESS Scheme may be allowed retention of accommodation in the name of only those wards who are eligible for the same type of accommodation, and for others, the wards may be considered for a fresh allotment as per their entitlement on out of turn basis. (c) Federations desired that stipulation of 20 years service in the safety post for LARSGESS entitlement to be reviewed. It was agreed to re-examine it.

(3)Upgradation of apex level Group ‘C’ posts to Group ‘B’: Matter has already been referred to MOF/DOP&T. MS and FC will pursue with Secretary, Ministry of Finance and DOP&T to resolve the matter urgently.

acceptance, would be identified by the Federations and will be discussed separately with MS and FC after the Budget Session.

Thereafter, the issues would be taken up by FC and MS in meetings with Secretaries of DOP&T and MOF. (b) Federations expressed disappointment over the wrong clarification issued vide Board’s letter No. PC-V/2009/ACP/2 dated 13-12-2012 (RBE No. 142/2012) for denying the benefit of MACPs to the staff and urged upon the Railway Board to cancel the said clarification.

A copy of the letter dated 13-12-2012 was given by Federation for taking action. CRB and MS agreed to look into the matter.

Running Staff issues : On the pending issues of running staff, it was agreed to form a Joint Committee where both Federations will be involved, which will deliberate on various running staff issues. The Committee will function in a time bound manner.

(4) Career Progression of Trackmen-Percentage distribution of posts of Track Maintainers :

As regards the issue of Loco Inspectors, the 6 (six) zones viz., Central, South Central, WCR, ECoR, NWR and NE Railway may also implement without delay.

It was agreed that the percentage distribution of posts in the ratio of 6:12:22:60 as per minutes of the separate meeting held on 27-9-2013 would be implemented for which matching surrender would not necessarily be from the Trackmen cadre only. Further, improvement in cadre structure could be considered after reasonable period of residency has elapsed. However, the matching surrender shall be needed.

Cadre Restructuring – Implementation difficulty :

MACP Anomalies : Specific issues of MACP and DAC where we have strong case for

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It was decided that this issue would be discussed in a meeting of CPOs and FA&CAOs so as to expedite implementation.

Absorption of Quasi Administrative Staff : It was agreed that this issue would be discussed with the Federations separately.

Poor Maintenance Railway Colonies:

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Federations brought out in great

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detail that there is an urgent need to improve the state of Rly. Colonies.

It was agreed to provide funds for their up-keep in the next Budget.

Better Health Care: The Federations brought out the need to have better medical facilities for Railwaymen. They suggested that Mobile Medical Vans be made available so that staff can avail medical facility in remote /roadside stations. Staff Side also demanded that period of CMP should be increased from 8 to 10 years and hospital should be provided with specialists.

It was agreed to look into the same.

For the other issues raised by the Federations, it was agreed to constitute a Fast Track Committee in association with both the General Secretaries so that those issues can also be resolved in a time bound manner.

The meeting ended with a Vote of Thanks.

Incentives to National Championship in Rifle and Pistol Events T he Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) have decided that for the purpose of recruitment against sports quota and for granting incentives to Railway sportspersons as per Board’s Policy letter No. 2010/ E(sports)/4(1)/1 (Policy) dated 31.12.2010, on the basis of performance in the National Shooting Championship Competitions, the “National Championship” will only be considered as a recognized category. Hence, “Civilian Championship” is not a recognized category for the said purposes.

Ref: Railway Board's letter No. 2013/E(Sports)/4(1)/1/Policy clarification dated 6-1-2014.

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S.C. Rly. Employees' Co-op. Credit Society Ltd., Secunderabad (Regd. No. 1548 Estt. 1923)

This Society is the biggest Multi State Cooperative Credit Society in Andhra Pradesh, catering the needs of the shareholders on the entire South Central Railway.

The Society is offering the following Schemes for the welfare of its shareholders.

I. Quantum of Loans: (Rate of Interest 6% ) Service upto 5 Yrs. 5 basic sub. max. Rs. 60,000/Service over 5 Yrs. & upto 15 Yrs. 7 basic sub. max. Rs. 80,000/Service over 15 Yrs. 10 basic sub. max. Rs. 90,000/CMTD assets Rs. 30,000 & above 10 basic sub. max. Rs. 1,00,000/Gaz. Officers 10 basic sub. max. Rs. 1,50,000/II. Special Loans : (Rate of Interest 7.5%) If CMTD If CMTD If CMTD If CMTD holdings below holding holding holding Rs. 40,000 Rs. 40,000 Rs. 60001 Rs. 80001 to 60,000 to 80,000 & above Loan Sanction Rs. 80,000 1,10,000 1,20,000 1,30,000 III. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE : (one time only)

AIDS Amputation of legs above knee cap Brain Operation Cancer : Rs. 6,000/Amputation of both legs : Rs. 4,000/Heart Surgery Kidney Operation Orthopaedic Operation (major) : Rs. 3000/Amputation of one hand above elbow : Rs. 2500/- Paralysis Amputation of hands Below elbow Gynic Operation Abdominal operation Amputation of one leg below knee cap Spinal Cord operation : Rs. 2000/-.

IV. MUTUAL BENEFIT FUND : Rs. 30,000/- will be paid as Death Benefit.

V. SURETY RELIEF FUND : Relieve Sureties for payment of borrowers liability in case of Death of the Borrower while in service.

VI. Retirement Benefit Fund : Min. Rs. 1000/- Max. Rs. 3000/VII. Book Bank : Books for Tech, Inter, Degree, PG and professional courses worth upto Rs. 3000/- for two children of a shareholder.

VIII.Educational Scholarships : (Eligible only one ward of the Shareholder who continues further studies)

SSC Courses : Rs. 600/- SSC (Merit, marks above 80%) : Rs. 1000/Intermediate : Rs. 600/- Degree : Rs. 600/- Degree (Merit marks above 80% (final year) : Rs. 1000/Technical (ITI) & Diploma courses : Rs. 600/PG, Engg and Medical Courses : Rs. 1000/Engg. Medical and PG Courses Ward of Shareholders in PB-I and grade pay upto Rs. 2800/- : Rs. 1500/-.

IX. CASH AWARDS TO SPORTS PERSONS : (i) Rs. 1000/- for National & International Achievements (ii) Rs. 500/- for State Level achievement.

FIXED DEPOSIT SCHEME : Re-Investment Plan (RIP) Term 12 months 9.00% Term 24 months 9.50% Term 36 months 10.50% Minimum Deposit Rs. 5000 and additional deposits accepted in multiples of Rs. 5000/- Maturity value Deposit Amt. 12 Months @ 9.00% 24 Months @ 9.50% 36 Months @ 10.50% 5,000 5,466 6,033 6,817 10,000 10,932 12,066 13,634 25,000 27,330 30,165 34,085 50,000 54,660 60,330 68,170 1,00,000 1,09,320 1,20,660 1,36,340 Special Benefit : Interest rates are higher than offered by Banks No Tax

Deduction at Source on interest on income received as per Sec. 194(A) of I.T Act 1961 Safety for your money SCR ECCS Ltd., is a 86 year old organization and certified as 'A' Class Society by the Registrar of Co-operative Societies SCR ECCS Ltd has strong financial base and sound growth record.

Note : The Board of Management is proposed to enhance the General Loans shortly and it will be intimated to all the shareholders.

Implementation of NEFT :- It is to inform all the shareholders that S.C. Rly. Employees Co-operative Credit Society is the first society in Indian Railway Sector to implement the National Electronic Fund Transfer for disbursement of loans.

PS Perumal, Managing Director 9

M.Rukmini, Asst. Secretary

March , 2014

Minutes of the Meeting held on 04.02.2014 with the Representatives of Staff Side, NC(JCM) on Pensionary Matters The Minutes of the meeting with the representatives of Staff Side, National Council (JCM) on Pensionary Matters under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Pension, AR & PLG) on 04.02.2014 at Lok Nayak Bhawan, New Delhi is reproduced below. B.C. Sharma, General Secretary, URMU participated from NFIR as NC (JCM) Staff Side Member.

Secretary (Pension, AR&PG) chaird a meeting with the representatives of Staff Side, National Council (JCM) on 4-2-2014 to discuss various issues relating to pension and other retirement benefits.

Secretary (Pension, AR&PG) welcomed the participants and appreciated the contributions of the pensioners and the JCM towards welfare of the pensioners.

The meeting started with a discussion on the Action Taken Report on the minutes of the meeting held on 28-5-2013. (i) Ex-gratia payment to SRPF/ CPF beneficiaries who retired other than on the superannuation, i.e. voluntary retirement and medical invalidation cases.

It was decided that with the issue of necessary instructions vide DoP&PW OM No. 41/26/2010P&PW(E) dt. 25th/26th June, 2013 and Ministry of Railways letter no 2012/F(E)-III/4(1)/4 dt. 15-7-2013, the matter may be treated as closed.

Copies of the orders were distributed during the meeting. (Action : Ministry of Railways and DoPPW) (ii) Abnormal delay in the issue of revised PPO to Pre-2006 retirees, pensioners/family pensioners. (a) CPAO Informed that as on date approximately 65,000 cases were pending for revision. The cases were pending on account of missing information and documentary evidence of date of birth/death etc.

Secretary(P), requested the Staff Side

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to extend all possible assistance to fill in the gaps in information. Cases may be publicised in Pensioners Magazines. CPAO should segregate cases Ministry wise and category wise.

Ministries/Departments having more than 100 pending cases may be called for meeting by CPAO and DoPPW.

for revision of 1/3rd restored pension by multiplying the pre-revised 1/3rd restored pension by afactor of 2.26, if it is more beneficial than the revised restored 1/3rd pension arrived at in terms of DoPPW's OM dt. 15-92008. The matter may therefore be treated as closed.

(b) Ministry of Railways informed that as on date approximately 90,000 PPOs are left for revision.

Secretary (Pension) appreciated the efforts made by Ministry of Railways in revision of PPOs, as over 90% cases have been disposed of till date.

He also advised the Railways to explore the possibility of making a centralised portal for the Pensioners and to provide extra manpower wherever there is shortage. Bimonthly meetings may be convened at the Railway Board with all zones and a monthly progress report be sent to Doppw. Jcm members were requested to send details of cases where family pension has not been revised since 1986 as stated by them.

Target date : 30th Sept., 2014

(a) Revision of old/new commutation table and, (b) Restoration of commutation period to be reduced from 15 to 12 years.

(c) Ministry of Defence. It was informed revised PPOs have been issued for 10.5 lakh out of 18.7 lakh cases. These included cases of Defence Civilians. Bifurcation of figures of the Ex-Servicemen and Defence Civilians may be made available to this Department. Target date : 30th Sept., 2014.

(Action : CPAO, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Defence and DoPPW). (iii) Fixation of Revised Pension (1/3rd of commuted portion of pension) in respect of Government servant who had drawn lump sum payment on absorption - revision by multiplying pre revised 1/3rd pension by afactor of 2.26.

It was informed that the orders have been issued vide OM No. 4/ 30/2010 -P&PW(D) dated 11-7-2013

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(iv) Commutation of Pension

As regards (a) :- It was informed to the Staff Side that the Government has requested IRDA to undertake a study on the new commutation table As regards (b) :- The Government has not agreed to the reduction of commutation period from 15 to 12 years. This matter may therefore be closed.

3. (i) Equitable Gratuity under Rule 50 of Pension Rules. Slabs are too wide leading to disparity.

The JCM (Staff Side) had stated that slab for 5 years to 20 years of service was too wide leading to inequities and should be broken up into two separate slabs for service upto 11 years and upto 20 years.

The meeting was informed that the Department of Expenditure vide ID note dated 9-12-2013 have said that no recommendations have been made by the 5th & 6th Pay Commissions in this regard. Therefore, the proposal of revision of slabs cannot be agreed to.

However, in view of the concern expressed by the JCM members, Secretary (Pension) directed that the matter be taken up once again with the Depatment of Expenditure.

(Action: DoPPW) No fresh agenda had been proposed.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair.

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TTEs Rest House – Rly. Board Reply to NFIR Sub: Feedback received from Zonal Railways in response to CRB’s Directives regarding review of existing arrangement in TTEs Rest House.

Kind attention is drawn to the discussion on item No. 13/2011, on provisions of Cooking facilities in Rest Houses meant for ticket checking staff, held during the course of PNM Meeting in Board Office on 30-01-2014 during which it was desired that feedback received from zonal Railway's in response to CRB's Directives in respect of improvement of existing arrangement in TTEs Rest House may be apprised to Federation.

The feedback has so far been received from six zonal Railways and the same has been summarized as under: Railway : East Coast Action taken Report Renovation works at Vishakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Khurda Road stations have been undertaken.

Divisions have been asked to recoup deficiencies such as inadequacy of beds, provision of catering facilities.

Committee at Divisional level consisting of Senior DCM, Senior DEN and Senior DEE has been formed to inspect the TTE Rest Rooms and take corrective action to comply directives of Board.

A similar Committee has been formed at HQ level consisting of CCM(C&PS), CGE and CESE for monitoring the progress of planned work periodically.

Railway : North Eastern Action taken Report Rly. is viewing deficiencies found in TTEs Rest Houses seriously for carrying out renovation/ improvement made in TTEs Rest Houses from time to time.

To ensure availability of various facilities in TTEs Rest Houses, a Committee consisting of CCM (Catering and Passenger

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Service), CEE/HQ and CGE at Headquarter level and at Divisional Level, Senior DCM, Senior DEN and Senior DEE have been formed. Instructions have been reiterated for conducting inspections to above mentioned Committee.

The SAG Committee at Headquarter Level inspected the TTEs Rest House on 14-5-2003 at Chapra and suggested remedial measures to rectify the deficiencies as detected.

Railway : North Western Action taken Report Special efforts have been made to improve the facilities at TTEs Rest Houses on this railway. The required facilities wherever necessary have been provided.

An imprest of Rs. 20,000 have also been sanctioned to TTEs Rest House/Delhi for its upkeep, maintenance and smooth functioning.

30 beds from ZRTI/UDZ have been supplied to TTE Rest House/Delhi.

Indent of 30 more beds have been placed to make good the deficiencies in TTEs Rest Houses on JP Division.

12 new beds are being made available at JU TTE Rest House.

Head Quarter Officers are inspecting TTEs Rest Houses and making efforts to improve further various facilities.

Railway : South Central Action taken Report Railway has advised that there is no deficiencies in facilities provided in TTEs Rst Houses on their railway.

Supply of mineral water cans is being arranged to the TTEs Rest Houses at few locations over Guntakal Division as there is shortage of water.

DRM/GTL has also been advised to find space for dining hall at nearby location of TTEs Rest

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House at Tirupati.

Catering facilities by engaging outside agency has not been provided.The requirement of catering facilities are being provided through platform stalls and cell kitchens.

