MINUTES
of
The PNM Meeting
between
Railway Board
and
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
held
on 19th & 20th May, 2023

MINUTES OF THE PNM MEETING HELD BETWEEN RAILWAY BOARD AND NFIR ON 19TH & 20TH MAY, 2023

Section A- Introduction:

CRB & CEO as Chairman of the meeting addressed the gathering.

Shri Guman Singh, President/ NFIR, Shri M. Raghavaiah, General Secretary/ NFIR, other representatives of NFIR, members of the Official Side and my other colleagues in Railway Board, I extend a hearty welcome to all of you. I hope that the Agenda items of PNM with NFIR will be discussed and resolved fruitfully in this meeting.
I would like to mention that:-

• In recognition of importance attached by Government of India to Ministry of Railways, highest ever Capital allocation of Rs.2.40 lakhs cr has been made for infrastructure development during FY-2022-23 as against 2.15 lakhs cr during the previous year. It shows Government’s faith in Indian Railways.
• Indian Railways has transported 1512 MT of freight during FY 2022- 23 as compared to 1418 MT in FY 2021-22, thereby registering a significant growth of 6.63% in freight loading. This is the highest ever freight traffic carried by Indian Railways in a single financial year. For the month of April, 2023 also, we have recorded loading of 126.46 MT which is an increase over the April, 2022 figures.
• Indian Railways is making rapid progress to meet the ‘Mission 100% Electrification’ and has become the largest green railway network in the world. A record electrification of 6,542 RKM has been done during 2022-23 in the history of Indian Railways. The previous record during 2021-22 was of 6,366 RKM, thereby registering a growth of 2.76%.
• In case of new lines (laying of new lines/doubling/gauge conversion), 5243 kms have been achieved during 2022-23 as against 2909 kms in 2021-22. Thus, on an average, 14.4 km of track is laid every day. It is also the highest commissioning ever.
• Real-Time Train Information System (RTIS) associated with ISRO is being enforced by the Indian Railways for computerised chart preparation and passenger train data. A large number of digitally interlocked stations have been built, from old lever frames to computer based operating systems. To take advantage of digital technologies in train operations and to enhance safety, electronic interlocking is being adopted on a large scale.
• Indian Railways has upgraded 530 Kms with automatic signalling as compared to 218 Kms during 2021-22, registering an increase of 143.12%. It is also the best figures achieved in automatic signaling in the history of Indian Railways.
• Electronic interlocking has been provided at 538 stations during 2022-23 as compared to 421 stations in 2021-22, showing an increase of 27.79%.
• 1065 flyovers/underpasses have been made available during 2022-23 registering an increase of 7.14% as compared to 994 flyovers/underpasses in 2021-22 to facilitate the public to cross the tracks on the roads.
• 375 FOBs have been constructed during 2022-23 as against 373 FOBs in 2021-22 to facilitate the crossing of commuters/pedestrians.
• Safety of people at level crossings (level crossing or LC gates) has been a major concern. 880 level crossing gates to be removed during 2022-23 as against 867 level crossing gates in 2021-22.
• Indian Railways is giving priority to the development of ‘Gati Shakti Freight Terminals’ to increase its modal share in freight traffic. 30 freight terminals to be built during 2022-23 as against 21 freight terminals in 2021-22.
• Under the ‘Accessible India Campaign, Indian Railways is installing lifts and escalators at railway stations across the country to make movement on rail platforms accessible to physically challenged persons, old people and children. 215 lifts and 184 escalators have been installed during 2022-23 as against 208 lifts and 182 escalators in 2021-22.
• Indian Railways makes every effort to make optimum use of resources by mobilizing scrap material and selling it through e-auction. Scrap sale during 2022- 23 is Rs.5736 crore as compared to Rs.5316 crore in 2021-22, showing a growth of 7.90%.
• Yard remodelling was done in 414 stations during 2022-23 in Indian Railways.

I would also like to mention a few initiatives taken for HR Management and Staff Welfare:-

• On boarding of employees is being done through HRMS from February onwards and physical service records have been dispensed with.
• Implementation of BOS, Post Master, Seniority modules which are part of the Cadre Management modules is nearing completion in field units.
• Development of Reservation, MPP modules of Cadre Management module has been completed and currently undergoing testing.
• As part of our endeavour to bring in transparency in the system, for the first time in the history of Indian Railways Centralised Computer based examinations (CBT) for promotion to Group ‘B’ posts in Organised Services were introduced to reduce human interference and time taken for holding these selections.
  • 30% LDCE was successfully conducted through centralized CBT in November, 2022 against 249 vacancies and 164 candidates have since been empanelled.
  • 70% Selection for the vacancy cycle 2023-24 has also been conducted against 936 vacancies and finalization of results is under process. Similarly, preparations are in full swing for conducting its corresponding LDCE by mid- 2023 for approximately 350 vacancies.

