direct attack of the railway board on the unions …launched •rs1,87,223 crore allocated for rural...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

Year 53, Vol. 02. Editor: Shiva Gopal Mishra February, 2017

EDITORIAL

DIRECT ATTACK OF THE RAILWAY BOARD ON THE UNIONS

Dear Comrades,

Up till now it was prevalent for private employers where they interfere with the functioning of the unions. They used to declare that who will be the office bearer of the union and many times does not recognize the vocal office bearer. The most surprising is 30th January letter of the Railway Board where they have asked to General Managers to the derecognize the union office bearer working in GP Rs 4200 and 4600 in safety cadre w.e.f.31.03.2017. We have never seen in the past such blatant and illegal orders of the Board.

Railway Board has not gone through the Indian Trade Union Act, nor they have any respect for the “ILO Convention 87”, “Right To Organize”. They have directly interfered in the internal functioning of the union and have dictated that who can become office bearers of the union. It means Railway Board will direct us that who will be eligible to become office bearers of the union. It is complete unfair labour practice.

Aggrieved with the above, on the clarion call of AIRF lakhs of railwaymen protested against this order of the Railway Board on 6th February 2017, organized “Black Day” by wearing black badges. The interference of the Railway Ministry in the internal affairs of the unions has created lots of agitation in the mind of the Railwaymen. Though we are negotiating on this issue with CRB, but the railwaymen will agitate on this issue till these orders are withdrawn.

Rail Budget this time had been a three minutes affair. Nothing special has been

there except Rupees Five Thousand crore extra as Safety Fund.

With Best Wishes, ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Union Budget Highlights 2017-18

On first February, Hon’ble Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presented the Union Budget 2017-18 in the Parliament. Budget 2017-18 contains 3 major reforms - Advancement of Date of Presentation, Merger of Railway Budget with General Budget, Abolition of Plan and Non-Plan Expenditure.

Finance Minister divided his budget proposal into 10 distinct themes: Farmers; rural population; energizing youth; poor and underprivileged; infrastructure; financial sector; digital economy; public service; prudent fiscal management; and tax administration.

Here are the highlights of the Union Budget:-

FARMERS:

•Farmer credit fixed at record level of Rs10 trillion; will ensure adequate flow to underserved areas

•Soil health cards: Govt to set up mini-labs in Krishi Vigyan Kendras

•Long-term irrigation fund in NABARD—corpus at Rs 40,000 crore

•Model law on contract farming to be circulated

•Dairy processing infra fund with corpus of Rs 8,000 crore

•Dedicated micro-irrigation fund with Rs 5,000 crore corpus

RURAL POPULATION:

•Mission Antyodaya to bring 1 crore households of poverty

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, February 2017

•MGNREGA: Rs 48,000 crore has been allocated; participation of women now at 55%; using space technology in a big way

•Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana: Rs19,000 crore allocated; along with states, Rs27,000 crore will be spent in FY18

•Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Rs23,000 crore allocated

•100% village electrification by May 2018

•Rural livelihood mission: Rs 4,500 crore allocated

•Mason training to be provided for 5 lakh people

•Panchayat Raj: Human resource reform programme to be launched

•Rs1,87,223 crore allocated for rural programmes

YOUTH:

•Education: System of measuring annual learning outcomes, emphasis on science

•Innovation fund for secondary education

•Reforms in UGC: Colleges to be identified based on ranking and given more autonomy

•Propose to leverage information technology with launch of SWAYAM platform for virtual learning

•National testing agency to be established for all entrance exams, freeing up CBSE, AICTE and other bodies

•100 Indian international skill centres to be established with courses in foreign languages

•Rs 4,000 crore allocated to launch skill acquisition and knowledge awareness

•Special scheme for creating employment in leather/footwear sector

•Tourism: Five special zones to be set up

POOR AND UNPRIVILEGED:

•Women: Mahila Shakti Kendras with Rs 500 crore corpus

•Stepped up allocation to Rs1.84 trillion for various schemes for women and children

•Affordable housing to be given infrastructure status

•Action plan to eliminate leprosy by 2018, TB by 2025, reduce IMR to 29 in 2019

•To create additional PG medical seats per annum

•Two new AIIMS in Jharkhand and Gujarat

•New rules to be introduced for medical devices

•Labour rights: Legislative reforms to simplify and amalgamate existing labour laws

•Allocation to SCs increased to Rs 52,393 crore; STs given Rs31,920 crore, minority affairs allocated Rs4,195 crore

•Senior citizens: Aadhaar-based smart cards with health details to be provided

INFRASTRUCTURE:

•Total capex and development expenditure of railways pegged at Rs1.31 trillion

•Railways: Passenger safety—Safety fund corpus set up; unmanned level crossings to be eliminated by 2020

•Railway lines of 3,500km to be commissioned

•To launch dedicated tourism/pilgrimage trains

•500 stations to be made differently-abled friendly

•Cleanliness in railways: To introduce Coach Mitra facility; by 2019, biotoilets for all coaches

•Railways to offer competitive ticket-booking facility; service charge withdrawn for tickets booked on IRCTC

•New metro rail policy to be announced

•Roads sector: Allocation for national highways at Rs 64,000 crore

•Airports Authority of India Act to be amended to enable monetization of land resources

•Total allocation to transport sector at Rs2 trillion

•Telecom sector: Allocation to Bharat Net programme at Rs10,000 crore

•Digi-gau initiative to be launched

•To make India global hub for electronics manufacture

•Export infra: New restructured central scheme to be launched

•Total allocation for infrastructure: Rs3.96 trillion

FINANCIAL SECTOR:

•Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) to be abolished

•Commodities market: panel to study legal framework for spot and derivative markets

•Resolution mechanism for financial firms

•Cyber-security: Computer emergency response team to be set up

• Listing of PSEs will foster public accountability; revised mechanism for time-bound listing

•To create integrated public sector oil major

•New ETF to be launched

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


•Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana: Lending target at Rs2.44 trillion

•Stand-up India scheme: over 16,000 new enterprises have been set up

DIGITAL ECONOMY:

•India at cusp of massive digital revolution

•Govt to launch two new schemes to promote BHIM app, including cashback scheme for merchants

•Aadhaar Pay to be launched for people who don’t have mobile phones

•Focus on rural and semi-urban areas

•To strengthen financial inclusion fund

•Panel on digital payments has recommended structural reforms

•To create payment regulatory board at RBI

PUBLIC SERVICES:

•To use head post-office for passport services

•Defence: centralized defence travel system developed

•Defence: Centralized pension distribution system to be established

•Govt recruitment: To introduce two-tier exam system

•Govt looks to introduce laws to confiscate assets of economic defaulters

•High-level panel chaired by PM to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary

FISCAL MANAGEMENT:

•Total budget expenditure: Rs21 trillion

•Rs 3,000 crore to implement various budget announcements

•Defence expenditure excluding pensions: Rs2.74 trillion

•Consolidated outcome budget for all ministries being created

•Fiscal deficit for FY18 pegged at 3.2% of GDP

•Revenue deficit for FY18 at 1.9%

TAX ADMINISTRATION:

•Direct tax collection not commensurate with income/expenditure pattern of India

•We are largely a tax non-compliant society; predominance of cash in society enables tax evasion

•After demonetization, data received will increase tax net

•Black money: No cash transactions above Rs3 lakh

•Transparency in political funding: Parties continue to receive anonymous donations; propose system of cleaning up

•Political funding: Maximum amount of cash donation that can be received is Rs 2,000; political parties can receive donations by cheques or digitally; amendment proposed to RBI Act to issue electoral bonds; every party has to file returns within specified time

•Personal income tax: Rate reduced to 5% for income bracket of Rs 2.5-5 lakh; All other categories to get uniform benefit of Rs12,500 per person; to levy surcharge on income bracket Rs 50 lakh-Rs1 crore •Personal income tax: To have simple one-page form for taxable income up to Rs 5 lakh •GST: preparedness of IT system on schedule •Not many changes to excise duties since GST will be implemented soon •FPI category 1 and 2 investors exempted from indirect transfer provisions

MINUTES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF AIRF HELD ON 16TH JANUARY, 2017 IN NEW DELHI AIRF Standing Committee met on 16th January, 2017 in J.P. Chaubey Library at AIRF Complex, New Delhi and was chaired by Comrade Rakhal Das Gupta, President/AIRF. At the outset, the President welcomed all participants New Year Greetings and thanked for forceful protest on 14th December, 2016 throughout the country as per decision of the General Council, held at Allahabad in November, 2016. He expressed pleasure on having sound health by the General Secretary, at present who undergone treatment and is now working vigorously. The President briefed about updated factual position on important issues, like progress of Committees on Allowances, Pension, NPS and Anomaly Committee and concluded as no concrete outcome till date. He also expressed anguish on no implementation of recommendations of 7th CPC in case of C&M Cadre, Accounts Staff etc. and Special Allowances recommended to Trackman and Controllers as well. He mentioned about the problems faced due to demonetization, besides impact on the autonomy of the Railways due to merger of Rail Budget in General Budget of the country w.e.f. 2017-2018. He further mentioned that, it is very difficult to get anything from this government and expressed immediate need for nationwide agitational programme before the elections in five states as hunger strike. Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra General Secretary/AIRF briefed about the pension issues and hoped that Committee on Allowances is likely to submit the report in this month and may be brought before the Cabinet for approval in next month, but date of implementation is likely to be 01.04.2017, which we have already demanded w.e.f. 01.01.2016

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


General Secretary has been hopeful that there may be some improvement in the rate of House Rent Allowance. He further mentioned that, as per the definition of Anomaly, as circulated by the government, there would not be even a single anomaly after implementation of 7th CPC recommendations until the definition is modified. The General Secretary informed the house about the meetings with the Committee on Allowances Whereupon a decision has been taken that Disability Pension to Defence personals would be calculated on percentage basis and not as stages as recommended by the 7 th CPC. He was also critic on merger of Rail Budget into General Budget that is likely to badly affect the autonomy of the Railways and clarified that the subsidy on passenger traffic and expenditure on Pension to Railwaymen would continue to be borne by the Railways. Talking on Railway Safety, the General Secretary mentioned that, Railway Minister is seriously concerned with Railway Safety, particularly after the railway accidents at Pukhrayan and Rura near Kanpur. He expressed urgent need to hold Safety Awareness Workshops at the Zonal and Divisional levels by AIRF affiliates for taking visible steps in this direction. Keeping in view the forthcoming Secret Ballot Elections in 2019, the General Secretary emphasized the need for making timely preparations to face the same, particularly in the wake of various decisive forces trying to break the unity of the Railwaymen. He also informed the house about, his meeting with Hon’ble Home Minister and Cabinet Secretary on 14th and 15th January, 2017, on the pending issues, wherein he has expressed his concern with both of them and urged upon to settle these issues without further delay. He suggested that, we must hold Youth Conferences, Women Conferences and Categorical Conferences to mobilize the rank and file and also talked about formation of Industrial Council as provided for in AIRF’s Constitution. Concluding his speech, the General Secretary called-upon to hold a serious “Chintan Shivir” in the Working Committee Meeting, as decided in the AIRF Working Committee Meeting, held at Allahabad in November, 2016, for which NRMU Central Railway is prepared to host at Madgaon (Goa). He also informed that, AIRF has signed a MOU with Russian Railway Unions, according to which, members of AIRF and Russian Railway Unions shall visit each other’s country, for which boarding and lodging expenditure shall be borne by the host unions. Afterwards, General Secretary WCREU, Shri Mukesh Galav, ERMU Shri S.K. Bandopadhyay, NWREU Shri Mukesh Mathur, ECRKU Shri Shashi Kant Pandey and Treasurer/AIRF Shri J.R. Bhosale expressed their views and made valuable suggestions. After detailed discussions, the following decisions were taken:-

To hold “Chintan Shivir” in the Working Committee Meeting of AIRF, to be held at Madgaon on 13th- 14th February, 2017.

To hold Youth Conferences, Women and Categorical Conferences by all the AIRF Affiliates at the Zonal and Divisional levels.

ITF to organize a Training Programme for Trainers, wherein only youth shall participate.

All India Youth Conference shall be held after holding Youth Conferences at Branch, Divisional and Zonal levels. To organize the youth, the undernoted committee was formed to suggest various measures:- 1. Shri Venue P. Nair, General Secretary, National Rly. Mazdoor Union. 2. Shri Mukesh Mathur, General Secretary, N.W. Rly. Employees’ Union. 3. Shri Mukesh Galav, General Secretary, W.C. Rly. Employees’ Union. 4. Shri S.K. Tyagi, President, Northern Railwaymen’s Union, Convener.

The base paper for Chintan Shivir shall be prepared by Shri J.R. Bhosale in consultation with President. Note: All the members of the AIRF Standing Committee are requested to send their views if any before 31st January, 2017 to AIRF office regarding Chintan Shivir and how to organize youth, so that their views can also be incorporated by committees while preparing final draft.

AIRF’S REFERENCES TO RAILWAY BOARD ON STAFF MATTERS

Sub: Change in the staffing pattern of TC, CC & ECRC consequent to abolition/upgradation and merger of categories in view of 7th CPC recommendations.