Railway review existing arrangement in TTEs Rest Houses and upgrade/improve the facilities to match the requirement of TTEs. Railway : South East Central Action Taken Report Committee of Ticket Checking staff have been provided at all Division at South East Central Railway.

Regular inspections are being done by inspectors and officers of the Divisions at Bilaspur, Durg anbd Gondia.

One additional room with capacity to accommodate 4 beds has been taken over at KTE of Jabalpur Division.

An additional rest room KRBA has been taken over at Bilaspur Division.

One new building has been taken over at Anupur of Bilaspur Division.

TTE Rest House has been shifted to subordinate rest room due to renovation at Raipur.

Railway : Western Action Taken Report At four locations, Mumbai central, Bandra Terminus, Surat and Nandurbar provisions have been made for catering arrangement by having a tie-up with existing Jan Ahar/RR. At other locations, BRC, ADI, NBHUJ, GIM, BLD, RTM,UJN, NAD, COR, IND, RJT, HAPA, JAM, OKHA and PBR Catering Stall, Refreshment Room, Trolley are meeting the requirement of catering.

JAG and SAG level Committee have been formed at Divisional and Headquarter level to oversee Contd. on 14

March , 2014

Withdrawal of New Pension Scheme – NFIR’s Communication to Railway Board E xtract of GS/NFIR’s Note to Railway Board for withdrawal of New Pension Scheme and continuance of Liberalized Pension Scheme is given below. This Note of NFIR is as a follow up action to the meeting held between the Railway Board and the Federations under the Chairmanship of CRB on 7 th February, 2014.

Extract of Note Why Liberalised Pension is required Indian Railways is one of the largest Railway systems in the World and is fully owned and operated by the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board), Government of India. It plays a significant role in driving economic growth of the country, offering highly affordable, environment-friendly transportation of passengers and freight specially bulk commodities across the country and also for rapid movement of Army, para-military forces and their connected artillery and military hardware to the Nation’s borders.

The role of Indian Railways thus cannot be undermined under any circumstances.

Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) introduced Pension System exclusively for Railway employees who entered Railway service on 16th November 1957. These rules were subsequently modified as Railway Services (Pension) Rules 1993 and Railway Services (Extraordinary) Pension Rules 1993. It is also worthmentioning that the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of DS Nakara and Others V/s Union of India (AIR-1983-SC-130) gave following verdict:“Pension is neither a bounty nor a grace bestowed by the sweet will of the employer but is a payment for the past services rendered. It was construed as a right step towards socio-economic justice and

INDIAN RAIL WORKER

a concrete assurance to the effect that the employee in his old age is not left in the lurch.”

The New Pension Scheme introduced by the Government of India has not been made applicable to the following:(a) Personnel in Armed Forces, (b) Personnel working in ParaMilitary establishments, (c) The State Governments of West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura through their executive instructions consciously decided to continue with the liberalized pension scheme to their employees and not to adopt new pension scheme.

Justification for scrapping the New Pension Scheme:3.1 Unique Railway working: 3.1.1 Federation wishes to invite attention to the fact that the working of Indian Railway is totally different and distinct as compared to other Departments of the Central Government. Even during the colonial period, the Railways was conceived and operated as an auxiliary wing of the Army, primarily because of its nature of work rendered round the clock, 365 days in the year facing extremely tough working conditions in all seasons may be extreme hot, cold or torrential rains and its welldefined role in rapid movement of troops across the Indian subcontinent, more particularly on the borders when the Rly. employees are exposed to the peculiar situations. It is also worth-mentioning that though the Indian Army fights war once in two/three decades, Railway employees are required to face warlike conditions/situations in their day to day work - may be due to derailment, accidents breaches, bandhs, civil disobedience movements besides providing back up support for Army by ensuring speedy rail movement.

12

In support of the above contention, NFIR wishes to bring to the notice following excerpts from the Report of “The Railway Safety Review Committee, 1998” (Part-I) headed by Retired Judge of the Supreme Court (Justice HR Khanna) where the Committee has observed as under:“During the colonial period, the Railways was conceived and operated as an auxiliary wing of the Army, primarily because it provided the transport muscle that enabled rapid movement of troops across the Indian sub-continent.

There was, however, another less visible but important reason for the close linkage with the Army. The colonizers realized that the Railways, by virtue of its complex nature, required a high degree of discipline and efficiency to be able to perform its role as the prime transport mode. This, in turn, meant a system of working more closely allied to the Armed Forces than the sometimes lax civilian forms. Thus historically, Indian Railways (IR) has functioned differently from other Government Institutions.”

Justice Khanna has therefore observed in the report that it is not only unrealistic but also dangerous to treat the Railways and its problems on par with other Government departments which has unfortunately been the case with the Indian Railways post independence.

3.1.2 Indian Railways is quite unique in its working and distinctive in character. A lot of challenges are required to e faced to make the railway system safe, reliable, efficient and capable of fulfilling the needs of not only of common public through transportation of passengers and other products like Iron ore, minerals, food-grains etc. but also ensuring safety of the country by reaching the border areas. During the course of performance of duties

March , 2014

a number of Railway employees lose their lives and also sustains injuries like Military and para-military forces. The report submitted by the High Level Safety Review Committee, comprising of Technocrats and Specialists in the field led by eminent scientist Dr Anil Kakodkar had highlighted following figures in respect of railway employees vis-àvis passengers/general public killed and injured during the year 2007/08 to 2011:(a) Railway employees - Killed : 1600, Injured : 8700 (b) Passenger/Public - Killed : 1019, Injured : 2110 (c) Unmanned Level crossing Killed : 723, Injured : 690 The above position is sufficient to prove that the working of Railway staff cannot be treated as less arduous than the Military and Paramilitary personnel and there is need that Railway employees are exempted from the application of New Pension Scheme, presently called National Pension System and the Railway employees should continued to be governed by the Liberalized Pension Scheme called as Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 1993 and or Railway Services (Extraordinary Pension) Rules, 1993.

3.2 Uniqueness of Indian Railways and the crucial role of railway employees for providing efficient services:There are only two things which moves uninterruptedly, one is ‘Wall Clock’ and the other is Indian Railways. There are certain factors which epitomizes Indian Railways as Unique such as hazards induced by job environments, working conditions and capital health which are totally uncommon. These conditions prevail only in Armed Forces, Rigorous medical standards, periodic updating of skills, workforce to prepare itself to match with changed technological upgradation-Unique to Railways.

Railway employees job profile

INDIAN RAIL WORKER

have built in integration of performance-cum-safety, execution-cum-self certification besides extended duty hours demanded by critical operational regime, Like Armed Forces, the Railway employees are expected to remain at their Headquarters/ Stations even while availing periodic rest and they should report to duty in emergency and in the event of any untoward eventuality. Without prior permission they cannot leave Headquarters even during Rest Day. This system is not prevailing in any other Central Government Organization, Even when they avail leave, they are expected to give the ‘address on leave’ facilitating the Railway management to summon them to take up duty at a short notice.

This is akin to that of Armed Forces.

Railway employees are expected to rise to the occasion in the event of any crisis like accidents, floods, sabotage etc even while on leave and assist the system.

The above provisions are in-built in various Rules laid down by the Railways.

3.3 Uniqueness in the duties: The uniqueness in performing the duties of railway employees which are unmatched & second to none, is that the employee has to continue on duty and to wait for his reliever to take charge and he is not expected to leave the post although duty hours are complete unless and until his reliever reports and takes charge, e.g. Train Controller, Station Master, Electric Signal Maintainer, Technical staff, Loco Pilots, Guards etc. Thus their nature of duties are akin to that of defence personnel.

3.4 Exposed to Risks :While performing duties whether running the trains, maintaining Tracks/S&T assets, attending to under-gears of the rolling stock the staff sneak in

13

between two rails for ensuring train formations fit to run.

Continuously work under open Sky, in remote/jungle areas facing inclement weather conditions, susceptible to air pollution and high decibel noise which are unique so far as hazardous working conditions faced by vast majority of railway employees similar to the conditions faced by army personnel during war time, Vast majority of Railway employees work at remote places, jungle areas and road side stations where number of amenities do not exist – this is similar to that of Defence forces, Nature of Railwaymen’s working is against cultural harmony, biological clock i.e. round the clock working in shifts, continuously night duties resulting into irregular living like that of military/paramilitary personnel.

Railway employees are exposed to anti-social elements in the course of performing duties which is also unique to the Railway System similar to the situations faced by para-military staff, Railway employees are liable for criminal prosecution in case if accidents as their nature of duties are connected with the movement of trains round the clock with high safety standards while ensuring punctuality – a peculiar situation which is not faced by the staff of any other Ministry/Department of Central Government, The duties of Railway employees are strenuous as Indian Railways is an operational transportation network. Continuous stress and strain in the course of performing duties has been resulting in health hazards like Hyper-tension, diabetes, Ulcer, Cardiac problems leading to premature deaths, medical invalidation at a scale larger than Armed/para-military forces. It is reported that the number of deaths while on duty

March , 2014

or in service or on leave/sick is nearly 10000 per annum. This alarming number of deaths is due to various difficult working conditions.

Rail work force are expected to possess quick reflexes like that of armed forces for ensuring best services to the customers.

Indian Railways’ Resources Indian Railways have their own budget. Dedicated and devoted services of Railway employees is a real contributing factor for running this important transportation system. The earnings generated by the Indian Railways due to continued efficient services of all the categories of employees have not only resulted in substantial earnings but also made I.R., to meet the expenditure towards staff wages, allowances, pension liabilities etc., thus capable to absorb these commitments from its own resources.

Healthy Industrial relations The country as well as the Indian Railways should feel proud of its work force which has been working relentlessly for providing satisfactory services to the Customer.

Healthy Industrial Relations have been built by pursuing mutual trust and co-operation among the staff of all categories as well as the management during the last 39 years. Not a single man-day has been lost on employees account during the period of four decades in the Railways due to disciplined work culture inbuilt among the employees. The New Pension Scheme has unfortunately resulted into disappointment and frustration among railway employees. This needs to be removed for ensuring equal justice to all employees irrespective of their date of appointment whether they are pre 01/01/2004 or post 01/01/2004.

Withdrawal of New Pension Scheme in Railways would generate good industrial relations and contribute for improved efficiency and best operating ratio.

(M.Raghavaiah) General Secretary NFIR

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Transport Allowance to Deaf and Dumb Employees M inistry of Finance O.M. No. 21(2)/2011-E.II(B) dated 20 th February, 2014, addressed to the Asstt. Registrar, Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, New Delhi and copy endorsed to Shri M. Raghavaiah, General Secretary, NFIR together with O.M. No. 21(2)/2011-E.II(B) dt.

19th Feb., 2014 is reproduced below: Sub: Grant of Transport Allowance to Central Government Employees – Extension of benefit of Transport Allowance at double the Normal Rates to Deaf and Dumb Employees – Implementation of the Order of the Apex Court – regarding.

I AM DIRECTED TO REFER TO YOUR LETTER No. 738/2011/PIL/ WRIT dated 17/19 December, 2013, forwarding therewith a certified copy of the Order dated 12 th December, 2013 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 107/2011 of Deaf Employees Welfare Association & Another v/s Union of India & Others, for compliance. In compliance of the said Judgement of the Apex Court, necessary orders have been issued vide this Ministry’s O.M. of even number dated 19-022014 (Copy enclosed) and circulated to All Ministries/Departments of the Govt. of India as well as uploaded on the Website of this Ministry (http://finmin.nic.in). This may please be taken on record.

Copy of O.M. No.21(2)/2011E.II(B) dated 19.02.2014 Sub: Grant of Transport Allowance to Central Government Employees – Extension of benefit of Transport Allowance at double the Normal Rates to Deaf and Dumb Employees – Implementation of the Order of the Apex Court – regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to Order dated 12th December, 2013 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 107/2011 of Deaf Employees Welfare Association & Another v/s

14

Union of India & others, and to say that in compliance of the said judgement of the Apex Court, it has been decided to extend the benefit of Transport Allowance, as admissible to blinds and orthopedically handicapped employees in terms of para 2 (i) of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure O.M. No. 21(2)/2008-E.II(B) dated 29th August, 2008, to deaf and dumb employees of the Central Government also, with immediate effect, subject to the condition that the recommendation of the Head of ENT Department of a Government civil Hospital is received by the Head of Department and fulfillment of other conditions mentioned in Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure O.M. No. 19029/1/78-E.IV(B) dt. 31st August, 1978 read with O.M. dt. 29.08.2008.

In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, this order issues in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

TTEs Rest House....

Contd. from...11 the function of TTEs Rest Houses and to ensure the maintenance of facilities.

At ADI assessment is being made to convert the non-AC Dormitory to TTE Rest House and increase the number of beds for Non-AC Dormitory by restricting the existing Non AC Retiring Room.

Assessment is being made for new location for TTEs Rest House at New Bhuj and GIM. Pest control treatment have been awarded to M/S Swastick Enterprise of ADI. All beds and cots replaced at TTE Rest Houses at RTM. Other Zonal Railways i.e.

Central, Eastern, East Central, Northern, North Central, Northeast Frontier, Southern, South Eastern, South Western and West Central Railways have been asked to furnish the report on the action taken to improve the facilities at TTEs Rest House at the earliest.

March , 2014

Reckoning Additional Allowance as Pay – Railway Board’s Reply to NFIR “Sub: Reckoning of Additional Allowance as pay for all purposes including computation of retirement benefits – running staff, PNM/NFIR Item No. 8/2011.

Ref: Your Letter No. NFIR/6 th CPC/Main/10/Pt.9 dt. 18-11-2013.

The issue of reckoning of Additional Allowance granted to Loco Pilot (Mail), Loco Pilot (Passenger) & Mail Guard for the purpose of computation of retirement benefits was taken up with the Ministry of Finance. Ministry of Finance while disagreeing with the proposal had given the following comments:(i) “The Additional Allowance which is being paid to the Loco Pilots is by way of Special Pay. The special pay has ceased to be reckoned for the purpose of calculation of pensionary benefits after 01/01/1986. the 5th CPC had also recommended that special pay should be re-designated as special allowance and this addition to pay should be sue generic and should not be reckoned for any other benefit such as dearness allowance, HRA, Compensatory Allowances, Pension, Gratuity etc.” (ii)“Payment of Dearness Allowance on Additional Allowance is a specific recommendation of the 6th Central Pay Commission. However, the Additional Allowance would not be reckoned for the purpose of calculation of pensionary benefits of the categories of running staff eligible for this Allowance.”

Meanwhile, based on the demands of Staff Federations a separate proposal regarding promotional pay fixation in the various situations of promotion in same pay band and Grade pay was take up with Ministry of Finance.

Ministry of Finance had however expressed their disinclination to the same observing that – in the case of Running Staff, although the same Grade Pay has been granted to

INDIAN RAIL WORKER

different posts, a separate allowance, which counts for DA has been granted.

