mrcr <tHq;I'( GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

tt;r A:II1t>l4 MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(~~ RAILWAY BOARD )

No.2016/E(LR)IINM 1-14/,;fie General Secretary,

A.I.R.F.,4, State Entry Road,New Delhi -110 055.

New Delhi, dated 14.02.2017

Dear Sir,

Sub: Minutes of PNM meeting of Railway Board with AIRF held on22nd and 23rd November, 2016

Ref: (i) Board's letter of even No. dated 28.11.2016(ii) General Secretary/AIRF's letter No. AIRFIPNMIII/2016(781)dated 21.12.2016

****

Finalized minutes of the PNM/AIRF meeting held on 22nd & 23rdNovember, 2016at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi was circulated to all concerned vide letter dated 28.11.2016cited above and uploaded on the official website of this Ministry. Thereafter, GeneralSecretarylAIRF vide his letter dated 21.12.2016 quoted above desired certainmodifications in the minutes in respect of 18 Items (Nos. 19/2016, 50/2016,23/2016,47-B/2016, 47-A/2016, 9/2013, 5/2015, 53/2016, 20/2014, 912015, 10/2016 & 57/2016,48/2006, 15/2016,59/2006,56/2012, 112016,4/2016, 13/2016).

A meeting was held with Federation (AIRF) on 10.02.2017 to discuss about thechanges suggested by the Federation. Based on the discussions, certain changes havebeen made in the minutes in respect of some of the Items out of the 18 Items mentionedabove.

Complete minutes including those in respect of which amendments now made onthe request of the Federation are sent herewith alongwith opening addresses of Chairmanof the Forum (Member Staff, Railway Board) and the representatives of the Federation.These are also being uploaded on the official website of this Ministry i.e.www.indianrailways.gov.inlrailwayboard/.

DA: As above (22 pages) L.,.,. 'ILrI~ l~(~allik)Director, Estt.(IR)

MINUTES

of

The PNM Meeting

between

Railway Board

and

All India Railwaymen’s Federation

held

on 22nd

& 23rd

November, 2016

i

MINUTES OF THE PNM MEETING HELD BETWEEN RAILWAY BOARD AND

AIRF ON 22ND

& 23RD

NOVEMBER, 2016

MEMBERS PRESENT

OFFICIAL SIDE FEDERATION (AIRF)

S/Shri/Mrs.

1. Pradeep Kumar,

Member Staff

2. Anand Mathur,

DG(Personnel)

3. S.S. Narayanan,

AM(CE)

4. Swaminathan K.,

AM(ME)

5. N. Kashinath,

AM(Signal)

6. R.N. Misra,

AM(PU)

7. Dr. Gajendra Kumar,

Adv.(Health)

8. V.K. Aggarwal,

Adv.(RE)

9. H.R. Meena,

Adv.(RS)

10. A.S. Upadhyay,

Adv.(Safety)

11. P.V. Vaidyalingam,

Adv.(Finance)

12. B.B. Verma,

Adv.(Accounts)

13. Rajiv Chaudhary,

Adv.(Station Devlopment)

14. Sunil Mathur,

Adv.(Vigilance)

15. Manoj Pande,

Adv.(T&MPP)

16. Alok Kumar,

EDE(IR)

17. A.K. Dubey,

EDCE(G)

18. A.K. Singhal,

EDCE(B&S)

19. Kalyani Chadha,

EDME(W)

1. Shri Rakhal Das Gupta, President

2. Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra, Genl. Secy.

3. Shri N. Kanniah, Working President

4. Shri J.R. Bhosale

5. Shri C.A. Rajasridhar

6. Shri Ch. Sankara Rao

7. Shri Ch. Gandhi

8. Shri Goutam Mukherjee

9. Shri S.K. Pandey

10. Shri R.D. Yadav

11. Shri S.K. Tyagi

12. Shri Ashish Mukherjee

13. Shri Ashis Biswas

14. Shri Mukesh Galav*

15. Shri Venu P. Nair*

16. Shri R.C. Sharma

17. Shri Manoj Behra

18. Shri Nitin Pradhan*

19. Ms. Chapla Banerjee

20. Shri L.N. Pathak

21. Shri K. Srinivas

22. Ms. D. Shaleel

* attended on 22.11.2016 only.

ii

OFFICIAL SIDE FEDERATION (AIRF)

20. Mahesh Chandra,

EDRS(G)

21. Achal Jain,

ED(L&A)-I

22. B. Prashanth Kumar,

EDPM

23. Tanveer Ahmed,

EDF(E)

24. Rashmi Chowdhary,

EDE(GC)

25. Sanjay Lavania,

EDF(X)I

26. Dhruv Singh,

EDPC-I

27. Neera Khuntia,

EDE(N)

28. Amitabha Khare,

EDE(RRB)

29. R.K. Meena,

JS(Deputation)

30. Rohit Kumar,

DF(CCA)

31. Ramesh Kumar,

Dir.(L&A)

32. D.V. Rao,

DE(LL)

33. Sunil Kumar,

Dir.E(W& D&A)

34. S. Pal,

JDE(G)

35. Debashis Mallik,

DE(IR)

36. Naveen Kumar,

DDE(LR)I

*****

1

Section – A: INTRODUCTION

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

Shri Rakhal Das Gupta, President/AIRF, Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra, General

Secretary/AIRF, other representatives of the Federation and my colleagues in the Railway

Board, I extend a hearty welcome to all of you to this meeting.

2. Your Federation has been playing an important role in maintaining harmonious

Industrial Relations over Indian Railways and hope that the spirit of solving the problems

through mutual consultation, dialogue and discussions will continue.

