New Measures for Welfare of SC/ST, Women and minorities

Sharing the concerns of the Members of the House for the welfare of the scheduled castes and the scheduled tribes, the Finance Minister Shri P.Chidambaram announced that the Budget has sub plans for them and reiterated that the funds allocated to the sub plans cannot be diverted and must be spent for the purpose of the sub plans. He made an allocation of Rs. 41, 561 crore to the scheduled castes sub plan and Rs. 24,598 crore to the tribal sub plan. Similarly, sufficient allocations have been made to programmes relating to women and children. The Minister informed the Members that the gender budget has Rs. 97,134 crore and the child budget Rs. 77, 236 crore in 2013-14.

He said, women belonging to the most vulnerable groups, including single women and widows, must be able to live with self-esteem and dignity and added that young women face gender discrimination everywhere, especially at the work place. Ministry of Women and Child Development has been asked to design schemes that will address these concerns and a sum of Rs. 200 crore has been provided to begin work in this regard.

The Finance Minister allocated Rs. 3,511 crore to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, which is an increase of 12 percent over the BE and 60 percent over the RE of 2012-13. The Maulana Azad Education Foundation is the main vehicle to implement education schemes and channelized funds to non-government organisations for the minorities. Its corpus stands at Rs. 750 crore. With the objective of raising it to Rs. 1500 crore during the 12th Plan period, the Minister proposed to allocate Rs. 160 crore to the corpus fund. The foundation wishes to add medical aid to its objectives and the same has been accepted that a beginning can be made by providing medical facilities such as a resident doctor in the educational institutions run or funded by the Foundation. Rs. 100 crore is being allocated to launch this initiative. He said, government is committed to provide support to persons with disabilities and announced a sum of Rs. 110 crore to the Department of Disability Affairs for the ADIP Scheme in 2013-14.

Source:pib

New Measures for Welfare of SC/ST, Women and minorities

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Filed Under: MINORITIES, SC/ST

Eligibility Conditions of Life Insurance Policies for Persons Suffering from Disabilities and Certain Ailments Relaxed

The Finance Bill 2013 proposes relaxation in the eligibility conditions of Life Insurance Policies for persons suffering from disability or certain ailment. Presenting the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha today, the Finance Minister Shri P.Chidambaram proposed that the permissible premium rate is being increased from 10 per cent to 15 percent of the sum assured in such cases. This relaxation shall be available in respect of policies issued on or after 01.04.2013.

Source:pib

Eligibility Conditions of Life Insurance Policies for Persons Suffering from Disabilities and Certain Ailments Relaxed

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Filed Under: DISABILITY, INSURANCE

Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme(RGESS) Liberalised

The Finance Bill 2013-14 proposes liberalisation of the Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme(RGESS) that was launched in FY 2012-13. The first time investors will now be allowed to invest in mutual funds as well as listed shares. This investment can be done not in one year alone, but in three successive years. Presenting the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha today, the Finance Minister Shri P.Chidambaram said that the income limit is also being proposed to be raised from Rs.10 lakh to Rs.12 lakh.

Source:pib

Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme(RGESS) Liberalised

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Filed Under: RGESS

Basic Facilities to Persons with Multiple Disabilities

The National Trust, a statutory body set up under the “National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999”, has been implementing various schemes to provide better education and other basic facilities to its target group as under:-              

        i.            Under Early Intervention/School Readiness Program “Aspiration” Scheme, 79 Centers have been set up to provide Early Intervention/School Readiness program to Children in the age group of 0-6 years.
      ii.             Under the “Gyan Prabha” Scholarship scheme, scholarship of Rs. 1000 per month is provided to undertake vocational training and skill development Programme.
    iii.            Under the residential care program “Samarth”, 119 centers have been set up in the country to provide short term and long term residential care facilities.
    iv.            Under Caregivers Training and Deployment Scheme “Sahyogi” Caregivers are being trained to provide care giver facility.

Besides, two National Institutes under the Ministry namely National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped, Secunderabad (NIMH) and the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities, Chennai (NIEPMD) also provide comprehensive services to mentally retarded persons and persons with multiple disabilities respectively.

National Trust is implementing the “Niramaya” health insurance scheme under which health services upto Rs. 1 lakh is being provided to the target group.  The scheme is being implemented by over 800 registered organizations of National Trust across the country (expect J&K).

The Ministry and the National Institutes have multifarious strategies, including use of print and electronic media, to create awareness about the schemes for persons with disabilities.  National Trust also organizes a pan-India mass disability awareness campaign called ‘Badhte Kadam’ every year to make people aware about this scheme and other activities of National Trust.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment,          Shri D. Napoleon in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

 Source:pib

Basic Facilities to Persons with Multiple Disabilities

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Filed Under: Basic Facilities to Persons with Multiple Disabilities, DISABILITY

Railway to Introduce Next Generation E-Ticketing System

The Minister of Railways Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal has that his Ministry will put in place a Next Generation e-ticketing system to bring about a paradigm shift in internet rail ticketing. Presenting the Railway Budget for 2013-14 in Parliament today he said, the new system will significantly improve the end user experience in respect of ease of use, response time as well as capacity. He said, the new system shall be able to support 7200 tickets per minute as against 2000 tickets per minute at present. It will support 1, 20,000 simultaneous users at any point in time against the present capacity of 40,000 users with capability to easily scale up as demand increases in future. The Minister said, the system will make use of advanced fraud control and security management tools thereby further improving fairness and transparency in disbursal of tickets.

The Minister also announced several IT initiatives for the benefit of passengers. These are:

i. Extending availability of the facility of internet ticketing from 0030 hours to 2330 hours;

ii. Making e-ticketing possible through mobile phones;

iii. As a follow up to overwhelming response to Indian Railway website and Integrated Train Enquiry Service under “139”, a project of SMS Alerts to passengers providing updates on reservation status is being rolled out shortly;

iv. Covering larger number of trains under Real Time Information System (RTIS), whereby rail-users will be able to access information through nominated websites and mobile phones.
Source:pib

Railway to Introduce Next Generation E-Ticketing System

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Filed Under: RAILWAYS, RESERVATION, ticket

1.52 Lakh Vacancies in Railways to Be Filled up this Year

The Minister of Railways Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal has announced that the Ministry of Railways will make concerted efforts to fill up approximately 1.52 lakh vacancies this year. While presenting Railways Budget for 2013-14 in Parliament today, he said that it is a measure of popularity of Railways as an employer that a staggering 2.2 crore applications were received.

For the first time, Railways recruitment examinations were held at more than 60 cities across the country. In the process, a backlog of about 47,000 vacancies earmarked for weaker sections and physically challenged is likely to get cleared.

Source;pib

1.52 Lakh Vacancies in Railways to Be Filled up this Year

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Filed Under: RAILWAYS, recruitement

One Rank One Pension Order: Revised Table 1 - Improvement in Casualty Pensionary Awards for pre- 2006 Armed Forces Officers and JCO/ ORs and equivalents.

OFFICE OF THE PR. CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS (PENSIONS)

DRAUPADI GHAT, ALLAHABAD – 211014

Circular No. 508.

Dated: 19.02.2013

To,

1. The Chief Accountant, RBI & 12 others

Subject: Implementation of Government decision on the recommendations of the Committee Secretaries Committee- 2012 on the issues related to Defence Service Personnel and Ex-Servicemen- Improvement in Casualty Pensionary Awards for pre- 2006 Armed Forces Officers and JCO/ ORs and equivalents.

Reference: This Office Circular No. 503 dated 17.01.2013.

Kindly refer to Table No. 1 appended in this office circular cited under reference. Your attention is invited wherein to various nomenclature columns (Column 6, 8, 11, 13, 17,19) the 2nd Life awards of SFP and 2nd Life awards of LFP have been shown. However, in the case of Commissioned Officers it should be Dependent Pension (Special) and Dependent Pension (Liberalised). In order to facilitate the PDAs for smooth revision and implementation, the same has been rectified and an amended Table No. 1(Revised) is enclosed for necessary revision/ action.

It is also mentioned that the rates of Dependent Pension (Liberalised) in case both parents are alive are @ of 75% of LFP. This has been left out inadvertently which has now been reproduced in the revised table.

2. All Pension Disbursing Authorities are authorized to revise/ update the family pension in respect of Commissioned Officers equivalent as per tables attached to this circular, if the same is beneficial. Table No. 1 appended in Circular No. 503 is replaced by Table No. 1(Revised) annexed with this circular.

3. All other terms and conditions for revision of family pension in respect of pre-2006 Armed Forces family pensioners drawing pension under casualty pensionary awards shall remain unchanged.

No. Grants/Tech/0167-XIII (508)
Dated: - 19th February 2013.

(ALOK PATNI)

ACDA(P)

Source:http://pcdapension.nic.in/6cpc/Circular-508.pdf

One Rank One Pension Order: Revised Table 1 - Improvement in Casualty Pensionary Awards for pre- 2006 Armed Forces Officers and JCO/ ORs and equivalents.

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Filed Under: family pensioners, PENSION

Budget 2013: Exempt DA from income tax, says National Mazdoor Conference

Exempt DA from income tax, says National Mazdoor Conference

JAMMU: National Mazdoor Conference (NMC) is seeking exemption of Dearness Allowance from the ambit of income tax as DA is directly linked with the price index.

"The price escalation is directly linked with the DA of the salaried class and pensioners but it was strange that the income tax is also imposed on the increase of the salaries because of the DA," NMC president Subash Shastri said here today.

"There is no justification of imposing income tax on DA," Shastri said while addressing a rally of NMC workers.

The NMC president also asked Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram to reconsider the practice.

He also said that income tax exemption limit should be raised to Rs five lakh from existing Rs two lakh.

Shastri, meanwhile, added that provision with regard to 20 per cent interim relief to the central and state government employees and pensioners, merger of 50 per cent of DA into basic pay/pension and enhancement of monthly wages of dailywagers to Rs 10,000 should be made during the current Budget session.

Source:ET

Budget 2013: Exempt DA from income tax, says National Mazdoor Conference

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Filed Under: BUDGET 2013, CENTRAL DA, DEARNESS ALLOWANCE

Railways take Measures to improve Hygiene and Cleanliness in Coaches and Stations

Indian Railways always endeavour to improve upon the standards of cleanliness and hygiene in coaches and stations.