Ref: Railway Board’s letter No.E(NG)I-2016/PM1/12 dated 6.2.2017

This issue had been discussed in a Joint Meeting with both the federations, wherein it was agreed that, Ticket Checking Staff would not be merged with the Commercial Clerk and ECRC.

Both the federations have written to the Railway Board that these two cadres should not be merged, and a Joint Meeting should be called to resolve the issue at an earliest. Regrettably, Railway Board has not given any cognizance to the federations and instead sent their proposal for selection and AVC at their own.

It will be in all appropriateness that, a Joint Meeting of both the federations should immediately be called, and merger of the TC,CC and ECRC Cadres should be discussed. The issue of Selection/Promotion and AVC for combined category of CC/ECRC and for separate category of Ticket Checking Cadre should also be discussed and decided in the Joint Meeting.

(No.AIRF/86(837) Dated: February 7, 2017)

Sub: Mutual Transfer

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


This issue was agitating by the railwaymen for a pretty long time because Railway Board has banned Mutual Transfers all over the Indian Railways.

AIRF has strongly represented against it, with the result that, in spite of stiff opposition of Member Staff Railway Board, Hon’ble MR and CRB have approved the proposal of the DG(P), Railway Board, and henceforth all the staff those who have found willing for Mutual Transfer will be considered favourably.

In this connection, General Secretary, North Western Railway Employees’ Union had also submitted a memorandum to Member Staff Railway Board during his Jaipur visit, and the General Secretaries of other affiliates of AIRF also persuaded the matter at their own level. This is for your information. Letter in this regard will be issued shortly

(No.AIRF/56 Dated: February 5, 2017)

Sub: Measures to improve safety on Indian Railways – Protests against the move of the Railway Board

Ref.: Railway Board’s letter No.2017/E(LR)III/Ref./RB/1 dated 30.01.2017.

You may appreciate that, All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF), being oldest and largest organizations of the Railwaymen in India, established in the British Era, is a totally responsible and matured trade union organization. AIRF and its affiliated unions, spread over the Indian Railways in all the Zonal Railways and Production Units and other units, are fully conscious about the Railway Safety. We have always stood to the occasion by organizing Safety Workshops/Seminars etc. at different levels whenever it was felt that safety of the Railways is impaired. It is, however, a setback to this organization that, Ministry o f Railways have issued directions to the General Managers of all the Zonal Railways, laying under para 4 that, “Supervisors working in Safety Categories in the erstwhile Grade Pay of Rs.4200 and above should not be office-bearers of trade union after 31.03.2017”, which is highly unfair and uncalled for.

As you are aware that, trade unions are governed by the Indian Trade Union Act 1926, amended from time to time, which elaborately prescribes formation of the unions and enrolment of union members and elections of the union office-bearers at different levels without any upper limit of pay for non-gazetted staff. There is, therefore, serious discontentment and resentment amongst our rank and file throughout the Indian Railways.

In the light of the foregoing, I take this privilege to request your good-self to personally intervene in the matter so as to withdraw Railway Board’s letter supra dated 30.01.2017 forthwith in the larger interest of industrial harmony.

(No.AIRF/24(C)(830) Dated: February 2, 2017)

Sub: Granting benefit of financial up-gradation under MACPS to serving Graduate Sr. Clerks appointed against 13-1/3% LDCE Quota.

The posts of Sr. Clerks against 13-1/3% LDCE Quota, from amongst Graduate Clerk-Cum Typists, are filled-up by conducting LDCE selection through RRBs in terms of Railway Board’s letter No. PC-V/2011/M/4/NFIR dated 25.08.2015 considering it as a promotion.

It is pertinent to mention here that, Clerk-Cum-Typists who are in possession of Graduate Degree do satisfy the pre-requisite academic qualification prescribed for Direct Recruitment to the posts of Sr. Clerk from open market. In this connection attention of the Railway Board is invited towards their letter No. PC-III/81/UDG/7 dated 18.06.1981, vide which mode of filling-up posts of Sr. Clerk was notified, laying down therein that, 33-1/3% posts identified as Direct Recruitment Quota posts, which were further divided as under:-

(i) 20% by Direct Recruitment of Graduates from open market, (ii) 13-1/3% by Serving Graduate Clerks by selection through RRB, and (iii) 66-2/3% by promotion from Clerks by seniority-cum-suitability

Recruitment for the posts of Sr. Clerks against 13-1/3% serving Graduate Quota has been done by the RRBs by calling applications from the Serving Graduate Clerks and observing all the formalities as prescribed for open market candidates. Their allotment and recruitment memorandum also indicates them as “Direct Recruitment”. Unfortunately appointment against 33-1/3% LDCE Quota of Serving Graduate Clerks is being treated as a promotion, by virtue of which they are being denied financial up gradation

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


under MACPS, not treating them as appointed against Direct Recruitment Quota, as such this is in contradiction to what was laid in Railway Board’s letter dated 18.06.1981 supra.

Promotion of Sr. Clerks against Serving Graduate Quota may be considered under Para (i) of RBE No. 100/2012 instead of Para (ii), so that they may get benefit of MACPS at par with Direct Recruitment Quota candidates.

The Board are, therefore requested to issue necessary clarification to all the railway administrations to extend benefit of financial up gradation under MACPS, treating the appointment as Sr. Clerks against 13-1/3% LDCE Quota of Serving Graduate Clerk as “Direct Recruitment” to the said post and not a promotion.

(NoAIRF/MACPS (808) 09.01.2017)

Sub: Grant of revised promotion to Pharmacists in GP Rs.4600 in PB-II as on 01.01.2006 as per 6th CPC Fast Track Committee as GP Rs.4200 in PB-II is an upgradation, treated as appointment as per approved policy guidelines of the Government of India, duly circulated by the DoP&T and also observed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.

The issue of allotment of upgraded pay scale to Pharmacists in VI CPC has been an item under discussion in the Fast Track Committee also; however, the matter has not yet been resolved despite several rounds of discussion. Owing to implementation of Fast Track Committee’s recommendations and as per recommendations of the VI CPC, vide RBE No. 47/2010, 109/2010 and 165/2010, the first promotion ought to be considered in GP Rs. 4600 by virtue of its implementation w.e.f. 01.01.2006, as explained here under:-

1. Recruitment Scale PB-I(GP Rs.2800) 20%

2. Upgraded scale on completion of 2 years eligible service

PB-II(GPRs.4200) Nil% as delinked from vacancies and not a promotion

3. 1st Promotion/ACP/MACP PB-II(GPRs.4600) 80% (on suo-motto restructuring by 6th CPC and FTC)

4. 2nd Promotion/ACP/MACP PB-II(GP Rs.4800) On completion of 10 years service in PB-II GP Rs.4600

Obviously, initial recruitment grade of the Pharmacists need to be considered in GP Rs.4200 in VI CPC terms with all consequential benefits of promotion and financial up gradation, but this is not being implemented by the railway administrations.