However, on persistent persuasion by Ministry of Railway on the ground that Additional Allowance counts only for DA and not for other benefits and that the same is based on specific recommendations of 6 th CPC, Ministry of Finance have agreed for allowing benefit of promotional pay fixation in specific situations of promotion in the same pay band/Grade pay concerning Running Staff.

Accordingly, orders have already been issued vide letter No. PC-VI/ 2011/IC/1 dated 12.09.2013 (Copy enclosed). Keeping in view the position detailed above, there is no justification or scope for pursuing the matter for reckoning of Additional Allowance as pay for all purposes including computation of retirement benefits.

Copy of letter No.PC-VI/2011/ IC/1 dated 12.09.2013.

Sub: Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008Clarification regarding fixation of pay under rule 13 on functional promotions in various situations where feeder and promotional posts have been placed in the same Pay band and Grade Pay and where merger is not feasible.

Both the Federations i.e. AIRF and NFIR have taken up the issue in various fora regarding admissibility of notional increment as per rule 13 (i) of the Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 in the situations of promotions in identical revised pay structure (viz. same Grade Pay and Pay Band) consequent upon implementation of recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission.

2. Prior to notification of RS (RP) Rules, 2008 (effective from 1.1.2006),

15

fixation of pay in the cases of promotion etc. was governed by the provisions of Railway Fundamental Rules as contained in Indian Railway Establishment Code Vol. II viz. Rule 1313 (FR22)(1)(a)(1) read with sub Rule (III) thereof.

Consequent upon deliberations with recognized staff Federations at different fora and consultation with Ministry of Finance/DOPT, fixation of pay under Rule 1313 (FR22) (1)(a)(1)R-II was extended in certain situations of promotion from one post to another in identical pay scale as an exception to general rules.

3. Fixation of pay on promotion in revised pay structure on or after 1.1.2006 is governed by Rule 13 of Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008. As a consequence of implementation of recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission, various pre-revised scales have been merged and got replaced by same revised pay structure (same Pay Band and Grade Pay) leading to merger of corresponding posts as indicated in the footnotes of Board’s letter No. PC VI/1/RSRP/1 dated 11.9.2008 (as further supplemented/ modified from time to time).

However, there are certain specific situations on the Railways wherein it has not been feasible to merge the feeder and promotional posts placed in same revised pay structure (same Pay Band and Grade Pay) and such categories continue to be operated as separate categories. Further, these posts are part of normal promotional hierarchy of the employee (i.e. other than the situations arising due to movement of the employee to another cadre in same revised pay structure through option), movement involves assumption of duties and responsibilities of greater importance and benefit of promotional increment was available even prior to implementation of revised pay structure vide RS(RP) Rules 2008.

4.Various situations of the

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S.No.

Feeder Category

Promotional category

Revised Pay structure (Pay Band / Grade Pay)

1.

Chief Matron

Assistant Nursing Officer

PB3 GP Rs.5400

2.

Sr. Technician

Jr. Engineer

PB2 GP Rs.4200

3.

(i)Loco Pilots(Goods)

(i)Loco Pilots(Passenger)

PB-2 GP Rs.4200

(ii)Loco Pilots(Passenger)

(ii)Loco Pilots(Mail/Exp.)

PB-2 GP Rs.4200

(iii)Passenger Guard

(iii)Mail/Express Guard

PB-2 GP Rs.4200

Sr.P.W.Supervisor

Jr. Engineer

PB2 GP Rs.4200

4.*

nature as above have been under examination in consultation with Ministry of Finance and Department of personnel and training and accordingly President is pleased to decide that the benefit of promotional pay fixation as per the provisions of Rule 13(i) of RS(RP) Rules, 2008 may be extended in the following situations of promotion from one post to another in same revised pay structure effective from 1.1.2006 onwards: (See Table above) *All regular posts of Sr. Permanent Way Supervisors in PB2, Grade pay Rs.4200 stand merged w.e.f. 03.07.2013 with the cadre of Junior Engineer (P.Way) in terms of Board’s letter No. PC-III/2012/FEII/2 dated 03.07.2013.

4.1. The staff affected by the decision as above may submit the option, within a period of three months from the date of issue of these orders, to have their pay refixed from the date of promotion as above or from the date of next increment in the feeder category, as per the methodology illustrated vide clarification 2 contained in Board’s letter No. PC-VI/2008/1/RSRP/1 dated 25.9.2008 (S.No. PC VI/22; RBE No. 132/2008).

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THE INDIAN RAIL WORKER INDIAN RAIL WORKER

Grant of Financial up-gradation under MACPS – Railway Board Reply to NFIR “Sub: Grant of Financial up-gradation under MACPS – Clarification reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to NFIR’s letter No. IV/MACPS/ 09/Pt.7 dated 03.01.2014 and to state that the instructions/clarifications issued vide Board’s letter dated 13.12.2012 (RBE No.142/2012) are relating to regulation of MACP Scheme in cases where the promotional post is in same pay scale/Grade Pay as for the feeder post held by the employee. These clarifications have been issued after the consultation with DoP&T, the nodal Department of Government on MACP Scheme.

Therefore, the position as clarified by the nodal Department has to be followed. However, on Federation’s demand the above cited issue was referred to DoP&T for their guidelines. In the matter DOPT have opined as under: As regards the Order dated 31.5.2011 in OA No.1038/CH/2010 (Raj Pal vs UOI) of Hon’ble CAT, Chandigarh which was upheld by the High Court and Apex Court, it may be stated that the Apex Court has not considered the issue on merit. The said SLP was dismissed due to insufficient explanation to condone the delay in the filling of the SLP. As regards implementation of CAT order dated 9.5.2012 in OA No. 141/ 2012, the administrative Department was advised for implementation for the petitioners only subject to outcome of Review Petition in view of Contempt case. It may also be stated that generally the judgements passed by Hon’ble Tribunals/Courts are applicable/implemented to the specific case, unless there is any direction for similar dispensation to be extended to similarly placed persons. Hence, the above orders pronounced favouring the applicants by the Tribunal/Courts and implemented on attaining finality or due to contempt or due to any other reason may be taken as exceptions/aberration.

In view of the above, DoP&T have advised to maintain status quo with regard to the provisions for grant of MACPS benefits. It may be clarified that financial up-gradations under MACPS would continue to be granted in the successive grade pay in the hierarchy of recommended revised pay band and grade pay as given in Section 1, Part-A of the first Schedule of the Railway Services (Revised Pay), Rules, 2008 and not in the promotional hierarchy, where functional promotion are allowed in the same GP, MACP benefits would also be regulated in the Grade Pay only.

Moreover, this Ministry is not in position to deviate from the instructions issued by DoP&T.”

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March , 2014

ITF Worldwide Women Transport Workers’ Conference ITF Worldwide Women Transport Workers’ Conference was held from 24th &25th and 27th & 28th January 2014 at New Delhi. The conference held on 24th and 25th was in connection with Asia Pacific Region women transport workers.

40 participants from various transport sectors of different countries including Thailand, Nepal and Bangladesh participated.

Smt. Dipti Shukla, Smt.Kasturi Datta, Smt. T.D.Satyavani, Smt.Similal Singh, Smt.Gayatri participated as Indian participants from NFIR in the conference. Local women employees were also present in the conference.

This conference was held as a preliminary to the ITF worldwide women transport workers’ conference. In this conference, various activities and group work was done by all participants together. The problems of transport sectors of various countries where women employees are working were highlighted. Group discussion was on the challenges, hurdles being faced by activists in initial, middle and later stages of trade union ladder, besides many other issues faced by women transport workers.

Another group work discussion was on activists. The definition of activists, role of activists and how trade unions should encourage activists were discussed which created an awareness among the participants. Many issues were enlightened on the role of activists.

Later, there was a discussions on various activities of respective union. In this session, NFIR activities were highlighted and a short film on Violence against women under the name as “Glory of Women-hood” was shown to the participants. In this sessions, NFIR participants have taken active role and flagged NFIR at high pitch.

Especially, by the film which was a brain child of Smt T.D.Satyavani from SCRES and brought out visualization by Smt Similal Singh

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and Smt Gayatri from SRES, NFIR has stolen everyone’s heart and made the participants to praise the NFIR’s talent.

In the conference held on 27th and 28th January, 2014, total participants were 264 from 85 countries. The conference was mainly to strengthen gender work and ensure that it meets the on-going economic, social, environmental and political challenges facing transport workers across the globe.

The conference, themed Global Crisis to Global Justice- Women Transport Workers Fights back. The conference also provided a consultation opportunity for women attending the events leading to the 43rd ITF congress being held in Sofia, Bulgaria in August 2014.

The conference was focused on 4 priority themes: Organising women’s transport workers to build strong unions Building alliances with organisations at the forefront of combating violence against women to strengthen ITF affiliates’ campaigns at the global and regional level.

Campaigning for Quality Public Services Women in Leadership, “ Leading change” to grow unions.

While focusing on the above

17

themes, the challenges and opportunities for women transport workers and their communities in the globalize economy were analyzed. Women from different countries have shared best practices and plans for organizing women transport workers in ITF industrial sections and world regions. Many campaigns ideas to build alliances with organizations at the forefront of combating violence against women were highlighted. A rally was organized by ITF in support to the violence against women from Delhi Railway station to AIRF office via NFIR Federation office.

Apart from this worldwide women’s conference, there was a 3 day’s workshop on “Strengthening union responses to violence against women”. The youngest upcoming dynamic leader Smt Similal Singh participated in this workshop. The following agenda was discussed.

The issue and challenges.

Strengthening of union responses.

Actions to be taken by the unions.

The main object of the above agenda items was to discuss as to how the voice can be raised on violence against women and also how to engage men in such campaigns. Different unions from different countries like UNIFOR, IFTUB, MUA etc., presented their

March , 2014

examples, how their unions have participated in campaigns strategically and are trying for concept of “Lead to Change”. In some unions, they are using “Suggestion box” and are imparting training to women workers on “Self defence” to protect themselves from incidents. These too can also be implemented in NFIR and can form “Fast track women cells” only to deal with the issues of women on top priority, Similal Singh proposed.

Committee constituted Ministry

of Railways (Railway Board) have constituted a Committee under the Chairmanship of Shri Dasaiah, ExMember, Karnataka Public Service Commission to revise the Brochure on the Reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Railway services. The other members in the composition of the Committee are as under: 1. Shri V.K. Bhamni, Retd.

CAO(C)/North Eastern Rly. 2. Shri Debasish Gupta, Retd.

S.O./Railway Board.

3. Shri K. Manikraj, SPO/RP/ Southern Railway.

4. Shri V. Sivaswamy, APO/ TPJ/Southern Railway.

5. Shri Shree Prakash, S.O./ E(SCT)-I/Railway Board.

The detailed terms of reference of the Committee are as under: To revise the existing Brochure on the Reservation for SCs/STs so as to bring out a new Brochure under the Title“Reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs” by taking into accounts the various policy instructions issued by E(SCT)-I after 14-91984 and the policy letters of E(NG)-I issued after 02.02.1983 which has a bearing on the reservation/intake of SCs/STs/ OBCs.” Ref: Rly. Board’s Order No. ERB-1/2014/23/9 dt. 17.02.2014.

INDIAN RAIL WORKER

The Central Railway Employees' Co-Operative Credit Society Ltd. Established in the year 1913

Head Office at Byculla(W), Mumbai - 400 027 Tel. No. 23005722/23082247 Branches : Mumbai, Pune, Solapur, Bhusawal, Nagpur, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Jhansi, Agra, Sub - Branch : New Katni Jn. Biggest Salary Earners Multi States Co-Op. Credit Society in Asia Catering the needs of employees' of Central Railway, West Central Railway and North Central Rly. Spread over Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh Fixed Deposits :

Our Deposit Schemes - Rate of Interest

Recurring Deposits :

45 Days to 180 Days - 7% p.a.

181 Days to Less than 1 Year - 7.5%p.a.

1 Year 1 day to 3 Years - 8.5%p.a.

3 Years 1 day and above - 9.5%p.a.

3 Yrs. (Interest Payable on maturity) -10.5%p.a.

For 1 year For 2 years For 3 years For 5 years

7.5% 9% 9.5% 10%

p.a. p.a. p.a. p.a.

Saving Deposit : 5%p.a. Compulsory Monthly Thrift Deposit Scheme 9% p.a.

Lakhpati Bano Yojana :- By contributing Rs. 1,000/- per month for 75 months, Maturity Amount of Rs. 1,00,000/- will be paid on the 76th month.

Double Deposit Scheme : Any amount deposited becomes double in 84 months from the date of deposit w.e.f. 1-12-2011 Monthly Interest Paying Fixed Deposit Scheme :For Retired Railway employees within the area of operation of the Society and Retired Staff of the Society For an amount of Rs. 3,00,000/-& above and further in the multiple of Rs. 10,000/- w.e.f. 1-12-2011 10% p.a.

For an amount below Rs. 3,00,000/9.5% p.a.

(Minimum amount to be deposited in this scheme will be Rs. 1,00,000/- and further in multiples of Rs. 10,000/-. Lock in period will be 3 years) For members/Staff of the Society 9% p.a.

Awards/Scholarship to the children of Shareholders Cash Award for S.S.C/H.S.C. General Category 70% marks or above Rs. 750/Reserved Category including OBC 60% marks or above Rs. 750/Physically handicapped / disabled 50% marks or above Rs. 750/Special Cash Awards for :S.S.C./H.S.C. 85% or above Rs. 1.000/90% or above Rs. 1,500/95% or above Rs. 2,000/Graduation (Degree any Faculty) First Class Rs. 2,000/Post Graduation (Degree any Faculty) First Class Rs. 3,000/Scholarship for professional Courses :Diploma Courses 60% or more Rs. 3,000/- Per Year Degree Courses 60% or more Rs. 5,000/- Per Year C.A./C.S. Courses :- (On successful Completion of Course) Rs.10,000/Award for continuous Membership of 20 years or more Rs. 4,000/Relief to family in case of death of a Member while in service Rs.17,000/one time relief to Members sufferring from :Paralysis/T.B./HIV/ : Rs. 5,000/Kidney failure/Cancer Rs. 10,000/Loan slabs : Length of service Minimum Maximum No. of per case (``) per case (``) month's pay 1 Year to less than 5 years 5 years to less than 10 years 10 years to less than 20 years 20 years and above

1,75,000/2,00,000/2,50,000/2,75,000/-

3,50,000/4,00,000/4,50,000/5,00,000/-

16 month's Basic pay + Gr. Pay 17 month's Basic pay + Gr. Pay 18 month's Basic pay + Gr. Pay 20 month's Basic pay + Gr. Pay

Rate of Interest on Loan i.e. 6.5% p.a.

Computer Advance Rs. 30,000/- (Once in Service) Rate of Interest i.e. 5% p.a.

