airf’s references to railway board on staff matters€¦ · washing allowance stand subsumed,...

Web: www.airfindia.com/Email: [email protected]

With Annual Subscription Rs.60/-, Single Copy Rs.5/-

Year 54, Vol. 02. Editor: Shiva Gopal Mishra February, 2018

Editorial

Budget with Ambitious Plan but Less outlay

Dear Comrades! Finance Minister Shri Arun Jetely presented his 5th General Budget and 2nd Railway Budget on 1st February. Finance Minister presented Rail Budget with annual plan for Rs. 1, 48,528 Crores, almost three times as against 53989 in four years ago. Finance Minister has given highest priority to safety; total expenditure planned on safety activities is Rs. 73065 Crores in 2018-19. (BE)

The target for railway electrification has been fixed to the entire network. The decision to develop 600 stations, improvement in suburban services, doubling of

railway lines and many more projects for capacity augmentation has been announced. For all these announcements the budgets allocation from GBS is very meager i.e. 53,060 crores, internal resources 11500 crores, IRFC bonds Rs. 28500 crores, LIC 26000 crores, through PPP 27000 crores etc. It is quite evident that railways had to borrow a huge amount and Govt. has not provided sufficient amount to meet the challenges of such ambitious plan.

On the other hand, nothing has been provided to railwaymen in this Budget neither from Railway Ministry nor from General Budget. Budget has not provided any relief in Income Tax nor the demand of minimum wage, fitment formula or NPS has been met.

The salaried class has been very disappointed with this budget and seems to be quite agitated.

With Best Regards, General Secretary

AIRF’S REFERENCES TO RAILWAY BOARD ON STAFF MATTERS

INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, February 2018

Sub: “All India Safety Seminar” of Track Machine Staff – 2nd April, 2018, New Delhi.

In suppression of our earlier letter of even number dated 29th January, 2018, we send herewith revised distribution (300 in number) of the participants of the “All India Safety Seminar” of the Track Machine Staff, being organized by the All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) on 2nd April, 2018 in New Delhi. Names of the participants of this Safety Seminar shall be given by AIRF Affiliates to their respective Railway Administrations,

Northern Railway 45

Southern Railway 20

South Central Railway 20

Central Railway 20

Western Railway 20

Eastern Railway 20

South Eastern Railway 15

North Eastern Railway 15

Eastern Central Railway 15

East Coast Railway 15

North Central Railway 15

North Western Railway 15

West Central Railway 15

South Western Railway 15

South East Central Railway 15

Northeast Frontier Railway 15

Metro Railway Kolkata 05

Total 300

The Board are, therefore, requested to advise the General Managers of all the Zonal Railways to extend the facilities of Special Leave and Passes to Participants of our above-mentioned Safety Seminar, so as to enable them to attend the same. The name of the participants shall be sponsored by the General Secretaries of AIRF affiliates.

(No.AIRF/415(27) Dated: February 3, 2018)

Sub: General Budget 2018-19 – Letter to Hon’ble MOR

The Railwaymen feel much aggrieved because they feel deprived due to none of the announcements made during the Budget Speech by Hon’ble Finance Minister regarding benefits and welfare of the Railwaymen.

You will agree that, the Railwaymen, amongst the whole working class in the country, are the hard working and prime mover of the wheels of the development of the nation, even by sacrificing their lives, even then, since last budget, not even a single word used to be spoken during the Budget Speech about our hard working workforce of the Railways.

If we talk about the General Budget, the Railwaymen were also very much hopeful that they will be getting some relief from the government, by raising ceiling of the Income Tax, but nothing has been done, on the other hand it is much propagated that, Rs.40,000 standard deduction has been given to the government employees, which is not going to benefit any of the employees because of enhancement in the Education Cess by 1%. Moreover, exemption, already available for Transport and Medical Reimbursement, has been done away by this announcement in the budget. All this has been created an atmosphere of depression in the minds of the hard working Railwaymen those who perfectly need always a motivation and stress-free atmosphere.

You are already aware that, non-redressal of long pending demands of the Railwaymen and other Central Government Employees, particularly regarding improvement in Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula, National Pension System (NPS), is causing lots of resentment in the Government Employees, which need to be redressed early.

I hope, you will kindly intervene at this juncture and pursue the Hon’ble Finance Minister and Hon’ble Prime Minister to give some relief to the salaried class of this country by enhancing Income Tax Slabs and resolving their long pending demands.

(No.AIRF/60(35) Dated: February 2, 2018)

Sub: Brief of the meeting held with the CRB on 15.01.2018

I (AIRF General Secretary) meet the CRB today, and the following deliberations were taken place:-

1. LARSGESS – The issue of LARSGESS was discussed threadbare, and I handed him over a copy of our letter No.AIRF/415 dated January 09, 2018 and informed him about Hon’ble Supreme Court’s directives for revisiting the scheme. The CRB has given directions to the concerned officials to finalize the issue urgently.


2. Revision in the rates of KMA/ALK to Running Staff – This issue was also discussed at length and I handed him over a copy of our letter No. AIRF/55 dated 06.01.2018 regarding revision in the rates of KMA/ALK related to Running Staff. The CRB assured that, the issue would be resolved within a short period.

3. Absorption of the Course Completed Act Apprentices in Railways – This issue was also discussed in detail, and the CRB asked the concerned officials to resolve the issue amicably without further loss of time.

4. On the issue of Committee formed for uniform of the Trackmen and other related issues, the CRB agreed to consider the suggestions of AIRF, that, all the posts of the Keyman and Mate should be in the apex grade, i.e. Trackman Gr. I. This is for your information.

(No.AIRF/24(C) Dated: January 15, 2018)

Sub: Deputation of the Railway Staff in the Recognized Unions/Federations as Full Time Workers

Railway Board, in terms of para 2.2 of their letter No.E (LR)III/86/UTF/17 dated 29.04.1988, time and again, have permitted deputation of the Railway employees in the union offices of AIRF affiliates and the federation.

Railway Board’s orders regarding extension of deputation period for 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 are yet to issue. We furnish below railway-wise requirement of our affiliates for Railway Deputationists for the year 2017-18 and 2018-2019:-

Name of the Railway Zone

Requirement of the Deputationist Staff

Central 13

Northern 06

N.F. 01

South Central 09

Western 07

East Coast 02

North Western 06

South Western 02

AIRF 08

Eastern 02

North Eastern 02

Southern 07

South Eastern 02

Eastern Central 04

North Central 02

West Central 04

Metro Railway Kolkata

01

Total 78

Since AIRF has emerged as largest Federation of the Railwaymen, getting recognized its 16 unions out of 17 over the Indian Railways, it is requested that, allotted quota of AIRF should be revised to 78.

The Board are, requested to communicate necessary sanction to the General Managers of the Indian Railways on the subject matter at an earliest.

(No.AIRF/139(12) dt.15 January, 2018)

Sub: Eligibility criteria for payment of Dress Allowance

Ref.: AIRF’s PNM item No.21/2010

AIRF has brought the above referred to item in the regular agenda of the Railway Board PNM, quoting therein the criteria for eligibility as envisaged in Dress Regulation 2004, which reads as under:-

The criteria for eligibility of uniform shall be as under:-

a) Staff who, in course of their duty, come in close contact with the public and are required to be distinctly identified by the travelling public and other railway staff on duty.

b) Staff whose duties cause undue wear and tear, damage, dirtying or staining of their clothes which generally require them to change their normal clothes before commencement of work.

c) Staff exposed to inclement weather or extremes of climate, during duty hours.

Based on the above criteria it was demanded that, apart from Public Image Categories, the Technical Staff of all the departments working in all grades, viz. including Helpers posted in Maintenance workshops, Open line Establishments, Diesel Sheds, Electric Sheds, EMU Sheds, C&M Maintenance Depots, Sick lines, Track Machine Workshops and Deports, TRD Staff, S&T Staff, Electrical General Services Staff, Production Units, do


fulfill the aforementioned criteria of eligibility as envisaged under para (b) and (c) above. In the Allowances Committee’s recommendations, the Railway Staff are now to be paid a composite Dress Allowance, wherein cloth of the uniform, Stitching Charges and washing allowance stand subsumed, w.e.f.01.07.2017, and would not be supplied with any uniform as was being done prior to 01.07.2017.