3. The biggest strength of IR is our competent human resource capital. The Railwaymen

have been traditionally our inherent strength and our industrial relations have been

exemplary and we need to nurture it together. We are very sensitive towards the issues of

our staff and would like to come to some amicable solution on the same. With a view to

involve all Railwaymen and incorporate their suggestions, the first ever Vichar Shivir has

been held on 18th to 20th November, 2016 and it was addressed by our Hon’ble PM.

4. I will now briefly touch upon the performance of Indian Railways. During April,

2016 to October, 2016, we have carried freight traffic of 623.21 million tonnes as compared

to 634.32 million tonnes in the corresponding period of last financial year which is about

11 million tonnes less compared to last year. However, during the same period, Railways

have witnessed an upward trend in number of passengers. During April, 2016 to October,

2016 the number of passengers booked stood at 4798 millions as compared to

4790 millions in the corresponding period of last financial year which is about 8 millions

higher.

5. As far as total approximate earnings of Indian Railways are concerned, during 2016-

17 (upto October, 2016), our earnings stood at `89615.69 crore showing a decrease of

`3415.03 crore (i.e. 3.67%) in comparison to last year. These earnings were lower than the

budgeted target also by approximately `13.75%. As far as our ordinary working expenses

are concerned, during 2016-17 (upto October, 2016), it is `79379.51 crore (14.96% more)

against `69046.85 crore during the corresponding period of previous year.

6. On the safety front, a broad look reveals that the number of train accidents decreased

from 135 in 2014-15 to 107 in 2015-16. However, during the current year from 1st April,

2016 to 31st October, 2016, accidents have shown rising trend as compared to same period in

previous year (65 in 2015-16 to 77 in 2016-17). Concerted efforts by all the departments

need to be made to minimize the failure of Railway Staff and for improving the work culture.

Innovative approach to minimize human dependence and Railway Staff’s failure needs to be

further explored.

7. On the medical services front, Water Quality testing policy has been issued as per

new water policy issued by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. For improvement

in food safety in trains and stations, policy has been issued jointly. Training of all Railway

Food Safety Officers have already been completed in Bikaner by Food Safety and Standards

Authority of India. Training of Joint Food Safety Commissioners and Designated Officers

are also scheduled in the month of November. As part of digital India programme – online

2

issuing of food licenses to food business operator is being processed in coordination with

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Uniform HMIS (Hospital Management

Information System) for whole of Railways has been planned. Pilot project has been started

in Northern Railway and work has been allotted to CRIS. CTSE (Cashless Treatment

Scheme in Emergency) card is going to be commissioned for RELHS persons shortly.

8. The Accounts and Finance department in the Railways plays an Integral Role in

rendering timely financial advice, proper maintenance of accounts of the Railways in terms

of earnings and expenditure and providing intime management information for decision

making. To achieve these objectives, the Integrated Pay Role and Accounting System

(IPAS) application software application has been developed by CRIS on web based 3-tier

centralized architecture using Java and Oracle which has been successfully implemented on

all the Zonal Railways and will be implemented in Production Units, RDSO and

Metro/Kolkata also by the end of the current Financial Year.

9. I would like to share with you some of the recent developments/ initiatives that have

taken place over the railway system:

� Hon’ble MR has launched NIVARAN portal, an online system for redressal of

service related grievance of serving and former railway employees on 30th June, 2016.

� Hon’ble MR has dedicated Deen Dayalu Coach to the Nation on 19th July, 2016.

� Hon’ble MR has laid the foundation stone of Imphal Railway Station on 30th July,

2016.

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

Agreement was signed between Ministry of Railways and State Government of

Chhattisgarh for “Formation of Joint Venture Company” on 04th August, 2016 for

focused project development, resource mobilization, land acquisition, project

implementation and monitoring of critical rail projects.

� Orders for enhancement of ceiling limit of `3500/- to `7000/- for payment of

Productivity Linked Bonus to Non-Gazetted Railway Employees (excluding

RPF/RPSF personnel) for the year 2014-15 have been issued on 15.09.2016.

� Orders for Payment of Productivity Linked Bonus to Non-Gazetted Railway

Employees (excluding RPF/RPSF personnel) for the year 2015-2016 with

enhancement ceiling limit of `7000/- have been issued on 28.09.2016.

� Instructions regarding enhancement of age of superannuation of doctors (GDMOs) of

Indian Railway Medical Service have been issued on 14.07.2016.

� About 1/3rd of the Indian Olympic contingent i.e. 34 out of 117 belonged to Indian

Railways. The 1st medal won by an Indian at the Olympic viz Ms. Sakshi Malik in

women wrestling belongs to the Railways. In fact the only other medal won by Ms.

P.V. Sindhu in Badminton is also the daughter of Sr. Sports Officer in South Central

Railway.

� Apart from the above Railway players brought laurels at the World Women Boxing,

3

World Snooker Championship, World Kabaddi Championship, Asian Kho-Kho

Championship, Asian Power-lifting Championship, Asian Hockey championship in

both men and women’s category, commonwealth Kabaddi Championship; also Cross

Country, Chess, Shooting and Table Tennis at World Railway Championships.

� In the national scene, Indian Railways had a podium finish in 36 of the 58

championship it participated last year. This year so far Indian Railways have podium

finish in 14 National Championships and the list is growing as the various

championships are going on. This year 1 Railway player got Rajiv Gandhi Khel

Ratna Award, 2 players Arjuna Award, 1 player Dhyan Chand Award and 1

player Dronacharya Award.

10. I wish all the best and hope this august body will deliberate in this meeting on

important aspects which focus on employees’ welfare as well as which are in the interest of

the organization. At this juncture we all rededicate ourselves in the task of nation building.