• In the period from April, 2022 to February, 2023, 1,497 Selections, 6,126 Suitability tests, 3,220 Trade Tests, 725 LDCEs and 36 GDCEs have been completed. As a result of large number of Selection and Non-selection tests conducted, 131649 staff were promoted by the end of February, 2023.
• 5,619 Compassionate Ground cases have been given out of 6,287 pending cases i.e. around 90% cases have been finalised. Further 574 cases are less than 3 months old.
• 2,021 cases of medical de-categorization out of 2,217 cases have been finalized, which is more than 91% of the pendency and accrual.
• Directions for speedier disposal of mutual transfer and own request transfer cases have been issued. Resultantly, 5,297 case which is roughly 74% cases of mutual transfer have been implemented so far in the last financial year. 3,951 cases of own request transfer also have been considered along with 4,828 cases of inter- divisional transfer i.e. within the same Railway.
• Scout/Guide & Cultural quota recruitment was started this financial year after a gap of 2-3 years.
• Major policy directions/clarifications on reservation in promotion of PwBD staff, compassionate appointment in Level 7, waiver of type test requirement in ministerial categories for medically de-categorized staff, instructions on type test requirement for PwBD staff, revision in APARs of Level 1 staff etc have been issued.
• Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) and Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs) have taken special efforts to complete the ongoing recruitments namely CEN 01/2019 (NTPC categories), CEN RRC 01/2019 (Level 1) and CEN 03/2019 (Ministerial & Isolated categories).

• More than 80,000 candidates have been empanelled and more than 70,000 candidates are in process of being empanelled in various categories including safety categories of Station Masters, Train Managers, Track Maintainers, Poinstman and Assistants in various departments.
• The empanelment exercise of CEN-2/2018 was finally concluded this financial year and 61,524 numbers of candidates against 63,202 number of vacancies were empanelled.
• Further against the empanelment of candidates against CEN-RRC-01/2019, a record number of 50,000 candidates have been empanelled.
• Zonal Railways have done a good job of conducting PET, Document Verification and Medical Examination in record time of two months.
• More than 5500 ALPs, 3500 JEs, 6000 Technicians and 250 para medical staff have also been empanelled by RRBs filling up vacancies in critical categories.
• CCAAs candidates who have got training in Railway Establishments have been accorded benefit of giving one third weight age to NCVT marks while deciding merit as well as exemption from PET for recruitment to Level 1 posts.

I once again thank NFIR for their continued cooperation and also congratulate all Railwaymen for their performance and hard work.

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Indian railways latest news today

MINUTES
of
The PNM Meeting
between
Railway Board
and
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
held
on 15th & 16th July, 2022

MINUTES OF THE PNM MEETING HELD BETWEEN RAILWAY BOARD AND NFIR ON 15TH & 16TH JULY, 2022

MEMBERS PRESENT

SECTION – A: INTRODUCTION
CRB & CEO as Chairman of the meeting addressed the gathering.

Chairman, Railway Board & CEO welcomed Shri Guman Singh, President/NFIR, Dr. M. Raghavaiah, General Secretary/NFIR, other representatives of NFIR, all Board Members and other members of the Official Side to the PNM Meeting. Chairman, Railway Board & CEO congratulated all Railway employees for their hard work and dedication during 2021-22 and also during the current year which has resulted in best ever performances in many areas, despite the challenges of Covid Pandemic. He also congratulated the Federations for their continued cooperation and expressed hope that Railway employees will continue to work with the same dedication and cooperation to achieve even better results. It was observed that Agenda Items of PNM/NFIR will be discussed and resolved fruitfully in this meeting.