I would, therefore, request your good-self to personally look into the matter and necessary instruction be reiterated to all the railway administrations to extend the benefit of promotion and financial up gradation as already explained above accordingly.

(No.AIRF/101 (807) 09.01.2017)

Sub: Special concessions/facilities to the railway employees working in Kashmir Valley – AIRF’s PNM Item No.04/2012

Reference is invited towards AIRF’s regular PNM Agenda Item No.04/2012 on grant of Special Incentive to the staff working in USRBL Project.

AIRF’s proposal for revising the existing incentives to the staff deployed on the above-mentioned project is being appended below:-

Our Demands

(a) To implement DoP&T’s O.M.No.18016/3/2010-Estt. (L) Dated 27.01.2011 in case of Railway employees posted in the Kashmir Valley, viz. Additional HRA, messing facilities, payment of leave salary/ad-hoc financial assistance, etc.etc.

(b) Improvement in the existing incentives, as recommended by the CAO/USRBL S.No. Incentive Existing Proposed

1. Advance increment

For all Group ‘C’ staff, 5 advance increments or 2 advance increments + 1 ad-hoc promotion or 2 ad-hoc promotions.

No change for group ‘C’, but 3 advance increments for officers have been proposed by Northern Railway.

2. Boarding Free boarding, if posted between Katra and Baramulla. Free Boarding.

3. Lodging a) Free lodging arranged by the Railways, if posted between Katra and Baramulla.

a) Free boarding arranged by the Railways. b) If no railway accommodation /accommodation at

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


b) For officers and staff, posted in J&K, permission to retain railway accommodation at the previous place of posting.

the previous place of posting and the family is at the previous place of posting, then HRA admissible to be as applicable at the previous place of posting.

4. Travel/ Transport

a) Air travel between Jammu and Srinagar, if posted between Katra and Baramulla on duty and twice during the calendar year while on leave (other than CL).

b) Free transport, if posted between Katra and Baramulla.

a) Air travel between Jammu and Srinagar on duty. b) Free transport.

5. Insurance Personal Life Insurance for Rs.15 lakh, if posted between Katra and Baramulla.

Personal Life Insurance for Rs.50 lakh for gazette officers and Rs.30 lakh for all others.

In addition to the above, the period spent in transfer from the place of posting in Kashmir Valley to the rail head, i.e. Katra, be treated as duty and leave should be debited from the date and time of departure from Katra by train.

(No.AIRF/PNM/04/2012 (809) 13.01.2017)

Sub: Eligibility of Matriculate/High School Pass Technicians appointed on compassionate ground to appear in the selection of J.E. against 25% Intermediate Apprentice Quota in different Engineering disciplines.

Ref: Railway Board’s letter No.E(NG)I-2011/PM7/7 dated 19.12.2016

Railway Board vide their letter No. E(NG)I-2011/PM7/7 dated 19.12.2016 have revised the criteria of academic qualification of Technicians to appear in the selection of the J.E. against 25% Intermediate Apprentice Quota from Matriculate/High School Pass who are Intermediate in Science/Apprentice/ITI in the same trade. Matriculate/High School Pass wards of the railway employees are being appointed on compassionate ground as Trainee Technician (Apprentice Technician) who undergo three years training, and on successful completion thereof, are posted against the post of Technician Gr.II (PB-I, GP Rs.1900) in VI CPC terms.

Owing to upward revision of eligibility qualification to appear in the selection for the post of J.E. against 25% Intermediate Apprentice / Talented Quota, these compassionate ground appointee technicians, who are Intermediate / High School Pass, are being deprived of this advancement, which is highly unfair and discriminatory.

The Board are, therefore, requested to review the matter and Intermediate/High School Pass Technicians, appointed on compassionate ground, be permitted to appear in the selection of JE against 25% Intermediate Apprentice/Talented Quota forthwith.

(No.AIRF/(53/226/34)(811)14.01.2017)

Sub: Minutes of PNM Meeting of Railway Board with AIRF, held on 22-23 November, 2016

Ref: Dy. Director, Estt. (LR) I, Railway Board’s letter No.2016/E(LR)I/NM 1-14 dt.12.01.2017

We are quite shocked on receiving reply of the Railway Board, in reference to our letter of even number dated 21.12.2016, wherein Railway Board was advised to make necessary corrections in the minutes of the above cited PNM Meeting of AIRF.

It has been an age-old practice that final minutes are always circulated after getting draft minutes vetted by the federation and carrying out necessary corrections, if any. This practice needs to be continued in true spirit of negotiated settlement of agenda issues raised.

It is pertinent to mention here that, this practice is in vogue at the zonal and divisional levels as well.

It would, therefore, be in all appropriateness that, minutes of the aforementioned PNM Meeting of AIRF should be decided in consultation with this federation, and if there is any problem in doing so, then the same can be discussed threadbare with the federation. (No. AIRF/PNM/II/2016 (781)16.01.2017)

Sub: Stepping-up of Loco Inspectors inducted to the cadre prior to 01.01.2006

This issue had been discussed with the Fast Track Committee, wherein assurance was given by your good-self to the Staff Side (Federations) that the issue would be resolved very shortly, but regrettably up-till now nothing has been done in this regard, and instead of resolving the issue, Railway Board have written to General Managers of the Indian Railways that court decision wil l be implemented only in the case of those who were specifically party in the court case.

It is unfortunate that, instead of giving relief to the Loco Inspectors recruited prior to 01.01.2006, railway administration has subjected them to suffer financial loss for a pretty long time. Railway Board does not wish to give them justice and is deviating from its commitment given during meeting of the Fast Track Committee as well as during negotiations on the strike.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Loco Inspectors have been subjected to a great injustice and are very vulnerable supervisors; responsible for safe running of trains, required to be given justice by the Railway administration.

We sincerely hope that, you will kindly interfere in the matter and justice will be accorded to the Loco Inspectors recruited prior to 01.01.2006 without further loss of time.

(No. AIRF/24(C), AIRF/Sub-Committee 177(836) dt: 20.01.2017)

Sub: Annual Review of the Cadres.

Ref: Railway Board’s L. No. PC-III/2016/CRC/1 dt.30/09/2016.

After sustained persuasion, Railway Board had agreed to issue orders in respect of Cadre Restructuring of Technicians vide RBE No. 116/2016. These orders are still under implementation stage in various field units, because of condition of self financing & expenditure neutral proposition, stipulated under Para 12 of the said letter.