Shri Rakhal Das Gupta, President/AIRF

Shri Rakhal Das Gupta, President AIRF, expressed very much concern and grief on the

serious train accident, on which 146 passengers have died and about two hundred passenger

injured badly.

He said that, AIRF is very much concern about the safety of the travelling public.

He said that, as appeared in the Press, the Ministry of Railways have appointed a committee

to into the affairs of safety in train operation and on the basis of the report, Ministry of

Railway had requested the Ministry of Finance to sanction `1.19 lakh crore from the

General Revenue. AIRF vide letter No.AIRF/415(628) dated 30.05.2016 has requested the

Railway Board to send a copy of the report on safety. But, unfortunately, there was no reply

from the Railway Board. Shri Das Gupta expressed concern that, over 1.22 lakh posts in

Safety Categories are lying vacant in the Indian Railways.

Shri Das Gupta expressed anger that, Railway Budget has been decided to be merged with

the General Budget after 92 years, but there was no discussion on the matter with AIRF who

is a partner in the management.

Shri Das Gupta said that, as decided by the Union Finance Ministry, that, `10,000 would be

paid to all non-gazetted Central Government Employees, but this payment has not yet been

made. Rather, in certain Divisions of the Railways, the amount handed over to Sr.

Subordinates for disbursement has been taken back. The payment should be made as

decided.

Shri Das Gupta pointed out that, in the present PNM meeting, there is 136 outstanding items,

added to the same 30 new items. Action Plan to settle the issues should be drawn by the

Railway Board to sort out the grievances/problems.

He said that, the issues of sufficient importance, if cannot be resolved, should be referred to

an Ad-hoc Tribunal under PNM arrangement.

4

Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary/AIRF

Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary AIRF, at the outset offered warm welcome to

the Member Staff, D.G.(Pers.) other officers of the Railway Board and fellow Office Bearers

of AIRF and also expressed his concern over non-provision of proper accommodation to

AIRF representatives who have come to attend PNM Meeting with Railway Board. He

demanded that, the matter needs to be enquired into as to how accommodation, already

allotted to AIRF OBs, was handed over to other association on the behest of some officials

and to fix the responsibility of the same.

He also expressed deep concern over tragic train accident near Kanpur on 19.11.2016, and at

the same time demanded that, desired number of posts, particularly in Safety Categories,

need to be created and adequate manpower is required to be provided in the larger interest of

railway safety.

He also advised to organize safety related programmes with active participation of organized

labour as was done by the then Railway Minister, Shri Nitish Kumar, and the NDA

Government, by creating Safety Related Non-Lapsable Fund.

Shri Mishra further said that, it is unfortunate that, there is no technical support to avert train

accidents and demanded that Railway Board should consider it on top priority so as to

provide technological back-up to Running Staff.

He further stressed upon filling up of large number of vacancies in Safety Categories and

also added that adequate training is required to be given where it is mandatory and the

training should be so programmed that the latest technological advancement, being adopted

on the Railways, are also properly apprised to the staff during the course of training.

Talking about recent development, he emphasized that; AIRF would never tolerate any

change in the present shape of the Indian Railways and its ownership and demanded that,

when Railwaymen are running the trains even sacrificing their valuable lives, why there use

to be talks of privatization.

He also added that, the Indian Railways is the most honest department under the Government

of India, but it is not being properly publicized.

Shri Mishra demanded that, adequate power should be delegated to the Sr. DFM to settle the

retirement related issues, so that pensioners should get hassle-free services. Other Central

Government Departments have delegated powers to the JA/Selection grade officers of Sr.

DFM status.

He also expressed his concern over non-settlement of PNM Items of AIRF for a pretty long

time.

Shri Mishra appreciated introduction of process of recording minutes on the spot by the

Railway Board.

Discussing the issue of implementation of cadre restructuring of Technician, he expressed

serious concern on the condition of Matching Saving, and demanded that, the same should be

dispensed with, as at the time of negotiation on the issue this issue was never discussed with

the organized labour.

5

Shri Mishra insisted that, only the categories of Commercial Clerk and ECRC should be

merged together, but the category of Ticket Checking Staff be kept separate.

Talking about vacation orders of the office accommodation, issued by Southern Railway

Administration, Shri Mishra asked for fixation of accountability. He expressed concern on

entertaining unrecognized union by the Southern Railway Administration. Expressing

anguish he said that, Southern Railway Mazdoor Union, the only recognized union over

Southern Railway, is not being consulted by the railway administration on policy matters,

such as periodical transfer of the staff. He said, “there is total breakdown over Southern

Railway”. He complained that, there are some officers on Southern Railway who need to be

counseled suitably. He expressed serious concern over non-holding of PNM meetings of

Southern Railway Mazdoor Union by the railway administration. He demanded that,

accountability must be fixed for non-holding of PNM meeting with the Recognized Union,

particularly by the DRM/Chennai. He apprehended that, all these are not good for industrial

relations.

Shri Mishra expressed dissatisfaction over arbitrary transfer of the IRCTC staff without

consulting the organized labour. He demanded transferring of Provident Fund of the IRCTC

Staff transferred to the Indian Railways.

Shri Mishra asserted that, lock-in period for promotion from Group ‘D’ to Group ‘C’ should

not be more than two years in any category and similarity be maintained without any

discrimination.

Shri Mishra said, “Railway Board have not issued any specific guidelines for placing indents

to RRBs for recruitment of TCs in Pay Matrix of GP `2000 with enhanced qualification of

Graduation as per VII CPC implementation”.

Shri Mishra further said, “there is confusion on the issue of merger of TCs/TTEs with the

combined cadre of Commercial Clerk. Clarificatory orders to this effect should be issued

without any further delay, keeping in view that, Organized Labour has not agreed for merger

of Ticket Checking Cadre with Coaching Clerk and ECRCs”.