For improving upon the standards of cleanliness in coaches, schemes like ‘Intensive mechanized cleaning’ in maintenance depots, ‘On Board House-Keeping Services (OBHS)’ for cleaning of coaches on run and cleaning attention to trains during their stoppage at ‘Clean Train Stations’ etc. have also been launched. Mechanized cleaning, rag picking and garbage disposal contracts are being awarded for ensuring cleaning of stations including platforms. More and more toilets are being brought under ‘pay & use’ scheme.

Besides, regular inspections are conducted at various levels to monitor cleanliness in the coaches and at stations.

Fitment of bio-toilets in new coaches, during manufacturing at Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai and Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala has already begun. Retrofitting these bio-toilets on existing coaches running in service has also been started. However, retro-fitment in existing coaches requires very specialized methodology and welding practices. This work can be undertaken only during the major maintenance/periodical Over Haul (POH) in a Railway Workshop. Indian Railways is continuously adapting these exercises in view of experience gained during their field operation, maintenance and usage issues. Tentatively, the cost of retro-fitment is expected to be in the region of Rs. 15 lakhs per coach as of today.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Kotla Jaya Surya Prakash Reddy in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

Source:pib

Railways take Measures to improve Hygiene and Cleanliness in Coaches and Stations

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Filed Under: RAILWAYS

FM to Dedicate Centralized Processing Cell for Tax Deducted at Source, CPC (TDS) Tomorrow

The Union Finance Minister Shri P. Chidambaram, will dedicate the Centralized Processing Cell for Tax Deducted at Source, CPC (TDS) to the nation tomorrow.  

            The CPC (TDS) will be situated at Aayakar Bhawan, Sector-3, Vaishali, Ghaziabad (UP). It will provide the tax deductors, taxpayers and the Assessing Officers, a wide range of online services related to TDS through a functionality designated TDS Reconciliation, Analysis and Correction Enabling System (TRACES).

            TRACES through its portal (https://www.tdscpc.gov.in) will provide a bouquet of services like viewing and downloading of Form 26AS by taxpayers, downloading of Consolidated Files for filing of correction statements. The facility of downloading of TDS Certificates in Form 16 and 16A by tax deductors is a measure of convenience for the deductees. This will facilitate proper reconciliation between credit of taxes paid by deductors and claimed by deductees.  E-Tutorials for tax deductors would be immensely useful for educating tax deductors for enhancing compliance.

            Further, TRACES will also enable multiple modes of communication to reach out to the deductors and deductees for immediate correction, reconciliation and matching of TDS payments. Banks, being the most important Tax Deductors will now have the facility to file correction statements online to minimize the difficulties faced by Tax Deductees in claiming credit of Tax Deducted at source. It is expected that this facility will, to a large extent, ameliorate the problem faced by Tax Payers of mismatch in credit of Tax deducted and claimed in the Return of Income.

            A toll free Call Centre (Toll Free No.1800 103 0344) is functional for the convenience of deductors/ deductees.  Instant communication by way of E-mail (contactus@tdscpc.gov.in) and SMS alerts are other unique features of the CPC(TDS).

            The Revenue Secretary and other Secretaries from Ministry of Finance, Chairperson (Central Board of Direct Taxes) and other dignitaries from Central Board of Direct Taxes and Central Board of Excise and Customs will also grace the occasion.
 Source:pib

FM to Dedicate Centralized Processing Cell for Tax Deducted at Source, CPC (TDS) Tomorrow

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Filed Under: INCOMETAX, tds

TRAI Releases Pre-Consultation Paper on ‘Full Mobile Number Portability’

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a Pre-consultation Paper on ‘Full Mobile Number Portability (Pan-India Number Portability)’.

In accordance with the provisions contained in the National Telecom Policy-2012 regarding “One Nation- Full Mobile Number Portability”, TRAI received a reference from DoT vide its letter dated 27th Dec 2012, seeking the recommendations of TRAI under TRAI Act for full Mobile Number Portability i.e. MNP across licensed service areas.

In order to implement Full Mobile Number Portability, issues relating to processing of porting requests, routing, charging, testing etc need to be identified and addressed. Through this pre-consultation paper, the Authority is seeking views from stakeholders on various issues like optimum method of implementing Inter-service area porting, amendments required in the existing license conditions of the MNP service license, generation of UPC by roaming subscriber, modifications required in the present MNP regulations etc.

The Pre-consultation Paper on ‘Full Mobile Number Portability’ has been uploaded on TRAI’s website (www.trai.gov.in). Written comments on the issues raised in the pre-consultation paper are invited from the stakeholders by 7th March, 2013. For any clarification/information, Shri Sanjeev Banzal Advisor (Networks, Spectrum and Licensing) may be contacted at Tel. No.+91-11-23210481, Fax No. +91-11-23212014.

Source:pib

TRAI Releases Pre-Consultation Paper on ‘Full Mobile Number Portability’

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Filed Under: MNP, TRAI

Merger of Bharat Heavy Plate & Vessels Limited with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited

The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for merger of Bharat Heavy Plate & Vessels Ltd. (BHPV) Vishakhapatnam with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), New Delhi. The merger will facilitate BHPV to become a unit of BHEL. BHPV would be able to participate in tenders, obtain orders and attract best vendors for procuring materials / capital goods.

Background

Bharat Heavy Plate & Vessels Ltd. (BHPV) is an engineering / heavy fabrication company established in 1966 in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Due to various factors, there were heavy losses and the company was declared sick by the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) in October, 2005.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) took over BHPV as its 100 percent subsidiary in 2008. However, the company`s performance was not upto the mark, as it remained a separate company and it could not derive full benefits of synergy with BHEL.

Source:pib

Merger of Bharat Heavy Plate & Vessels Limited with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited

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Filed Under: BHEL, UNION CABINET

Default ASP and Annuity Scheme for subscribers exiting from NPS and Seeking withdrawal of Accumulated Pension Wealth

Pension Fund Regulatory and 

Development Authority    

     

CIRCULAR

PFRDA/2013/5/PDEX/4 

14th February’2013

To,

All POP’s/Aggregators/CRA/ dealing offices of Central & State Governments,

Subject: Default ASP and Annuity Scheme for subscribers exiting from NPS and Seeking withdrawal of Accumulated Pension Wealth.

PFRDA has empanelled seven Annuity Service Providers (ASP’s) for providing annuity services to NPS subscribers. As per current National Pension System (NPS) exit norms, the subscriber is mandatorily required to select one of the empanelled ASP’s along with an Annuity scheme from those offered by the chosen ASP at the time of exiting from NPS and seeking withdrawal of accumulated pension wealth (for reasons other than death of the subscriber).

Based on the feedback received from stakeholders seeking provision of a default option to be exercised by the subscriber at the time of selection of the ASP and choosing of an annuity scheme, PFRDA has examined the matter and decided to assist the subscriber by providing a default option.

After examining the various options provided by the different ASPs, it has been decided to provide for a default ASP and annuity scheme as below:

Default Annuity Service Provider – Life Insurance Corporation of India
Default Annuity Scheme - Annuity for life with a provision of 100% of the annuity payable to spouse during his/her life on death of annuitant’ and Under this option, payment of monthly annuity would cease once the annuitant and the spouse die or after death of the annuitant if the spouse pre-deceases the annuitant, without any return of purchase price.  
However, where the corpus is not adequate to buy the default annuity variant and from  the  default ASP, the subscriber has to compulsorily choose an ASP who offers an annuity at the available corpus in the account of the subscriber.

Also, it may be noted that this default option is being purely provided in the subscribers’ interest and to avoid any delay in claim processing and is not with a view to endorse/promote any particular ASP or annuity variant being offered by the ASP.

The default ASP and the default annuity scheme as above would be applicable for all variants of NPS i.e. Government Sector, Swavalamban and those accounts under NPS lite platform not able to meet the compulsory contribution under Swavalamban scheme, Corporate and All Citizen model.

This is for the information of all concerned.   The circular has also been placed on PFRDA website at  http://www.pfrda.org.in and CRA website at http://www.npscra.nsdl.co.in.

Yours Faithfully,

Sd/-

Venkateswarlu Peri

General Manager

Source: www.pfrda.org.in

Default ASP and Annuity Scheme for subscribers exiting from NPS and Seeking withdrawal of Accumulated Pension Wealth

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Filed Under: NEW PENSION SCHEME, NPS, PFRDA

Kendriya Vidyalaya - Revised Norms prescribed for opening of New KV

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGATHAN

18, Institutional Area, Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg,

New Delhi 110 016

CN No.5 F.1-23(3)/2004-KVSHQ (Admn-I)

Date: 12.02.2013

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

The Board of Governors, KVS in its 94th meeting held on 28.12.2012 has approved amendments in the norms prescribed for opening of new Kendriya Vidyalayas under Civil / Defence Sector which are given here under :-

a) The demarcated land should be transferred to KVS on lease or permanent transfer prior to opening of new Kendriya Vidyalaya.

b) The requirement of extent of land in various locations is as follows:-

Sl no	Location	Requirement of land (Acres)
1	Metropolitan City	4
2	Hilly Areas	8
3	Urban Areas	8
4	Semi-Urban/Rural Areas	10

A set of revised norms for opening of new Kendriya Vidyalayas under Civil/Defence Sector are being issued separately.

Hindi version follows.

sd/-

(G.K.Srivastava)

Addl. Commissioner (Admn. &Vig.)

Source: http://kvsangathan.nic.in/CircularsDocs/cir-admn-14-02-13(2).pdf

Kendriya Vidyalaya - Revised Norms prescribed for opening of New KV

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Filed Under: KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA, KV, KVS.KV

EPFO accounts set to turn mobile

 Soon, provident fund (PF) contributions of workers and their employers would be deposited uninterruptedly into PF accounts, irrespective of the employer.

Currently, funds of PF subscribers who change jobs aren’t automatically transferred to new employers. A subscriber has to notify the Employees’ Provident fund Organisation (EPFO) every time he changes a job. Otherwise, he loses his money, the way thousands of casual workers do.

EPFO is set to invite expressions of interest to set up a central server for the 50 million PF accounts in the country. This would mean irrespective of the employer, contributions of workers and their employers would continue to be deposited into accounts, said an EPFO official. He added the logic followed would be the same as in banking, where it didn’t matter where an account holder was; his transactions with the bank continued uninterrupted.

For this, EPFO has decided bank account numbers would double as unique numbers. All new account holders would be asked to state their bank account numbers, so that these could be registered as unique numbers. In the next few months, existing members would also have to state their account numbers. The process is expected to take five to six months.