CRB & CEO informed the Federation as under:-

• During the year 2021-22, highest ever loading of 1418 MT was done by Indian Railways which is 15% higher in comparison to previous
• Highest ever Railway electrification of 6366 Kms has been carried out during 2021-22.
• Highest ever commissioning of 2908 Kms of New Line/Multi Tracking/Gauge Conversion during the year 2021-22.
• Highest ever Rolling Stock induction of 1110 Electric Locomotives & 6291 LHB coaches has been done during the year 2021-22.
• Highest ever Capital investment of ₹ 90 Lakh Cr. has been made into the system for creation of infrastructure during 2021-22.
• Best ever scrap sales of ₹ 5316 was also achieved during the year 2021-22.
• Construction of 181 ROBs, 807 RUBs, 4275 Kms of Track Renewal, Elimination of 867 Manned Level Crossings, Rehabilitation of 1527 Bridges, Provision of CCTVs at 73 stations & Wi-Fi at 131 stations, were also achieved.
• During the 2nd wave of Covid Pandemic, IR transported more than 36,840 Tonnes of Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) to 15 states by way of running 899 trains.
• During the current year upto June, 2022 also, loading is 12% higher than the corresponding period of previous This year, we have kept the target of 1700 MT of loading, Construction of 6000 Kms of New Line/ Multi Tracking/ Gauge Conversion & Railway Electrification of 9000 Route Kms.
• Provision of highest ever Capital investment of ₹ 45 Lakh Cr. has been made for infrastructure development during 2022-23.
• During the current year, upto June, 2022, 223 locomotives and 1132 LHB coaches have already been produced.
• Our total revenue during the current year, upto June, 2022, had been ₹ 56,987 crores which is 71% higher than last year.
• Significant policy decisions have been taken recently, namely, Bharat Gaurav Trains, 3 AC Economy coaches, Vista Dome coaches, New Wagon Design Policy, Kisan Rail, Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals, ‘One Station One Product’, Vande Bharat Trains, KAVACH, to increase the earnings of Indian Railways.
• IR is trying to reduce the logistics cost to compete and to increase its transport share from the existing 27%. IR needs to set up Railway lines before new Ports and Mines are developed so that traffic does not get In the next four years, IR needs to lay 40,000 Kms of additional lines by way of Multi-Tracking/Gauge Conversion.
• A tender for purchase of 90,000 new wagons has already been finalised within a record time and supply of wagons has been started.
• A tender for KAVACH has already been floated for 3000 Kms and it is expected that during the current year, KAVACH will be installed on 1200 Kms.
• A target has also been set for station re-development in a large Station re- development has already been done on three-four stations and the work is already under process in respect of 53 stations.
• IR needs to reduce its working expenditure through various means and operating ratio needs to be IR always meets its challenges and for this purpose each and every employee has to dedicate himself.
• Significant steps have been taken for HR Management and Staff Welfare which include as under:-
• Instructions have been issued for expediting promotions of employees so that employees get their due promotion in time.
• Out of total 3268 Covid death cases, all settlement dues have been paid in 85% cases & compassionate appointment has been finalized in 99.5% cases.
• The currency of the GDCE scheme has been extended for a further period of two years e. upto 31.03.2024.
• Instructions have been issued vide RBE 63/2022 for filling up of vacancies of Station Masters by all modes.
• Scope of GDCE scheme has been extended for Accounts cadre and Law Now, staff of Accounts department can appear in GDCE of other departments and staff of other departments are also allowed to appear in GDCE for post of Accounts Clerk & Junior Accounts Assistants.
• Instructions have been issued for providing age relaxation of five years in upper age to SC/ST employees for filling up of 40% induction quota in workshops.
• In order to provide relief to suffering families after demise of both Railway employee and his/her spouse, continuance of Widow Pass Facility in favour of other eligible beneficiaries has been permitted by Board.
• Decision has been taken for revival of Railway schools and these schools will not be closed.
• Iconic Week celebration from 18th July to 23rd July’ 2022 is also being organized by IR under the aegis of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”. 75 stations associated with freedom struggle have been identified for this purpose and 27 freedom related trains are also being run.
• Every Railway employee will also celebrate ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ during 13th August to 15th August.
  Chairman, Railway Board & CEO thanked all Railwaymen for their performance and hard work and also appealed them for even a better performance to achieve the targets and desired results.

Source: indianrailways.gov.in

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NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI -110 055
Affiliated to:
Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)

No. IV/ RSAC/ 2021

Dated: 30/03/2021

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Merger of Dearness Allowance with the Basic Pay w.e.f. 01/04/2004 – Computation of emoluments of Running Staff for granting retirement benefits – reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR’s PNM item No.23/ 2017.
(ii) GM/N.Rly’s letter No.720/ EW/ Misc/ Union-items/ 2015/ E.IV/ Loose dated 16/11/2015.
(iii) Railway Board’s letter No.E (P&A) II-2014/ RS-24 dated 24/08/2016 addressed to General Manager/ P, Northern Railway.
(iv) NFIR’s letter No.IV/ RSAC/ Conf./ Pt.VII dated 05/09/2016.
(v) Railway Board’s letters No.E(P&A)II-2014/ RS-24 dated 22/07/2016, 04/10/2016 & 17/10/2016.
(vi) NFIR’s letter No.IV/ RSAC/ 2018 dated 16/08/2019.
(vii) NFIR’s letter No.IV/ RSAC/ 2020 dated 11/03/2020 & 07/05/2020 to Railway Board.
(viii) NFIR’s letter No. IV/ RSAC/ 2020 dated 13/10/2020.