He stressed on enhancement in per capita contribution under Staff Benefit Fund, so that

wards of the Railwaymen could get Educational Assistance properly and timely for higher

study.

He further demanded sanctioning of quasi-administrative staff with facilities of passes and

medical due to enhancement of Railway Zones and Divisions.

He expressed serious concern on non-implementation of Cadre Restructuring in ECRC and

Health & Malaria Cadre over South Eastern Railway and non-referring of the staff to

Referral Hospitals.

He asserted on provision of sufficient number of Hydraulic Machines in each of the division

for cleaning of human waste on the railway tracks.

He requested clearance of proposal of North Central Railway, for creation of posts in Electric

Shed Agra, Jhansi and Kanpur(NCR) as also for the posts of ESMs, lingering in Rail

Bhawan.

6

He emphasized on functioning of the Zonal Running Rooms Committees to deal with the

problem of proper rest of the Running Staff.

He further stressed that, Course Completed Act Apprentices should be regularized without

any further exam through the RRCs.

He demanded revision in Hourly Rate of Incentive Bonus for Workshop and Production

Units Staff.

He also demanded for abolishing of 5-year service condition in the matter of inter-railway

mutual transfers.

Shri Mishra further demanded that, LARSGESS related issues referred to Railway Board by

some of the Zonal Railways should be expedited early. He also demanded that, orders

pending for Pointsman/ Technicians and other GP `1900 staff should also be issued at par

with Trackmen.

He demanded for stoppage of wrongful recovery in the case of Pharmacists placed in Entry

Grade Pay of `2400 in place of GP `4200.

He also demanded relaxation to Physically Handicapped employees in the matter of transfer.

He complained for non-implementation of MACP Scheme over Southern Railway.

He demanded reply of the Railway Board in the ATS and discussion on the issues raised by

the federation.

Shri Mishra also demanded that, necessary approval for filling-up of around 65 vacancies in

the Parliament Catering Service be communicated to Northern Railway, as sought for by

Northern Railway Administration, at an early date.

Shri J.R. Bhosale

Shri J.R. Bhosale, Treasurer AIRF, demanded that, necessary guidelines should go from the

Railway Board for developing adequate training facilities in Basic Training Centre at Parel

Workshop, Western Railway. He further demanded that, there should be at least three

promotional avenues to staff working in each category. He insisted on formation of the IT

Cadre. He emphasized on correct fixation of pay of the Running Staff, i.e. 3 times instead of

2.94 times. He stressed that, since payment of DA on pay element of Running staff is a codal

provision, 2% Dearness Allowance should also be paid on 30% pay element payable to

Running Staff w.e.f. 01.07.2016. He demanded that, order be issued for granting 55% of Pay

Element for computing retirement benefit for those running staff who opt for Voluntary

Retirement on their medical de-categorization.

Shri Ch. Sankara Rao

Shri Ch. Sankara Rao, Asstt. General Secretary AIRF, raised the following issues:-

(i) Payment of arrears to the employees beyond three years require approval of the

Railway Board for payment, which is causing lot of delay and Board were

7

requested to delegate the powers to the GMs without any time limit with the

consent of the Associated Accounts at the zonal level.

(ii) Establishment matters of the IRISET are being looked-after by the Railway Board

only and lot of problems are being faced by the staff working in IRISET. To avoid

correspondence to the Railway Board, powers should be vested with the Chief

Personnel Officer/SCR to look-after the establishment matters duly posting a

Personnel Officer by SCR in the IRISET/SC.

(iii) It was agreed by the Railway Board to restore previous yardstick of the Ticket

Checking Staff for manning the coaches, duly giving revised orders by the Board,

but so far no orders have been issued.

(iv) With regard to absorption of Act Apprentices trained in Railway establishments,

Railway Board have issued orders for absorption of only 20% candidates in the

Railways, and Act Apprentices should come through RRCs after passing written

examination and PET. As the Apprentices Act amended by the Parliament,

powers were given to the administration to make certain rules for absorption of

trained people in their establishments. Railway Board have issued orders to

recruit/absorb them suitably against 20% DR Quota vacancies through RRC by

written examination and PET. Federation(AIRF) requests the Railway Board to

exempt Act Apprentices, trained in Railway establishments, from written

examination and PET, and absorb them basing on the certificates issued after their

training.

Shri Ch. Gandhi

Shri Ch. Gandhi, Asstt. General Secretary AIRF, raised the following issues:-

(i) Provision of CUG Telephone SIM Cards to ALPs and other safety categories staff

over ECoR/BBS. GM/ECoR referred the matter to Railway Board, regrettably, till

now Railway Board have not communicated sanction of CUG SIM Card to ALPs

of E Co Railway.

(ii) Tie-up with Sankar Foundation Eye Hospital Visakhapatnam and Mahatma

Gandhi Cancer Hospital Visakhapatnam over East Coast Railway-Waltair

Division. East Coast Railway Administration has recommended and forwarded the

matter to Railway Board for tie-up of these two hospitals. He demanded early

approval of the Railway Board.

Smt. Chapla Banerjee

Smt. Chapla Banerjee, President ERMU, demanded inclusion of 50% posts of

Khalasi/Helpers, upgraded as Group ‘C’ vide RBE No.203/98, in the cadre, so that benefit of

restructuring can be extended to them. She expressed anguish over handing over of Railway

Catering to IRCTC again. Railway Board’s instructions regarding payment through cheque

to contractual labour have not been implemented on many of the zonal railways.

*****

8

SECTION- B: MINUTES (60 items)

DG/RHS

55/2012: Sanction of adequate manpower for Central Hospital, West Central Railway,

Jabalpur.