It is quite unfortunate that under Para 12.2 of the Board’s letter dt. 30.09.2016, it has been laid down that surrender are to be affected on the sanctioned strength as on 1/9/2016 and resulting imbalance/variation in the cadre, is to be reviewed at the time of next annual review. It is pertinent to mention here that the annual review of the cadre has been kept in abeyance, owing to various reasons, until the issue of RBE No.116/2016. After issue of RBE 116/2016, the railway administrations, ought to undertake the annual review of the cadres, which would be quite detrimental to the interest of the railway employees.

AIRF is of the firm view that in the present circumstances, when various recommendations of 7th CPC, are in the process of implementation and Cadre Restructuring of Technicians, as per Railway Board’s letter, supra, is also under way in various field units, therefore, annual review of the cadre need not be undertaken.

It is, therefore, requested that necessary instructions be issued to all the Railway Administrations not to undertake annual review of the cadre till such time this issue is discussed with the organized labour.

(No.AIRF/364(VI CPC)(819)23.01.2017)

Sub: “Very Good” Benchmark required for MACPS benefit

This issue was earlier also discussed with your good self, wherein we requested that, particularly in the Railways, insistence for “Very Good Benchmark” is not necessary because productivity of Railway employees is defined with the operations of trains.

In Railways also we find out that Supervisors/Officers are not in a habit of giving “Very Good” Benchmark in the CR of the employees therefore, it would be in all appropriateness that, we should use “Benchmark”, already decided, for Selection on the Indian Railways.

Recently, we met the Cabinet Secretary, and there also we raised this issue. Fortunately, Cabinet Secretary told me that, he had already spoken to you and advised that, Railways can decide their own benchmarks.

In view of the above, necessary instructions should be issued from the Railway Board to all the Zonal Railways and Production Units, so that any employee should not be deprived of his promotion under MACPS.

(No.AIRF/MACPS (827) 30.01.2017)

Sub: Suggestions for including in the Rail Budget 2017-18

This time, after 92 years, Rail Budget has been merged into General Budget.

There are lots of speculations about it, but the Government of India, being responsible for smooth running of the Indian Railways, we earnestly hope that, fair justice will be done while placing Rail Budget on the floor of the Parliament.

As you are aware that, Railways has lot of safety concern, therefore, we suggest that Government of India should create “Non-Lapsable” Safety Related Fund to the tune of Rs.1 lakh crore, so that railway tracks, rolling stock, signaling, bridges etc. can be maintained properly in such a way that Railway Safety could be ensured.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


We also do hope that, Staff Benefit Fund is very meager; therefore, this amount should be increased to meet the necessities of the Railwaymen and their wards. We sincerely hope that, funds for maintenance of Railway Colonies should be increased appropriately, so that inconvenience being faced by the Railwaymen as also their families could be avoided.

Railways is also in dire need of expansion, therefore, we hope that, sufficient money will be kept for increasing the connectivity of the Railways.

All the Central Government Employees are in quite anguish with the way of not getting their allowances. Pensioners are also worried that option I has not been accepted, and the other formula, recommended by the Committee, has also not seen the light of the day. The demand of the Central Government Employees, viz. Increase in Minimum Wage as well as Fitment Formula have also not yet been settlement. The issue of National Pension System is still pending.

To meet the expense and settlement of our demands, we hope that, proper budgetary support will be kept in view while.

We do hope that, ceiling of the Income Tax will be increased to the tune of Rs.5 lakh to give relief to the public in general and Central Government Employees in particular.

Transport Allowance, Educational Allowance and certain other allowances, payable to the Central Government Employees, need to be exempted from the purview of Income Tax as well as Running Allowance, paid to Running Staff, should also be fully exempted from the Income Tax.

(No.AIRF/60.dt. 30.01.2017)

NC (Staff Side) - JCM

Secretary staff side/JCM writes to Shri Rajnath Singh about the demands of Central Government Employees

We solicit your kind reference to the discussion the Staff Side delegation had with you and your esteemed colleagues in the Cabinet – Hon’ble Finance Minister, Railway Ministers – on 3oth June 206 and subsequently with your good self on 6th July 2016. In the light of the assurance held out for reconsideration of the minimum wage and multiplication factor through the setting up of a high level committee within a time frame of four months, the National JCA had deferred the strike action which was to commence from 11.07.2016.

We had been patiently waiting for a meaningful discussion in the matter ever since then. Not only there had been any worthwhile or meaningful discussions thereafter but no settlement was also brought about till today though more than six months have been elapsed.

The National JCA met yesterday (17-01-2017) and almost all members expressed extreme disappointment over the turn of events. However, they felt that a meeting with your good self must be sought to sort out the issue amicably.

We shall therefore be grateful if you can indicate a date and time convenient to you, so that the undersigned (Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra) along with Dr. M Raghaviah, the Leader of Staff Side, JCM could call on you with a view to explore reaching an agreement. Incidentally, we feel that it must be our responsibility to convey to you that the Central Govt. Employees throughout the country are extremely critical of the fact that the Government had not found it possible to accept even a single issue taken up the Staff Side, JCM after the 7th CPC submitted its recommendations to the Government. This apart, the CG Pensioners numbering presently more than the working employees are aggrieved of the fact that the one and only recommendation of the 7th CPC which was in their favour i.e. option No.1 have been recommended to be rejected by the Pension Department to the Government. Expecting a communication for an early meeting and thanking you. (No.NC-JCM-2016/7th CPC dt. 17.01.2017)

http://ncjcmstaffside.com/2017/secretary-staff-sidejcm-writes-to-shri-rajnath-singh-about-the-demands-of-central-government-employees/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sub: Meeting of the Committee constituted to suggest measures for streamlining implementation of the NPS for the Central Govt. Employees.

Ref.: Letter No 57/1/2016-P&PW(B) dated 16th January 2017.

Kindly refer to your aforementioned letter. At the outset we request you to kindly favour us with a copy of the Government Notification setting up the Committee to make suggestions to streamline the National Pension system for Central Government employees. This is needed for us to understand the scope and ambit of the functioning of the Committee.

The 7th CPC in their report in paras 10.3.11 to 10.3.25 has enumerated the plethora of complaints received by it over the NPS and has finally recommended to the Government to set up a Committee to look into those issues and address. However, we are constrained to believe from the reading of para 3 of the letter cited that the Committee is likely to have only a perfunctory consultation with the stake holders on an important issue like this.