AIRF, therefore, urges upon the Railway Board to include the aforementioned categories of the Technical Staff of the Indian Railways in the list of staff eligible for payment of Dress Allowance with effect from the date where from the already entitled staff are getting this allowance.

(No.AIRF/PNM/21/2010 (20).dt.22 January, 2018)

Sub: Minutes of the meeting held with the Hon’ble Minister for Railways on 28.12.2017

We are very thankful that; a Formal Meeting of AIRF was held with the Hon’ble MR on 28.12.2017, wherein MR had given many decisions on the spot on the issues raised by the AIRF. It is unfortunate that, in compliance to those instructions, nothing has been done so far, e.g. Hon’ble MR had advised the Railway Board that, immediate instructions should go from the Railway Board that, in case of unfortunate death of the on duty railway employee, the highest officials available should pay a visit and the deceased employee should be cremated with full honour. The MR had also given instructions that, on every first Wednesday of the alternate month, Member Staff, Railway Board, should hold meeting with both the federations where MR as well as MoSRs would join at the Lunch. These are a few examples Hon’ble MR had given on the spot decision on many issues. We are also enclosing herewith a copy of our Memorandum, handed over to Hon’ble MR as well as official side during the said meeting, with the hope that, proper minutes will be communicated to AIRF. We will appreciate if Railway Board implements the decisions, taken by Hon’ble MR, without any loss of time.

(No.AIRF/24(c)(22).dt.22 January,2018)

Sub: Provision of Safety/Industrial Shoes to the Track Maintainers etc.

Ref.: AIRF’s PNM Item No.21/2010

This refers to our discussion held against PNM Item No.21/2010 on date. As was pointed out during the course of discussion, some of the railway

administrations are misinterpreting Railway Board’s orders issued under RBE on 141/2017 dated 03.10.2017 in as much as payment of the cost of Safety Shoes, which was being done to the category of the Trackmen etc., is being denied on the pretext that Dress Allowance includes shoes Allowance also apart from uniform and washing allowance, whereas it has been always reimbursed to the Trackmen for shoes.

It may be recalled that, Safety Shoes and industrial Shoes were being supplied to certain categories of railways staff after due consideration of their nature of duties and after detailed deliberations by the federation, however, payment of Shoes Allowance has never been in vogue in case of any category of railwaymen over the Indian Railways.

AIRF, therefore, desires that, necessary clarification be issued to all the railway administrations to continue with supply of Safety/Industrial shoes to those categories of staff, including Track Maintainers etc. as was being done before issuance of RBE No.141/2017 not misinterpreting the shoe Allowance as cost of Safety/Industrial Shoes.

(No.AIRF/PNM/21/2010 (21).dt.22 January, 2018)

Sub: Grant of MACP to the SOMs/Sr. PWSs of the Civil Engineering Department

Ref.: (i) AIRF’s PNM Item No.06/2012

(ii) Railway Board’s letter No.PC-III/2003/ CRC/6 dated 09.10.2003 (RBE No.177/2003)

(iii) Railway Board’s letter No.PC-III/2004/ CRC/1 (Pt.1) dt.22.03.07 (RBE No.45/2007)

(iv) Railway Board’s letter No.PC-III/2004/ CRC/1 (Pt.1) dated 17.04.2007 addressed to AIRF

(v)Railway Board’s letter No.PC-V/2009/ ACP/2 dated 10.06.2009 (RBE No.101/2009)

(vi)Railway Board’s letter No.PC-III/2012/ FE-II/2 dated 03.07.2013 (RBE No.64/2013)

On demand of AIRF, on the basis of functional, operational and administrative requirements, restructuring of the Group `C’ & `D’ Cadres w.e.f. 01.09.2003 was notified by the Railway Board, covering detailed instructions vide its orders dated 09.10.2003. These instructions also covered multi-skilling of various grades/cadres of various departments of the Railways, viz. Transportation, Personnel, S&T, Stores, Mistries of all the Engineering Departments. Under Para 13(a) of the aforesaid letter of the Railway Board, all the posts of


the Supervisors(erstwhile Mistries) in Grade Rs.4500/7000+Rs.100 as Special Allowance (excluding P. Way Supervisors) should en-block be upgraded to the post of Jr. Engineer Grade II in the pay scale Rs.5000-8000 and merged with the respective cadres of Technical Supervisors with its spread effects in the higher grades, i.e. Rs.5500-9000, 6500-10500 and 7450-11500 as per revised percentage, distribution of posts prescribed for Supervisors in these orders. In case of Supervisors, the posts being held by the erstwhile PWMs was allowed this benefit up to a maximum of 17.26% of the sanctioned cadre of PWMs and was to be upgraded and merged with the posts of Jr. Engineer Grade-II(P. Way) in pay scale Rs.5000-8000 with its spread effects as extended to the other Mistries described in the foregoing para. These instructions of the Railway Board were implemented by all the Zonal Railways for the purpose of grant of restructuring benefits applicable w.e.f. 01.09.2003. Further, Railway Board vide its later orders dated 22.03.2007 abolished the category of PWMs by merging such Track Supervisors (erstwhile PWMs) working in scale Rs.4500-7000+Rs.100 as Special Allowance applicable to all those appointed prior to 01.11.2003 and introduced the category of Sr. PWS in scale Rs.5000-8000 with the terms and conditions mentioned in the Board’s letter referred under caption (iii) above. Accordingly, all Mistries of all departments, including SOMs and PWSs of the Civil Engineering Department, appointed prior to 01.11.2003, stood upgraded and merged with the Technical Supervisors, namely JE-II in pay scale Rs.5000-8000 with its spread effects in the higher grades. Ironically, no complaint was received, wherein aforementioned Cadre Restructuring orders with regard to the Mistries of all the department was allowed treating them merged with JE(II) GP Rs. 5000-8000 (RSRP). However, one case of the Mistries of S&T Department was referred by Northern Railway to the Railway Board for filing SLP against the orders passed by the Hon’ble CAT/NDLS and upheld by Hon’ble High Court of Delhi in WP(C) No.4601/2015 - Titled UoI & Ors. Versus Satyendra Kumar case of restructuring orders. Railway Board’s SLP in question, which was dismissed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India vide its orders dated 01.07.2016. Now, it is a matter of great concern that various Zonal Railways, having allowed the benefits of MACP in compliance of Para 5 of Board’s orders dated 09.10.2003, are being challenged by the Associated Finance of the respective Zones/Divisions in cases of grant of MACP benefits to such Mistries, treating their grade of Rs.4500-7000 + Rs.100 as

Special Allowance, upgraded to Rs.5000-8000 as merged grade for the purpose of MACP benefits. It has invited litigations in various Divisions and Zones on Indian Railways and Railway Administrations are allowing the benefit of MACP, so extended in compliance of Para 5 of Board’s letter dated 09.10.2003 to avoid contemptuous action, but those who are unable to pay huge legal expenses are suffering and lakhs of rupees are being recovered at the time of retirement of such SOMs/PWSs of the Civil Engineering Department. Railway Board vide their letter No.PCIII/2004/CRC/1(Pt.1) dated 17.04.2007, referred to above, had also clarified that Track Supervisors(erstwhile P. Way Mistries) in scale Rs.4500-7000 + (Rs.100 as Special Allowance), appointed prior and after 01.11.2003, are eligible for placement in the scale Rs.5000-8000, subject to the conditions mentioned in the Board’s letter dated 22.03.2007. Thus, there was no scope left for treating such Track Supervisors, merged/upgraded with JE-II pay scale Rs.5000-8000, after required financial implications were met out by the respective Divisions/Zones. Moreover, it shall also be pertinent to mention that, there cannot be discriminatory view of the Railway Administration with regard to benefit of upgradation and merger of Mistries of various departments, including SOMs and PWSs, appointed before 01.11.2003, merged and upgraded with the JE-II pay scale Rs.5000-8000 well before issue of MACP orders dated 10.06.2009. In view of the discussions in the foregoing paragraphs, it is demanded that a clarification immediately be issued to all the Zonal Railways that instructions contained under Para 5 of the Railway Board’s order issued under RBE No.101/2009 dated 10.06.2009, be implemented for SOMs and PWMs/Sr. PWSs to avoid hardships being faced to the affected Railwaymen and also to save time and money being spent in various courts on this ground.