Centralisation of accounts was envisaged since long, as an increasing number of contract and casual workers have been unable to track their PF accounts once they changed jobs.

Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh General Secretary Baij Nath Rai, says though the central server is a step in the right direction, it wouldn’t help subscribers who saw losses due to lump sum payments by their employers, in connivance with EPFO. “These workers will not be helped by any central server, but it can prevent such things from happening in the future,” Rai said.

Ideally, payments by any subscriber (casual or permanent workers) should be recorded against his name. However, employers had made payments for several casual workers in bulk. They had given an arbitrary amount, in agreement with EPFO officials, former EPFO commissioner R C Mishra had said in a notification in November.
Source:Business Standard

EPFO accounts set to turn mobile

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Filed Under: EPF, EPFO, NPS

Minister appealed to withdraw the notice of proposed strike on FEBRUARY 20 and 21

Mallikarjun Kharge Assure Central Trade Union Leaders to Brief Prime Minister about issues

Raised by them 

Appeal to the Central Trade Unions not to Inconvenience the General Public and the Workers and to Withdraw the Notice for the Proposed Strike.

The Union Minister for Labour & Employment Shri Mallikarjun Kharge and the Minister of State for Labour & Employment Shri K.Suresh today met the representatives of eleven major Central Trade Unions here at Shram Shakti Bhawan in New Delhi to discuss the proposed country-wide General Strike on the 20th and 21st February, 2013. Senior officers of various Ministries also attended the meeting.

The representatives of Central Trade Unions reiterated their demands for the Government to take concrete measures to contain price rise, to ensure employment generation, strict enforcement of labour laws, universal social security for unorganized and organized workers, stoppage of disinvestment in central and state public sector undertakings. Some of the specific issues raised by them related to payment of minimum wages of Rs.10,000/-, abolition of contract labour, payment of equal wages and benefits to contract workers at par with regular workers, removal of all ceilings on payment and eligibility of bonus, provident fund, increasing the quantum of gratuity, assured pension for all, compulsory registration of trade unions within 45 days and immediate ratification of the ILO Convention No. 87 and 98.


The Minister for Labour & Employment thanked the representatives of trade unions for the keen interest shown by them to address the problems faced by workers and common people in the country. He explained the various initiatives taken by the Government to tackle these important issues in a sympathetic and time-bound manner. He particularly highlighted the amendments proposed by the Ministry of Labour & Employment to the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, National Floor Level Minimum Wage to workers and to the Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970 to make its enforcement stricter and labour-friendly. The steps taken by the Govt to provide for a minimum pension of Rs.1000/- to the EPF subscribers were explained. On the enforcement of labour laws the Minister clarified that both the Central and State Governments take effective measures for inspection of workplaces and prosecution is launched wherever irregularities are detected.

The Minister reiterated that enacting labour legislation involves a tripartite process and employers, employees and State Governments are to be consulted. Therefore, it is a time-consuming process. The Govt is taking all necessary steps to enact various laws and amendments in consultation with the various stakeholders.

The Minister informed the representatives of the Central Trade Unions about the various steps taken by the Government to control inflation, arrest price rise, promote investment and ensure industrial growth which will lead to greater employment opportunities. On disinvestment it was clarified that even after disinvestment Govt will retain 51% of the shareholding and management control of Central Public Sector Enterprises and partial disinvestment will not affect the public sector character of the CPSEs or their labour and employment policy.

The Minister assured the Central Trade Unions that he will bring these developments to the notice of the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh . The representatives of Central Trade Unions requested that a final settlement of all the pending issues should be done without further loss of time. The Minister reiterated the sincere efforts being made by the Government to address the problems of the working class and the people. He appealed to the Central Trade Unions not to inconvenience the general public and the workers and to withdraw the notice for the proposed strike.

The following Trade Union Leaders were present in the meeting:

S/Shri A. N. Dogra (BMS), G. Sanjiva Reddy (INTUC), Gurudas Dasgupta (AITUC), H.S.Sidhu (HMS), Tapan Sen (CITU), R.A. Mittal (HMS), R.K. Sharma (AITUC), G.Devarajan (TUCC), A.K. Padmanabhan (CITU), D.L.Sachdev (AITUC), Rajiv Dimri(AICCTU), S.K.Roy, AICCTU), M.Hhanmugam (LPF), Ashok Ghosh (UTUC) and P.J. Raju (UTUC).

The Various Ministries/Departments Officiers representatives were as under:

S/Shri Dr. M. Sarangi, Secretary Labour & Employment; Ravi Mathur, Secretary, Deptt. of Disinvestment (DOD); D.S.Dhesi, AS, Commerce; Pramod Aggrawal JS, DOD, Sudha Krishnan, Joint Secretary, D’o Expenditure; Atul Chaturvedi, JS,DIPP; S.Sahu, Addl. Dev. Commidssioner, MSME; B.K.Sanwariya,CLC, M/o Labour & Employment, Shailesh Kumar Singh, JS,M/o Coal and B.S.Negi,CMS (Admn.) M/o Rural Development.

Source:pib

Minister appealed to withdraw the notice of proposed strike on FEBRUARY 20 and 21

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Filed Under: FEBRUARY STRIKE 20 AND 21, STRIKE

Revision of pension of pre-2006 pensioners – reg

F.No.38/37/08-P&PW(A)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions

Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare

3rd Floor Lok Nayak Bhawan,

Khan Market, New Delhi-ll0 003.

Dated the 13th February, 2013.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub:- .Revision of pension of pre-2006 pensioners – reg

The undersigned is directed to say that in pursuance of Government's decision on the recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission, orders were issued for revision of pension/family pension vide this Department's OM No.38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 1.9.2008, as amended from time to time.

2. The pension/family pension of pre-2006 pensioners was stepped up to 50% of the sum of minimum of pay in the pay band and the grade pay corresponding to the pre-revised pay scale from which the pensioner had retired as arrived at with reference to the fitment tables annexed to the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure OM No.l/l/2008-IC dated 30th August, 2008 with effect from 24.9.12 vide this Department OM of even number dated 28th January, 2013.

3. In regard to disbursement of revised pension/family pension, while Head of Departments are responsible for sanctioning of pension/family pension, in cases where revision has already been done by PAOs consequent to 6th CPC, the revision may be effected at the level of PAOs. A copy of the revised authority may be sent to HOD/DDO for record. In cases where no revision has been effected, Head of Offices may follow normal procedure for revision of pension/family pension. Even in cases where there is no change in pension/family pension as a result of the issue of this OM, a revised authority for no change may be issued by the PAOs. The finalized authority will be sent to CPAO for further necessary action.

4. A suitable entry regarding the revised pension/family pension shall be recorded by the pension Disbursing Authority in both halves of the Pension Payment Order.

5. In case the pension/family pension in respect of pre-2006 pensioners/family pensioners has not already been revised w.e.f. 1.1.2006, the same may also be revised for the period upto 23.9.2012 in terms of order dated 1.9.2008 and subsequent orders thereto and for the period from 24.9.12 in terms of order of even number dated 28.1.2013.

6. CGA/CPAO/Ministry of Defence/Ministry of Railways/Department of Posts/Department of Telecom will devise their own monitoring mechanism to ensure that enhanced pension and arrears are disbursed to all civil pensioners/family pensioners expeditiously.

Sd/-

(Tripti P Ghosh)

Director

Source: http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D3/D03ppw/RevisionPension_13022013.pdf

Revision of pension of pre-2006 pensioners – reg

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Filed Under: dopt-pension, family pensioners, revision of pension

Awareness Programme under Pensioner’s portal at Jammu

Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare in the Ministry of DOPT has been implementing a web based Mission Mode Project on Pension “Pensioner’s Portal” under the National e-governance Plan since March, 2007. Under the same, the Department has Centralized Pension Grievance Redressal and Monitoring System (CPENGRAMS). This Plan has been introduced to facilitate redressal of Pensioners’ Grievances and also to provide information and guidance to Pensioners on various pensions and retirement related matters. Now, the Department is going to organize awareness programme for Pensioners in and around Jammu on 15.2.2013.

The mobilization of the pensioners will be organized in tandem with Central Government Pensioners’ Association, Jammu. The programme is slated for inauguration by Shri V.Narayanasamy, MOS(Personnel &PMO).

Source:pib

Awareness Programme under Pensioner’s portal at Jammu

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Filed Under: family pensioners, PENSION, pib

Timely intimation about payment of additional fee under RTI Act 2005.

F. No.12/31/2013-IR

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi – 110001 

Dated : 11.2.2013

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Timely intimation about payment of additional fee under RTI Act 2005.

It has been brought to the notice of the Central Information Commission that some CPIOs inform the information seeker about the additional fee under sub section 7(3) of the RTI Act at the fag end of the thirty days period prescribed for providing the information under sub-section 7(1) of the RTI Act.

2.    The Central Information Commission in one of its orders has mentioned that while there cannot be any hard and fast rule about when exactly the intimation about the photocopying charges should be conveyed to the information seeker, it is implied in the prescribed time limit that the demand for the photocopying charges must be made soon after the RTI application is received so that the information seeker has time to deposit the fees and receive the information within the prescribed thirty days period. If the information sought is not voluminous or is not dispersed over a large number of files, computation of the photocopying charges should not be a time consuming task. As soon as the RT1 application is received, the holder of the information should decide about how much information to disclose and then calculate the photocopying charges so that the CPIO can immediately write to the information seeker demanding such fees.

3.    This may be brought to the notice of all concerned for compliance.

sd/-

(Sandeep Jain) 

Deputy Secretary

Source: www.persmin.nic.in

Timely intimation about payment of additional fee under RTI Act 2005.

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Filed Under: dopt, RTI

Franking Machine allowance has been withdrawn as per the recommendation of 6th CPC: ESIC clarification

HEADQUARTERS OFFICE 

EMPLOYEES' STATE INSURANCE CORPORATION

A-27/17/6th CPC/1/2013-E-III 

Dated:31.01.2013

Subject:- Franking Machine Allowances.

References have come from different RO, SRO seeking clarification that whether Franking Machine allowances is still payable to the employees who earlier belonged to Group D' and now has been classified as Group 'C'.

In this regard, I am directed to classify that Machine allowance including Franking Machine allowance has been withdrawn as per the recommendation of 6th CPC.

Action may be taken in all such cases accordingly.