In any case, we give hereunder our views in the matter with the fervent hope that the Committee will consider it within the time constraints. 1. We are of the firm view that the Central Government employees as a whole must be fully excluded from the ambit of the defined contributory pension scheme for otherwise it would create two classes amongst them, one making subscription; and another making no subscription but receiving a better pension and other retirement benefits.

2. There is no justification for the Government to deduct pension contribution from the Central Government employees, even as per the recommendation of the 7th CPC they are provided with far lesser Minimum wage that what it should have been as per the norms of Dr. Aykroyd formula, approved by the 15th ILC and subsequent judgement of the Supreme Court.

3. This apart, we were assured by the Government during the Standing Committee meeting discussions held on 14.12.2007 that

“for employees who had entered with effect from 1.1.2004 are not likely to be worse off vis a vis the current pension system in force as the replacement rate would match to the present one. Thus NPS is a win-win situation for employees and the Government”.

Without deviating even an iota from our firm position enumerated in No. 1 above, the least the Government must do to honour the assurance given earlier is to guarantee that all Central Govt. employees who are recruited with effect from 1.1.2004 and have thus become mandatory subscribers to the NPS receive all benefits of pension, family pension and other retirement benefits as is provided for under the CCS(Pension) Rules applicable to the Central Government employees who are recruited prior to 1.1.2004.

To illustrate the point that the Central Government employees, who are recruited with effect from 1.1.2004 are provided with a paltry in the form of pension in total disregard to the assurance held out by the Government on 14.12.2007 we enclose herewith the details of pension entitlement computed in the case of a person, who was recruited after 1.1.2004 and retired after 12 years of service in one of the Ordnance factories under the Ministry of Defence. This person is being paid a paltry amount of Rs 960/= p.m. as pension from NPS, whereas after the implementation of the 7 CPC recommendations the minimum pension is Rs 9000/- + DA p.m. with effect from 01-01-2016.

In fine, we feel that it would be better if the Committee could convene a meeting as is convenient to all its members so that a full-fledged discussion could be held on this vital issue which is of utmost importance to a large segment of employees recruited after 01-01-2004 whose number is increasing day by day.

(No.NC-JCM-2016/Pension dt. 20.01.2017)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


NEWS FROM AIRF’s AFFILIATES

OBSERVANCE OF “BLACK DAY” ON 06.02.2017 BY AIRF AND ITS AFFILIATES AGAINST ANTI-LABOUR ORDERS OF THE RAILWAY BOARD

On the call of All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) “Black Day” was observed by the affiliates of AIRF all over the Indian Railways on 06.02.2017 by organizing rallies, dharnas, gate meetings, demonstrations; wearing black badges and ribbons etc. by the Railwaymen, demanding immediate withdrawal of Railway Board’s letter No.2017/E(LR)III/Ref./RB/1 dated 30.01.2017 which debars the Supervisors (GP Rs.4200 and above) working in Safety Categories from becoming office-bearers of the unions/federation. The unions also sent Protest Letters through emails, fax to Hon’ble Minister for Railways and Chairman Railway Board and the General Managers of their respective railway administrations.

In these massive agitational programmes, the union leadership, while expressing serious anguish over issuance of Railway Board’s letter supra dated 30.01.2017, talked about highly unfair and uncalled for anti labour attitude of the Railway Board.

At Bangalore, Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, GS/AIRF along with Com. A.M.D’Cruz, GS/SWRMU, Com. K.V. Raghvendra, Divisional Secretary, SWRMU/SBC and other Union officials, addressed a gathering of around 2500 Railwaymen and briefed about the anti-labour attitude of the Railway Board (Ministry of Railways).

SWRMU

26th Divisional Council of SWRMU/SBC was held at Bangalore on 06.02.2017, wherein Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary AIRF, along with Com. A.M. D’Cruz, GS/SWRMU, Com. K.V. Raghvendra, DS/ SWRMU/SBC and other union officials, addressed a gathering of around 2500 Railwaymen.

Moreover, newly built Divisional Office of SWRMU/SBC - “Mazdoor Sauda” was inaugurated by Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary AIRF,who was the chief guest on the occassion, along with Com. A.M. D’Cruz, GS/SWRMU, Com. K.V. Raghvendra, DS/ SWRMU/SBC and other union officials.

ITF-U2U South Asian Organizing Project Evaluation held at Colombo- Sri Lanka.

The Seminar was held at Colombo Sri Lanka 27th January 2017. The representative from Indian Railways delegates nominated from three railway zones viz. NWREU, NRMU/Northern Railway & NRMU/C.Rly have taken part in the seminar.

The programme began with the project evaluation of the previous seminar held in Kathmandu in the year 2014. Three activities were done on 1) Project Introduction & Planning 2) In respect of Women, Young transport workers, casual & precarious workers by sharing the reports & 3) As a part of seminar, groups were formed amongst member countries and the knowledge is shared in the groups, on positive developments in respect of trade union work in the country & negative trends & developments in trade union works. The ongoing scenario with regard to, the struggle and agitations staged by the union against the contractualisat ion, compromising on safety by outsourcing the core areas of Railway working and other few anti-staff policies and issues that have alarmingly remained un-resolved.

ALL INDIA CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (BASE 2001 = 100)

Month/Year Base Year 2001 = 100 Average

Total of 12 months Twelve monthly Average

% increase over 115.76 for DA

Nov. 2015 270 3120 260.00 124.60

Dec. 2015 269 3136 261.33 125.75

Jan. 2016 269 3151 262.58 0.44

Feb. 2016 267 3165 263.75 0.89

March 2016 266 3179 264.91 1.33

April 2016 271 3194 266.16 2.81

May, 2016 275 3211 267.58 2.36

June, 2016 277 3227 268.91 2.86

July 2016 280 3244 270.33 3.41

Aug.2016 278 3258 271.05 3.85

Sep. 2016 277 3269 272.41 4.20

Oct. 2016 278 3278 273.41 4.49

*Average Price Index for January, 2001

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ms Nishi Kapahi Women, Co-Ordinator/ITF, Br Sangam Tripati & Ms Anika Barning/Founder of Scalp/Sweden have stood as guiding force behind the groups & helped the participants better understand the concept & thus eased the deliberation by the groups in the most effective manner.

The gist of the conference is towards focusing and educating the youth & especially women workers of organized and un-organized sectors on their role in fighting for better working conditions and right to agitate for reasonable pay and finally, in streamlining the areas which otherwise needs proper organizing.