(No.AIRF/MACPS Dated: January 16, 2018)

Sub: Admissibility of HRA in the event of non-acceptance or surrender of Railway Residential Accommodation – Non-mentioning of AIRF’s reference in Railway Board’s letter

Ref.: Railway Board’s letter No.E(P&A)II-2017/HRA-3 dated 15.01.2018(RBE No.05/2018)

It is repeatedly being observed that, while issuing orders/instructions on the issues taken-up by AIRF, AIRF’s reference is not being mentioned thereon, which is highly unfair. We are repeatedly pointing out this


issue to the Railway Board, but no corrective action is being taken-up, which is a matter of serious concern. One glaring example of this practice is that, Railway Board, while issuing above-cited letter have not mentioned about AIRF’s reference dated 10.08.2017. The Board are, therefore, requested to issue necessary Corrigendum, duly mentioning AIRF’s reference dated 10.08.2017 in Board’s letter supra.

(No.AIRF/405(VII CPC) Dated: January 16, 2018)

Reg.: Continuance of the LARGESS

Ref.: i. AIRF’s PNM Item No.30/2008

ii. Railway Board’s letter No.E(P&A)i-2015/rt-43 dated 27.10.2017

iii. Orders passed by Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in the SLP(C) Diary No.37460/2017 dated 08.01.2018

Your kind attention is drawn towards AIRF’s PNM Item referred to above and consequent discussions held on the issue with the Railway Board and also with the Hon’ble Minister for Railways from time to time , wherein it was submitted by the federation that LARGESS, being very successful on the Indian Railways, needs to be reviewed for enlarging its scope. Due to some court decisions from various corners of the country, it was reviewed by the Railway Board and vide Railway Board’s orders dated 27.10.2017, the scheme was pended till final outcome of the SLP filed in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.

Now, pursuant to the orders dated 08.01.2018 by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in SLP(C) No.37460/2017 that the Ministry of Railways should revisit the scheme and take conscious decision within a period of six weeks. It will be in all appropriateness that, the LARSGESS be revisited and other Safety Categories be also covered in the scheme for bringing new blood into the Railways for better productivity and Railway Safety.

It shall also be pertinent to request that, pending review of the LARSGESS as per orders of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in the subject case, Railway Board may immediately withdraw its orders dated 27.10.2017 referred to above.

(No.AIRF/415(08) dt.09.01.2018)

Sub: Revision in the rates of KMA/ALK related to Running Staff

We would like to bring to your kind notice that, owing to inordinate delayed in revising the rates of KMA/ALK

related to Running Staff, serious unrest/discontentment is brewing among the Running Staff.

It would, therefore, be in all appropriateness that, the rates of KMA/ALK, related to Running Staff, should be enhanced without any further delay.

(No.AIRF/55(11)dt.06/15.01.2018)

Sub: Charges against the Ticket Checking Staff

Ref.: Railway Board’s circular dated 19.01.2018

We are very much pained after going through your circular referred to above, alleging the Ticket Checking Staff about taking bribe from the general travelling public for accommodating them in the Sleeper Class.

I believe that, Hon’ble MR has not been properly briefed by the administration about the yeoman’s service rendered by the Ticket Checking Staff. In spite of their shortage, they are meeting every target fixed by the Railway Board as well as many a times they are forced by their local officers for such targets which are never possible to achieve, even then they are serving their valued passengers to a great satisfaction. There are orders from the Railway Board that, any passenger found unauthorized travelling should be issued ticket up to the next station and then he should be de-trained at the next station, but all the local CCMs are forcing the Ticket Checking Staff to charge them for farthest end to increase the earning of the Railways. This is happening in blatant disobedience to Railway Board’s orders and the Ticket Checking Staff are forced to accommodate them in the Sleeper Class.

There might be some black sheep in the organization, and AIRF has always supported the administration to deal with these black sheep. They may be staff or officers, but issuing such instructions, demoralizing the Ticket Checking Staff, who are the bread earner of the Indian Railways, is very unfortunate. It is very earnestly requested that, the above cited circular, issued by your goodself, should immediately be withdrawn, and any such activity, defaming the Ticket Checking Staff as a whole, will definitely not only demoralize them, but also result in industrial unrest. You are, therefore, requested to take action against the calprites, but dealing every Ticket Checking Staff with the same stick will not only humiliate the Ticket Checking Staff, but also lead to serious agitations all over the Indian Railways.

Hope, you will take this matter seriously and give a healing touch to the Ticket Checking Staff who are


much aggrieved and agitating all over the Indian Railways on this letter of yours.

(D.O.No.AIRF/66(18)dt.21.01.2018)

NC/JCM

Sub: General Budget 2018-19

We hope that, standard deduction, up to Rs.40,000 in the Budget (2018-19) announcement, was provided to give some relief to the salaried class, but at the same time, there is serious resentment in the salaried class in general and the Central Government Employees in particular because of non-enhancement of limit of the Income Tax.

We were hopeful that, in this budget, the Central Government would provide Income Tax exemption, if not Rupees Five Lakh, definitely Four Lakh, but nothing has been done, which has resulted in desperation in the Government Employees. Moreover, Education Cess has been increased from 3% to 4%, which will further put additional tax burden on the salaried class. In such a situation standard deduction given by the government will definitely not going to help to any salaried employees. Not only the above, Transport Allowance and Medical Reimbursement, used to exempt earlier, have also been stopped in this budget, has given another blow to the salaried class. Since there is all-round resentment in the salaried class, it would be in all appropriateness if the Income Tax Exemption is enhanced to minimum Rupees Four Lakh.

Sir, Government Employees are also very eagerly awaiting for improvement in the Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula as well as announcement of the Guaranteed Pension to the employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS). These also need to be given top priority to keep industrial peace among the Government Employees. It is also requested that, Transport Allowance and Medical Reimbursement, almost exempted from the Income Tax, should also remain exempted from the Income Tax, to give some relief to the government employees in distress.

(No.NC/JCM/2018 Dated: February 2, 2018)

Sub: Non-redressal of the long pending genuine demands of the Central Government Employees

Earlier also, vide our letter No.NC-JCM-2017/CS/PM dated January 16, 2018 (copy enclosed for your kind perusal), we have requested for a meeting with your goodself to discuss the long pending genuine demands of the Central Government Employees, viz.

improvement in the Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula, Guaranteed Pension to the employees covered under the National Pension System(NPS).

We earnestly request your goodself for having a meeting early with the Staff Side (JCM) to discuss these long pending genuine demands of the Central Government Employees.

(No.NC/JCM/2018 Dated: February 3, 2018)

National Council (Staff Side) Secretary’s letter to Hon’ble Finance Minister Shri Arun Jatley

We write this on behalf of the Central Government employees Federations/ Associations/Unions participating in the JCM. As you are aware sir, JCM was set up by the Government in 1966, as a negotiating forum to avoid confrontation/struggles and bring about harmony and peaceful ambience in the relationship between government and its employees. We must unhesitatingly admit that the machinery had been functioning very well and the laudable objective of avoiding industrial action had been successful but for on two previous occasions i.e. in September 1968 and May 1974. The situation did not however last long. While the arbitration awards were accepted and acted upon by both the Government and the Staff Side, Government started referring these awards to the Parliament for rejection, which ought to have been resorted to only in extreme situation when the implementation thereof would have affected the National economy in a very adverse manner. There are about fifteen awards pending implementation as the Government had not been in a position to obtain the sanction of the Parliament for the past two decades. This apart, the official side deliberately delayed the convening of the meeting with the result the specified periodicity of the meetings were disturbed. As has been pointed out to you the last meeting of the National Council was held seven years back. Such abnormal delay emboldened the Ministries and Departments not to convene the Departmental Councils also. Even then no serious struggles were undertaken by the Federations participating in the JCM the organizations participating in JCM broadly and more than adequately represent Central Government Employees working in various departments of the Government of India. This fact was revealed when the government introduced periodical verification of membership in 1993 and almost all Federations participating in the JCM received the grant of recognition from the Government. We solicit tour kind reference to the meeting the Staff Side representative had with you on 30/06/2016 at the residence of the Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh when the then Hon’ble Railway Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu and Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha were also present. We had then pointed out to you the inadequacy of the minimum wage and the fitment factor determined by the 7th CPC and the need to revisit the same. You had been good enough to assure us of a reconsideration of the issue through a high


power committee within four months. However we were not informed of the outcome of such reconsideration so far.