Always at the service of the Railwaymen since last 100 years.

(Nitin S. Pradhan) (J. N. Patil) President (Nitin A. Nivsarkar) Vice - President Chief Manager

18

March , 2014

WCRMS Annual General Meeting held at Jabalpur The Annual General Meeting of West Central Railway Employees’ Sangh (WCRMS) was held at Jabalpur on 14 th February, 2014.

West Central Railway General Manager Ramesh Chandra inaugurated the meeting. The main speakers of the meeting were S/Shri M. Raghavaiah, General Secretary, NFIR, Krapa Shankar Verma, Vice President, Madhya Pradesh INTUC, R.P. Bhatnagar, Working President, NFIR. The meeting was graced as Special Guests by S/Shri D.D. Devangan,Chief Engineer, Sunil Bajpai, CPO, A.K. Singh, DRM Jabalpur. Thousand of Railway employees from Bhopal, Kota and Jabalpur Divisions besides distinguished guests participated in the meeting. 16 Points demands were discussed in the meeting and the resolutions on scrapping of New Pension Scheme, Fixing of date of Indefinite Strike, Removal of Bonus Ceiling, Shortage of Doctors and Para Medical Staff in Hospitals, Proper Maintenance of Railway Quarters and Colonies, Change of 12 hours working Roster, Employment of one ward of Railway employees, Grade Pay of Rs. 4800/ - to Sr. Supervisors and Upgradation of Apex Group ‘C’ posts to Group ‘B’ Gazetted, Ensure safety of employees at all the Road Side Stations, Grant of 30% Traffic Allowance to Station Masters for maintaining Traffic and S&T / Engineering records, Entry Grade Pay of Rs.4200/- to Station Masters, Grant of Grade Pay of Rs.4600/- to Train Clerk with change of designation as Traffic Assistant etc. were passed.

A Rally of Railway Employees in thousands was organized starting from Railway Station, Platform No. 1 to General Manager’s office via DRM Office. Slogans were shouted to draw attention of Administration and Government of India. The Rally was converted into a Mass Meeting

INDIAN RAIL WORKER

19

March , 2014

at General Manager’s Office which was addressed by S/Shri M. Raghavaiah, NFIR General Secretary, R.P. Bhatnagar, NFIR Working President and Ashok Sharma, WCRMS General Secretary.

It was appraised by the speakers that due to the Indefinite Strike and Strike Ballot held on 17 th & 18 th January, 2014. The Railway administration has given conscent to settle the demands in the meeting held on 7 th February, 2014 in Railway Board and if the important demands are accepted, the Indefinite Strike may be deferred. WCRMS Joint General Secretary, Satish Kumar conducted the programme and Shri Vishnu Dev Shah present vote of thanks.

On 15 th February, 2014 a Mass meeting of young workers and Women Employees were organized.

Addressing to the meeting WCRMS President, R.P. Bhatnagar said that New Pension Scheme will be got scrapped and Old Pension will be got implemented from 1st January, 2004. He further said that thousand of Youngsters were got appointed in the Railways for the last 4 years and Federation is trying to get filled up the vacant posts. WCRMS General Secretary explained that Young Workers are the progressive pillars of the Railways and WCRMS has always worked for the betterment of Young Workers and Women employees. 14 points resolutions were also passed in the meeting comprising of the fixing of date of Indefinite Strike, Scrapping of New Pension Scheme, Participation of Young Workers in Trade Union, surrendering of posts in the changed scenario, Creation of New Posts, unemployment problem, stopping of contratorization and privatization, Counting of Casual Labour service for all benefits, Problems of Young Contract Labour etc.

In the Second Session a mass meeting of Women Employees was organized.

Smt. Anuradha Mukhedkar, F.A& C.O. was the Chief Guest and Smt. Deepa Chawla, SDFM and Sushri Madhu Yadav, Asstt. Sports Officer, West Central Railway were present as Special

INDIAN RAIL WORKER

Guests to boost the moral of the women employees.

WCRMS President, R.P. Bhatnagar addressed and said that NFIR has worked for the development and to strengthen the women employees in Indian Railways.

NFIR fought for Maternity Leave, Child Care Leave, Hostel accommodation for women employees etc. and got them approved from the Railway Administration. Smt. Pramila Dube of Mahila Wing also addressed. Resolutions for the welfare of women such as Compulsory Medical Check up facility, Proper utilization of funds to strengthen the women from Employees Benefit Fund, filling up vacant posts, Separate Running Room for Women Loco Pilot/Motor Man etc. were passed unanimously.

WCRMS Working President, C.M. Upadhyaya, Working General Secretary, D.P. Agarwal, Joint General Secretary, Satish Kumar, Kailash Sharma, S.K. Verma, B.D. Mishra, Rajesh Pandey, Rakesh Mittal, S.C. Dhakad, M.S. Farique, Sanjay Chaudhry also addressed and said that WCRMS is bound to settle the resolutions passed in the Yuva and Women conferences.

Thousands of Young Workers and Women Employees from all the Divisions were present on the occasions.

UPRMS organized Women Seminar & Worker Education Camp Uttar Paschim Railway Mazdoor Sangh (UPRMS) Ajmer Division, under the auspices of NFIR and ITF organized Women Seminar and Workers Education Camp on 30th & 31st December, 2013 in the Divisional Office. UPRMS Divisional President, Dharmender Gautam inaugurated the programmes. Large number of women employees participated in the seminar. Mahila Shakti, their devotion towards UPRMS, Cadre development, UPRMS Vision and Mission were discussed in the Seminar. S/Shri Sahbuddin, Retired SPO, S.I. Jakab, Divisional Secretary, Shashi Mahavar, Mohit Rao, Smt. 20

Grant of Privilege Passes to “Trainee” – Rly. Board’s Reply In reply to NFIR’s letter No.I/ 15/Pt.II dated 27.01.2014, Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) issued letter to General Managers of all India Railways & Production Units which is reproduced below: “Sub: Grant of privilege passes to “Trainee”.

One of the Federations have brought out that Rly. employees appointed as “Trainee” are not being extended the facilities of privilege pass.

The matter has been examined in consultation with the Finance Directorate. It has been observed that in terms of extant instruction contained in item (10) of schedule-VII (Special Pass) of Railway Servants (Pass) Rules, 1986 (revised edition-1993) Apprentices and Trainees against Group ‘C’ except the Apprentices Act posts may be given the class of pass (and PTOs) (for self only) on the basis of minimum of pay of the post or grade to which they are to be appointed on completion of their apprenticeship, in accordance with the pay limits prescribed from time to time.

Necessary action may be taken accordingly.

Ref: Railway Board’s letter No. E(W)2014/PS 5-6/1 dated 21.02.2014.

Purnima Sharma, Smt. Mala Das Gupta delivered lecturers in the Workers Education Camp.

Divisional President, Dharmendra Gautam analyzed the two days camp. Participants expressed their happiness for organizing the seminar and camp and hopped that in future such type of camps will be organized to educate the workers.

The programmes ended with the singing of National Anthem.

March , 2014

Psycho-Technical Directorate I ndian Railways embraced psycho-technology in 1964 in pursuance of the recommendation of Railway Accident Review Committee-1962 by setting up a nucleus unit in Railway Board’s office. This unit was transferred to RDSO in 1970 and given the status of a full fledged directorate in 1990.

Since its inception the PsychoTechnical Unit has been instrumental in development and standardization of behavioural intervention programmes and their implementation, earnestly addressing the safety concern of Indian Railways. The activities of the directorate include research and development in the area of human resource, development of ‘Aptitude tests’ for selection/recruitment of safety category railway staff directly involved in train operation, job analysis, motivation, stress management, counseling and ergonomic appraisal of tools and work places.

The vast experience accumulated over 49 years of its existence has enabled the directorate to develop expertise in the field of human factors and safety, which is unique in the country.

The Directorate has been instrumental in achieving milestones in bringing efficiency, efficacy and transparency in the areas of Aptitude test development, test administration and other facets related to safety performance on Indian Railways, including some of the notable achievements enumerated below: Achievements Psychological Screening of Candidates Belonging to Safety Category Staff selected through RRBs. 68954 candidates selected on the basis of written examination conducted by 21 RRBs for the post of ALP were subjected to Aptitude tests from September 2012 to February 2013 which is the highest ever and record testing in a year, even more than the cumulative figure for the last three years. The remarkable feature of this testing

INDIAN RAIL WORKER

was the time factor of five and a half months during which the entire process was completed which again is a record achievement. This could be accomplished by deploying the available Psychologists judiciously, synchronizing their efforts, certain modifications in the procedure order, regular liaison with Board and RRBs and monitoring the entire activity to achieve the sole objective of getting ALPs selected within shortest possible time for efficient and safe train operations.

Development of New Tests New tests of Memory (reconstruction), Selective Attention and Perceptual Speed for measuring critical cognitive attributes of drivers and ASMs having bearing on their safety performance have been developed for enriching tests batteries. These tests are applicable for testing the requisite aptitude of candidates in the process of selection through RRBs for induction as Assistant Loco Pilots and Assistant Station Masters in the system.

Development of more tests for assessment of attributes essential for safe train operation, is in hand.

Screening of High Speed Train Drivers for Rajdhani/Shatabdi Express Trains.

The screening of Loco Pilots for their deployment on High Speed Trains having speed more than 110 kmph, is done on indigenously developed Computer Aided Drivers Aptitude Test equipment comprising of 17 tests for assessment of psycho-physical, cognitive and personality attributes, imperative for the job of High Speed Train Drivers.

The test measure specific abilities related to the job, such as Reaction Time, Form Perception, Vigilance and Speed anticipation. So far around 1350+ Loco Pilots have been screened on this system on Indian Railways.

Stress Management For controlling adverse effect of stress by making people aware of various stressors and remedial measures to combat stress, the

21

directorate has taken initiative for stress management for the benefit of staff.

Exclusive Website of the Directorate Exclusive website ‘irptd.org. in’ has been developed and launched which depicts the details pertaining to patterns of Aptitude Tests for selection of safety category staff on Indian Railways and practice tests for the candidates besides highlighting the activities of the Directorate.

This helps the prospective candidates to get acquainted with the types of test items asked in the Aptitude testing.

Consultancy Consultancy to various Metro Railways is provided on a regular basis depending on the requests from different Metro Railways all over the country including DMRC (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation), DAME (Delhi Airport Metro Expressway), MOOPL (Mumbai One Operation Private Limited), CMRL (Chennai Metro Rail Corporation Limited) etc. In the current year a total of 2726 Station controllers and Train operators were tested for different Metro Railways.

On-going Projects For efficient and speedier administration and evaluation of aptitude tests with complete transparency in the selection of safety category staff on Indian Railways, Board have decided to set up eight computerized assessment centres at identified locations at an estimated budget of Rs.12.86 crores.

In-house development of computerized aptitude tests for assessment of the safety performance of train operation staff.

Study on the effect of night duty on the stress level of Loco Pilots in terms of fatigue, sleep deprivation and any disturbance/ change in cerebral neocortical excitation, which affect thinking, decision making, judgement and discrimination is underway.

(Indian Railways – Jan., 2014)

March , 2014

Supply of Polyvastra Bed Sheets and Pillow Covers by KVIC Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) have issued instructions to meet out the persistent problem of timely supply of Polyvastra bed sheets and pillow covers to Railways

by KVIC. Railway Board’s letter is reproduced below: In view of the presistent problem in timely supply of Polyvastra bed sheets and pillow covers to Railways

by KVIC, a tripartite meeting was held between Ministry of MSME, Ministry of Railway and KVIC to sort out the problems leading to delay in supply. Based on various unanimous decisions taken in the meeting, following instructions are issued KVIC is currently capable of supplying 3 lakhs bed sheets and 2.5 lakhs pillow covers per annum. Therefore it has been decided that each Zonal Railway should place order on KVIC as per the quantity indicated in Annex-A. Railway can buy their balance requirement from open market to its own specification. If there is any increase in KVIC's capacity to supply the linen items revision

of Annex-A will be issued.

With respect to the order placed on KVIC, in case of delay in the supply by KVIC, Railway will make alternate purchase from open market to its specification till KVIC is able to complete the existing order on it.

There are cases when purchase order is placed with little lead time to supply the material.

Zonal Railway will thus ensure that the delivery schedule indicated in the purchase order is in consonance with the supply rate quoted/agreed by KVIC. That is, order will be placed on KVIC with the delivery stipulation as quoted/ agreed by KVIC. Further, in case the delivery period spans more than one financial year, KVIC will quote two different rates for the two financial years. However, rates quoted by KVIC will remain the same for a given financial year.

The supply schedule for two financial years shall also be given in consonance with the

supply rate indicated by KVIC in its offer. If there is delay in placement of order by Railways, in the P.O. quantity to be supplied in the next financial year shall be increased suitably adjusting the delivery period.

However, any delay in the supply of contracted quantity will not change the applicable rate i.e. if the delayed supply spills into next financial year, the rate will be the same as indicated in the purchase order even if the rates have increased in the next financial year.

To ensure traceability of bed sheets and pillow covers supplied by KVIC, KVIC will inform the Railway (placing purchase order) and the inspecting agency, about the unit of KVIC which will supply the material and also the place of inspection, within reasonable time after placing order on KVIC. Inspection shall be done by inspection agency at the place thus intimated by KVIC. Annexure-A

Allocation of quantity to be ordered on KVIC Railway

Quantity allocated for bed sheet

Quantity allocated for pillow cover

CR ER NR NER NFR SR SCR SER WR ECR ECoR NCR SECR NWR SWR WCR

4600 40000 202500 1000 0 0 3500 13000 12000 2800 12000 3400 100 0 500 4600

2800 50000 142000 1000 0 0 3000 3300 38100 3000 2800 1000 200 0 0 2800

Total

300000

250000

Ref: Railway Board's letter No. 2009/RS(G)/113/1 dated 11-2-2014.

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March , 2014

SRES Delegation Met Mallikarjun Kharge T he delegation of Southern Railway Employees’ Sangh (SRES) led by its Office Bearers namely R. Balakrishnan, P.S. Suriyaprakasam, K. Velayudhan, T. Parthiban, B. Babu, V. Gopalakrishnan, Chandrasekharan, M. Surya Prakash and K. Rajaraman etc., met Mallikarjun Kharge, Railway Minister on 25 th February, 2014 and discussed various pending issues agitating the minds of Railway Employees. The Grievances brought to the notice of Railway Minister are placed below: 1. Induction of Course Completed Act Apprentice in Southern Railway as substitutes against existing vacancies.

2. Payment of Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) on actual wages without enforcing ceiling limit.

3. Abolition of New Pension Scheme: In their effort to run the Railway system efficiently many Railway employees are working hard and many are laying down their lives due to various difficult working environment every year. An Average of 6500 employees are risking their lives every year and about 200 of them are dying while on duty. As in the case of personnel of Defence services, Railway employees also should be brought under liberalized pension scheme (old Pension Scheme) by abolishing contributory pension scheme (New Pension Scheme).