Your's faithfully

(S .P. PANDEY)

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Source:http://www.esic.nic.in/CIRCULARS/cir_eiiii7213.pdf

Franking Machine allowance has been withdrawn as per the recommendation of 6th CPC: ESIC clarification

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Filed Under: ALLOWANCE, ESI

Agenda of PNM meeting with Railway Board to be held on 06-07/02/2013: AIRF

AIRF-Railway Board  PNM Meeting has been fixed for 6-7 February, 2013: Agenda Item from Item No. 1 to 27 on various issues published by AIRF are reproduced here:-

Item No.1: Sub: Transfer of staff working in sensitive post – Problem of Children Education

Item No.2: A. Sub: Wrong implementation of MACP Scheme in IT Cadre
B. Sub: Granting of financial benefit under MACP Scheme to EDP Staff


Item No.3: Sub: Augmenting of Railway Revenue – Creation of additional posts of Ticket Checking Staff/TTE and filling-up of existing vacancies

Item No.4: Sub: Accident Free Service Certificates

Item No.5: Sub: Extending coverage of RELHS to medically invalidated employees

Item No.6: Sub: Entitlement of Child Care Leave

Item No.7: Sub: Genuine grievances of AC Mechanics in Technician grades
(a) Non-availability of sitting accommodation in AC Coach
(b) Non-availability of Tool Box in the AC Coach

Item No.8: Sub: Extension of scope of LARSGESS

Item No.9: Sub: Implementation of recommendations of the Joint Committee on Package and Allowance to Trackmen

Item No.10: Sub: Earmarking of posts for promotion of Non-Appendix 3 IREM Qualified Accounts Assistants in the merged cadre of Sr. SO(A/Cs) and SO(A/Cs)

Item No.11: Sub: Filling-up the posts of Bridge Inspector Grade-III/Junior Engineer (Bridge) (pre-revised pay scale Rs.1400-2300/9300-34800, PB-II GP Rs.4200)

Item No.12: Sub: Fixation of Pay of Section Officers of the Accounts Department who were promoted after 1.1.2006 opting to switch over to revised pay structure from the date of promotion under Rule 5 of RS(RP) Rules, 2008

Item No.13: Sub: Permission sought for holding of Special Appendix III(IREM) Examination for filling up of posts of Section Officer(Accounts), TIAs and ISAs by N.F. Railway and other Railways

Item No.14: Sub: Implementation of judgement of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, delivered on 30.09.2011 against Petition(s) for Special Leave to Appeal(Civil) No(S) 20041/2008–Union of India & Ors. Vs Sarju

Item No.15: Sub: Appointment on compassionate grounds in the event of death of husband and wife who are both Railway employees

Item No.16: A. Sub: Payment of Running Allowance to medically de-categorized Running Staff kept on  supernumerary posts
B. Sub: Fixation of pay of medically de-categorised Running Staff while kept on super- numerary posts – Grant of benefits of Running Allowance

Item No.17: Sub: Retention of Railway accommodation at the previous place of posting in case of staff posted in newly formed Divisions

Item No.18: Sub: Revision of rate of incentive for acquiring higher academic/technical education during service

Item No.19: Sub: Eligibility criteria for accommodation in empanelled hospitals

Item No.20: A. Sub: Classification of Railway Services consequent upon introduction of RS(RP) Rules, 2008 – Eligibility for Selection to Group `C’ post in General Categories
B. Sub: Consideration of staff in erstwhile group `D’ categories since upgraded as group  `C’ for promotion to the posts of Stenographers(GP Rs.2400), Hindi Asstt. Gr.II(GP) Rs.2800

Item No.21: Sub: Serious injustice done to the category of Claims Tracers

Item No.22: Sub: Sanction of additional staff for manning newly constructed railway lines opened for traffic

Item No.23: Sub: Provision of compassionate ground appointment in place of medically de-categorized Railway employees

Item No.24 Sub: Modification of RITES Incentive Scheme – Approval of the Railway Board

Item No.25: Sub: Sanction of adequate manpower for Central Hospital, West Central Railway, Jabalpur

Item No.26: Sub: Reckoning of Running Allowance as Pay for the purpose of deduction of Income Tax –Enhancement in ceiling limit reg.

Item No.27: Sub: Issue of Complimentary Passes/PTOs(on terms same to PTOs on Railway employees)

See all above items in detail:


Item No.1
Sub: Transfer of staff working in sensitive post – Problem of Children Education
With the advent of the time, most of the Railway staff have become more and more conscious about the education of their children, because in the present competitive market, it is absolutely necessary that children do get proper education so that they can withstand themselves in the present scenario. Naturally, the parents are also very much concerned about the education and future career of their children.

As per Railway Board’s orders contained in their letter No.E(NG)I-2009/TR/7 dated 04.03.2012, the staff working on sensitive posts are subjected to periodical transfer after working for 4 years or more on a particular post. The orders provide that while transferring staff due care is to be taken regarding their academic session.

On account of resources constrains, the admission of the children during the currency of academic session is quite difficult. In case orders of transfer of the staff working on sensitive posts are issued without taking due care of the educational session of their children, it becomes quite difficult for them to get their children admitted in the schools/colleges at the places to which they are transferred, as such due care needs to be taken in this regard while issuing such transfer orders.

The Board are, therefore, urged upon that the staff working on sensitive posts who have to undergo periodical transfer, are not transferred between the academic sessions to ensure that the education of their children does not suffer.

Item No.2
A. Sub: Wrong implementation of MACP Scheme in IT Cadre

EDP Centres have been converted into IT Centres by the Railway Board w. e. f. 01.04.2005. Owing to this, EDP Cadre have been converted into IT Cadre and initial post of the cadre has been upgraded from erstwhile Gr. Rs. 4500-7000(RSRP)(new Gade Pay is Rs. 2800) to Rs. 5000-8000(RSRP)(new Grade Pay is Rs. 4200). But in most of the Zones(except in CR, SER and NFR), when implementing new MACP Scheme, Railway administration are wrongly interpreting this upgradation as promotion. Resultantly, IT staff are loosing their due benefit. In many Supreme Court and CAT judgments it is already mentioned that, upgradation cannot be treated as promotion

Some instances are mentioned here to clear our viewpoint:-

(i) An employee, viz. `A`, got direct recruitment in Railways as Data Entry Operator in 1991 in Gr. Rs. 1350-2200(RPS)(new Grade Pay is Rs.2800)(suppose he do not got any promotion) got Gr. Rs.5000-8000 (RSRP)(New Grade Pay is Rs.4200) in 01.04.2005 on upgradtion of the cadre. Actually, he should get 1st ACP in 2003(under old scheme) in Gr. Rs.5000-8000(RSRP)(new Grade Pay Rs.4200), 2nd MACP in 2011 in Grade Pay Rs.4800, treating him in Grade Pay Rs. 4200 w.e.f. 1991, and so on but the Railway Administration is awarding him 2nd ACP in 2011 only in Grade Pay Rs.4600 and so on.

(ii) An another employee, viz. `B’, got recruitment in Railways as Sr. Clerk in 1990 in Gr. Rs.1200-2040(RPS)(New Grade Pay Rs.2800) and got selected as Data Entry Operator in 1995 (suppose he also do not got any promotion in EDP Cadre) got Gr. Rs. 5000-8000(RSRP)(new Grade Pay is Rs.4200) on 01.04.205 on upgradation of the cadre. Actually, he should get 1st ACP in 2002(under old scheme) in Gr. Rs.5000-8000(RSRP)(new Grade Pay Rs.4200), 2nd MACP on 01.09.2008 in Grade Pay Rs.4600, treating him in Grade Pay Rs.4200 w.e.f. 1995 and 3rd MACP in 2015 in Grade Pay Rs.4800 but the administration is awarding him 2nd MACP in 2010 in Grade Pay Rs.4600 and the 3rd MACP in Grade Pay Rs.4800 in 2020.

Darkest side of this episode is that, about twenty per cent staff came in the cadre from different technician categories are not getting any benefit under the MACP scheme due to above quoted wrong interpretation.

Hence, sheer injustice is being done with the staff of IT Cadre. MACP scheme is only ray of hope for most of group `C’ staff of the Indian Railway due to less promotion avenue.

The Board are, therefore, requested to treated Grade Pay Rs.4200 as Recruitment Grade in case of the staff of IT Cadre since the date of their entry in erstwhile EDP Cadre while implementing MACP Scheme, whether their entry in the cadre is on permanent post or on ex-cadre post.


B. Sub: Granting of financial benefit under MACP Scheme to EDP Staff
Ref: (i) Railway Board’s letter No.PC-V/2011/M/3/AIRF dated 12.03.2012
(ii) AIRF’s letter No.AIRF/MACP(62) dated 14.3. 2012

Railway Board vide their letter No.2002/AC-III(CC)/37/8 dated 16.11.2006 have modified their orders contained their earlier letter dated 17.11.2004 on the subject.

Since these are revised orders, these should take precedent over the orders issued on 17.11.2004.
Para 5(a & b) of Railway Board’s letter dated 16.11.2006 did never mention that this is a case of promotion, rather it has been clearly stated that the DEOs working in grade Rs.4500-7000 will be considered for absorption/placement in the post of JE(IT) Grade-II(Rs.5000-8000).

Since these are rock bottom minimum of the IT cadre pay scale, these should be treated as a starting point and MACP should be granted, taking all the past services rendered by such staff into account.

Thus MACP is due to them, the Board are requested to review the matter accordingly and issue revised orders for granting of MACP in favour of these set of employees, treating pay scale Rs.5000-8000(GP Rs.4200) as minimum grade pay.


 Item No.3
Sub: Augmenting of Railway Revenue – Creation of additional posts of Ticket Checking Staff/TTE and filling-up of existing vacancies
The trailing load of Passenger/Mail/Express/Shatabadi/Jan Shatabadi/Rajdhani Express has been increased, and in some trains up to 24 coaches. A number of additional trains are also introduced every year on Indian Railways, but the strength of the Ticket Checking Staff/Travelling Ticket Examiner has not been increased proportionately. Rather, existing vacancies are also not been filled-up, allowing passengers to travel without ticket, resulting in huge loss of revenue to the Railways.

As an example, in Central Railway, there are 360 vacancies of Ticket Checking Staff. Central Railway has placed necessary indent to the RRB/Mumbai and also before other RRBs, but there is no response from the RRBs in this regard.

It is urged that additional posts of Ticket Checking Staff be created to cope-up with additional workload of Ticket Checking Staff and also to fill-up the existing vacancies by calling volunteers from the serving employees.