The employees had been eagerly awaiting the outcome of the committee’s deliberations and had been exerting pressure on us to have an expeditious decision in this matter.

The meeting of the Staff Side held on 11.1.2018 was, therefore of the unanimous view that we should seek a meeting with your goodself. Accordingly, We request you to kindly grant some time to the Standing Committee of the National Council (JCM) to meet you on a date convenient you. (No.NC-JCM-2017/CS/PM Dated: January 16, 2018)

National Council (Staff Side) Secretary’s letter to Joint Secretary (E), DoP&T

Kindly refer to the discussion, the Staff Side had with you on 12.1.2018 in the National Anomaly Committee meeting. During the discussion, over the admissibility or otherwise of the anomaly items, incidentally, we had represented to the request made by us to allow the employees to revise their option once exercised under Rule 6 of the Revised Pay Rules 2016. We send herewith copy of our communications sent to the Secretary Expenditure in this regard.

As has been pointed out by us, in our letters cited, the interpretation of the benefit of option had been at variance with consequent loss of emoluments to the employees. The intentions of the Rules are often ambiguous. In similar situations both at the time of 5th CPC and 6th CPC on our request the Govt. had been good enough to permit revision of option. In the case of 6th CPC the Notification was issued in 2008 (in September 2008) and the option was allowed to be revised up to 31/12/2010, giving benefit for all employees who were promoted / granted ACP / MACP or granted increment up to 31/12/2010.

We therefore request you to kindly allow revision of option to switch over to 7th CPC pay scale / pay matrix to be exercised within three months of the issuance of the orders permitting such revision. (No.NC-JCM-2017/Fin.16 January, 2018)

Sub:- Item No.2,10 and 48 of the Joint Committee of MACP – Agenda items of the Standing Committee:

Kindly refer to the above. All the three items, which were discussed together pertains to the date of effect of the MACP Scheme which was introduced by the Government on the basis of the recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission. The Staff Side demand to give effect to the revised promotional scheme from the date of the effect, the Report of the Commission itself i.e on 1.1.2006 was unfortunately not accepted by the official side and was not allowed to reach its logical conclusion i.e. either by an

agreement or disagreement. We now send herewith copy of the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter vide W.P 3744 of 2016 dated 08/12/2017.

The Hon’ble apex court has categorically stated that the Govt.’s decision to make the scheme effective prospectively was wrong and the scheme has to be implemented with effective from 1.1.2006. We request that the Govt. may issue necessary orders making the MACP Scheme effective from 1.1.2006 instead of 1.9.2008. While issuing such an order, it may also be clarified that the employees who were granted the benefit of ACP between 1.1.2006 to 31.08.2008 are not adversely affected and no recovery is ordered i from them in this connection.

(No.NC-JCM-2017/MACP.January 16, 2018)

Sub: - Issue of Pension Pay Orders (PPO) to the pensioners

Pension Pay Orders (PPO) issued to retiring employees by the office of the Principle CDA (Pension) Allahabad given the following details:-

1. Name of the Pensioner, 2. PPO Number, 3. Aadhar Number, 4. Mobile Number, 5. Date of Birth & Post last held, 6. Name of the establishment in which employed, 7. Date of Appointment, 8. Amount to be paid & Pensionery Awards, 9 Enhance date of pension etc.,

Whereas the residential address at the time of retirement of the employee at the time of retirement is not mentioned. Due to this, the pensioners face difficulties to enroll themselves in CGHS beneficiary as there is no residential address in the PPOs. It is therefore, requested that the pensioners residential address is required for further correspondence also. Accordingly, PCDA may please be directed to include the Colum of residential address of the pensioners as was done earlier. (No.NC-JCM-2018/Pension. January 16, 2018)

Sub: - Granting of 7th CPC Pay Scale to Temporary Service Casual Labourers w.e.f. 1.1.2016.

Temporary Casual Labourers are deployed in regular jobs. They are granted regular pay scale of Labourers and DA admissible for regular employees. They are granted 7000+1800 GP after 6th CPC recommendations were implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2006 during 2009. After 7th CPC recommendations are implemented, till date no orders were issued by Department of Expenditure to revise their pay in level 1 of pay matrix on 7th CPC on par with regular labourers. They are & till drawing the pay scale of 6th CPC. This may be considered and regular pay scale of 7th CPC may be granted w.e.f. 1.1.2016 to these employees.

(No.NC-JCM-2018/Fin/TCL.January 16, 2018)

NEWS FROM AIRF’s AFFILIATES


Northern Railwaymen’s Union/AIRF organized a Social Media Seminar at New Delhi on 10th February 2018 which was presided by General Secretary AIRF Com Shiva Gopal Mishra and Com S.K.Tyagi President of NRMU. Minutes of this seminar will be coming on the issue of Indian Railwaymen of March.

From 29.01.2018 to 02.02.2018 ALL INDIA RAILWAYMEN’S FEDERATION and its affiliates observed "ALL INDIA DEMANDS WEEK".

On call of the 93rd Annual Convention of All India Railwaymen’s Federation held at Gorakhpur, AIRF affiliates of all over the Indian Railways & Production Units observed "ALL INDIA DEMANDS WEEK" from 29.01.2018 to 02.02.2018 in befitting manner by holding rallies, dharnas, demonstrations, gate meetings & mass meetings, signature campaign and display posters with legitimate demands of Railwaymen, at Headquarters, Divisional and Branch levels and in the Production Units, Workshops, Shed and depot etc. to focus and pressurize the Govt. of India/Ministry of Railways for considering the long pending legitimate demands like-revision of Minimum wage and Fixation formula, scraping of NPS, outsourcing of activities, anti-labour amendments of trade unions and labour laws, privatization, sale out of workshop and printing press, non-absorption of Act Apprentices and Quasi-administrative staff, deplorable condition of Railway hospitals, Colonies and schools, non-filling up of vacancies, restoration of LARGESS and improvement of staff facilities and amenities.

SWRMU

As per the directions of AIRF, the SWRMU, observed January 29th to February 2nd -2018 as “ALL INDIA DEMANDS WEEK” across all units, depots and branches. In this connection SWRMU, Mysuru division has conducted a Protest/Demonstration in front of Division office, Mysuru from11.00 hrs of 02.02.2018 to

press for the early implementation of above said genuine legitimate demands of railwaymen of the country

NRMU (CR)

On the call of Federation (AIRF) to observe “All India Demands Week” from 29-1-2018 to 2-2-2018 to press for settlement of 22 points charter of demands, NRMU have held protest programmes in every division of Central Railway. Gate meetings were held at every depot and work units throughout all branches of Central Rly and Konkan Railway. Protest rallies were also taken to Divisional administrative offices of Mumbai, Nagpur, Bhusaval Solapur and Pune divisions.

Explanatory meetings were held wherein details of the charter of demands shared with the staff and called upon them to prepare themselves for a mass resistance movement to achieve those demands. They were also exhorted to attend the proposed march to Parliament scheduled to be held on 13th March 2018. Various issues related with the staff were also discussed in the meetings and they were apprised of different policy decisions being formulated by the Govt. which were detrimental to the interest of Railway staff. Thousands of staff were shared with these informations extending from small groups at different locations and have culminated to mass gatherings at divisional administrative office compound on 2-2-2018, where


headquarter and divisional office bearers of Union addressed them.

The programme was very successful in all sense and have given an indication that the staff are prepared for any sort of agitation on a call if given by the Federation.

ECoRSU

As per the directions of GS/AIRF, ECoRSU conducted Mass Dharna at o/o DRM Waltair on 01-02-18 and pressurized the government to resolve long pending genuine demands and scrap NPS.

NRMU (NR)

As per the directions of AIRF and NRMU, Sirhind Branch/NRMU observed “All India Demands Week” at Rajpura, Nagamland and Roper Railway Stations. At near Rajpura Railway Station, in front of S&T office a massive demonstration has organized. Around 150 railway employees participated in this dharna Pradarshna. President of sirhind branch Com. Jasmer Singh and president of youth wing of Ambala Mandal Com. Jagdeep Singh kahalov presided the programme.