4. a) Merger of Tech. Gr.II with Tech. Gr.I with Grade Pay Rs.2800/-. b) Revision of entry grade pay of Station Master to Rs.4200/c) Replacement of Grade Pay Rs.4600/- with Rs.4800/5. Implementation of Cadre Restructuring Committee’s Decision : There is undue delay in implementation of Cadre Restructuring orders in Southern Railway citing the reason that posts should be surrendered to compensate additional expenditure. It is pointed out that the financial implication is very minimum in Southern Railway

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since majority of staff are drawing higher pay scales under MACP Scheme.

Moreover Southern Railway being a passenger oriented Railway and many posts are already been surrendered the system cannot run smoothly and efficiently if further surrender of posts are insisted. Hence instructions may be issued to implement the CRC orders with effect from 01-11-2013 immediately.

activists of single union and hence the employees are finding it difficult to get Railway quarters allotted.

6. SRES being an affiliate of NFIR and INTUC and not having recognition in Southern Railway it is difficult to function effectively without proper accommodation for the Union.

Hon’ble Railway Minister is requested to sanction five office accommodations in each division for SRES.

S outhern Railway Employees Sangh (SRES) Women Committee meeting was conducted at Unity House, Perambur on 22nd February, 2014. Large number of Women employees of Southern Railway participated. The problems being faced by the women employees were discussed and the need to strengthen the women’s wing of Southern Railway Employees Sangh was emphasized.

7. Violation of Transfer Policy: In Southern Railway rules are not followed while transferring staff.

The administration is showing favouritism towards recognized union and in the process ordinary employees are denied of their right when transfers and promotions are effected. Staff of operating and Commercial Departments are the worst affected since they are coming under the purview of periodical transfer (once in 4 years). The list of staff given by one particular union is only considered favourably overlooking the ordinary employees who registered their names and are waiting for their turn. Corrupt activities are the order of the day in transfers as alleged by staff. Proper investigation should be conducted and culprits should be brought to book. The employees should be given the facility of registering their names for transfer through internet.

8. There are over 180 branches for one union as against the eligibility of only 85 branches. They are given office accommodation indiscriminately by Southern Railway administration without following any rules and procedures. Every Railway quarter falling vacant in Southern Railway was occupied by the

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9. The activists of single recognized union are indulging in violence everywhere and many Railwaymen are put into much hardships.

SRES Women Committee Meeting held

SRES President/NFIR General Secretary, M. Raghavaiah presided over the meeting. He explained various programmes and actions initiated by NFIR for the well being of women employees. He underlined the importance of women empowerment and called for a Robust active women’s forum under the banner of SRES. Under the leadership and guidance of SRES President, M. Raghavaiah, SRES Women Committee was formed. He further endorsed the importance of financial independence and viability and directed to Women Committee to open bank account and made an initial personal contribution of Rs.1000/-.

The following office bearers were elected.

Smt. S.M. Koteeswari, Chairperson, Smt. Similal Singh, General Secretary, Smt. S. Gayatri, Joint Secretary, Smt. Agnesmary, Treasurer, Smt. Neetu Singh, Smt. R. Kavitha, Smt. C.V. Tilagavathy, Smt. Vijayanthi, Smt. Valasamma, Smt. Manjusha, Smt. Maya, Smt. Jayalakshmi- Coordinator.

March , 2014

WRMS Organized ‘Haldi Kum Kum’ Programme W estern Railway Mazdoor Sangh (WRMS) organized ‘Haldi Kum Kum’ Programme at Mumbai on 03.02.2014. WRMS has been celebrating this programme for the last more than a decade, traditionally. Smt. Priya Dutt, Daughter of late Sunil Dutt, M.P. and Member of the Committee on Empowerment of Women at National level was the Chief Guest on the occasion. More than 600 women of Churchgate Mumbai new building participated in the programme. WRMS General Secretary, J.G. Mahurkar was the Guest of Honour. Smt. Priya Dutt inaugurated the function.

S/Shri Sharif Khan Pathan, President, Ajay Kumar Singh, Divisional Secretary and Smt. Hema Surani, AGS, WRMS were present on the dais. WRMS AGS, Murli Iyer anchored the programme. WRMS

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AGS Hema Surani welcomed Guests and thanked Smt. Priya Dutt who graced the occasion. Office bearers of GLO and Accounts Branch of Churchgate were also present on the occasion.

Addressing to the gathering, WRMS General Secretary, J.G. Mahurkar said that Dutt family has contributed magnificently for cultural development in the country.

Remembering old days, Mahurkar said that late Sunil Dutt and Nargis Dutt used to go to forward areas to entertain the troops and boost their morale during the war fought with

RAILWAYMEN ON THE MOVE

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Pakistan and China. Smt. Priya Dutt is a leading social worker of Mumbai area and devoted to the cause of down trodden, he added.

Smt. Priya Dutt in her speech spoke at length about empowerment of women and advised women to take leading part with men folk in all social activities and realize their own strength. She narrated all the good works being done by her to promote and empower the women in her constituency and at National level as a Member of Empowerment Committee. Rani Sukheja, Kiran Jambekar and Smt. Bhatia, WRMS Women Wing Office Bearers were instrumental in making the programme highly successful.

Ajay Kumar Singh, WRMS Divisional Secretary distributed the Gifts to all the participants. ’Bharat Natyam” dance presented by Akshara Nair and a Poem by Sahaana Iyer on empowerment of women, were the attraction of the programme.

March , 2014

WCRMS Memorandum to Additional Member (Personnel) A delegation of West Central Railway Mazdoor Sangh (WCRMS) Bhopal Division under the leadership of Divisional Secretary, B.D. Mishra met Additional Member (Personnel) on his visit to Bhopal and handed over a Memorandum to him consisting of the following grievances.

Shortage of Doctors and Para Medical Staff in Bhopal Division – Recruitment should be done at Divisional Level instead at Hqrs.

Office.

Medical decategorized staff should not be posted in the same categories.

Quasi Administrative staff be appointed in Group ‘D’ in Bhopal Division.

Posts may be created for operation of third line in Bhopal – Beena Section.

MACP Scheme benefit not extended to Running Staff.

Vacant posts in all the Departments should be filled and surrender of posts should be stopped.

Facilities should be provided in PREM Offices.

Overloading of work to Station Masters/Assistant Station Masters be decreased.

WCRMS Organized Volley-ball Competition West Central Railway Mazdoor Sangh (WCRMS) organized 15 th Volley-Ball Competition and the Final Match was played on 10 th January, 2014 between the teams of M-8&9 and General Section. The General Section Team won the match. Shri Vinayak Garg, SDEE, TRS/TKD was the Chief Guest and Dr. Rajesh Sabarwal, Sr. DMO was the Guest of Honour. Railway Officers S/Shri M.P. Singh, Rahul Pachori, Aditya Legha and Alok Bihari Agarwal besides WCRMS INDIAN RAIL WORKER

Office Bearers S/Shri S.D. Dhakar, G.P. Yadav, V.K. Bhanot, Shrikant Tiwari along with other office bearers were present on this occasion.

Shri Vinayak Garg addressed and appreciated NFIR/WCRMS for organizing the welfare activities such as Volley-Ball Competition etc.

Shri C.M. Upadhyaya thanked to the Branch and Shed Workers for successfully organizing the VolleyBall competition. Joint General Secretary, G.P. Yadav urged to unite under the banner of WCRMS and said that WCRMS will always work for the cause of workers.

Before the start of final match, a Gate Meeting was also organized at the main gate of Tuglakabad Shed in the morning where NFIR Zonal Secretary, C.M. Upadhyaya, Divisional President, S.D. Dhakar and Divisional Secretary, V.K. Bhanot were welcomed by presenting Garlands on their arrival at TKD. A Rally was also organized.

WCRMS Office Bearers S/Shri B.K. Bhanot, S.D. Dhakar, G.P. Yadav & C.M. Upadhyay addressed the meeting and explained about the long pending demands of Railway employees as also requested to vote in Strike Ballot to be held on 17th &

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18th January, 2014 in support of the Strike on pending demands.

SRES Founders Day was Celebrated at Unity House Perambur S outhern Railway Employees Sangh (SRES) celebrated its 95 th Founders Day on 7th February, 2014 at Unity House, Perambur, Chennai.

SRES Working President, R. Balakrishnan, presided over. More than 200 cadres of SRES and former leaders participated in the function.

SRES former leaders were felicitated and in their honour shawls were presented to them. While addressing the gathering, SRES former leaders thanked to SRES for their invitation on this auspicious occasion.

S/Shri Paramadayalan, ShivaKumar, Venkatesan, T. Chinnaswamy, Balasundaram, Divisional Secretary/WS M. Suriyaprakash and P. Suriyaprakasam, SRES General Secretary addressed the gathering highlighting the yeoman service of late T.V. Anandan and former leaders.

SRES Working General Secretary, K. Velayudhan, delivered the vote of thanks.

March , 2014

NFIR References to Railway Ministry Letters to Secretary Rly. Board Referral to Medical Research Foundation (formerly known as Sankara Nethralaya), Chennai – reg.

NFIR has been in receipt of complaints from its affiliates on the Zonal Railways that instructions were issued by Chief Medical Director, Southern Railway to CMDs of all Zones vide letter No.MD/34/Sankar Nethralaya dated 07/03/2012 restraining to send patients to the Medical Research Foundation, Chennai, due to the reason that the contract with the Hospital has since expired on 29/02/2012.

Federation has further been advised that the proposal sent by Southern Railway is pending with the Railway Board for a long period and the railway employees and RELHS beneficiaries continue to suffer in absence of valid contract.

In this case, NFIR has also noted that the patients referred by the Zonal Railways are reporting first to Southern Railway Hospital, Perambur, Chennai who in turn send the patients to Medical Research Foundation (Sankar Netralaya) which process is not time only consuming but uneconomical also. There is thus need to modify the age-old procedure. It will be in the fitness of thing if CMDs of Zonal Railways are authorised to direct patients straight to Medical Research Foundation.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to grant approval for renewal of the contract by CMD/ Southern Railway with M/S Medical Research Foundation (Sankar Nethralaya) at least upto 31/12/2015 to provide relief to railway employees & RELHS beneficiaries. A copy of the communication sent to Southern Railway may please be provided to the Federation.

(NFIR's letter No. I/12/Pt.III dated 4-1-2014).

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Restructuring in Group ‘C’ Cadres-reg.

Ref: (i) Railway Board’s letter No. PC-III/2013/CRC/4 dated 08/ 10/2013, (ii) NFIR’s letter No. I/8/ CRC/09/Vol.9 dated 09/10/2013, (iii) NFIR’s letter No. I/8/CRC/09/ Vol.9 dated 04/11/2013, (iv) NFIR’s letter No. I/8/CRC/09/Vol.9 dated 18/11/2013, (v) Railway Board’s letter No. PC-III/2013/CRC/6 dated 19/12/2013.

Further to above, Federation wishes to highlight following irregularities detected by NFIR during the course of implementation cadre restructuring in Group ‘C’ posts effective from 01/11/2013 on various Zonal Railways:The Annexure ‘C’ to Railway Board’s letter dated 08/10/2013 under heading “Engineering Departments including Workshops”, revised percentage of 67:33 has been shown against Technical Supervisors (safety category) in GP Rs 4600 & Rs 4200 respectively.

Doubt has arisen on a few Zonal Railways that the category of SSE/ Works & JE/Works which is Technical category for all purposes but has not been declared as ‘Safety Category’, is not covered under ratio 67:33, consequently restructuring exercise is not being undertaken (particularly on Central Railway).

On some Zonal Railways, money value of posts is being assessed for surrender of posts without caring to look into the fact that several staff have already been placed in the posts of higher Grade Pay under MACPS which factually means ‘nil’, financial implications.

It would, therefore be incorrect on the part of Zonal Railways to surrender posts for implementing restructuring orders.

Apart from above, NFIR vide letter dated 18/11/2013 had conveyed to the Railway Board list of remaining categories of Group ‘C which also deserve to be restructured and upgraded w.e.f. 01/11/

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2013. Unfortunately, there is no response to Federation’s communication as a result staff continue to suffer and are feeling aggrieved & agitated.

NFIR, therefore, urges the Railway Board to see that suitable clarifications are issued on para 1&2 above and also convene CRC meeting to discuss on left over categories. A copy of the instructions issued may be endorsed to Federation.

(NFIR's letter No. I/8/CRC/09/ Vol.9 dated 4-1-2014).

Stepping up of pay of Seniors – Case of Loco Running Staff posted as Instructors in the Zonal Electric Railway Training Centres – reg.

Ref: (i) GS/NFIR’s letter No.I/1 dated 20/01/2010, (ii) NFIR’s PNM item No.10/2012.

Federation vide its letter dated 20/01/2010 had conveyed to Railway Board an anomaly arisen in the pay fixation of Loco Running Staff posted as Instructors in Zonal Electric Training Centres. Unfortunately, no action was taken and the NFIR was compelled to raise the issue in the PNM fora where item No.10/2012 has been pending and is stated to be under examination as advised in the last PNM meeting of NFIR held with the Railway Board on 20/21.02.2013. Thereafter a period of over 10 months has passed but there is no progress and the employees continue to suffer financially.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to advise present status of the PNM item.

(NFIR's letter No. I/1 dt. 6-1-2014).

Extension of retention of Railway accommodation at the previous place of posting in favour of Officers/Staff posted to new Division (Rangia Division, N.F. Railway) – reg.

Ref: (i) Railway Board’s letter

March , 2014

No.E(G)2008 QR1-1 dated 22/05/ 2009 & 26/10/2009, (ii) NFIR’s letter No.III/NFREU/Pt.3 dated 09/11/ 2012, (iii) Railway Board’s D.O. No.E(G)2007 QR1-5 dated 27/08/ 2013, to CPO/N.F. Railway, (iv) CPO/N.F.Railway’s D.O. No.E/ 219/0 (Surplus Qrs) (C) Pt.I Loose dated 25/11/2013 to EDE(G)/ Railway Board, New Delhi.

Pursuant to exchange of correspondence exchanged between the Federation and Railway Board & Railway Board and the Zonal Railway, NFIR has been given to understand that the CPO, N.F. Railway vide letter dated 25/11/ 2013 has furnished necessary certification alongwith justification seeking extension, on the subject, upto 31/03/2014. Unfortunately, no instructions have been issued by the Railway Board even after a period of nearly two months and the staff continue to suffer. Delayed action on the part of Railway Board has compelled the NFIR to include the issue in the agenda of its forthcoming PNM meeting to be held at the level of Railway Board on 30/31 January, 2014.