Western Railway Employees Union- Safety Seminar and Trackmen Conference

Safety Seminar and Trackmen Conference held by WREU-RJT Division on 30.01.2017 at Morbi in presence of Shri R.C. Sharma President /WREU, Sh.J.R.Bosale GS, Sh. M.K.Chhaya Divn.Chairman, Sh.Nikhil Joshi Divn. Secretary-Smt Anuradha Mukhedkar DRM, and Sh.Kantibhai Amrutiya MLA-Morbi and in presence of large number of Rly.staff. All office bearers also highly appreciated to WREU-RJT Divn. Whole team for conducting such type of safety seminar for awareness of Railwaymen.

Sh. R.C.Sharma President WREU given in his speech for how to improve the Sefety on I.R. and also requested to Divn. Administration not to pressurized to staff for over burden of work due to which adopt short cut method.

Sh.J.R.Bhosale GS/WREU-GTR gave detailed speech on Safety and informed to Trackmen and all other Safety category staff to work and perform their duty with full alertness. He also highlighted about WREU/AIRF achievement for Trackmen and pending demands of staff with Govt.

On this occasion Morbi branch has honoured more than 60 Rly. Staff who are retired in LARGESS and in normal retirement who have given their Blood for WREU life time honoured and farewell by Shawal and Buques by appreciated their services.

ITF- Report on Asia Pacific Regional Conference Tokyo 28-30 Nov 2016 ITF Asia Pacific Regional Conference was held at Tokyo 28-30 Nov 2016, Comrade Venu Purushothaman Nair Genl. Secy. NRMU/CR AGS AIRF and Comrade Jaya Agarwal Convener AIRF Women’s wing attended the conference under AIRF flag. Conference was started with the welcome note by Stephen Cotton GS ITF, Paddy Cromlin President ITF, in the welcome address paddy said that this is the moment of inclusion of peace and quality globally, a brief report on Japan Globally and economically was briefly presented by Yasumi Morita wherein, he mentioned his concern on ‘ageing demographic dividend’ in Japan resultant less youth in workforce. He also mentioned issue of safety and security must be taken on priority in the country. Comrade Venu Purushothaman Nair GS/ NRMU/CR AGS AIRF presented his report on present Indian Railways structure, anti labour policies of ruling govt. our struggles and achievements under flag of AIRF were elucidated. 2nd Day-29 Nov 2016 Future of transport in the region The fourth industrial revolution and the challenges facing by entire Transport workers in the region, the word is currently on the brink of a technological transformation basis of the global economy. Digitalization or automation is one aspect of change which directly threatens all the affiliates of the region. The challenges can be grouped into three broad categories.

Labor replacing Technologies (LRT) is that they replace human labor either partially or completely eg. Such potential labour is driverless Train Trucks and aircrafts.

Labour intensified Technologies (LIT) is that they use to force workers to work much harder without necessarily providing adequate working conditions and improving pay.

Platform workers are those who work through some kind of software platform which put them in contact with their consumer, such as Uber, Ola and Deliveroo.

Sectoral discussion A. Civil Aviation and Tourism B. Inland Transport C. Maritime

Fringe event- 1. Organizing tourism workers in Asia Pacific, 2. Women’s nomination caucus 3. Engaging youth for stronger unions. Women’s nomination caucus was chair by Mary Liew, the composition of revised structure of women committee was proposed and discussed. In this session, a report on women in Indian Railways was presented by Jaya Agarwal Convener AIRF Women’s wing. She narrated the wrath of andocentric society and survival of working women in it. AIRF took initiative for equal status to women and also made separate provision for women in decision body at different forum viz PNM and mandatory inclusion women on each structure of Union. Separate women’s wings are functioning well for the cause of workers right. Annual, Nationa l and zonal, women conference are regular part of activities along with the nominated days. It has also been mentioned that now AIRF has number of women delegates sharing the responsibilities in mainstream of leadership. The revised structure of ITF women committee was discussed on floor.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Railway Board’s Order Sub: Revision of rates of stipend to apprentices and trainees on Railways. Ref: Railway Board’s letter No. PC-V/2008/PS/1 (Stipend) dated 15-12-2008 Consequent upon the promulgation of Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016 on the basis of the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission, the issue of revision in the rates of stipend to apprentices and trainees (non-gazetted) on Railways was under consideration. Now, the President is pleased to revise the rates of stipend to the apprentices and trainees as per the schedule attached herein. 2. It is likely that some of the existing categories of apprentices on certain Railways may not have designations identical to what appears in the enclosed Schedule. In such cases, the Railway administration, in consultation with FA & CAO, should identify the designation/category of the apprentice concerned with similar case appearing in the Schedule and determine the rate of stipend applicable thereto. Wherever such identification is not possible, specific cases may be reported to the Board with verbatim comments of the FA & CAO. 3. In case, the period of training as indicated in these orders is at variance with the actual practice in respect of one or more categories, the matter should be referred to the Railway Board for decision. 4. The apprentices and trainees will draw the revised rates of Dearness Allowance appropriate to the revised rates of stipend. 5. The revised rates of stipend will take effect from 01.08.2016. 6. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

Schedule S.No. Category Training period Grade Pay in

VI CPC Pay structure (ƻ)

Corresponding Revised Pay level in

the 7th CPC Pay Matrix

Revised rates of stipend in the corresponding Pay

level (ƻ)