Delhi Division/NRMU observed a “JAN JAGRAN ABHIYAN” from 29th January 2018 to 02nd February under the flag of NRMU/AIRF in protest of NPS and implementation of Guaranteed Pension Scheme at Union Office Shakurbasti, under the supervision of Com. Pushpa, Com. Pawan kumari, and Com. Divya Sharma. Around 100 women from different branches attended this programme. Commencing of the program with Message of Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra was conveyed by Com. Pushpa who further continues with her thoughts on the current scenario of Govt’s anti-labour policy, She says we should come forward for our fight for right. NRMU is a non political organisation it always fights for workers right and welfare. Com. Divya Sharma shares her views that pension is our right, NPS should be abolished and old pension scheme should be introduced again. We under support of Com Shiva Gopal Mishra, Com. S. K. Tyagi and Com Anoop Sharma and other senior leaders had achieved gratuity and death pension. On behalf of every woman from our division we assure NRMU that we will continue our support till the end. EAST COAST RAILWAY SHRAMIK UNION -- Youth Conference:-

“ECoRSU organized Youth Railwaymen Conference at Khurda Road on 19.1.2018. Shri S.G.Mishra, General Secretary, All India Railwaymen’s Federation as Chief

Guest of the said programme and inaugurated the said mega event. A mass rally of Youth Railwaymen organized from Railway colony to Meeting venue, Railway Institute, Khurda Road. Sri B. Damodara Rao, President/ECoRSU presided over the meeting. Sri P.K.Patsahani, General Secretary of ECoRSU in his speech spoke on various issues pertaining to Railwaymen. Many Youth Office Bearers and activists of the Union have participated in the discussions and placed many demands before our beloved GS/AIRF pertaining to difficulties being facing by them due to huge vacancies specifically in field Units.

Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary, AIRF during his valuable speech spoken on the scenario of working class as well as narrated about National & International issues pertaining to difficulties being facing by staff at work place, developments on various demands raised before ministry of Railways & different departments under the Govt. of India. Restoration of old pension Scheme, Anomalies of 7th CPC, to revise minimum wages and multiple factor as submitted by AIRF to the Govt. of India and payment of its revised arrears from 1.1.2016, filling up of all the vacancies, repairing/construction of new quarters on replacement account, construction of new Quarters wherever there is more demand, creation of posts for new assets in commensurate with the increased work load, withdrawal of ban on creation of posts specifically wherever workload is more, more facilities for Running staff, field staff, more facilities to women workers, scheme of LARSGESS, how privatization causing safety hazard and many burning issues of Railwaymen as well as focused on to provide more benefits to Youth working class. He emerged the young workers to unite more and more under the banner of ECoRSU & AIRF to fight out the challenges ahead.

Celebration of 69th Republic Day by ECoRSU

ECoRSU celebrated 69th Republic Day on 26th January, 2018 at all the Branch, Division & Headquarters units. Large numbers of cadres participated in the said programmes. Leaders of the Union spoke on the history of the Day before the participants.

North Western Railway Employees Union-- Zonal Youth Conference

NWREU organized Zonal Youth Conference at Jodhpur on 7th January, 2018. First of all, a massive rally was organized in which around 1500 youths participated with great enthusiasm and zeal from


(Observance of “All India Demand Day” by AIRF & its affiliates from 29.02.2018 to 02.02.2018)


Mandal Union office to Meeting venue. Conference started with “Deep Prajwalan” in front of Portraits of Maa Saraswati, Late Com. Umraomal Purohit, and Com. J.P.Choubey and thereafter some patriotic and union songs like “Yaha desh hai veer Jawano ka” sung by Babulal Chandora and his team.

General Secretary Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra has graced the occasion with his presence. While inaugurating the program General Secretary AIRF spoken on the present scenario of Indian railways, Privatization in different departments of railways, No guaranteed pension and other burning issues of Railwaymen. In these adverse circumstances, when each and every railwaymen is struggling to get their rights, it is very important to organize youth conferences. He said that the system that has been developed by the NWREU to carry all the religions, caste and categories together, that has become a distinct identity of this union all over the country. He stated that, due to the persistent efforts of the AIRF, relaxation of conditions has been achieved in SPAD cases Running Allowances. The AIRF has proposed that to give promotion to employees of all categories in recruitment to be created at least 10 LDCE posts. AIRF has been firmly stand on various issues including Risk allowances for engineers, technicians Helper/Khalasi, 4600/- grade pay and gazette post for engineers. He further said for resolving the issues of pay anomalies including revision of minimum wages and fitment formula we have to pressurize the Indian government. And for this, All India Railwaymen’s Federation give a clarion call to all its affiliates for observing All India demand Week from 29th January, 2018 to 2nd February 2018 and appeal the Railwaymen to mobilize large number of Railwaymen and to be prepared for a massive struggle to achieving the long pending and genuine demands of Railwaymen.

General Secretary of Union Com. Mukesh Mathur was main speaker of the Youth Conference he said our union always done efforts for all with honesty and altruistic manner. That’s why we grow day by day. He said we have done lots of work but still many works remained. We should be united for getting our rights and save our railways. Union President Com. Bhupendra Bhatnagar also addressed and motivated the youth. Com. Asha Khichi, Devendra Sharma, Shashikant Parihar, Kamlesh Kumar, Anup Trivedi, Mouin Huseen, Neha Gujer, and Maan Singh Ganguly also presented their views in Youth Conference.

Zonal Educational Camp North Western Railway Employees Union organized Zonal Educational Camp in Khatushyam Jinak on 21-23 December, 2017, in which Central Office Bearers of entire Zonal Working, Divisional/Workshop/Head Office participated. On this occasion, AIRF/General Secretary Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra said Privatization is being trying in Indian Railways and AIRF and its affiliates firmly protested it. He also spoken on problems of railwaymen and present scenario of government. Delhi Divisional Secretary/NRMU Com. Anup Sharma and Union GS Com. Mukesh Mathur also described the future challenges and motivated youth. Com. Gaurav Mehra, K K Sethi and Bhartendu Sharma conducted the camp successfully. Apart this camp NWREU also organized at Jodhpur Mandal Educational Camp on 11-12 December, 2017. Jaipur Mandal Educational Camp and Ajmer Mandal Educational Camp.

Northern Railway Men’s Union - Blood Donation Camp

The Northern Railway Men’s Union organized a Blood Donation Camp on 17th Jan, 2018 on the occasion of 21st Death Anniversary of Comrade T.N. Bajpai, Ex. President of Northern Railway Men’s Union and Vice President of AIRF at NRMU Central Office, 12 Chelmsford Road, New Delhi.

The Chairman Railway Board Shri Ashweni Kumar Lohani inaugurated the programme and other high officials along with General Manager, Northern Railway, and DRM/DLI apart from union officials also presented in this programme. In his inaugurated speech Shri Lohani while appreciating NRMU’s leaders and activists he said “Rakt daan Maha daan hota hai”. Blood donation is the big contribution in the whole life of people. Through Blood donation programs


can be saved lives of railway workers and their families as well as the needy.

On this occasion, Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary (AIRF) has addressed to blood donors and NRMU activist and leaders. In his precious speech, he thanked and appreciated for their contribution in this blood donation camp. He also said “Rakt daan se bada koi daan nhi”. There are many people in this society who are in urgent need of blood and by donating blood you can easily give them a new life. Further he said our organization is committed to the demands of the

workers and this work is done in the same direction and will continue to be done further. Shri Visheshwar Choubey GM/NR appreciated the program.

Encouraging young workers, President NRMU Sh. S.K Tyagi said that blood donation is the biggest donation. The Donor does not know whose life he is saving.

Com. Anoop Sharma, Mandal Mantri/Delhi Division, Com. Upendra Sharma, Mandal Mantri/Account Division Com. V.K.Mishra from Headquarter Division and his team organized this Blood Donation Camp. On this occasion, more than hundreds of railway employees from Headquarter, Delhi Division and Account Division were presenting there for donating blood.

SCRMU

Massive Demonstrations/Dharnas and Lunch Hour Meeting on 24-1-2018.