NFIR, therefore, urges upon the Railway Board to issue suitable instructions expeditiously duly endorsing copy of the same to the Federation.

(NFIR's letter No. III/NFREU/ Pt.3 dated 13-1-2014).

Grant of financial upgradation under MACP Scheme to the former Operators in DC Traction Sub-station presently working as JE – reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR’s letter No.IV/ MACPS/09 dated 22/02/2010, (ii) NFIR’s letter No.IV/MACPS/09/ Pt.II dated 23/06/2010, (iii) Railway Board’s letter No.PC-V/2010/ACP/ Misc/1 dated 10/08/2010. (iv) NFIR’s letter No.IV/MACPS/09/ Pt.5 dated 21/07/2012.

From the series of correspondence exchanged between NFIR and the Railway Board, as cited under reference, Federation has noted with disappointment that the issue has not been dealt with in the Railway

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Board in its proper perspective and has ignored the vital points as mentioned below:The posts of Operators in DC Traction in former scale of Rs.425-700 has been redesignated Chargemen (Operation) in the same scale of Rs.425-700 in the year 1985 primarily to bring the category under cadre restructuring effective from 01/ 05/1984 without extending benefit of promotion as is evident from Railway Board’s letter No.PC-III/83/UPG/3 dated 21/ 06/1985 nothing else can be construed.

Apart from above, NFIR wishes to clarify that the category of former operators/chargemen and presently designated as JE have been allotted following scales of pay/grade pay by the succes-sive Pay Commissions:4th CPC : Rs.475-700 5 CPC : Rs.5000-8000 th

6th CPC : PB-2+GP Rs.4200

discussing the issue following decision was taken, particularly relating to Railways as minuted in the later part of item no.12 of the Record Note:“Modification of recruitment rules particularly in Railways and upgradation granted by abolition of pay scale – Implementation of MACPS. The Staff Side this issue in the meeting and explained that in the Railways, lower pay scales were abolishes and posts were upgraded to higher pay scales with revision of recruitment qualification and designation. In such cases the Staff Side insisted that entry Grade Pay as a result of upgradation consequent upon abolition of lower pay scales should be taken into consideration for reckoning 10/20/ 30 years of service for granting MACPS. The Official Side decided that the Railway Board may send an appropriate proposal to the DoP&T in consultation with the Staff Side”.

Placement of staff in the respective scales of pay & grade pay can not take away the rights of staff either for promotion to next Grade Pay or for financial benefits under MACPS upon completion of length of service of 10/20/30 years in GP Rs.4600/-, 4800/- & 5400/- respectively mainly because recruitment/ entry grade of these staff is now PB2+GP Rs.4200/- pursuant to the implementation of the recommendations of 6th CPC.

It may be seen from the facts that the above cited case is fully covered by the decision taken at the level of DoPT, which has been ignored altogether by the Rly. Ministry until now.

The position as explained by NFIR above establishes that the staff have not earned three promotions as mentioned by the Railway Board in the letter ibid, on the contrary these staff are due benefit of financial upgradation under MACPS.

NFIR, therefore, urges the Railway Board to please review their decision, prepare draft proposal and send the same to the Federation for vetting before forwarding proposal to DoP&T for seeking clearance.

(NFIR's letter No. IV/MACPS/09/ Pt.8 dated 13-1-2014).

Further to above, Federation wishes to invite attention of the Railway Board to the summary of discussions of the meeting held on 27th July, 2012 by the DoP&T (Official Side) and the Staff Side. The meeting was attended to by the Railway Board’s representative (ED/PC-I) and by the representatives of the two Federations. In the meeting while

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Federation is disappointed note that the Railway Board in place of forwarding draft proposal to NFIR, communicated negative reply vide letter dated 23/08/2012 in a most casual manner without making any reference to the DoP&T.

Grant of HRA & City Allowance to the Railway employees working at Loni Railway Station on Central Railway similar to the rates payable at the rate of Pune City – reg.

Our affiliate CRMS has reported to the Federation that the Railway

March , 2014

employees working at Loni Railway Station have been demanding payment of HRA and Compensatory (City) Allowance at the rates applicable to Pune City. The demand of staff raised by CRMS was examined in the PNM at Zonal level and accordingly a proposal bearing No.H/623.HPB/108/R-HRA-III dated 27/11/2012 was sent to Railway Board by General Manager/Central Railway for sanction on the following grounds:Loni Station is situated within a distance of 6 kms from the Municipal limit of Pune Municipal Corporation.

Staff of Loni Station staff depend on Pune City for daily necessities of life (Grocery, School, College & Hospital etc.) and a certificate has also been issued by the Collector under No.PSC/KAWI/1328/2011 dated 05/12/2012 to this effect.

Though a period of more than one year has passed but sanction has not been communicated by the Railway Board, consequently the employees continue to suffer.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to expedite sanction for payment of HRA & Compensatory (City) Allowance to the staff of Loni Station at the rates of Pune City at an early date. A copy of the sanction letter issued to General Manager/Central Railway, may be endorsed to the Federation.

(NFIR's letter No. I/5(c)/Pt.I dated 13-1-2014).

Handling of cases of railway employees to be re-employed consequent to dismissal from railway employees – reg.

Federation has been receiving representations from railway employees of several zones about handling and delayed action of the cases of railway employees (dismissed/removed) who are reemployed in the railway service on application of Rule 402 of R-I (Indian Railway Establishment Code, Volume-I).

When the revisionary authority is SA grade officer, the authority above

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him i.e. PHOD is competent to deal the cases under Rule 402 of R-I (IREC-Vol.I) for fresh appointment.

These authorities in place of according approval, are either passing or referring these cases to the General Manager, who is already occupied fully with heavy workload of all kinds. Cases of employees are thus get delayed, apart from the fact that the powers are not utilised by the authorities to whom the same are delegated and the practice is against the spirit of the rules.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to issue clarificatory instructions on the above lines to all the Zones/PUs for dealing representations requesting consideration for appointment under Rule 402 by the appropriate higher authorities instead passing the cases o GMs. Copy of instructions may be endorsed to NFIR. (NFIR's letter No. II/5 dated 13-12014).

Implementation of Apex Court’s decision – Counting of the service rendered by Commission Bearers/Vendors absorbed in Railways for pensionary benefits from the date of engagement a Commission Bearers/ Vendors, till date of absorption in Railways –Southern Railway – reg.

Ref: NFIR’s letter No.II/35/ Pt.VIII dated 16/11/2012.

NFIR vide its letter dated 16/11/ 2012, quoted under reference, had brought to the notice of Railway Board a case of denial of counting of 50% of the service rendered before absorption from the date of engagement towards pensionary benefits of staff on the basis of the judgement delivered by the Apex Court in favour of the employees. A period of more than a year has passed, there has been no response to NFIR’s communication, and staff continue to suffer unnecessarily.

The inaction and non-responsive attitude of Railway Board has compelled the NFIR to include the issue in the agenda item of the forthcoming PNM meeting to be held at the level of Railway Board on

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30th/31st January, 2014.

NFIR once again urges the Railway Board to issue suitable instructions to Zones including Southern Railway giving justice to similarly placed staff on all Zones.

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

(NFIR's letter No. II/35/Pt.VIII dated 13-1-2014).

Non-grant of financial upgradation under MACP Scheme to the Stock Verifiers working in Zonal Railway/ Production Units – reg.

Ref: (i) Railway Board’s letter No.PC-V/2009/ACP/13/ICF dated 30/07/2012, (ii) NFIR’s letter No.IV/MACPS/09/Pt.6 dated 05/ 12/2012.

NFIR vide its letter dated 05/12/ 2012 had invited attention of the Railway Board to a factually incorrect clarification issued to ICF by the Railway Board vide letter dated 30/07/2012 wherein placement of Accounts Assistant to the post of Stock Verifier has been stated erroneously as “Promotion”.

In this connection, NFIR had invited attention of the Railway Board to letter No.PC-IV/2001/R/1 dated 07/06/2001wherein the stand taken by the Railway Board categorically establishes that the appointment of Accounts Assistant to the post of Stock Verifier is not a promotion.

Federation has failed to understand as to what prompted Railway Board to change the policy arbitrarily without any dialogue/consultation with NFIR. Federation is disappointed to note that a period of over one year has passed but there is no response to NFIR’s communication with the result the benefit of financial upgradation under MACPS has not been extended to the Stock Verifiers which they are otherwise due.

Arbitrary change in the policy by the Railway Board has compelled the Federation to include the issue in the agenda of forthcoming PNM meeting of NFIR at the level of Railway Board scheduled for 30/31 January, 2014.

NFIR, therefore, once again

March , 2014

requests the Railway Board to issue modified instructions to all Zones/ Production Units based on the fact that appointment of Accounts Assistant to the post of Stock Verifier is “not promotion” as held in the communication dated 07/06/2001 sent to ICF consequent to order dated 13/02/2001 passed by CAT/ Madras in MA No.107 of 2001/QA No.191 of 2001 since there has been no change in the policy for filling up the posts of Stock Verifier vis-a-vis their duty list. A copy of the instructions issued may be endorsed to NFIR. (NFIR's letter No. IV/MACPS/09/ Pt.8 dated 13-1-2014).

Restructuring the cadre of Time Keeping Organisation in DMW/Patiala & CLW/ Chittaranjan – reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR’s letter No.30/2008 (PNM) dated 24/05/2013, (ii) Railway Board’s letter No.PC-V/98/ 1/11/22 dated 24/06/2013, (iii) NFIR’s letter No.30/2008 (PNM) dated 27/08/2013.

In continuation to facts narrated

by NFIR in its letter dated 27/08/ 2013, Federation wishes to invite kind attention of the Railway Board to CPO/CLW’s letter No.AC/ Admn/TO/Restructuring/33 dated 10/12/2013 wherein following additional clarification has been furnished:In CLW, the Time Keeping Office is manned exclusively by the ministerial staff designations such as Clerk, Sr.Clerk, OS-II & OS-I and posted out of the panel of Clerks.

There has been no separate recruitment of staff exclusively for Time Office of CLW Organisation.

Evidentially the staff & supervisors all are ministerial staff.

The source of induction of Time Office is through ministerial staff as well as through 33 % & 16 ½% quota vacancies of ministerial staff.

Existence of separate TKO cadre distinct from the ministerial

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cadre has been recognised only on Eastern & South Eastern Railway and DMW pursuant to Railway Board’s letter No.PCVI/2008/1/RSRP/1 dated 11/ 09/2008 and dated 14/09/2010 and not in CLW. It is also note worthy that in DLW apex level Group ‘C’ scale posts in pre-revised scale is already available for Time Keeping Office.

Apart from above, Federation wishes to clarify that for the purpose of granting apex level Gr. ‘C’ level post to the extent of 2%, Railway Board vide letter No.PC-III/2004/FEII/6 dated 24/03/2005 and PC-V/ 2000/PNM/NFIR/4 dated 12/09/ 2001 has directed three Railways to explore the feasibility of merging the cadres of Time Keeping cadre with ministerial cadre.

The views, therefore, expressed by the Railway Board vide letter No.PC-V/98/I/11/22 dated 16/10/ 2008 are totally contrary and may cause further confusion. Federation also requests that CPO/CLWs letter No.AC/Admn/TO/Restructuring/ 03 dated 10/12/2013 addressed to Railway Board may be connected while taking decision favourable to staff.

NFIR, therefore, once again requests the Railway Board to kindly review their decision and issue appropriate clarification to CLW keeping in view the hardships of staff of Time Office who have retired or will be retiring and may be facing huge recoveries from the settlement dues. Federation may be kept advised of the action taken.

(NFIR's letter No. 30/2008(PNM) dated 13-1-2014).

Permission to retain union offices by NFIR union on Southern, South Western, EC, N.E.Railways and provision of Notice Boards of NFIR at important places – reg.

Ref: (i) Railway Board’s letter No.2013/E(LR)III/REF/NFIR/12 dated 26/08/2013, (ii) Railway Board’s letter No.2013/E(LR)III/ REF/NFIR/12 dated 05/09/2013. (iii) NFIR’s letter No.IV/1/Pt.II

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dated 18/11/2013 NFIR feels sad in conveying to the Railway Board that the instructions issued by Board vide letter dated 26/08/2013 & 05/09/2013 permitting to retain union offices, besides provision of notice boards at important places for NFIR and endorsing copies of circulars/letters to the NFIR by the Zonal/Divisional authorities on Southern, South Western, East Central and N.E. Railways have not been adhered to and it is noticed that on the other hand, hurdles are being created for causing serious discomfort to NFIR cadre. There is deep sense of anguish among the members of the NFIR affiliated unions on four Zonal Railways. As already reported, problems are being faced at places i.e. Villupuram, Golden Rock Workshops etc., on Southern Railway in regard to office accommodation and Notice Boards. There is a feeling among disciplined cadres that the authorities are deliberately discouraging them to suit the dictates of negative forces.

Federation, therefore, once again urges the Railway Board to issue clear instructions to the Southern, South Western, E.C and N.E. Railway to see that NFIR Notice Boards are provided, offices are allowed and circulars/letters are endorsed. NFIR may kindly be kept advised of the action taken.

(NFIR's letter No. IV/I/Pt.II dated 15-1-2014)

Package and Career Progression of Track Maintainers – Implementation of the recommendations of the report of Joint Committee – reg.

Ref: Railway Board’s letter No.E(W)2012/UN-1/5 dated 20/ 09/2012.

Consequent to the implementation of the recommendations of the report of Joint Committee, Railway Board vide letter, quoted under reference, has communicated sanction for reimbursement of shoes vide item (e) as follows:“ Two pairs of shoes will now form a part of the uniform of the Trackmen and hence, they may be

March , 2014

reimbursed Rs.900/- p.a. However, the reimbursement is subject to the actual procurement of shoes and submission of receipts thereof. As such, the reimbursement should be given upto twice a year @ Rs.450 per reimbursement.”

Federation has been advised that the Track Maintainers are finding difficulty in obtaining two receipts towards reimbursement at the rate of Rs.450/- in a year the shoe is in fact not available even for Rupees Thousand in the market, it would be improper to insist upon two receipts.

NFIR further suggests that the reimbursement of shoes @ Rs.900/p.a. may be paid to the Track Maintainers through salary bill to avoid unnecessary hassels, avoidable workload beside staff grievances.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to kindly review and dispense with submission of two receipts condition.

(NFIR's letter No. IV/Committee/ Track Maintainers/2010/Pt.III dated 16-1-2014).

Filling up of vacancies of Sr.Clerk (PB-I+GP Rs.2800) on Central Railway – Grant of one time relaxation for filling vacancies by serving Graduates reg.

Ref: NFIR’s letter No.III/CRMS/ Pt. 3 dated 28/10/2013.

Federation vide its letter dated 28/10/2013, quoted under reference, has apprised the Railway Board of the peculiar situation arisen on Central Railway where indents for as many as 90 DR Quota vacancies sent to RRB, years ago, could not be complied even after expiry of lead time available for providing panels.