Similar is the situation in Southern Railway, where FA&CAO is not honouring the orders of the Railway Board and is adamant to create only 50% posts according to present yardstick. The weightage of general coaches and EMUs is not being accounted for without any reason.

AIRF has already drawn attention of the Railway Board vide letter No.AIRF/76( ) dated 22.08.2011 and demands that creation should be done as per present yardstick and the Railways should not be pressurized for matching value.

It is absolutely needed that the Railway Board should meet with the requirement and no matching saving should not be insisted for creation of posts required for manning new assets.

It is, therefore, urged that additional posts of Ticket Checking Staff be created to cope up with the additional workload and also to fill-up the existing vacancies by calling applications from the volunteer serving employees.

Item No.4
Sub: Accident Free Service Certificates
As per practice in vogue, Accident Free Service Certificates are issued to the Running Staff on their retirement, if they have an Accident Free Service record.

Such certificates are not issued to C&W, S&T, Electrical and Permanent Way Staff and other staff who are equally responsible for safe running of trains and ensure that the rakes/wagons, signalling, OHE, rolling stock and permanent way are fit in all respect for safe running of the trains, which the Running Staff work. Their role in ensuring safe running of trains without any accident is also undeniable and important.

This being the fact, there is no reason why C&W, S&T, Electrical and P. Way Staff and other staff responsible for safe running of trains should not be considered for Accident Free Service Certificates if rakes/wagons, signalling, electrical, OHE, rolling stock and permanent way attended to by them are not involved in any accident.

It is urged that C&W, S&T, Electrical and Permanent Way Staff and other staff who are equally responsible for safe running of trains should also be awarded Accident Free Service Certificates on their retirement, in case they have Accident Free Service.

Item No.5
Sub: Extending coverage of RELHS to medically invalidated employees
Ref: AIRF’s letter No.AIRF/101(323) dated 28.07.2007

The RELHS, being a popular scheme, has been widely accepted by the retired railway employees and more and more retired personnel are opting for it each time the membership to the scheme is re-opened. The existing eligibility criteria for entitlement to join this scheme is minimum qualifying service of 20 years.

There are many instances which have been brought before the Federation(AIRF), wherein serving Railway employees have been injured/decapitated while on duty or otherwise, leading to their medical invalidation followed by voluntary retirement. In a number of such, the employees in question may not have completed 20 years of qualifying service, and as such denied enrollment to RELHS as per the existing criteria.

Here it needs to be appreciated that the medically invalidated staff do require frequent medical attention and sometimes need costly medical care. Under these circumstances, keeping such invalidated employees outside the preview of RELHS, is most unfair and unjust. It virtually amounts to denial of medical care to those who need it most.

It is, therefore, urged that the eligibility criteria of 20 years qualifying service may be relaxed, particularly in case of those employees who were/are medically de-categorized/invalidated, resulting in their voluntary retirement.

Item No.6
Sub: Entitlement of Child Care Leave
Ref: AIRF’s letter No.AIRF/50(95) dated 18 April, 2011 and 19 April, 2012

As per recommendation of the VI CPC and in terms of Board’s letter dated 23.10.2008, Child Care Leave has been introduced for Women Railway employees up to a cumulative maximum period of two years, i.e. 730 days.

In the event of immature death of wife and till re-marriage of the employee, there is hardly anybody to look after the child.

In one instance, brought to the notice of the Federation(AIRF), the husband and wife both happened to be Railway employees having one son aged 8 years. The wife expired under tragic circumstances on 23.10.2006. The husband who has not remarried and is working as TTE is required to be away from home for long spells in all the three shifts on account of his duty. This severely compromises in the care and upbringing of his 8 year old child. In order to partly offset the adversity, the employee has desired that he be allowed to avail Child Care Leave. Though this specific case has come to the notice of this Federation there are bound to be many others in our 14 lakh strong railway families who are similarly placed and which merit sympathetic consideration.

In the light of circumstances brought out above, AIRF feels it appropriate that the proviso of Child Care Leave, introduced in terms of Board letter dated 23.10.2008, may also be made applicable to Male Railway employees who are widowers/single parent and are having children below 18 years of age.

Item No.7
Sub: Genuine grievances of AC Mechanics in Technician grades
(a) Non-availability of sitting accommodation in AC Coach

AC Mechanics are performing duty throughout the run of their coach and during stabling hours for the maintenance of AC and security of AC equipments besides charging of the coaches at the destination and enroute. This entails a continuous duty for almost 15 to 20 hours besides 8 to 10 hours of stabling. But unfortunately these essential staff are not provided with any accommodation in the coach because only the ACCA is provided accommodation outside the coach, which he occupies for himself and bedrolls and cannot share it with the AC Mechanic. The obvious impact of the set back causes continuous standing to AC Mechanic and discomfort leading to serious ailments in the long run such as joint pains, exhaustion and frequent sickness etc. besides high BP and cardiac problems. Owing to declining health, their service to the onboard passengers is also affected. Hence, as a measure of ameliorating the working conditions of these highly productive essential staff, their demand for provision of exclusive accommodation in AC Coach may be piloted.

The Board are requested to issue necessary instructions to the Zonal Railways to make available accommodation in the AC Coaches with a view to mitigate the hardship being faced by the AC Mechanics during their duty and stay at out stations.

(b) Non-availability of Tool Box in the AC Coach
AC Mechanics carry a lot of vital tools for repair and upkeep of the AC equipment both on run as well as during stabling hours. But virtually there is no space earmarked for keeping their tools, which is very essential.

Railway Board are requested to issue necessary instructions to the Railways for provision of a tool box in the AC Coach.

Item No.8
Sub: Extension of scope of LARSGESS
Safety Related Retirement Scheme(SRRS) was first introduced by the Railway Board vide their letter No.E(P&A)I-2001/RT-2(KW) dated 02.01.2004. The nomenclature of the said scheme has been modified as Liberalized Active Retirement Scheme for Guaranteed Employment for Safety Staff (LARSGESS) with Grade Pay Rs.1800, and the condition of Qualifying Service was brought down from 33 years to 20 years and the eligibility age group was changed from 55-57 years to 50-57 years. The scheme has been further extended to the eligible categories working in GP Rs.1900. the scheme has also been decentralized from Zonal to Divisional control. Physical Efficiency Test(PET) has been done away with vide Railway Board’s letter No.E(P&A)I-2010/RT-2 dated 17.05.2012. But the problems of past cases of those wards who could not succeed in the PET are yet to be resolved in certain Railways.

In Operating Department, Leverman category has been included in the list of Safety Category. Leverman Grade I and Cabinman Gr. II are in identical Grade Pay of Rs.1900 and they are interchangeable.

In some Railways also the staff in Grade Pay of Rs.1900 have been designated as Cabinman, but they have been denied to be included in the list of Safety Category by the Zonal Railways. Khalasi and Khalasi Helper in Grade Pay Rs.1800 and Fitter of corresponding category in Grade Pay Rs.1900 have been included in the list of Safety Categories for LARSGESS, but the Khalasi and Khalasi Helper and Fitter etc. of Engineering Workshop have been left behind. These categories also need to be included in the list of Safety Categories and brought under the purview of LARSGESS.

It is further pointed out that the designation “Fitter”, as mentioned in the Annexure to Railway Board’s letter No. No.E(P&A)I-2010/RT-2 dated 11.09.2010 also needs to be modified as “Technician” so that there is no confusion prevailing on Zonal Railways on this account and the Miscellaneous Categories of Technician, i.e. Welder, Turner, Machinist, Carpenter, Mill-Wright etc. working in sheds, depots and workshops should also be brought under the purview of this scheme.

In respect of Written Examination, AIRF has been regularly pursuing the Railway Board to do away with the Written Test as the employment is given in Grade Pay Rs.1800 on the analogy of appointment on compassionate ground. The former Hon’ble MR had also assured for the same.

The Board are, therefore, requested to take a holistic view on the above issues.

Item No.9
Sub: Implementation of recommendations of the Joint Committee on Package and Allowance to Trackmen
On the persistent demands of All India Railwaymen’s Federation, a Joint Committee was formed to go into the problems of the Trackman/Gateman/Trolleyman/Watchman/Keyman/Mate etc., and accordingly a Joint Committee was formed by the Railway Board in terms of notification No.2009/E&R/200/7 dated 26.02.2010 on the following matters:-

(i) Service and working conditions of Railway staff need to be improved.

(ii) There is no career growth in the Trackman/Gateman/Keyman category and they retire in the recruitment grade despite miserable working conditions.

(iii) Hon’ble Railway Minister was requested to take initiative for rectifying their situation. The Hon’ble Railway Minister interjected and announced that a committee shall be constituted to consider all aspects in regard to Trackman/Gateman/Keyman categories for improving their career.

(iv) Special package be given to Trackmen because of their working in arduous conditions. The Hon’ble MR desired that a Joint Committee in association with the Federations to resolve the issues of Package and Career Progression of the Trackmen.

The said Joint Committee submitted its unanimous report to the Railway Board on 28.06.2011.

The Joint Committee after deliberations had recommended to restructure the cadre of Trackman/Gateman/Trolleyman/Watchman/Keyman/Mate etc. as follows:-

Grade Pay Rs.2800 10%
Grade Pay Rs.2400 20%
Grade Pay Rs.1900 20%
Grade Pay Rs.1800 50%

The Committee also made its recommendations on Package and Allowances including working tools, uniform, working and living conditions etc.

The Railway Board vide their letter No.2010/CE-I(Spl)/GNS/15(Pt.) dated 17.08.2012(RBE No.91/2012) have however issued orders, wherein the recommendations of the Joint Committee have unfortunately been diluted/watered down by the Railway Board as under:-

Grade Pay     Percentag  Recommended      PercentageGranted
Rs.2800                      10%                               3%
Rs.2400                      20%                                 6%
Rs.1900                       20%                              20%
Rs.1800                      50%                               71%

This has resulted in shocking effect on the whole cadre of Track Maintenance Staff.

It is, therefore, urged that the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Package and Career Progression of Trackmen be accepted and implemented in toto as these are the unanimous recommendations of the said committee formed by the Ministry of Railways. The other recommendations in respect of working tools, working and living conditions may also be implemented in letter and spirit.