As per the clarion call given by the All India Railwaymen’s Federation, the South Central Railway Mazdoor Union an affiliate of All India Railwaymen’s Federation organized Massive Dharnas and Demonstrations all over South Central Railway on 24th January, 2018 demanding scrapping of New Pension Scheme and restoration of Old Pension Scheme, in which more than 2000 Railwaymen from local branches of SCRMU in Secunderabad and Hyderabad area have participated. A Lunch Hour meeting was also held on this occasion in the lawns of Rail Nilayam on 24-1-2018, which was presided over by Com.K.Srinivas, President, SCRM Union and Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary/AIRF was the main speaker.

Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra stated that, All India Railwaymen’s Federation gave a clarion call to all its affiliates for observing All India Demands Week from 29th January, 2018 to 2nd February 2018 and

appealed the Railwaymen to mobilize large number of Railwaymen and to be prepared for a massive struggle to achieving the long pending and genuine demands of Railwaymen.

He termed the “New Pension Scheme” as a “No Pension Scheme” He has also stated, that, it is unfortunate, that, the employees working under the same Government are being granted different pension systems.

He has also stated, that, when he met the Hon’ble Finance Minister, it was given to understand, that, some improvements would be brought out in the New Pension Scheme to satisfy the New Pensioners, but the AIRF’s demand is restoration of Old and Guaranteed Pension Scheme for the Railwaymen.

He further elaborated, that, on the pressure from the AIRF, the then Hon’ble Railway Ministers viz. Shri. Mallikarjun Kharge and Shri Suresh Prabhu have written a letters to the then Hon’ble Finance Ministers to restore the Old pension Scheme for the Railwaymen, as has been done in the case of Defence services as the Railwaymen are also sacrificing their lives for the maintenance of track and trains in the Railway System and are losing their lives to the tune of 400 to 500 every year, while performing their duties.

He also stated, that, even though, assurance given by the Hon’ble Minister for Railways, that, there would not be privatization on Indian Railways, efforts are on hand privatize the core activities. There is a move to handover the New Lines to the private entrepreneurs by the Ministry of Railways, which will jeopardize the safety on the Railway system. If the safety works are entrusted to the Private entrepreneurs there will be frequent accidents. Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra also stressed for immediate recruitment of Course Completed Act Apprentices and restoration of LARSGESS.

He has stated that, a suggestion was given to the Hon’ble Minister for Railways and the Chairman Railway Board to recruit unemployed youth in the country instead of re-engagement of retired Railway personnel to improve the productivity and efficiency in the Railways. He admired the Chairman Railway Board for his humane approach and pro-active role in favour of the Railwaymen. He stated that, due to the persistent efforts of the AIRF, relaxation of conditions has been achieved in SPAD cases. He demanded that, resolving the demands like improvement to


Running Rooms, improvement in working condition of Trackmen etc. will give lot of boost to the Railwaymen. He has also stated that, the AIRF is trying to keep industrial peace among Railwaymen in the country since the year 1974 and if the charter of demands of the Railwaymen is not fulfilled, there is no other way for the AIRF to go on sustained struggle.

Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary, AIRF hoped that the Hon’ble Minister for Railways and the Chairman Railway Board will interfere in the matter of fulfilling the slogan “Sab Ka Sath – Sab Ka Vikas” made by the Hon’ble Prime Minister by resolving the National and local problems of Railwaymen to maintain peace in the country.

The meeting was also addressed by Com. Ch. Sankara Rao, General Secretary/SCRMU & Asst. General Secretary/AIRF and attended by all the Central Office bearers and Divisional Office bearers of Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Extra Divisional Branches and Workshop Divisions.

NRMU (CR/KR) :- MASSIVE VICTORY AGAIN IN KRCL

In a multi cornered contest, NRMU (CR/KR) once again reiterated its indisputable strength and won the election held on 24.1.2018 consecutively for recognition of union in Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) with a convincing margin.

This victory, emboldened by the acumen and strategic maneuver of Com. Venu P Nair, General Secretary of NRMU (KR/CR) will be a benchmark in the trade union history of KRCL, as it was accomplished by him in spite of all efforts made by a wide spectrum of political bigwigs of different political parties rallied behind the rival unions and have done intensive campaign to defeat NRMU.

Details of the poll are as follows.

Total votes: 4882, Polled votes: 4775, Percentage: 97.08%, NRMU got 2183, KRCEU + Others-1852, RKS + Others – 679, KRES (BRMS) +KRMS (CRMS/NFIR) (Alliance) 61.

General Secretary AIRF greeted NRMU (CR) for their glorious victory at Konkar Railway in the leadership of Com. Venu P.Nair General Secretary and his team.

AIRF/ITF:- Women advocacy Trainee Trainer’s Program at Lonawala from 18-20 Jan 2018

ITF (International Transport Worker’s Federation) organized a women advocacy trainee trainer’s program at Lonawala from 18-20 January 2018. This program was of skill development and building alliances where Jodi Evans (ITF), Nishi Kapahi (ITF), and Neha (ITF) were lecturers. 12 women activist participated under the flag of All India Railwaymen’s Federation from total number of 41 participants in the program at NUSI LONAWALA, MAHARASTRA.

The programme was started Ms. Nishi Kapahi with introduction and what the expectations of participants by this program are. Moving forward Ms Jodi Evans started with the development process of global women advocacy (SEKO), and about participatory research workshops in Delhi, Bangkok, and Stockholm. In the first day programme they discussed about

PATRIARCHY AND GENDER INEQUALITY and explained about gender inequality with some surprising global facts of gender inequality statistics of inequality in education, employment, difference in wages or working hours and some national example of our society.

REASONS of violence against women (women complain/pester/nag, some men thin they have right to do it, Alcohol, Some women enjoy violence, women deserve it or provoke it, media influences, misogyny)

The RIVER MODEL: 03 layers of river – Bottom of the riveri.e. to explain act of violence happening or adjustment by women e.g. BELL BAJAO campaign, Top of the river i.e. new implementation of laws & rules e.g. SAFETIPIN, NIRBHAYA FUND Mist i.e. work in connection with changing ideologies of society.

My IDENTITY MAP – an activity done by participants to identity their intersectional advantages and disadvantages, where participants need to aware of their own identity and potential.


POWER & CONTROL Why violence is UNION’S OR EMPLOYER ISSUE ROLE OF WOMEN ADVOCATE wherein Jodi told

about the guidelines & goal of women advocate Group of 05 women activists did a role play

wherein they were guided before what to do. Case studies distributed - UNIFOR by Barb Mac

Quarrie & MSTKS by Neha Prakash to be gone through for next day.

On the Second Day, the day was started with the response on case studies. They Discussed about SUICIDE PREVENTION -- Risk factors, Warning signs, Recognize, Respond, Refer - (available supports and resources and who can help risk assessment & safety planning?). then, discussion on Skill development session -- active listening skills, Sexual Harassment & Coercion At Work, Sexual harassment committees at workplace or any collective bargaining agreements that provide protections against sexual harassment, union policies or remedies for sexual harassment, Sample sexual harassment policy of ILO and discussion on implementation of sexual harassment policy as a union policy and definition of Domestic violence.

On 3rd day Ms. Jodi Evans asked for a brief to every union that how useful and skillful was the program and whether it fulfills their expectations or not, discussed reflects/headlines of earlier two days. Advocate Veena Gowda works on women’s issues to share amazing experiences and knowledge.

Discussion on two types of laws:-1. Civil Litigation 2. Indian CRIMINAL LAW

Police Lodges two types of Complaints 1. N.C. (Non Cognizable) 2. FIR

Explained Section 498A of IPC says that Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine.

Women who are facing violence can approach Protection officers (BDO-Block district Officers).

Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal act, 2013 FIR OR COMPLAINTS (Local Complaint

Committee)

And at the last, Ms. Nishi Kapahi concluded the training programme with trainers’ last views and questions and thanked to all participants for their patience and their cooperation.

AIRF/ITF:- WOMEN EDUCATION & ADVOCACY PROGRAMME 26th to 30th December 2017

All India Programme of women education and advocacy was held at New Delhi from 26th to 30th December 2017 under kind supervision of Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, Com. S K Tyagi, and Com. Nishi Kapahi. This Programme was attended by 40 nominated women’s representative from all over Indian railways and was lectured by Com. Jaya Aggarwal, Com. Divya Sharma, and Com. Poonam Dabas.