NFIR wishes to add that the indents sent by Central Railway to RRBs were not even published, the process of recruitment of Sr.Clerks thus not even initiated with the result the working of Zonal Railway has been adversely affected.

In order to tide over the shortage in the category of Sr.Clerk, one time dispensation for filling up the vacant posts from amongst serving

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graduates has been sought for by the GM/P, Central Railway.

Officers of Medical Department/ Parmedical categories to Senior Scale & JA Grade etc – reg.

NFIR Unions Celebrated 65th Republic Day

Ref: (i) NFIR’s letter No.II/8(2) dated 10/12/2012, (ii) Railway Board’s letter No.E(O)III-2009/PL/ 12 dated 18/09/2013.

NFIR Affiliated Unions in all its Hqrs., Divisions and Branches celebrated 65 th Republic Day on 26 th January, 2014. National Flag was hoisted at every place with the singing of National Anthem. Sweets were distributed among the Railway employees, cadres and the families of Rly. employees.

While discussing PNM item no.12/2006 in the NFIR’s PNM meeting held at the level of Railway Board on 20/21.02.2013, Federation was apprised that case of upgradation of Asstt Nursing Officers to Sr.Scale on Indian Railways will be covered at the time of cadre review of miscellaneous categories.

While celebrating Independence Day at South Central Railway Employees’ Sangh (SCRES), SCRES President, Prabhakar Andrews hoisted the National Flag at Central Office of the SCRE Sangh. Large number of Cadre and Railway employees participated.

At Southern Railway Employees’ Sangh (SRES) M. Selvaraj, Joint General Secretary hoisted the National Flag followed by singing National Anthem and sweets distribution.

R.Balakrishnan presided over the function. S/Shri R. Balakrishnan, Working President, P.S. Suriyaprakasam, General Secretary, M. Selvaraj, JGS, M. Suryaprakash, DS/WS addressed the gathering.

Federation is disappointed to note that no action has been taken by the Railway Board even after a period of nearly a year since Central Railway’s reference to Board.

NFIR, therefore, urges the Railway Board once again to consider and convey sanction as one time relaxation as a special case, for filling DR Quota vacancies of Sr.Clerks from among serving Graduates on Central Railway.

Federation may please be advised of the action taken.

(NFIR's letter No. III/CRMS/Pt.3 dated 20-1-2014).

Promotion of Group ‘B’ 30

Federation has noticed that the Railway Board vide letter dated 18/ 09/2013, cited under reference, have decided to promote Group ‘A’ Sr.Scale Officers of 12 Miscellaneous Railway Services to JA Grade on adhoc basis. Thereafter a period of over three months has passed but there is no progress in the case of upgradation of Asstt Nursing Officers and other para-medical categories to Sr.Scale, JA Grade etc,.

NFIR, therefore, urges the Railway Board to take special initiative for providing upgradation to Asstt Nursing Officers and other Group ‘B’ officers in Medical Department to Sr.Scale and JA Grade . Federation may be replied of progress on this PNM item which is under discussion since the last 6 years.

(NFIR's letter No. II/8(2) dated 201-2014).

Classification of Call-Boy as “Safety” category for the purpose of LARSGESS – reg.

It has since been represented to NFIR that on some of the Zonal Railways the category of “Call Boy” GP Rs.1800/- is not being treated as “Safety” category for the purpose of application of LARSGESS. In this connection, NFIR desires to convey that as per the existing AVC particularly on Central Railway Call Boy is entitled to get promoted as Asst Loco Pilot.

Federation is surprised to note that the “Call Boy” has not been included as one of the safety

March , 2014

category. The Central Railway Administration is denying the applications of Call Boys when seeking retirement under LARSGESS for the purpose of appointment of wards.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to review the matter and issue suitable clarificatory instructions to General Manager, Central Railway as well as other Zonal Railways for treating Call Boy category as “Safety” category for the purpose of LARSGESS. A copy of the instructions issued may be endorsed to Federation.

(NFIR's letter No. II/34/Pt.10 dated 20-1-2014).

Creation of posts in Ticket Checking staff on North Western Railway – reg.

Pursuant to taking up the subject of creation of posts in the Ticket Checking category on North Western Railway by our affiliate UPRMS, the Zonal Railway vide letter no. C-/ MPP/Cadre dated 27/08/2013 had submitted data for creation of a minimum of 997 posts in Ticket Checking cadre. The Railway Board vide letter No. 2012/TG-V/10/ Committee dated 26/12/2013 have however communicated sanction for creation of only 115 posts (57+58) for North Western Railway which is merely 12% of the real requirement. The sanction conveyed by the Railway Board is grossly insufficient to meet with existing workload. The inadequate sanction of posts will have adverse impact on collection of railway revenue by way of realizing railway fare & fine from the unauthorised travellers apart from difficulties in manning the reserved/unreserved coaches on long distance trains causing over work on the existing staff.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to kindly consider communicating sanction for creation of atleast additional 800 posts of Ticket Checking staff for North Western Railway so that the work on the zone is not allowed to suffer and the railway may not lose revenue. Action taken may be advised to the Federation.

INDIAN RAIL WORKER

(NFIR's letter No. II/73 dated 22-12014).

Non-filling up of the posts of Staff & Welfare Inspector in GP Rs.4200/- on Central Railway – hardships faced by the staff – reg.

The Railway Board vide letter No.E(NG)I-2008/PMI/15 dated 03/ 09/2009 while implementing recommendations of 6th CPC revised classification of posts due to merger of grades, revised mode of filling up of non-gazetted posts had earmarked 15% vacancies in the category of Staff & Welfare Inspector GP Rs. 4200/- against Direct Recruitment to be filled through RRB (against item no.46 of the annexure). NFIR had received grievances from the employees that a period of over four years passed; DR quota vacancies have not been filled and in many cases the RRBs have not been able to advertise the vacancies with the result there is shortage in this category and work has been adversely affected.

Our affiliate CRMS had raised the issue in the PNM meeting at GM’s level, proposing that DR quota vacancies to be clubbed with LDCE quota maintaining similar eligibility standards. Agreeing with the demand of CRMS, Central Railway vide letter No.HPB/706/RT/BD/ S&WI dated 08/02/2013 has sent proposal to the Railway Board for clubbing the D/R posts with LDCE specially in view of large scale retirements in the times ahead.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to convey approval GM/Central Railway for filling D/ R quota vacancies through LDCE. Federation may be replied of action being taken in the matter.

(NFIR's letter No. II/6/Pt.5 dated 23-1-2014).

Grant of Incentive Bonus to the Supervisors (SSEs) of Road Transport Shop in Carriage & Wagon Repair Workshop, Perambur on Southern Railwayreg.

The SSEs working in Road Transport Shop in Carriage &

31

Repair Workshop, Perambur on Southern Railway have been denied incentive bonus (i.e. 15% of pay). In this connection the facts of the case are listed below:Separate Road Transport Shop is available only in C&W Works, Perambur since decades.

Supervisors/SSEs working in the Transport Shop of Carriage & Wagon Repair Workshop, Perambur are not being Incentive Bonus @ 15% on the plea that Road Transport shop is existing separately.

SSEs working in Mill Wright & Road Transport together in other Workshops as also exclusively in the Transport Shops of other Workshops are paid 15% incentive bonus.

In this connection, NFIR wishes to clarify that the plea taken by Southern Railway does not appear to be valid in the light of decision of Railway Board in letter No. 99/W (Prod)/814/35 dated 18/07/2001 as follows:“The matter has been examined and it has been decided that incentive Bonus to SE/SSEs supervising shops such as millwright shop where there are no direct workers but where there are both incentive and non-incentive workers, shall be calculated as under.

Incentive to SE/SSEs shall be paid @ 80% of 15% of their basic pay”.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to issue clarificatory instructions allowing payment of incentive bonus to SSEs working in the Transport Shop of Carriage & Wagon repair Workshop, Perambur.

A copy of the instructions may be endorsed to Federation.

(NFIR's letter No. I/II dated 24-12014).

Entitlement of various types of accommodation based on the revised Pay Scales recommended by 6th CPC-reg.

Ref: (i) Railway Board’s letter No. 2008/LMB/10/16 dated 27/ 01/2011, (ii) NFIR’s letter No. II/23/

March , 2014

Pt. II dated 13/03/2012.

NFIR vide its letter dated 13/03/ 2012 had requested the Railway Board to issue amendment to the entitlement of various types of accommodation consequent to treatment of staff drawing GP Rs 1800/- as Group ‘C’. In order to simplify the rules, Federation had suggested that the staff with GP Rs 1800/-or Rs 1900/- should be made eligible for Type-II quarter as per priority. Federation wishes to reiterate that if the allotment of quarters has to be made based on Grade Pay of the employee, certain percentage of quarters in Type-II need to be earmarked for staff of GP Rs 1800/- & Rs 1900/- respectively to facilitate allotment of accommodation.

Although nearly two years have passed, instructions have not been issued by the Railway Board.

NFIR once again urges the Railway Board to issue revised instructions duly amending Board’s letter dated 27/01/2011. A copy of the instructions issued may be sent to the Federation.

(NFIR's letter No. II/23/Pt.II dated 31-1-2014).

Engagement of Course Completed Act Apprentices in exigency of services against erstwhile Group ‘D’ vacancies – Hon’ble High Court of Madras order- regarding.

On Southern Railway, the competent authority had engaged Course Completed Act Apprentices as substitutes against safety vacancies for ensuring un-interrupted services. While the said substitutes have been continuing since more than 4 years, some persons filed a case before Hon’ble CAT at Chennai and thereafter the issue was taken to Hon’ble High Court at Madras. The High Court upheld CAT order, thus preventing Railway Administration from engaging Act Apprentices in exigencies.

It is however learnt that the General Manager, Southern Railway has not so far filed SLP before Hon’ble Supreme Court. In the interest of railways and for ensuring

INDIAN RAIL WORKER

uninterrupted services, engagement of Act Apprentices in emergency and exigency is very much necessary.

The Federation therefore requests the Railway Board to kindly intervene and see that SLP is filed and High Court order is contested.

(NFIR's letter No. II/94 dt. 8-2-2014).

Recognition of educational qualification of 10th Pass by the Chhattisgarh State Open School Examination – reg.

It has been reported to the Federation by our affiliate SECRMC that until recently the Zonal/ Divisional Administration on South East Central Railway was recognizing the educational qualification of 10 th Pass in respect of candidate passing the examination from Chhattisgarh State Open School for the purpose of employment on the Railway but the same has since been stopped arbitrarily. Federation has further been given to understand that the Zonal Railway has made a reference to the Railway Board on the subject seeking clarification which has been pending in the Board for a long time now. This has led to a situation that a large number of cases of appointment of wards of railway employees on CG. LARSGESS, direct recruits etc have piled up thereby creating dissatisfaction among staff.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to issue suitable clarification to SEC Railway early to continue to recognize the educational qualification of 10th Pass from Chhattisgarh State Open School Examination for employment purpose to mitigate the hardships. A copy of the instructions issued may be endorsed to the Federation.

(NFIR's letter No. II/30 dt. 13-2-2014).

Draft Record Note of discussions held on 18/07/2013 by AM/T&C with NFIR on NFIR’s PNM item no. 19/2012: New Catering Policy - Departmental Catering Services - Job security and regularisation of commission vendors and helpers - reg.

Ref: (i) Railway Board’s letter No. 2013/TG-III/653/1 dated 04/

32

09/2013, (ii) Endorsement dated 17/ 9/2013 made by General Secretary/ NFIR on Railway Board’s letter dated 04/09/2013 with additions in the draft minutes attached thereto, (iii) NFIR’s letter No. II/80(i) dated 16/10/2013, (iv) Railway Board’s letter No. 2013/TG-III/653/1 dated 30/01/2014.

Federation wishes to invite attention of the Railway Board to letter dated 04/09/2013, cited under reference forwarding copy of the draft record note of discussions held

by AM/T&C on 18/07/2013 with NFIR. In this connection, NFIR wishes to state that the GS/NFIR had made following additions in the draft minutes for being incorporated, before circulating final minutes:Para (A) Federation has complained that appointment of wards of deceased/medically invalidated Commission Bearers/ Vendors are not considered more particularly on South Eastern Railway inspiteof Railway Board’s instructions, consequently the families are suffering. Federation requested to take action priority.

Para (B) The Federation pointed out that in the case of Temporary Status Casual Labour in the Railways who were subsequently absorbed as regular Group ‘D’ staff, half the Temporary Status Service has been treated as regular service for the purpose of granting retirement benefits etc. and demanded that same to be extended in case of commission bearers/vendors on their absorption in Railways, as otherwise in most of the cases, the commission bearers/vendors who get absorbed after 25-30 years do not get the retirement benefits etc. It was explained by the official side that Casual Labour were recruited by the Rlys. whereas in case of commission bearers/vendors it is not so.

As such, it is not possible to agree with the Federation’s view.

However, the Federation insisted that the matter be looked into. The Federation has further contended that the abnormal delay in complying with Supreme Court’s order has resulted serious injustice

March , 2014

to the Bearers/Vendors as they are not becoming eligible for pension etc. Federation therefore urged to deal the issue duly processing for obtaining MR’s approval for giving retrospective absorption.

Para (D) Federation (NFIR) also suggested to refer its letters to Board on catering staff issues and send reply indicating the progress made on the points refereed thereon.

NFIR is disappointed to note that the additions made by GS/NFIR in draft record as mentioned above and returned on 17/09/2013 to the Railway Board have not been incorporated in the final minutes sent by the Railway Board under letter dated 30/01/2014 to the Federation Federation, therefore, once again urges the Railway Board to kindly see that complete minutes of the meeting held in the chamber of AM/ T&C on 18/07/2013 including the issues raised by NFIR are circulated and sent to us early. The minutes issued vide Board’s letter dated 30/ 1/2014 should be withdrawn and Federation advised.

(NFIR's letter No. II/80(i) dt. 15-2-2014).

Letter To Member Mechanical, Railway Board Staff grievances – Rail Coach Factory, Rae Bareli – reg.

Ref: NFIR’s letter No.III/RCFRBL/2013 dated 19/07/2013.

NFIR vide its letter dated 19/07/ 2013 had conveyed to the Railway Board (CRB, MS etc.,) the problems of railway employees who joined the newly established prestigious Rail Coach Factory at Rae Bareli. A period of over six months have passed, unfortunately there has been no response to Federation’s communication.

The following are the main issues on which staff are agitated:Four increments as incentive for counting for retirement purposes.

Cadres in GP Rs.1800/- & Technicians have since been closed but promotions of staff in

INDIAN RAIL WORKER

the category of Technicians have not been granted, Railway Hospital within the premises of the Coach Factory at Rae Bareli with all facilities of specialist & Super Specialities to attend to Health problems of the staff and their family members needs to be constructed and made functional without further delay.