S & T Department

1. Telephone Operator Less than one year 1900 2 19900

2. Signal Maintainer One year 1900 2 19900

3. Signal Maintainer Eighteen months 2400 4 21700 (22400 in the second year)

4. Telecommunication Maintainer Grade III

One year 1900 2 19900

5. Wireless Maintainer Grade III One year 1900 2 19900

6 Jr. Engineer (Signal) (Diploma holder)

12 months (52 weeks) 4200 6 35400

7. Sr. Section Engineer (Signal) (Degree holder)

One year 4600 7 44900

8. Jr. Engineer (Telecom) (Diploma holder)

12 months (52 weeks) 4200 6 35400

9. Sr. Section Engineer (Telecom) (Degree holder)

12 months (52 weeks) 4600 7 44900

10. Jr. Engineer (Workshop) (Diploma holder)

12 months (52 weeks) 4200 6 35400

11. Sr. Section Engineer (Workshop) One year 4600 7 44900

Civil Engineering Department

12. Jr. Engineer (Works) (Diploma holder)

One year 4200 6 35400

13. Sr. Section Engineer (Works) (Degree holder)

Upto one year 4600 7 44900

14. Jr. Engineer (Permanent Way) (Diploma holder)

One year 4200 6 35400

15. Sr. Section Engineer (Permanent Way) (Degree holder)

Upto one year 4600 7 44900

16. Jr. Engineer (Bridge) Two years 4200 6 29200 (30100 in the second year)

17. Sr. Section Engineer (Bridge) (Degree holder)

One year 4600 7 44900

18. Jr. Engineer (Engg. WS)/ JE (TM/TT)

One year 4200 6 35400

19. Sr. Section Engineer (Eng WS)/SSE (TM/TT)

One year 4600 7 44900

20. Design Assistant (Degree holder) Upto one year 4200 6 35400

Mechanical & Electrical Departments

21. Jr. Engg. (W.S) One year 4200 6 35400

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


22. Sr. Section Engineer (W.S) One year 4600 7 44900

23. Sr. Section Engineer (Electrical) One year 4600 7 44900

24. Jr. Engineer (Electrical) 12 months (52 weeks) 4200 6 35400

25. Sr. Section Engineer (Degree holder)

One year 4600 7 44900

26. Jr. Engineer (Diploma holder) 12 months (52 weeks) 4200 6 35400

27. Motorman One year 4200 6 35400

28. Assistant Loco Pilot (Elec.) 17 weeks 1900 2 19900

29. Assistant Loco Pilot (Diesel) 17 weeks 1900 2 19900

Drawing Office

30. Jr. Engineer (Drawing/Design) (Mech. Elect. and S

& T Deptt.) (Diploma holder)

52 weeks 4200 6 35400

31. Jr. Engineer (Drawing / Design) (Civil Engg. Deptt.) (Diploma holder)

52 weeks 4200 6 35400

32. Sr. Section Engineer (Drawing/Design) (Degree

holder)

One year 4600 7 44900

C.M.T (Mechanical Department)

33. Chemical & Metallurgical Assistant

One year 4200 6 35400

Artisans

34. Technicial Gr. III (with Metric qualification)

Three years 1900 2 18000 (18500 in 2nd year and 19100 in 3rd

year

35. Technician Gr. III (with ITI qualification or

Apprenticeship qualification in non-Railway Estt.)

Six months 1900 2 19900

Sub: State Railway Provident Fund – Rate of interest during the year 2016-17 (January, 2017 – March, 2017).

A copy of Government’s Resolution No. 5(1)- B(PD)/2016 dated 18th January, 2017 issued by the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) Prescribing interest at the rate of 8.0% w.e.f. 1st January, 2017 to 31st March, 2017 on accumulations at the credit of the subscribers to State Railway Provident Fund, is enclosed, for information and necessary action. (No.F (E)III/2003/PF/1/1.dt.30.01.2017.RBE 06/2017.)

(PUBLISHED IN PART I SECTION 1 OF GAZETTE OF INDIA) F.NO.5 (1)-B(PD)/2016

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS (BUDGET DIVISION)

New Delhi, the 18th January, 2017

Resolution

It is announced for general information that during the year 2016-2017, accumulations at the credit of subscribers to the General Provident Fund and other similar funds shall carry interest at the rate of 8.0% w.e.f. 1st January, 2017 to 31st March, 2017. This rate will be in force w.e.f 1st January, 2017. The funds concerned are:-

1. The General Provident Fund (Central Services).

2. The Contributory Provident Fund (India).

3. The All India Services Provident Fund.

4. The State Railway Provident Fund.

5. The General Provident Fund (Defence Services).

6. The Indian Ordnance Department Provident Fund.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


7. The Indian Ordnance Factories Workmen’s Provident Fund.

8. The Indian Naval Dockyard Workmen’s Provident Fund

9. The Defence Services Officers Provident Fund.

10. The Armed Forces Personnel Provident Fund.

11. 2. Ordered that the Resolution be published in Gazette of India.

SUB: Amendment of provisions relating to Railway Staff Benefit Fund – Chapter – 8 of the Indian Railway Establishment Code Volume-1, 1985 Edition (Second Reprint Edition - 2003).

In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution, the President is pleased to direct that S.No. 1 of Rule 805 of the Indian Railway Establishment Code, Volume 1, 1985 Edition be amended as per enclosed (See original doc.) Advance Correction Slip No.130. This amendment is effective from the date of instructions issued vide letter No. E(W)2014/FU-1/1 dated 30.07.2014.

(No.E (W)2014/FU-1/1.dt.18.01.2017.RBE 04/2017.)

SUB: Forwarding of Notification – Rule 11 of the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992

A copy of the Notification No.S.O.3354 (E) dated 31st October, 2016 published in part II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii) of the Extraordinary Gazette of India issued by Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, notifying the 1st day of November, 2016 as the date from which the stipend shall be paid through the bank account of apprentices is enclosed (See original doc.) for information, guidance and necessary action.

(No. E (MMP)/2017/6/1, Dated.17-01-2017 RBE No.03/2017)

Sub: Exemption from passing the typewriting Test – Implementation of instructions of DOP&T issued vide their letter dated 22.04.2015

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel & Training, in their O.M. No.14020/2/91- Estt(D) dated 29.09.1992 had issued certain instructions/guidelines regarding exemption from passing the Typewriting Test. The same has been reiterated vide their O.M.No.14020/1/2014-Estt.(D) dated 22.04.2015.

2. Both the Federations viz. AIRF and NFIR have also raised this demand in the PNM forum. Accordingly, matter has been deliberated in consultation with concerned directorates and it has been decided by the Board to adopt the stipulations made in DOP&T’s OMs ibid (Copies enclosed) mutatis mutandis to persons appointed/promoted as Junior Clerks, Accounts Clerks against promotion quota, sports persons recruited against sports quota, those appointed on compassionate grounds, under Scouts & Guide and cultural quota, re-deployed medically unfit Railway servants on alternative posts, redeployed surplus staff and also physically handicapped railway servants, as per prevailing rules. The procedure of conducting of the typing test whether it is on manual type writer or on Personal Computer as contained in Board’s letter No.E(NG)I-2004/CFP/8 dated 04.02.2011 will remain unaltered.

3. The above instructions will take effect from the date of issue of this letter. Cases already decided in the past need not be re-opened. (No.E (NG)I-2015/CFP/7dt.16.01.2017.RBE 02/2017.)

Sub.: Pay element relating to Running Staff after the recommendations of Seventh CPC.

It has come to notice that on some of the zonal railways add-on pay element of 55% is not being reckoned for calculation of emoluments for the purpose of retirement benefits for the running staff on the basic pay fixed in the 7th CPC pay structure. As per Rule 924 (iii) of IREM-I that is still valid, 55% of Basic Pay is reckoned as add-on pay element for calculation of pension and DCRG of the Running Staff It is therefore advised that calculation of retirement benefits of the running staff may be made as per extant Rule 924 (iii) of IREM-I on the revised basic pay in the 7th CPC.

2. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways. (No.E(P&A)II-2015/RS-25 dated: 24.01.2017)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


direct attack of the railway board on the unions …launched •rs1,87,223 crore allocated for rural...

Documents