Item No.10
Sub: Earmarking of posts for promotion of Non-Appendix 3 IREM Qualified Accounts Assistants in the merged cadre of Sr. SO(A/Cs) and SO(A/Cs)
Ref: AIRF’s letter No.AIRF/5-A dated 20.7.2011

Before implementation of the recommendations of the VI CPC, 5% posts of SOs(Accounts) and Sr. SOs(Accounts) were earmarked for Non-Appendix 3 IREM qualified Accounts Staff working in Accounts Department of the Indian Railways. Consequent upon implementation of VI CPC recommendations, the cadre of SO(Accounts) and Sr. SO(Accounts) stands merged. The All India Railwaymen’s Federation has, therefore, requested to provide 5% of the posts in the combined strength of SOs(Accounts) and SSOs(Accounts) for the above purpose vide letter dated 20.7.2011.

The Railway Board vide their letter No.PC-V/98/1/11/23(Pt) dated 14.7.2011(RBE No.106/2011) have earmarked only 1% of the merged cadre of Sr. SOs(Accounts) and SOs(Accounts) instead of 5%. On the basis of these orders, considering the combined strength of erstwhile Sr. SOs(Accounts) and SOs (Accounts), not even a single post works out for promotion of Non-Appendix 3 IREM Qualified Accounts Assistant. This has virtually deprived the Non-Appendix 3 IREM Qualified Accounts Assistants from getting promotion while facility was earlier available for them before merger of the erstwhile Sr. SO(Accounts) and Sr. SO(Accounts).

The Board are, therefore, requested to increase the above percentage to 5% so as to enable Non-Appendix 3 IREM Qualified Accounts Assistants to get their due benefit.

Item No.11
Sub: Filling-up the posts of Bridge Inspector Grade-III/Junior Engineer(Bridge)(pre-revised pay scale Rs.1400-2300/9300-34800, PB-II GP Rs.4200)
Ref: AIRF’s letter No.AIRF/371(273) dated 21.8.2012

 The existing recruitment pattern for Bridge Inspector Grade-III/Junior Engineer(Bridge) as per para 146(1) of IREM Vol. I is as under:-

(i) 75% by Direct Recruitment from open market through Railway Recruitment Boards from amongst the Polytechnic Diploma holders; and

(ii) 25% by promotion through positive act of selection from Bridge Mistries.

Unlike the above, the recruitment pattern for Junior Engineers in all other departments of the Railway, including Jr. Engineer(Track Machine) as per para 146 A(1) of IREM Vol. I is:-

(i) 50% plus any shortfall of Intermediate Apprentice Quota as at (iii) below from open market through the RRBs from amongst the Polytechnic Diploma holders.

(ii) 25% by promotion through normal selection.

(iii) 25% by induction as Intermediate Apprentice from amongst the technicians having qualification of ITI/Act Apprenticeship in the relevant trade or 10+2 in Science stream with a minimum 3 years service in Skilled Technician Grade-III and above, satisfactory service report with respect to application of work, attendance and general conduct, below 45 years of age, through the process of selection(on application basis). Service for the purpose of this clause will not include the training of 3 years imparted to Matriculates recruited for appointment in the Skilled Technician Grade-III.

It would, therefore, in the fitness of the thing that the recruitment pattern in the Bridge Department under Civil Engineering may also be revised in the present context on par with recruitment of Junior Engineers of other departments, i.e. Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and S&T etc., i.e. (i) 50% plus any shortfall of Intermediate Apprentice Quota as at (iii) below from open market through RRBs from amongst Polytechnic Diploma holders; (ii) 25% by promotion by normal selection; (iii) 25% by induction as Intermediate Apprentices from amongst technicians having qualification of ITI/Act Apprenticeship in relevant trade or 10+2 in Science stream with a minimum 3 years service in Skilled Technician Grade-III and above, satisfactory service report with respect to application of work, attendance and general conduct below 45 years of age, through the process of selection(on application basis). Service for the purpose of this clause will not include the training of 3 years imparted to Matriculates recruited for appointment in the Skilled Technician Grade-III) to establish parity.

The Board are, therefore, requested to modify the recruitment pattern of Bridge Inspector Grade-III/
Junior Engineer(Bridge) as suggested above.

Item No.12
Sub: Fixation of Pay of Section Officers of the Accounts Department who were promoted after 1.1.2006 opting to switch over to revised pay structure from the date of promotion under Rule 5 of RS(RP) Rules, 2008
Ref: (i) Railway Board’s Notification No.RBE No.103/2008 dated 4.9.2008 and their letter No.PC-VI/2008/I/RSRP/1 dated 11.09.2008(RBE No.124/2008)
(ii) AIRF’s letter No.AIRF/5(36) dated 3.2.2012

Proviso to Rule 5 of Railway Services(Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 states as under:-
“Provided further that in cases where a Railway servant has been placed in a higher pay scale between 1.1.2006 and the date of notification of these Rules on account of promotion, upgradation of pay scale etc., the Railway servant may elect to switch over to the revised pay structure from the date of such promotion, upgradation etc.”

However, fixation of pay to those Section Officers who opted to withdrawal of pay in the revised pay structure after 1.1.2006 has been defined under Rule 11 of RS(RP) Rules, 2008.

As per revised pay structure, under RS(RP) Rules, 2008, the Section Officer and Sr. Section Officer of the Accounts Department have been placed in PB-II with GP Rs.4800, merging the pre-revised grades of Rs.6500-10500 and Rs.7450-11500. The pay of the Section Officers who were promoted between 1.1.2006 and the date of Notification of RS(RP) Rules, 2008, who opted to switch over to revised pay scales under these RS(RP) Rules with effect from the date of promotion, is not being properly fixed by the Railway Administrations. In this connection, attention of the Railway Board is drawn towards TA&AD Service circular dated 13.6.2011, which clarifies the issue and elaborates the rules, stating applicability of fitment table of higher pay scales, i.e. fitment table of Rs.7500-12000(corresponding to Rs.9300-34800 + GP Rs.4800 under VI CPC) annexed with the Notification. Recommendations of the VI CPC deal the Accounts Cadre of the Railways in the same chapter along with all Organized Accounts Cadre including TA&AD Service under Chapter 7.56, thereby meaning that fixation of pay as recommended by the VI CPC and accepted by the Central Government, is same for all the offices of the Central Government Bodies/ Ministries in the case of Accounts Staff.

The Board are, therefore, requested to clarify the issue in the light of TA&AD Service’s circular dated 13.6.2011, as a reference from Northern Railway Administration is already pending with the Railway Board vide Northern Railway Administration’s letter dated 30.9.2010, so as to facilitate proper fixation of pay of above-mentioned staff on the Railways.

Item No.13
Sub: Permission sought for holding of Special Appendix III(IREM) Examination for filling up of posts of Section Officer(Accounts), TIAs and ISAs by N.F. Railway and other Railways
Ref: (i) GM/NFR’s D.O. letter No.PNO/AD/61/14 Pt. IV dated 12.12.2011
(ii) AIRF’s letter No.AIRF/5(353) dated 21.12.2011

The General Manager, N.F. Railway, Maligaon, vide letter No.PNO/AD/61/14 Pt. IV dated 12.12.2011 has sought permission from the Railway Board for holding Special Appendix III(IREM) Examination to filling-up large number of vacancies in the category of Section Officer(Accounts), TIAs and ISAs. This reference has been made by the General Manager, N.F. Railway under pressing situation, which he has explained in his aforesaid letter.

Similar references have been made by some other Zonal Railways also, viz. South Central Railway, South Western Railway and Southern Railway for seeking permission for holding the said examination.

It is pertinent to mention here that similar examinations were conducted for Section Officer (Accounts), TIAs and ISAs by N.F. Railway with the due approval of the Railway Board, the result of which was encouraging in the matter of filling up of the vacancies in these categories.

The Board are, therefore, requested to communicate necessary approval for relaxation in the matter of holding Appendix III Examination to N.F. Railway and other three Railways as mentioned above.

Item No.14
Sub: Implementation of judgement of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, delivered on 30.09.2011 against Petition(s) for Special Leave to Appeal(Civil) No(S) 20041/2008–Union of India & Ors. Vs Sarju
Ref: AIRF’s letter No.AIRF/227(223) dated 28.6.2012

Union of India & Others had filed a Petition(S) for Special leave to Appeal(Civil) No(S) 20041/2008 (from the judgement and orders dated 12.12.2007 in CWJC No.9604/2006 of the High Court of Patna). The Special Leave Petition has been dismissed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India with the directions:-
“… The petitioners are directed to calculate the pension and other retiral benefits payable to the respondents keeping in view the directions given by the Tribunal and pay the arrears within next three months…”
This issue was raised by the AIRF during the preamble of the meeting of the DC/JCM, held on 26-
27.06.2012, requesting treatment of half the period of Casual Service and full period of Temporary Status
for retiral benefits.

 All India Railwaymen’s Federation has made a reference to Railway Board vide letter dated 28.6.2012 supra, enclosing a copy of the judgement of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, requesting the Railway Board to extend the benefit of half period of casual service and full period of temporary status for computing retirement benefits, however, no instructions on this issue seems to have been issued by the Railway Board till date.

It is, therefore, urged that necessary instructions on the above subject may be issued for implementing the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s judgement without further delay.

Item No.15
Sub: Appointment on compassionate grounds in the event of death of husband and wife who are both Railway employees
Ref: AIRF’s letter No.AIRF/226/AIRF/446(130) dated 10.4.2012

There are situations where both husband and wife were Railway employees. In case of death of one of them during service, appointment on compassionate ground was offered to the eldest child.

Consequent upon death of either husband or wife, the surviving Railway employee, as the case may be, re-married with someone and there was a child born after second marriage. Subsequently, the surviving Railway employee also expired while in service and his surviving wife or husband applied for appointment in compassionate ground in favour of the child. Such appointments on compassionate ground are refused by the Railway Administrations in terms of Railway Board’s letter No.E(NG) II/86/RC-1/1 Policy dated 02.06.1997, which stipulates that only one compassionate ground appointment is available either on the death of the husband or the wife whichever event occurs first.

This stipulation is highly unfair as the ward who was offered appointment on compassionate ground on the event of death of either of the two Railway employees, i.e. husband and wife, establishes his/her own family separately and does not support the younger wards who are born after the re-marriage of the survivor in the event of death of the second Railway employee.

The Board are, therefore, requested to modify these instructions to allow compassionate ground appointment to the other ward in the event of death of second Railway employee(husband/wife), a reference in this regard from the General Manager, South Western Railway vide their letter No.SWR/P.268/269/ PNM/SWRMU & NRMS dated 15.10.2009 is already pending with the Railway Board.