Creation of gazetted post is under consideration. It was agreed that Railway Board would

forward the proposal for creation of gazetted post to Ministry of Finance.

14/2014: AVC for the categories where there is no avenue of promotion of Group ‘B’

staff etc.

The possibility of merging ancillary categories for the purpose of promotion to Group ‘B’

would be explored.

15/2015: Creation of posts of various categories of paramedical staff in Medical

Department on the basis of yardsticks issued by the Railway Board.

The matter is under active consideration.

27/2014: Reimbursement of expenses towards purchase of Medtronic Insulin Pump in

case of diabetic patients.

Instructions issued vide letter No.2007/H/23/5(Appliances) dated 04.10.2016.

(Finalised)

12/2015: Cancer disease be covered in the definition of “Emergency Criteria”

Matter is under consideration. Instructions are to be issued shortly.

55/2015: Filling-up of a large number of vacancies in Medical department in N.F.

Railway.

It was explained by official side (administration) that the problem of paucity of Doctors in

the N.F. Railway is not due to the fact that recruitment is not being done, rather by the fact

that the doctors recruited by the UPSC do not join, especially N.F. Railway, even after

repeated offers of appointment. The matter is actively being pursued with the UPSC.

Federation(AIRF) requested that this matter should be taken up with highest level possible.

Instructions will be reiterated that the doctors in SAG onwards will also undertake clinical

duties posted in the hospitals.

19/2016: Modification in the Retired Employees Liberalized Health Scheme (RELHS-

97).

9

Federation(AIRF) raised the issue that in cases where both Husband and Wife are working in

Railways, both have to contribute subscription towards RELHS. The matter will be

examined afresh for single contribution.

24/2016: Setting-up of dormitory for accommodation of companions of cancer patients

sent to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai from JRH(WR) and Byculla Railway

Hospital(CR).

Dormitory accommodation for patient’s relatives is as follows:

(1) Dr. BAM Hospital, Byculla, C. Rly. – 120

(2) JR Hospital, W. Rly. – 55

However, Federation pointed out that despite aforementioned two(2) accommodations, there

is an acute shortage for accommodation for patient’s relatives especially in JRH, W. Rly. It

was also pointed out that aforementioned facilities are also catering to the needs for patients

of other zones as well. It was assured that a proposal for expansion of dormitory facilities

shall be called from W. Rly.

39/2016: Abrupt enhancement in per-capita charges for the treatment of staff and

their family members employed in Railway Co-operative Thrift & Credit Societies/

Banks and other quasi-administrative offices, including Recognized Unions and

Federations, for treatment in Railway Hospitals.

Matter is under consideration.

41/2016: Enhancement of ceiling of investigation facilities at the Health Unit level.

It was explained that enhancement of the ceiling limits to Rs.15000/- is under consideration.

50/2016: Consideration of appeal of newly recruited candidates against non-gazetted

posts and declared medically unfit – Revision of policy thereof.

Federation(AIRF) had demanded that amendment made in Para 522 of IRMM, 2000 should

be withdrawn. It was agreed to review the matter.

DG(RS)/ Adv.(RS)/ Dir.(Printing)

01/2015: Inordinate delay in modernization of Printing Presses of the Indian Railways.

Federation(AIRF) demanded that the issue of ticket printing at Kurseong be re-examined,

which was agreed to.

47-B/2016 Merger of IRPMU with CSTE Project Unit of NCR, Allahabad.

(B) Regarding stores department of RCF/ Kapurthala, operating at Tilak Bridge, New Delhi,

no instructions have been issued by stores Dte. for closure of the unit.

(Finalised)

10

DG(S&T)/ AM(Signal)

23/2016: Development of the S&T Workshops in Indian Railways.

At present there are 10 S&T workshops in Indian Railways. Out of this, 6 are major

workshops at Podanur, S.Rly, Mettuguda/ S.C. Rly, Howrah/ E.Rly, Byculla/ C.Rly

Ghaziabad/ N.Rly and Gorakhpur/ NER. These workshops are being developed to take up

manufacturing of new items like SSDSE, BPAC, point machines, electric lifting barriers etc.

duly replacing obsolete items. A road map for achieving this is being laid down during the

forthcoming CSTEs conference. The other 4 workshops namely KGP/SER, AII/ NWR,

Sabarmati/ WR and Pandu/ NFR will continue as overhauling and repair shops.

However, Federation(AIRF) contended that there has been a sea-change in the signaling

system all over Indian Railways. It was pointed out that the erstwhile rudimentary signaling

system has been replaced by MACLS system. Moreover, axle counting system has been

installed in all stations. In view of these developments, there is an acute need for developing

all the signaling workshops to cater to the requirements.

47/2016: Merger of IRPMU with CSTE Project Unit of NCR, Allahabad.

47-A/2016 IRPMU was primarily created as a pre requisite for funding of project of

“Modernisation of Signalling system in Ghaziabad-Kanpur section” by KfW, Germany

Bank. As KfW funding is no longer available and major portion of the project is already

completed, it has been decided to merge IRPMU with CSTE/ Project of NCR.

Although, it has been decided to shift the headquarters of IRPMU with all its officers/ staff

from New Delhi to Allahabad, a bare minimum strength of officers/ staff for completion of

ongoing residual works and works which have jurisdiction beyond NCR will continue in

Delhi. The decision on the number of officers/ staff to be retained at Delhi shall be made by

GM/NCR.

The Federation contended that the staff who are unwilling to move out of Delhi should not be

forced to do so which has been agreed, subject to they agreeing to move to other units in

Delhi as per requirements.

(Finalised)

AM(CE)/ EDCE(G)

16/2005: Package of allowance to Gangmen.