No drinking water in the Factory premises. Available water contains impurities like Floride and Sodium in large quantity. A centralised water treatment plant of large capacity needs to be provided early.

Wards of railway employees are not able to get admission in the existing Kendriya Vidyalaya School. The School needs to be extended upto 10+2 level to facilitate wards of RCF employees to take admission.

Personnel and Accounts Departments functioning in the Administrative Block may be shifted to Factory premises to help out employees working in the Factory.

It is reported that number of cases of theft/pilferage in the Factory compound has increased as the Private Security have no control. There is thus need to post RPF Staff to prevent theft/ pilferage of Railway material/ property.

RCF Staff have been occupying railway quarters at their previous places, currency of which is expiring. Suitable extension needs to be accorded till such time RCF quarters are made available to them.

RPF Staff in the RCF/RBL may also be extended the benefit of incentives/increments similar to Project staff.

Federation once again urges the Railway Board (MM) to kindly intervene to redress the issues listed above. NFIR may please e advised of the action taken in due course.

(NFIR's letter No. III/RCF-RBL/ 2013 dated 13-2-2014).

Letter To Member Staff, Railway Board 33

Shortage of staff in various safety and other critical categories-reg.

The Railway Board (MS) may kindly recollect that the undersigned while participating in the General Managers’ conference held on 21st/ 22nd Jan 2014 at Rail Bhavan, New Delhi had brought to the notice of the Hon’ble MR, CRB and the Board members that the Zonal Railways are not processing the applications of staff seeking inter railway transfer. The Zones/PUs are deliberately ignoring extant instructions of Railway Board, and most of the times the reason recorded is shortage of staff.

Deliberating on the issue further, the General Secretary/NFIR pointed out to the Railway Board that the General Managers of Zones/ Production Units are not placing indents with the respective RRBs/ RRCs taking all such relevant factors into account resulting into supply of short panels on the one hand and continued vacancies in the Railway system on the other hand leading to frustration and disappointment among existing staff. The situation is worse in the categories of Station Masters, Loco Pilots, Guards, ESMs and JEs. To overcome the deteriorating situation, the General Secretary/ NFIR had urged the General Managers to implement Railway Board’s instructions on “request transfer applications of staff in letter & spirit and place indents for direct recruitment with adequate caution and well in advance so that incumbents against indented vacancies are available in time and the staff seeking request transfer are relieved.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board (MS) to issue suitable instructions to the General Managers of Zones etc., on the above lines to mitigate hardships faced by the staff who seek transfer to other zones/new organisations. A copy of the instructions issued may be endorsed to Federation.

(NFIR's letter No. III/WRMS/5 dated 4-2-2014)

March , 2014

Railway Board's Decisions Streamlining of working of RRBs-Holding of common RRB examination for the ALP & Technician.

Ref: Board's letter No. 2009/ E(RRB)/25/20 dated 28-10-2009 (RRB No. 04/2009).

Vide Board's letter under reference comprehensive orders on the streamlining of function of RRB were issued. This process has been under constant review and scrutiny based on the experiences of examination held against CEN of 2010, 2011 & 2012 so that the RRBs can be held in more efficient and cost effective manner. It has been noticed that minimum educational qualification for the two categories of ALPs & Technicians being common (i.e. ITI) in the relevant trade), most of the candi-dates applying for these categories are common. Still, conventionally two different notifications and exams have been issued/organized for these two categories separately. This results in holding two different exams for same set of candidates on two different occasions and also if the candidate is selected in both the exams, he joins against one category of posts leaving the other vacant.

This is also one of the reasons for short Panels.

To streamline and standardize selection procedure and also to address the problem of short panels in critical safety categories like ALP & Technicians, Board has decided for holding a common RRB examination for the ALP and Technicians categories from 2014 onwards. For this, the following changes in the existing recruitment system are being introduced with immediate effect. (i) Nodal RRB/Chennai will issue a common Centralized Employment Notification on behalf of all the participating RRBs for these two categories of post viz.

ALPs & Technicians.

INDIAN RAIL WORKER

(ii) For the selection of ALP & Technician, a common written examination will be conducted on the same day simultaneously by all the participating RRBs in one or more sessions depending upon the numbers of candidates applying for the examination on that RRB. A common structure of question papers for the written examination of the categories of ALP & Technicians should be followed/ adopted as detailed under, which is in supersession of Board's letter No. 2009/E(RRB)/25/20 pt. dated 5-12011(RRCB No. 1/2011) for these two categories :-

fulfilling the prescribed medical standards before opting for various posts.

These modifications are issued with the approval of Board and may be implemented from CEN01/2014 onwards.

Railway Board's letter No. 2013/ E(RRB)/25/28 dated 17-1-2014.

Engagement of Homeopathic Doctors in the dispensaries functioning under the aegies of Staff Benefit Fund - Qualifications reg.

Post : ALP & Technician, Times in Minutes : 90, No. of Questions : Gen. Awareness - 20, Arithmetic - 20, Gen. Intelligence & reasoning - 15, General Science - 15, Technical Ability - 30, Total - 100.

The issue of revision of recruitment qualification for engagement of Homeopathic Doctors for the dispensaries functioning under the aegies of Staff Benefit Fund was raised in the forum of PNM/NFIR.

As per the existing instructions, candidates to the tune of five times the vacancies are short listed for appearing in the Psycho-Tests for ALPs. It has now been decided that the number of candidates to be shortlisted for Psycho Test may be increased to eight times of the vacancies subject to securing minimum qualifying marks prescribed for respective community in the written examination on the same lines as ASMs communicated vide Board's letter No.2013/E(RRB)/ 25/23 dated 8-10-2013 (RRCB No. 1/2013)

The matter has been examined in detailed in consultation with the Health Directorate of Railway Board and in partial modification of Board's letter No. E(W)89/WE 1-15 dated 3-10-1989, it has been decided that the 5 years experience shall not be a precondition for the BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine & Surgery) doctors after completion of internship for engagement on full time/part time basis on the Railways. However, the DHMS (Diploma in Homeopathic Medicine & Surgery) doctor should have at least 1-1/2 years' working experience (the difference in time period between DHMS and BHMS including internship in the letter) for engagement on full time/part time on the Railways.

With a view to avoid shortfall while preparing the panels, if any, the zone of stand by/waiting list is also being increased from present 30% to 50% for the above mentioned categories combined together.

It should be clearly brought out in all the communications to the candidates that a candidate once empanelled for any of the posts depending on his choice/merit position will not be considered for alternative appointment later if he is found medically unfit. Therefore, the candidates, in their own interest, should satisfy themselves about

34

Railway Board's letter No. E(W)2012/PNM/NFIR/5 dt. 24-1-2014).

Allotment of quarters to the officers/staff posted in COFMOW, IROAF and RLDA by Ministry of Railways (Railway Board). to

The issue of allotment of quarters the personnel posted in

March , 2014

COFMOW, IROAF and RLDA by the Ministry of Railways/Railway Board has been considered by the Board. In exercise of the powers vested with the full Board to make reasonable relaxations in public interest for a class/group of employees in all or any of the existing provisions regarding house allotment/retention the Board has decided that COFMOW, IROAF and RLDA being directly under Ministry of Railways, their officers would be clubbed with the officers of Railway Board for the purpose of allotment of houses.

Railway Board's letter No. E(G)2013 QR1-21 dated 4-2-2014.

Selection procedure for promotion to Selection Posts - Formation of panel in the order of seniority amongst those securing qualifying marks.

Ref: PNM/NFIR item No. 2/2012 The General Secretary/NFIR has pointed out that on some of the Zonal Railways and Production Units, selection in the normal channel of promotion is being done without taking seniority marks into consideration, leading to discontentment among seniors.

The above issue has been examined and with the consent of both the Federations, the following clarifications are issued for guidance and compliance : Subject : Selection of posts as per avenue of promotion by restricting field of eligibility to 1:3 times Clarification : Normal Selection with seniority marks and 60% pass marks in the aggregate including marks of written examination, record of service and seniority. Panel being made as per seniority with 80% and above classified as Outstanding in order of their seniority allowing them to supersede not more than 50% of total field of eligibility.

Subject : Selection to posts as per avenue of promotion not restricting the field, but by calling for volunteers, like LDCE.

INDIAN RAIL WORKER

Clarification : Normal Selection without seniority marks. Panel to be formed as per merit.

Subject : General Selection Posts : Selection to posts in which the volunteers are called across Cadres/ Departments without restriction of field and all eligible candidates called for selection.

Clarification : Selection without seniority marks. Panel to be arranged as per merit.

Subject : For promotion from erstwhile Group 'D' to Group 'C'.

Clarification : All erstwhile Group 'D' categories in G.P. Rs. 1800, since upgraded as Group 'C', will continue to be eligible for selection to Group 'C' posts as per the AVC already provided, if they possess the prescribed educational qualification and residency period etc. For 33-1/2 quota-all staff having completed 3 years and above regular service are allowed to appear.

Selection shall be governed by para (A) above. Selection shall be governed by para (A) above. For 162/3% quota selection, rules against para (B) above will be applicable for staff with a minimum of 2 years regular service. This is as per para 189 of IREM and ACS 154 & 155.

Railway Board's letter No. E(NG)I2011/PM1/26 dated 6-2-2014.

Honorarium payable to various Functionaries involved in conducting (i) Written test for recruitment to erstwhile Group 'D' posts and (ii) For Physical Efficiency Test (PET) The issue of laying down uniform rates of honorarium payable to various functionaries involved with the conduct of written

test for recruitment to erstwhile Group 'D' posts and for conducting Physical Efficiency Test (PET) has been considered by the Board and the following rates of Honorarium has been prescribed :(A) For conducting Written Tests as a part of open market selection for the posts in grade pay Rs. 1800/(erstwhile Gr.D) The rates of honorarium prescribed for Railway Recruitment Board's (RRBs) in terms of Board's letter No. E(G)/2010 HO1-38 dated 2-11-2012 issued under RBE No. 125/2012 will be made applicable.

(B) For conducting Physical Efficiency Test (PET) (See Table below) (C) Arrangement for food, snacks. etc is left at the discretion of the Incharge conducting PET. (D) The above rates will also be applicable :(i) To the Members of Trial Committee and Recruitment Committee Constituted as per Board's policy letter No. 2010/ E(Sports)/4/(1)/1 Policy) dated 3112-2010 (RBE No. 189(B)/2010) for recruitment of sportspersons against sports quota, for the day(s) of selection trials of the candidates. (iii) To the RPF personnel (for RRB/RRC exams). viz :- Constable/ Follower, Head Constable, Assistant Sub Inspector, Sub Inspector, Inspector, Assistant Security Commissioner/Assistant Commandant, Divisional Security Commissioner/ Commandant.

The above rates will take effect from the date of issue of the order.

Railway Board's letter No. E(G)/ 2006/HOI-14 dated 7-2-2014.

Functionaries

Rate per day (in Rs.)

Employees having grade pay of Rs. 1800/- & Rs. 1900/-

250/-

Employees having grade pay above Rs. 1900/- and upto Rs.4600/-

400/-

Employees with grade pay above Rs. 4600/- but below Rs. 5400/-

600/-

Employees with grade pay of Rs. 5400/- & Rs. 6600/-

750/-

JAG and above

1000/-

35

March , 2014

RNI No. R.N. 7243/63 Regd. No. DL(C) -01/1121/2012-2014 Posted at SRT Nagar Post office New Delhi -110055 Licensed to post without pre-payment No. U(C)-279/2013-14 Date of Publication : 1st March, 2014 Date of Posting - 3rd & 4th every month

Policy on retention of Railway quarters by officers posted as DRMs-Review thereof.

The existing policies on house retention by the officers posted as DRMs as contained in Board's letter of even number dated 17-5-2010 and 6-10-2010 have been reviewed by the full Board. In exercise of the powers vested with the full Board to make reasonable relaxations in public interest for a class/group of employees in all or any of the existing provisions regarding house allotment/retention the Board has decided as under; I. The existing permission to retain houses in the past places by the officers posted as DRMs as granted under Board's letter dated 17-5-2010 and 06-10-2010 is withdrawn. The officers on their postings as DRMs shall henceforth be entitled to the normal relaxations applicable in case of permanent transfer as contained in Board's letter No.E(G) 2000 QR1-23 dated 1-6-2001 i.e., 02 months on normal rent and 06 months on double the normal rent from the date of relieving from the earlier posting, either on educational or on sickness account as per the standing instructions issued from to time.

II. The officers already working as DRMs on the daste of issue of these orders shall vacate the quarter within 03 months time from the date of this letter in case the normal permissible period under permanent transfer as mentioned in Para I above has already been surpassed. After 03 months duration penal rent shall be leviable.

Railway Board's letter No. E(G)2010 QR-1-1(DRMs) dated 14-22014.

GS/NFIR Visited Rail Wheel Factory, Yelahanka NFIR General Secretary, M. Raghavaiah visited Rail Wheel Factory, Yelahanka on 24th February, 2014 and interacted with staff belonging to different categories. He called on General Manager, Shri Rajeev Bhargava on 24th February, 2014 morning and discussed certain important issues.

Earlier, GS/NFIR was warmly welcomed by RWFKS leaders S/Shri H.G. Dwarkanath, Laxmi Narayana, Ravindra Nath, Indrasekhar etc. A team of woman employees led by Smt. K. Kejalakshmi, NFIR Working Committee Member met NFIR General Secretary and represented the issues relating to empowerment of women employees.

Several technical Supervisors, Technicians, Stenographers besides

Scrap Depot staff met General Secretary and highlighted grievances. The RWFKS as well as Joint Council Members thanked NFIR General Secretary for securing Railway Board’s decision for revision of incentive bonus rates.

The Directors of Yelahanka House Building Society also called on the General Secretary, NFIR and appraised the progress in providing House Plots by the Society to its members.

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Committee Constituted Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) constituted a Committee to set-up online portal for the Zonal Railway Training Institutes to interact with each other and share information on the courses, syllabi, teaching materials etc. consisting of the following: Principal, Zonal Railway Training Institute, Tiruchirapalli Convener, Southern Railway.

Principal, Zonal Railway Training Institute, Chandausi - Member, Northern Railway.

Principal, Zonal Railway Training Institute, Bhusawal - Member, Central Railway.

Principal, Zonal Railway Training Institute, Udaipur -Member, N.W. Railway.

The Terms of reference of the Committee will be as under: i) To set up an online portal for the ZRTIs where they can interact with each other and share information on the courses, syllabi, teaching material etc.; and ii) To finalize the following:a) the contents of the portal; b) user requirements & specifications; c) data base administration; and d) any other requirement in the proposed portal.

Ref: Rly. Board’s Order No. ERB-I/2014/23/6 dt. 30.01.2014

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