Item No.16
A. Sub: Payment of Running Allowance to medically de-categorized Running Staff kept on  supernumerary posts
Ref: AIRF’s letter No.AIRF/97(XI)/AIRF/88(175) dated 4.7.2011 and 22.3.2012.

Western Railway administration is denying payment of ALK to medically de-categorized Running Staff who
are kept on supernumerary posts. This issue having been raised by the said affiliate of AIRF at their GM level PNM meeting was referred to Railway Board vide Western Railway’s letter No.E(P&A) 77/2/8/RJT dated 7.12.2008, in reply of which Railway Board have clarified vide their letter No.E(NG) I-2009/RE-3/9 dated 11.8.2010 that ALK is specifically admissible to the Running Staff while they are posted to perform specified non-running duties and the same is not payable to medically de-categorized staff placed on special supernumerary posts. Not only this but also medically-de-categorized Running Staff seeking voluntary retirement on this account and not accepting alternative job offered to them are being denied retirement benefits by reckoning 55% pay elements of Running Allowance for the purpose of retirement benefits. The General Manager, Western Railway, has accordingly issued instructions vide letter No.E(P&A) 85/33 dated 25.10.2010 to all the divisions of Western Railway to stop payment of ALK etc. to medically de-categorized Running Staff placed on special supernumerary posts.

Railway Board’s instructions issued vide letter supra denying payment of ALK to medically de-categorized staff placed on supernumerary posts as also denial of reckoning 55% of pay element of Running Allowance in case of payment of settlement dues on seeking retirement and reviewing the issue of pay fixation by reckoning 30% of Running Allowance are not in order but in contravention to extant ruling in regard to payment of these allowances as detailed in RSPA 1981. These instructions also do violate the provision contained in Section 47(1) of the Persons with Disabilities(Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, Board’s letter No.E(NG) I-2004/RE-3/9 dated 7.12.2005, judgment of Hon’ble Supreme Court in case of Kunal Singh V/S Union of India (SC 132) and Codal Provisions. Evidently, para 1305 and 1307 of the IREM Volume-I (1989 Edition) are not relevant in such cases as they relate to medically de-categorized staff for their absorption in alternative posts.

It is pertinent to mention here that para 1303 of the IREM Volume-I(1989 Edition) as amended by ACS No.179, circulated vide Board’s letter No.E(NG)I-2004/RE-3/9 dated 7.12.2005(RBE No.210/5) clearly states that, if medically de-categorized Railway Servant cannot be immediately adjusted against or absorbed in any suitable alternative post, he may be placed on a special supernumerary post in the same grade in which the employee concerned was working on regular basis before being declared medically unfit with the same pay scale and allied service benefit. It is very clear that the Running Staff getting pay and ALK repeat pay and Running Allowance on the date prior to his/her medically de-categorisation will continue to get same pay and ALK during the period in which he/she continues to be kept on special supernumerary post.

So far as fixation of pay by computing Basic Pay + 30% of such pay in lieu of Running Allowance, as may
be in force, is concerned, the same is dealt under Rule 1313 of IREM Vol. I(1989 Edition) and this is applicable to medically de-categorized Running Staff absorbed in alternative category/post and not for one who is placed against special supernumerary posts.

As regards payment of 55% Pay Element of Running Staff to medically de-categorized Running Staff retiring without being absorbed in alternative stationary post, reference is invited to Para 924(iii) of IREM Edition and proviso to Rule No.49, Chapter IV of Railway Service(Pension) Rules, 1993, wherein it is stipulated that for the purpose of retirement benefits, 55% of Basic Pay shall be taken into account in the case of Running Staff retired/retiring on or after 1.4.1979. Thus it is evident that medically de-categorized Running Staff retiring without being absorbed in alternative stationary post are also eligible for reckoning 55% of Pay Element of Running Allowance for the purpose of retirement benefits.

It is thus quite clear from the above explanation that Railway Board’s instructions and subsequent General Manager, Western Railway’s instructions contained in their letters dated 11.8.2010, 25.10.2010 and 24.11.2010 respectively are in violation of existing rules on the subject, as provided in IREM Vol. I (1989 Edition), provision containing Railway Service(Pension) Rules, 1993 and in contravention of the Act on the subject. These instructions are highly objectionable and causing severe heart burning to the Running Staff concerned.

Railway Board are, therefore, requested to reconsider their decision and issue fresh orders to follow the rules laid down in the IREM and withdraw their orders dated 11.8.2010 as this causes substantial financial loss to medically de-categorized Running Staff.

B. Sub: Fixation of pay of medically de-categorised Running Staff while kept on super- numerary posts – Grant of benefits of Running Allowance
Ref: (i) Railway Board’s letter No.E(NG)I-2009/RE-3/9 dated 5-10-2011
(ii) No.AIRF/55 dated 01.02.2012

Railway Board vide their letter under reference have decided that the pay of medically de-categorised Running Staff while they are kept on supernumerary posts, i.e. from the date they are declared medically unfit till the date they are absorbed in suitable alternative posts, need to be suitably fixed by addition of Pay Element of Running Allowance as may be in force(at present 30%). Their pay during this period will be fixed, based on their pay in Pay Band and Grade Pay Plus Pay Element of Running Allowance as may be in force(at present 30%).

It is unfortunate, that, the Railway Board have decided to fix their pay adding 30% without absorbing them in alternative posts in any department.

On the basis of above cited orders of the Railway Board, Zonal Railways are fixing the pay on the date of medical de-categorisation by adding 30% Pay Element, and if the employee wants to leave Railway Service by tendering Voluntary Retirement, Railways are refusing to add 55% of Pay Element for the settlement benefits, as their pay is fixed by adding 30% by treating them as non-Running Staff since their pay was already fixed.

Above orders of the Railway Board have created a situation where Running Staff are deprived of addition of 55% Pay Element in settlement benefit since their pay was already fixed by adding 30% Pay Element, i.e. they are losing 25% of the Pay Element.

Previously Running Staff used to give Voluntary Retirement either due to medical de-categorisation or otherwise after completion of 20 years of service and they were eligible for settlement dues by adding 55% Pay Element as they are Running Staff.

As per Railway Board’s letter, now Zonal Railways after fixing their pay by adding 30% Pay Element on medical de-categorisation and treating them as non-Running Staff even though they are not joined in any post and tendered Voluntary Retirement.

Board are requested to communicate suitable instructions to all the Zonal Railways for adding 55% Pay Element to all the medically de-categorised Running Staff who want to give Voluntary Retirement without absorption in any alternative posts after medical de-categorisation.

Item No.17
Sub: Retention of Railway accommodation at the previous place of posting in case of staff posted in newly formed Divisions

Railway Board vide letter No.E(G)2007 QR1-5 dated 26.10.2009 allowed to retain Railway accommodation at the previous place of posting in favour of staff/officers working in the newly formed Pune Division of Central Railway and Rangiya Division of N.F. Railway on normal rent up to 31.08.2009.

On account of shortage of accommodations at new place of posting, these set of employees could not get Railway quarters in new Divisions, and as such could not vacate the accommodation allotted to them at their previous place of posting. The retention of quarters at their previous place of posting is therefore beyond their control.

The Board are, therefore, requested to permit retention of Railway quarters at previous place of posting at normal rent in case of staff transferred to newly formed Divisions till they are able to get accommodation at their new place of posting.

Item No.18
Sub: Revision of rate of incentive for acquiring higher academic/technical education during service
The serving Railway employees, if acquire higher academic/technical qualification during service, which as well is beneficial for properly discharging their assigned duties/posts on which they are working, are allowed Rs.10,000 lump-sum amount in terms of Railway Board’s letter No.E(NG)I-94/IC2/5 dated 02.01.1996. This amount of incentive for acquiring higher qualification during service has not been revised for the past more than one and half decade, while the expenses incurred in acquiring such qualification have increased tremendously due to market inflation. Thus, this meagre amount of incentive has lost motivation for serving employees to acquire higher qualification that too beneficial for the Railways.

The Board are, therefore, urged upon to upwardly revise the rate of incentive paid to serving employees on acquiring higher academic/technical education w.e.f. 01.01.2006.

Item No.19
Sub: Eligibility criteria for accommodation in empanelled hospitals
With the implementation of VI CPC recommendations, there has been significant increase in Basic Pay of the Railway employees, as such Grade Pay of Rs.4200 and above is taken as criteria for facilities like First Class Pass, higher class accommodation etc. and the same is also a criteria for Special Ward accommodation in Railway hospitals.

The eligibility criteria for accommodation in recognized hospitals in case of non-gazetted Railway employees, as a result of implementation of VI CPC recommendations has to be decided by the Railway Board by amending the relevant provision under para 633 Note(i) of Indian Railway Medical Manual Volume 1 and the Basic Pay/Grade Pay eligibility limit for AC Single/Shared Room accommodation in recognized hospitals is also required to be clarified.

On account of non-revision of the aforesaid by the Railway Board after implementation of VI CPC recommendations, a lot of difficulties are being faced by the non-gazetted Railway staff in regard to proper accommodation in corporate hospitals which are recognized as Referral Hospitals, as a result of which, the employees with Grade Pay Rs.4200 are provided accommodation in General Ward.

South Central Railway Administration has, therefore, referred this issue to the Railway Board, but the Railway Board’s guidelines on the subject are yet to be issued.

AIRF therefore urges that necessary guidelines on the above subject matter may be circulated to Zonal Railways and Production Units at the earliest so that the non-gazetted Railway employees do not suffer any hardship in respect of getting proper accommodation in the corporate referral hospitals etc.

Item No.20
A. Sub: Classification of Railway Services consequent upon introduction of RS(RP) Rules, 2008 – Eligibility for Selection to Group `C’ post in General Categories
Ref: AIRF’s letter No.AIRF/88(106) dated 23.3.2012

The issue of filling-up certain categories of posts in Group `C’ from amongst the erstwhile Group `D’ Staff, i.e. in pre-revised scale of Rs.2550-3200, 2610-3540, 2650-4000 and 2750-4400, which have been placed in Pay Band-1(GP Rs.1800) and classified as Group `C’, has been referred to Railway Board by the General Manager, Western Railway vide letter No.E(HQ)839/32/93/1 Vol. II dated 20.4.2010 (photocopy enclosed), seeking necessary clarification, whether these employees should be called for General Departmental Selection to fill-up certain Group `C’ posts for which they used to be entitled before implementation of recommendations of VI CPC.