&

39/2012: Implementation of recommendations of the Joint Committee on Package and

Allowance to Trackmen.

&

6/2013: Implementation of the already agreed to recommendations of the Joint

Committee on Package and Career Progression for Trackmen.

&

40/2016: Implementation of various recommendations of the Joint Committee on

Package and Allowance to Trackmen and other grievances of the Trackman Category.

11

A separate meeting will be held with Board(MS, ME & FC) expeditiously and preferably

within two months.

EDCE(B&S)

25/2013: Provision of pathway on the bridges.

Official side explained that man-refuges are available/ have been provided in 378 girder

bridges out of a total of 631 girder bridges. It was also confirmed that man–refuges on all

the bridges shall be provided by 31.03.2017.

Federation(AIRF) contended that their demand pertains to provision of side pathway so that

human fatalities can be avoided. The Federation also insisted that wherever new bridges are

being designed, a provision for side pathway should be there.

Official side agreed to consider providing side pathway wherever technically feasible.

20/2016: Counting of motor cycle in case of calculation of TVU.

This item is being discussed in the committee of Chief Track Engineers. As per

recommendations of committee regarding inclusion of motorised two wheelers in the TVU

calculation, action will be taken.

AM(Elect.)/ Adv.(Elect./G)/ EDEE(G)

25/2014: Revision and standardisation of electrical fittings in the staff quarters.

&

47/2015: Revision in the electrical specification of Type I quarters.

Necessary instructions have been issued vide Board’s letter No.2006/Elect(G)/180/11/Pt.

dated 21.06.2016.

(Finalised)

2/2015: Restoration of process of recruitment of Motorman from open market

through RRB in case of Metro Railway Kolkata.

Federation suggested that vacancies of Metro Railway to be filled up by direct recruitment.

It was agreed to check up the position on other Zonal Railways.

30/2016: Violation of the Rest Rules for Running Staff by various Zonal Railways.

Federation mentioned that Railway Board vide letter dated 26.02.2010 had circulated an

agreement made with AIRF vide PNM Item No.20/2009 – Absence of running staff from

Headquarter - where it was agreed that absence from Headquarter for more than 36 hrs.

should be monitored closely with a view to restrict such absence within reasonable limits.

12

Federation further contended that Railway Board vide letter No.E(LL)/2016/HPC/7 dated

13.10.2016 have advised all GMs for enhancing the limits of stay from Headquarter to be

fixed at 72 hrs. Federation believes while taking this decision the earlier decision was not

kept in view. Federation therefore demanded that the letter dated 13.10.2016 be withdrawn

and the earlier letter 26.02.2010 be restored. They also stated that the contention of Board

that serving of call book cannot be treated as ‘breach of rest’ is against the provision of rest

rules and therefore the letter issued in this connection should also be withdrawn.

Official side drew attention to Board’s letter dated 18/30.09.1998 whereby Zonal Railway

were asked to examine the feasibility of absence of running staff from Headquarters from

then existing limits of 96 hrs. In this directive it was reiterated that it was not feasible to

reduce the limit of 96 hrs. for absence of running staff from Headquarters. However,

Ministry of Railways desired that a close watch should be kept at the Divisional level and

also periodically at Zonal Railways to reduce the period of absence of running staff in the

field. However, later on, Railway Board vide letter No.E(LL)/2009/HER/1 dated 26.02.2010

revisited the issue pursuant to discussion with AIRF on this issue, wherein it was demanded

that the period of absence from Headquarter should be restricted to a maximum of 24 hrs.

However, Board decided that all cases of absence of more than 36 hrs. should be monitored

closely with a view to restrict such absence within reasonable limit. The present directive

No.E(LL)/2016/HPC/7 Dated 13.10.2016 which was issued pursuant to recommendations of

the High Power committee to review the duty hours of running staff has, vide para(v), only

reduced the period of absence from present 96 hrs. to 72 hrs. However, the earlier directive

of 26.02.2010, directing that all cases of absence of more than 36 hrs. should be monitored

closely with a view to restrict such absence within reasonable limits, still subsists, meaning

thereby that Zonal Railways/ Divisons should monitor closely all cases of absence of more

than 36 hrs. as mentioned above. A separate clarificatory instruction will be issued shortly.

The issue regarding (i) breach of rest due to serving of ‘Call Book’ and (ii) 125 hours

working in a fortnight for the running staff will be discussed separately.

AM(ME)/ EDME(Chg.)

37/2012: Genuine grievances of AC Mechanics in Technician grades.

Federation(AIRF) mentioned that extra foldable berth for AC mechanic/ attendant will be

uncomfortable. Moreover, in view of the fact that a considerable number of trains are now

running with LHB coaches, the need for the extra berth to AC staff in LHB coaches is to be

reviewed.

9/2013: Improvement in the Crew Cabin and Guards’ Brake Van.

Discussed. Details of the programmed improvement has already been handed over to

Federation.

(Finalised)

19/2015: Recovery of cost of lost linen/blanket etc. at its depreciated value.

13

Federation will get back, if necessary, after detailed study of the letter dated 01.09.2015

issued in this regard to all Zonal Railways.

41/2015: Deployment of Escorting Staff on Rajdhani/ Shatabdi type trains.

Federation stated that they will discuss the item with AM(Mech.) separately.

AM(PU)/ EDME(W)

12/2009: Grant of PCO Allowance/Incentive Bonus to technical staff supporting shops/

Sections (including CMT/C&M Lab.), Drawing/Design, I.T. Power Supply and Stores

etc.) – in Railway Workshops and Production Units- Treating them as part of

Inspection, Planning & Planning & Progress wings of PCO.

RITES’ report on RWF is likely to be available by end of December, 2016.