The Programme was started with the welcome of Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra and Com. S K Tyagi by Com. Jaya Aggarwal followed by Introduction speech and brief description of programme by Com Divya Sharma and Com. Poonam dabas. While inaugurating the programme Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra General Secretary/AIRF welcomed all women from different zones of railway and guided them with his valuable thoughts on issues we are facing in current situation like NPS, Working condition of women’s in railway, violence against women, 2019 election, and anti employee policies of government and achievements of AIRF on death settlement as per old rules, provision of gratuity for employees under new pension scheme and others. He further stated on problems of women general issues as women now days are working in every field Trackman, Booking, TTE, Loco Pilot and ASM etc. AIRF is working to educate more and more women and give them support to come forward with their issues and raise their voice against any problem faced by them.

Com. S K Tyagi appreciated the presence of women representative from every department of Railways in this meeting and shared upcoming demands from administration for railway women like Changing Room facility, security issues, flexible working hours and assured that AIRF will continue its fight for more workers’s related issues till the time they get resolved. Appreciated work of Com. Poonam and Com. Divya who are actually get trained by union and now using their knowledge and experience to educate more.

Com. Jaya Aggarwal started the session with a PPT presentation regarding statistics about participation of working women in our economy as well as in railway.

Achievements of AIRF and importance of trade union, thanks to the senior leaders under their guidelines we are able to raise our issues. Planning of 2019 election is a demand of this time.


Later an activity was done where all participants discuss about “leader qualities”

On the Second Day the Programme was hosted by Com. Divya Sharma and Com. Poonam Dabas. they welcomed all leaders and office bearers. Com. Praveena Singh shared her experience as a Railway worker & union representative. As a woman she can understand other women’s issues and always try to resolve them in every manner..

Com. Pawan Kumari started her speech with a slogan of “Nari Shakti Zindabad”. She, further said As a union leader it’s our responsibility to engage more women in trade unions, tell them importance of trade union,give them example of our own experiences. Spread our message to root level so each of women can understand their role

On this occasion, Com. Nishi Kapahi introduced the ITF and its working system. This programme is based on violence and harassment of women. According to current survey 90% of women are facing violence at their work place and at home also. Most of the women are facing violence but did not want to speak and share about their pain and problems; sometimes it’s because of society and lack of knowledge about their rights. In continuation of the subject Com. Poonam done some activities. After the activities Com. Nishi Kapahi shared an incidence happened in Canada Engineering College in which a man killed almost 17 to 18 girls in a row just because of his gender based mentality. In support of women we observe day’s like “25th November, White Ribbon Day, stop violence against women” and there was a campaign in Australia “stepping in her shoes”. ITF is planning to develop women advocate in India through trade unions in Railway and Transport sector, this programme was basically to find women advocates (mahilasangini) who can help a victimised women, being a woman they can feel their pain and guide them the right way to rescue from the situation. An activity done in continuation (i) why we need women advocates. An activity (ii) who can be women advocates

where each of the participants shared their views and thoughts.

Programme of day 3rd began with views sharing of Com. Jaya Aggarwal, Com. Sunita Bhatia, Com.Sonia Hasija, Com. Pawan Kumari, Com. Nishi Kapahi, Com. Divya Sharma, Com. Poonam Dabas about the previous two days experience and activities.

In today’s world social media is need of every department, so in order to match this Roopali Meshram & Pooja Das were deputed as social media contact person through email, Parul Mathur & Sangeetha will manage whats app group. It has also been decided that every activity and programme should be reported and posted duly on AIRF site.

An activity (i) SWOT form given to every person to fill, S-Strength W-Weakness O-Opportunity T-Threats to being a union member, Activity (ii) mapping of women and youth in there sectors to be filled and submitted later but before 28th jan2018.

Two minute silence (Shradhanjali) was observed on loss of our beloved and strong lady Com. Latika Beha NFR railway.

Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra and Com. Rakhal Das Gupta shared their valuable presence in the programme.

President of AIRF Com. Rakhal Das Gupta, asked to spread the knowledge we are getting from these education classes and urged all to come under AIRF banner for making a possibility of single union in 2019. Programme was concluded with the vote of thanks by Com. Jaya Aggarwal to participants for their auspicious presence to make this programme successful and taking an oath that whatever we have learnt from this education programme we will spread this to grass root level in eliminating violence against women.


RAILWAY BOARD’S ORDER

Sub: Minimum educational qualification for recruitment to the posts of Technicians in S&T department in Level – 2 of the pay matrix of 7th CPC on the Railways.

Ref.: Board’s letter No. E(NG)II/2007/rr-1/34 dated 24.06.2009 (RBE No. 117/2009)

Attention is invited to instructions issued vide this ministry’s letter under reference, inter-alia laying down minimum educational qualification for recruitment of staff from open market to the post of Technician (Signal)-III and technician (Telecommunication)-III in level-2 of the pay matrix of 7th CPC (earlier Grade Pay 1900/-), against direct recruitment quota in S&T departments.

The matter has been reviewed and after detailed delibration with the concerned technical directorates, it has been decided by the Board that in supersession of the instructions under reference, concerning technicians of S&T departments, direct recruitment qualification for the above posts will be as under:-

“10th pass+ITI in Electronics Mechanic/Electrical fitter/Wireman trade;

12th (+2stage) with physics and Maths in Higher Secondary or equivalent.”

These instructions will be effective from the date of its issue and ongoing recruitment for the above said categories, where notification has been published will be governed by past instructions on the subject.

(No.E(NG)II/2007/RR1/34. RBE No.18 /2018.dated 02.02.2018)

Sub:- Revision of the rates of Hospital Patient Care Allowance (HPCA) and Patient Care Allowance (PCA) to Railway employees working in Railway Hospitals and Health Units/Clinics-regarding.

Hospital Patient Care Allowance (HPCA)/Patient Care Allowance (PCA) was introduced on the Railways in terms of Board’s letter No.E(P&A)II-98/HW-6, dt. 09.01.2008 (RBE No.1/2008). Subsequently, on implementation of 6th CPC recommendations, the rates of HPCA/PCA have been revised vide Board’s letter No.E(P&A)II-2013/AL-3, dt. 20.02.2013 (RBE No.15/2013) and dt. 14.07.2014 (RBE No.74/2014).

2. Consequent upon the decision taken by the Government of India on the recommendations of the 7th CPC, the President is pleased to decide that

Hospital Patient Care Allowance (HPCA)/Patient Care Allowance (PCA) shall be admissible only to existing eligible Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ (Non-Ministerial) Railway employees as per R1H3 of the newly proposed Risk and Hardship Matrix (Rs.4100 for level 8 and below and Rs.5300 for level 9 and above).

3. The revised rates of HPCA/PCA shall be admissible with effect from the 1st of July, 2017.

4. The other terms and conditions regarding admissibility of HPCA/PCA as contained in Board’s letter dt. 09.01.2008 (RBE No.1/2008) and subsequent letters in this regard will remain in force.

5. These orders would be subject to any modification after issue of instructions by the Nodal Ministry i.e. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

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

(No.E(P&A)II-2017/AL-3. RBE No.15 /2018.dated 30.01.2018)

Sub: Recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission – Implementation of decision relating to the grant of Children Education Allowance.

Please refer to Railway Board’s letter (if even number dated 12.10.2017 circulating therewith Office Memorandum No. A-27012/02/2017-Estt.(AL) dated 16.08.2017 of the Deptt. of Personnel & Training (DOP&T) containing revised policy instructions on Children Education Allowance admissible, to Government servants based on the recommendations of Seventh Central Pay Commission.

2. Deptt. of Personnel & Training has now issued another OM No. A- 27012/02/2017-Estt:(~ dated 11.08.2017 regarding reimbursement of Children Education Allowance for differently abled children of government employees. A copy of the said O.M. is enclosed (See Originals) herewith.

The aforesaid instructions of the DOP&T may be adopted mutatis- mutandis in respect of railway employees.

(No.E(W)2017/ED-2/3, RBE No. 10 /2018Dated: 25.01.2018)

Sub: Recruitment of staff in Level – 1 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix on Indian Railways – Criteria for Physical Efficiency Test (PET) regarding.