The Board are requested to communicate necessary clarification to the General Managers of the Indian Railways since in the absence of any ruling on this subject, the erstwhile Group `D’ staff, now classified as Group `C’, are deprived of being considered for promotion in certain categories of posts, which are open for the employees of all the departments.


B. Sub: Consideration of staff in erstwhile group `D’ categories since upgraded as group  `C’ for promotion to the posts of Stenographers(GP Rs.2400), Hindi Asstt. Gr.II(GP) Rs.2800
 Ref: (i) Railway Board’s letter No.E(NG)I/2010/PM1/22 dated 15.10.2010
(ii) AIRF’s letter No.AIRF/88(180) dated 21.5.2012

A number of erstwhile group `D’ staff working in various departments, possessing requisite educational qualification, have been eligible for being promoted as Hindi Asstt., Stenographer etc. prior to implementation of the recommendations of VI CPC.

As a result of re-classification of erstwhile group `D’ staff, placed in PB-I with GP Rs.1800, as group `C’ vide Railway Board’s letter under reference, some of the Railway administrations are not permitting them in the Selections being conducted under LDCE Quota for promotion as Hindi Asstt, Stenographer etc., while Board’s orders supra amply clarify the issue.

The Board are, therefore, requested to further clarify the matter, advising Railway administrations to permit erstwhile group `D’ staff, now placed in PB-1 with GP Rs.1800, to appear in the examination/LDCE being conducted for the posts for which they were eligible prior to issuance of Railway Board’s letter quoted above dated 15.10.2010.

Item No.21
Sub: Serious injustice done to the category of Claims Tracers

The category of Claims Tracers has been a sufferer both in the matter of allotment of pay scale and restructuring of the cadre.

Claim Tracers are promoted both from Commercial Clerk and Sr. Commercial Clerk in Grade Pay Rs.2000 and Rs.2800 respectively and Clerk and Sr. Clerk in Grade Pay Rs.1900 and Rs.2800 respectively.

All the posts of Asstt. Commercial Inspector and other categories which were in pay scale Rs.425-640 and Rs.455-700 were merged and granted pay scale of Rs.1400-2300 on the recommendation of 4th CPC. In 5th CPC term, the pay scale of Rs.1400-2300 was replaced by the pay scale of Rs.5000-8000, and on the recommendation of 6th CPC, both the pay scales Rs.5000-8000 and Rs.5500-9000 have been merged and Grade Pay Rs.4200 has been allotted to all of them.

Although the pay scale of Sr. Commercial Clerk has been upgraded from Rs.4000-6000 to Rs.4500-7000(in 5th CPC term) as per the recommendation of 6th CPC, the pay scale of Claim Tracers has not been upgraded to Rs.4500-7000 in 5th CPC term, as recommended by the VI CPC, however, the pay scale of Claims Tracer has not been upgraded, with the result this category is still placed in Grade Pay Rs.2400 in PB-1, whereas Sr. Commercial Clerks/Sr. Clerks have been Grade Pay of Rs.2800 w.e.f. 1.1.2006.


 Since Sr. Commercial Clerks/Sr. Clerks are placed in Grade Pay of Rs.2800 as per recommendations of the VI CPC w.e.f. 1.1.2006, the Grade Pay of Claims Tracers also needs to be upgraded to Rs.2800 to accord justice and parity to this vulnerable category of staff. It has also been brought to the notice of AIRF by our Eastern Railway affiliate that even the orders of restructuring, communicated vide Railway Board’s letter No.PC-III/78/UPG/8 dated 1.1.1979, have not been implemented on Eastern Railway till date.

The Board are, therefore, requested to allot upgraded pay scale, i.e. Grade Pay Rs.2800 to Claims Tracers and issue instructions to Eastern Railway for immediate implementation of Railway Board’s orders dated 1.1.1979 ibid without further delay.

Item No.22
Sub: Sanction of additional staff for manning newly constructed railway lines opened for traffic

It is a matter of great pride for all of us that the railway lines are being expended regularly and being opened for traffic use.

Obviously, it is completely a new activity, for which additional sanction of staff for operation and maintenance of these newly constructed railway lines, being opened for traffic use, are urgently required. However, on account of embargo of matching saving, the additional manpower is not being created for manning these newly constructed railway lines opened for traffic, both for operation and maintenance of the same.

Hence, it is urged that necessary sanction may be accorded for creation of additional posts to man newly constructed railway lines without insisting “Matching Surrender”.

Item No.23
Sub: Provision of compassionate ground appointment in place of medically de-categorized Railway employees
As per policy in vogue, in case of death of a Railway Servant while in service, appointment on compassionate ground is offered to the widow of the employee or his ward, if the widow is unable to do the job and gives No Objection in favour of the ward. In case of medically de-categorized employee, the appointment to the wife(spouse) is offered if she/he has no children or the children are of minor age at the time of offering appointment.

The wards in such cases are offered appointment on compassionate ground, in case the employee who is medically de-categorised has a minimum 5 years of service at his/her credit at the time of medical de-categorisation.

This discriminates appointment on compassionate ground in case of death or medical de-categorisation of serving Railway employee on account of which hardship is faced by the dependent family in getting appointment.

AIRF, therefore, urges that the policy of offering appointment on compassionate ground, in case the employee is medically de-categorized, should be liberalized so as to facilitate appointment of the wife/husband or the ward in case he/she so desires.

Item No.24
Sub: Modification of RITES Incentive Scheme – Approval of the Railway Board
The RITES Incentive Scheme was introduced w.e.f. 01.07.2002 with one year’s total run. Subsequently, trial was conducted and after a period of 5 years, review was undertaken including new wagons like BCN and BCNA apart from a lot of modification carried out from time to time by the RDSO.

It is understood that the revised report has been prepared by the RITES and submitted to the Railway Board in the year 2009 for modification of the scheme. No action, however, seems to have been taken by the Railway Board in this regard till date, as a result of which, the staff of wagon workshop Rynapadu, South Central Railway in particular are constrained to face acute hardship in meeting out the target on account of reduced manpower due to normal wastage.

AIRF deeply regrets that the proposed revised RITES Incentive Scheme is pending sanction of the Railway Board despite lapse of more than two years and urges that the scheme may be approved at the earliest so that modified Incentive Scheme is implemented with retrospective effect so as to ease out the situation to meet the target of production in wagon workshops etc.

Item No.25
Sub: Sanction of adequate manpower for Central Hospital, West Central Railway, Jabalpur
The building for Central Hospital, West Central Hospital, Jabalpur, has since been completed and is awaiting functioning. However, on account of non-availability of adequate manpower, this hospital is not being operational properly.

The Chief Medical Director, West Central Railway, Jabalpur, vide his letter No.WCR/hq/h/g/0105 dated 11.05.2011 has sent a proposal for sanctioning additional Medical and Paramedical Staff. Railway Board’s sanction to the proposal sent by the Chief Medical Director, West Central Railway, Jabalpur is still awaited, in the absence of which, the said Central Hospital is not functioning properly and the beneficiaries are facing acute hardship on this account.

It is, therefore, urged that necessary sanction of additional staff may be communicated to West Central Railway Administration at an early date so as to ensure smooth functioning of Central Hospital, West Central Railway, Jabalpur.

Item No.26
Sub: Reckoning of Running Allowance as Pay for the purpose of deduction of Income Tax –Enhancement in ceiling limit reg.
Ref: (i) Railway Board’s letter No.F(X)I-91/23/3 dated 28.12.2010,
(ii)AIRF’s letter No.AIRF/55(310) dated 19.10.2012

The limit of rebate in Income Tax deduction on Running Allowance(Kilometreage Allowance and ALK) was enhanced vide Railway Board’s letter under reference from Rs.6,000 per month to Rs.10,000 per month in terms of Ministry of Finance(Central Board of Direct Taxes)’s Notification No.S.O.2820(E) dated 28.11.2010.

There has been 25% increase in the rates of Running Allowance w.e.f. 01.01.2011, consequent upon Dearness Allowance having been increased above 50% vide Railway Board’s letter No.E(P&A)II-2005/RS-34 dated 28.06.2012. Naturally, total Running Allowance per month earning of the Running Staff has increased proportionately.

The ceiling limit of rebate as prescribed in Railway Board’s letter under reference, therefore, needs to be enhanced by 25% so that Running Staff may get actual 25% increased value of Running Allowance as Running Allowance is virtually paid in lieu of Travelling Allowance/Daily Allowance.

The Board are, therefore, requested to get the rebate limit on Income Tax computed on Running Allowance enhanced by 25%.

Item No.27
Sub: Issue of Complimentary Passes/PTOs(on terms same to PTOs on Railway employees)
Ref: (i) Railway Board’s letter No.E(W)2012/PS5-2/5 dated 27.09.2012
(ii) AIRF’s letter No.AIRF/82( ) dated 19.10.2012

Regular employees of Cooperative Credit Societies/Banks, including employees of Northern Zone Railway Employees Co-operative Thrift & Credit Society(NZRE CTC) were getting Complimentary Passes/PTOs as per entitlement under Clause 18(v) of Railway Servants (Pass) Rules, 1986 – Schedule VII(Special Passes) as amended from time to time. Complimentary Passes/PTOs to these regular employees were being issued in favour of themselves and their dependent family members as per Pass Rules applicable to Railway employees, but the number of such Passes/PTOs were being issued as prescribed under above cited clause of Pass Rules.

To our utter surprise, Railway Board vide their letter quoted above have issued clarification to Northern Railway Administration, wherein it has been stipulated that the facility of Complimentary Passes/PTOs for rail travel to regular employees of Co-operative Societies/Banks etc. shall not be applicable for their family members/dependent relatives, which is highly unfair. This would virtually deprive their family members of availing this privilege which they were enjoying for the last so many years.

The Board are, therefore, urged upon to review these orders of the Railway Board and dependent family members of the regular staff of the Co-operative Societies/Banks should also be covered in the Complimentary Passes/PTOs as hitherto, withdrawing the above orders forthwith.

Since this is a welfare issue, copy of the said letter issued by the Railway Board should have been invariably docketed to AIRF which has not been done in this case.

Source: http://airfindia.com/PNM/PNM%20Agenda_23.01.2013.pdf

Agenda of PNM meeting with Railway Board to be held on 06-07/02/2013: AIRF

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Filed Under: AIRF, RAILWAYS