Federation(AIRF) contended that those CMT staffs who are working on the shop floor

should be entitled for PCO allowance as per the last minutes where it was mentioned that

“CMT staff who do not work on shop floor, are not entitled to PCO allowance”.

54/2012: Modification of RITES Incentive Scheme – Approval of the Railway Board.

The matter will be further pursued. Federation(AIRF) demanded that Act apprentices can be

recruited and absorbed in Raynapadu Workshop and requested that the matter be examined.

24/2014: Indiscriminate outsourcing in Production Units.

A separate meeting to be held with AM(PU) to discuss optimal utilisation of available

resources.

30/2014: Payment of Incentive to Rail Wheel Factory Staff.

&

43/2015: Incentive to PC Bay Staff of Rail Wheel Factory, Bangalore.

RITES report is expected by end of December, 2016. The case shall be put up to Board for

consideration and decision.

05/2015: Sanction of Work Charged posts – regularization thereof.

As far as Samastipur Workshop is concerned, 107 work charged posts have been extended

upto 30.09.2018. Federation demanded that those posts should be made permanent.

53/2016: Creation of posts against RSP Works.

14

Directives issued vide letter dated 21.04.2016 have been kept in abeyance vide letter dated

03.08.2016 and Railways have been asked to review. Doubts raised by some Zonal Railways

will be clarified.

AM(Comml.)/ EDPM

10/2008: Manning of UTS and PRS Terminals by Commercial Staff – Reg.

A separate meeting with both the Federations to be held on the issue of modalities for merger

of the three categories as per report of 7th CPC.

16/2012: Creation of additional posts of Ticket Checking Staff for manning new trains

and additional coaches.

&

33/2012: Creation of additional posts of ticket checking staff/TTE and filling up of

existing vacancies in ticket checking cadre.

The matter will be again taken up with zonal Railways for compliance at the level of

Board(MT).

30/2012: Shortage/ excess of petty cash by the Commercial Clerks working on the

Booking Counters.

A separate meeting with Board(MT) as already decided in the previous meeting to be held at

the earliest.

20/2014: Feeding of distance of the station for which BPTs are issued through UTS.

CRIS has already confirmed that utility for integrating UTS and RTS for purpose of

calculating distance has been prepared and utility given for testing to zonal Railways.

28/2014: Revision of norms of manning of coaches.

Board’s Memorandum has been prepared for taking up for discussion in Railway Board

meeting. Once it is taken on agenda, final decision will be taken. It was decided to hold a

separate meeting with Board(MT) in this regard at the earliest.

17/2016: Running of Holiday Trains - Facilities of Passes.

Suggestions given by Federation to provide facility of travel on Privilege Pass/ PTO/ Duty

Pass at par with Rajdhani Rules in Holiday Specials will be examined.

22/2016: Withdrawal of Railway Board’s instructions reg. Ticket Checking Squad –

Stipulating five-year period and 2-years cooling off period.

This will be discussed separately with Board(MT).

15

Adviser(Accounts)/ DF(CCA)

30/2011: Issue of PPOs and making entry of payment of Medical Allowance to

Pensioners/ Family Pensioners.

Instructions have already been issued to all the zonal Rlys vide RB No.80/2016 dated

27.10.2016. This is an ongoing process and cases as and when received are being tackled.

AIRF mentioned that inspite of various steps taken by Railway Board the problem at the

grassroots level is still persistent. AIRF further demanded that this issue should be further

examined in detail so that the pensioners can get FMA in a hassle free manner. This is to be

further examined.

9/2015: Re-deployment of surplus Cash & Pay Staff over the Indian Railways.

Federation(AIRF) has already expressed its view that because of massive vacancies in

Accounts, the surplus Cash & Pay Staff should be redeployed in the Accounts which has

been agreed to.

10/2016: Acute shortage of staffs in Accounts Department (especially in Supervisory

SSO Cadre).

&

57/2016: Filling-up of supervisory posts of Accounts Department.

The issue is under consideration in consultation with both the Federations and a meeting in

this regard was held with both Federations on 15.11.2016. The proposals discussed are being

sent to Federations and this issue will be further examined. Federation pointed out that,

examinations are not being held annually and there is abnormal delay in publication of result.

31/2016: Extending numbers of exemption to Appendix-III, Part-I Examination 2012

passed candidates.

This will be examined as a special case.

Adviser(Finance)

48/2006: Washing Allowance to all Railway Employees who are supplied uniforms.

7th CPC in its report has recommended abolition of Washing Allowance which would be

subsumed in ‘Dress Allowance’. The recommendation of the 7th CPC on allowances

including Washing Allowance is under examination by a committee constituted by the Govt.

for the purpose. Report of the Committee is awaited.

Grant of Dress Allowance to all uniformed categories will be examined/ is taken after a

decision by the Govt. regarding 7th CPC recommendation on Washing/ Dress Allowance.

Federation demanded to review the matter.

16

3/2014: Non-charging of annual increment in case of prolonged sickness followed by

sad demise of Railway employees.

Instructions issued vide Department of Personnel & Training (DOP&T)’s O.M. dated

16.02.1989 has already been circulated on Railways vide letter dated 30.06.2016.

(Finalised)

15/2016: Payment of TA/DA with higher rates.

N.W. Rly. has been replied vide letter No.F(E)I/2016/AL-28/17 dated 10.05.2016; copy

given to Federation. However, Federation expressed its dissatisfaction. Finally, it was

agreed to put-up the paper to Board.

Adviser(Station Dev.)

59/2006: Maintenance of Railway Colonies.

Federation had contended that there is shortage of material for petty repair as well as staff

with the IOW and reiterated that sufficient arrangement may be made for these. The

Federation reiterated their demand that the staff of Works cadre as well as SSE/JEs (Works)

should be taken out of the list of Obsolete Category and the vacancies should be filled up.