Ref: This office letter No. E(NG)ll/2012/RR-1/14 elated 12.11.2012 (RBE No. 126/2012). Attention is invited to Board’ Letter under reference prescribing criteria for Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for recruitment of staff for all categories in Level – 1 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix (earlier Grade Pay 1800/-) on Indian Railways. 2. The matter has fuither been reviewed, keeping in view the requirement of the job and it has been decided by Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) to amend the existing criteria for recruitment from open market in all categories in Level-1 , as per norms prescribed below:- Male Candidates (i) Should be able to lift and carry 35 kg of weight for a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes in one chance without putting the weight the weight down; (ii) Should be able to run for a distance of 1000 meters in 4 minute and 15 seconds 5 minutes and 40 second.

Female Candidates (i) Should be able to lift and carry 35 kg of weight for a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes in one chance without putting the weight the weight down; (ii) Should be able to run for a distance of 1000 meters in 5 minutes and 40 second. 3. The above norms will be _applicable in all future recruitment from open market in Level-1. Notification, 1f any, issued may please be amended, suitably by issuing a corrigendum.

(No. E (NG)-II/2017/RR-l/10.RBE No.11/2018.dated: 24.01.2018)

Sub: Extension of benefit of Grade Pay of Rs.4200 (Non-functional) to staff working in the cadre of Pharmacist in case of transfer on own request.

Pharmacists who join in the entry grade of GP Rs. 2800/- (presently Level 5) are eligible for non-functional upgradation to GP Rs. 4200/- (presently Level 6) after 2 years of regular service in the Grade, in terms of RBE No. 47/2010 dated 30.03.2010 as further clarified vide RBE No. 165/2010 dated 19.11.2010.

2. In the case of a Pharmacist who opts for an own request transfer to a different Railway / seniority units on bottom seniority, a query has been raised by North Western Railway as to whether the benefit of counting service in the old seniority unit will apply for the grant of Non-functional Upgradation to GP Rs. 4200/- (Level 6) for the said pharmacists, in the new seniority unit. 3. It is pointed out that the specific issue raised in para 2 above is already covered by circular No. E(NG)I-2006/PN1/5 dated 21.03.2006 (circulated as RBE No. 34/2006) and may be dealt in accordance with the terms of the said circular.

(No.PC-VI/2009/I/RSRP/10. RBE No. 12/2018Dated: 23.01.2018)

Sub: Recording of higher academic/educational qualification in the Service Record of employees recruited through RRBs. Persuant to a decision taken in PNM/AIRF meeting Agenda Item No.34/2016, instructions were issued vide Board’s letter of even number dated 07.12.2017 (RBE No.191/2017) for recording of such educational qualification in the Service Records of a RRB recruited employee about which he had mentioned in his application form to RRB as an unfinished course, subject to the proviso that such course has been completed by him successfully before his/her joining the Railways. Board’s letter ibid also stipulated that past cases need not be re-opened. 2. On being raised by both the recognized Federations e.g. AIRF and NFIR, Board have considered the matter further and have decided, in partial modification of the above quoted dispensation, to extend similar benefit to RRC recruited candidates. 3. Past cases, based on individual representations for recording educational qualification in Service Records can also be considered on merits on case to case basis. However, past cases of promotion already done will not be allowed to be re-opened. (No.E(NG)I-2016/IC-2/2.dt.19.01.2018) Sub: Extension of the period of retention of Railway accommodation at the previous place of posting in favour of officers/staff posted to E. C. Railway. Ref: Board’s letter No.E(G)2009 QR-1-2 dated 22.03.2017. The issue of permitting the Railway officers/staff posted on E.C.Railway to retain Railway quarters at their previous place of posting beyond 31.012.2017 has been considered by the Board. 2. In exercise of its powers 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 have decided that permission for retention of Railway accommodation at the previous place of posting in favour of officers/staff posted to E.C. Railway be further extended for 1 year i.e. upto 31.012.2018. 3. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

(No. E (G)2009 QR-1-2.dt.19.01.2018)

Sub: Retention of Railway Quarter at the previous place of posting by Railway officers posted as Divisional Railway Manager (DRM). Ref.: Railway Board’s letter of even number dated 04.09.2017.


In terms of Railway Board’s above referred letter dated 04.09.2017, Railway officers who are posted as DRM shall be permitted to retain the Railway quarter at their previous place of posting for the whole tenure as DRM plus another 2 months thereafter on payment of normal rent. The said letter further provides that officers already working as DRM on the date of issue of the letter who had not vacated their Railway quarter would also be entitled to the facility of retention of quarter for the full tenure as aforesaid. 2. Pursuant to issue of above referred letter, clarifications have been sought from Railway Board in the cases of officers working as DRM on the date of issue of the aforesaid letter viz. 04.09.2017 who had been retaining the Railway quarter at their previous place of posting beyond the normal permissible period on payment of damage/penal rent or such DRMs who had vacated their Railway quarter at the previous place of posting after having paid damage/penal rent on the ground of overstaying in the quarter beyond the normal permissible period. Railway Board has considered both cases of aforesaid nature and has decided that in both situations, the damage/penal rent so recovered shall be waived off. 3. This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of Ministry of Railways.

(No. E (G) 2010 QR-1-1.dt.18.01.2018)

Sub: Correction Slip No.141 to the Indian Railways Permanent Way Manual.

Ministry of Railways has decided that correction/addition as indicated in the enclosed Correction Slip No.141 dated 18.01.2018, to relevant para of the IRPWM, be made. “The existing Para 152(2) of IRPWM shall be replaced by the following:- 152(2) The muster should

normally be marked by the Mate. However, literate Track-maintainer may be allowed to sign muster which should be checked by Mate. The Permanent Way Inspector should check and initial the muster.”

(No.2013/CE-II/CS/3.dt.18.01.2018)

Sub: Correction Slip No.140 to the Indian Railways Permanent Way Manual.

Ministry of Railways has decided that correction/addition as indicated in the enclosed Correction Slip No.140 dated 28.11.2017, to relevant para of the IRPWM, be made. “1.0 The existing Para 420(2) of IRPWM shall be replaced by the following:- Para 420(2) – on Group ‘A’ and ‘B’ routes, gauge, varsines and superelevation on each curve must be checked once in every four months and on other routes every six months. Such check should also be carried out whenever the running over curves is found to be unsatisfactory. The versines, superlevation and guage should be recorded by the Permanent Way Inspector (JE/SSE/P.Way) in the curve register as per the proforma given as Annexure-4/5. The Assistant Engineer shall check at least one curve of each Permanenent Way Inspector (SSE/P.Way)-incharge) every quarter by taking its versine and superlevation as well as guage from end to end. The decision to realign should be taken by the permanent Way Inspector-incharge (SSE/P.Way/Incharge) or Assistant Engineer. The realignment of curve should be carried out in dry season and not during rainy season except when this is unavoidable.” “2.0 the existing Para 502(1) of IRPWM shall be replaced by the following:- Para 502(1)—Alumino Thermic Welding of rails may be carried out in accordance with the detailed procedure laid down in the ‘Manual for Fusion Welding of Rails by Alumino Thermic Process’. A thermit welding done in –situ shall be joggled fish plated with two clamps and supported on wooden blocks of length in the range of 300-450 mm until tested as good by USFD.”

(No.2015/CE-II/CS/2.dt.28.11.2017)

ALL INDIA CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (BASE 2001 = 100) Dear Subscriber,

Please renew your subscription as soon as possible by remitting Rs. 60/- by Money Order or By Demand Draft Drawn in favour of “Indian Railwaymen” to enable us to continue your uninterrupted supply of the Indian Railwaymen or Bhartiya Railwaymen every month.

While remitting your subscription, please mention clearly your Old Subscriber Number, Name and Full Address with Pin Code Number.

Month/Year Base Year 2001 = 100 Average

Total of 12 months

Twelve monthly Average

% increase over 261.41 for DA

Nov., 2016 277 3285 273.75 4.72

Dec., 2016 275 3291 274.25 4.91

Jan., 2017 274 3296 274.66 5.06

Feb., 2017 274 3303 275.25 5.29

Mar., 2017 275 3310 275.83 5.51

April,2017 277 3316 276.33 5.70

May, 2017 278 3319 276.83 5.89

June, 2017 280 3322 276.83 5.89

July, 2017 285 3327 277.25 6.05

Aug, 2017 295 3334 277.83 6.28

Sep., 2017 285 3342 278.50 6.53

Oct., 2017 287 3351 279.25 6.82

*Average Price Index for January, 2001

airf’s references to railway board on staff matters€¦ · washing allowance stand subsumed,...

Documents