The Federation also suggested that in view of the many of the staff quarters not getting the

benefit of adequate maintenance due to the shortage of funds, it may be examined whether

the staff can be given an allowance for some items of maintenance like whitewashing etc.

Federation mentioned that Colony Care Committee to Colony Inspection Group (CIG) is

only change of name and there is no material improvement in maintenance due to

introduction of CIG rather earlier meeting of Colony Care Committee used to be held

intermittently but meeting of CIG is hardly held. Federation stated that the expenditure per

Quarter may incurred by CPWD for repair should be followed. The Federation further stated

that with the introduction of Corporate Welfare Plan for repair and improvement of quarters

there was some improvement. But the CWP has been given a good bye. AIRF strongly feels

this similar CWP should be drawn for maintenance and improvement of quarters.

Adviser (Station Development) informed to the federation that AM/CE has already been

requested to consider removing the staff of works cadre including the SEE/JEs Works from

the list of obsolete categories. This process is to be done by the cadre controlling directorate

i.e. AM/CE directorate and accordingly their view may be obtained.

Instructions to all the Zonal Railways and Production Units to take suitable action, in regard

to make material for petty repairs/ improvement available to artisan staff so that the work of

maintenance of quarters do not suffer for want to material, have been issued vide Board’s

letter No.2016/LMB-II/12/7 dated 10.05.2016.

It was also informed to the Federation that instructions reiterating to the field units for the

effective maintenance of the functioning of colony inspection group as well as for allocating

a substantial share of expenditure of maintenance and upkeep of staff quarters be done in

consultation or in accordance with the deficiencies/shortcomings found during the inspection

17

of the colony inspection group. Earlier CWP was for the period from 2006 to 2015, which

has already been over. The maintenance and improvement of quarters was included in the

CWP (2006-2015). AIRF demanded that, there should be fresh CWM drawn.

49/2016: Drastic reduction in allotment of fund on staff amenities under Plan Head-52.

Federation highlighted their view and concern about the poor condition of the railway

quarters and provision of inadequate fund for repair and upkeep of the staff quarter. They

contended that the amount of provision of fund has actually gone down. The Federation thus

demanded that the allocation of funds for repair/maintenance of the quarters and of staff

amenities be enhanced suitably to achieve some qualitative improvement. The Federation

also suggested following new models of technology for this problem:

• Model like redevelopment of colony by giving railway land on lease to developer.

• Redevelopment of colony by taking loans from Hudco/financial institutions and

meeting the EMI of the loan out of the allotment of fund made to Plan Head-52 and

Revenue.

The Federation was informed that the allocation of funds under Plan Head-52 has already

been kept higher than the actual expenditure of previous years. The statement advising the

allocation over the last 4 years was shown to the Federation, a copy of which is attached. It

was also informed to the federation that the allocation under Revenue for repairs and

maintenance of residential and welfare buildings for 2016-17 is Rs.1850 crores (BE) in

comparison to Rs.1569 crores (RE) of 2015-16. The other suggestions given by the

federation will be examined.

Adviser(T&MPP)

17/2009: Upgradation of the facilities in the Zonal Railway Training Schools/ Centres.

Report on the improvements was handed over to GS/AIRF.

(Finalised)

30/2015: Additional manpower required for POH of additional AC Coaches at

Carriage Repair Shop, Tirupati.

43 posts have been created by SCR.

(Finalised)

EDF(X)-I

56/2012: Reckoning of Running Allowance as Pay for the purpose of deduction of

Income Tax –Enhancement in ceiling limit reg.

As per last OM of Ministry of Finance received on 21.10.2016, MOF has stated that it is not

feasible to accept the request of this Ministry as it would amount to discrimination vis-à-vis

other transport system. However, Federation(AIRF) contended that the running allowance

18

given to railway employees has two components i.e. pay element of 30% and travelling

allowance of 70%. Hence, this running allowance comprises of both taxable(30%) as well as

non taxable(70%) component. Therefore, exemption from income tax given to other

transport workers is not comparable. Federation demanded that a new reference should be

made to MOF(Department of Revenue) for granting full exemption to 70% component

(travelling allowance component) of running allowance without any upper limit.

EDE(GC)

01/2016: Implementation of the report of the E.D. Committee regarding granting

Zonal Railway status to Metro Railway Kolkata.

Official side explained that the number of Group ‘B’ posts (in all departments put together)

is negligible i.e. 13 only. Therefore, it is not justified to form separate cadre for Metro

Railway, Kolkata. However, Federation requested for a separate meeting associating their

representative of Metro Railway which was agreed to.

04/2016: Acute shortage of Doctors in Rangiya Division of N.F. Railway – Denial of

SDA to Contract Doctors.

The matter is under examination.

ED(PSU&HS)

58/2016: Inclusion of the KRCL Staff for transfer to the Indian Railway jurisdiction.

The issue raised by Federation(AIRF) is having deeper ramifications and hence will be

examined. The issue of mutual transfer will also be explored.

JS(Deputation)

13/2016: Payment of Foreign Allowance to the staff of Thar Express.

The issue is regarding payment of foreign allowance to the staff of NWR who are deputed to

work on Thar Express and similar other trains, the matter was referred to MEA on the

recommendation of Finance Dte. The reply from MEA is still awaited despite repeated

reminders. Federation(AIRF) opposed for sending the issue to MEA and requested this

being an internal issue, may be decided internally as per extant rules. It was agreed to

examine accordingly.

Section – C: SUMMARY

Items Items discussed Items could not be discussed Items finalised

136(Old) + 30(New) 60 106 08

*****