Kind attention of Railway Board is invited to NFIR PNM Item No. 23/2017 and references cited above.

Despite discussions with the Official Side of the Railway Board (Pay Commission and Finance Directorates), the issue continues to remain pending even after a lapse of over three years. The Running Staff are extremely unhappy over Railway Board’s indifferent attitude in deciding this genuine issue. During a separate discussion with the CRB on 26/03/2021, NFIR representatives have also mentioned this pending subject concerning this critical safety category (Running Staff) leading to dissatisfaction among them.

Pay fixation of running staff in 7th CPC – Merger of Dearness Allowance with the Basic Pay w.e.f. April 1, 2004

NFIR, therefore, urges to arrange a separate meeting at the level of DG (HR) or Additional Member (Staff) soon for discussing the subject for finalization.

Yours faithfully,

(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

RBE No:15/2021

No. E(GP)2021/2/2/EP

New Delhi, dt: 04/03/2021

The General Managers,
All Indian Railways and Production Units.
(Kind attn.: PCPO, CPOs, PFAs & FA&CAQs)

In terms of provision contained in para 204.9 of IREM VOL, formulation of panels for Group ‘B’ posts through Selections should consist of employees who have qualified in the said Selection and it should correspond to the number of vacancies for which the Selection was held. Similarly, in the case of Panels formed through LDCEs, names of candidates are arranged in the order of merit on the basis of total marks secured by them in commensuration with the number of vacancies.

2. Now one of the Federations (N.F.I.R.) has asked for adopting guidelines issued by DOP&T for the formation of ‘extended Panels’ for Group ‘B’ posts. The matter has been considered and it has been decided that ‘Extended Panels (EP)’ may be formed for Selections and LDCEs held for promotion to Group ‘B’ posts to the extent of officials getting empanelled to Group ‘B’ posts but retiring in the vacancy cycle itself.

Illustration:

3. Please acknowledge receipt of this letter.

Eligibility for selection against 331A% promotion quota of Ticket Examiner/ Commercial Clerk in 6th CPC Grade Pay 2000/ Level-3

(Meenakshi Saluja)
Dy. Director, Estt.(GP)III
Railway Board

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NFIR

Dated: 20/01/2021

The Director-General (HR),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Eligibility for selection against 331A% promotion quota of Ticket Examiner/ Commercial Clerk in 6th CPC Grade Pay 2000/ Level-3 -reg.

Ref (i) NFIR’s PNM Item No. 32/2012.
(ii) NFIR’s letters No. II/6/2019 dated 02/09/2019.
(iii) Railway Board’s reply vide letter No. E(NG)I-2018/CFP/5 dated 21/10/2019 to GS/NFIR.
(iv) Railway Board’s proposal to GS/NFIR vide letter No. E(NG)I/2018/ CFP/5 dated January 13, 2020.
(v) NFIR’s letter No. 11/6/2020 dated 21/01/2020, 25/02/2020 & 16/06/2020.
(vi) Railway Board’s letter No. E(NG)I-2019/PM 1/14 dated 18/01/2021.

NFIR has repeatedly been pressing the Railway Board to settle the issue relating to eligibility for selection against  331A% Promotion Quota entitlement in respect of Staff of Operating & Commercial Departments to appear for Promotion/ LDCE Quota vacancies of Ticket Examiner/ Commercial Clerk in GP 2000/ Level-3. But sadly the matter has not been settled yet, resulting in deprival of opportunity to those who are in GP 1900/- Level-2 (which is immediate lower grade pay of TE/ Commercial Clerk). Ongoing through the Board’s letter dated 18/01/2021 and the briefs provided for the joint meeting, it is seen that this issue has been linked unnecessarily for discussion in the joint meeting.

In this context, NFIR reiterates that the Railway Board can settle the matter relating to the entitlement of staff of Operating and Commercial Departments working in GP 1900 to appear in the selection against Promotion/ LDCE Quota immediately and for the said purpose no discussion is needed. The Railway Board may appreciate that some Zonal Railways have already referred this matter to the Railway Board seeking clarification for the purpose of finalization of ongoing selections.

Reduced payment of stipend to the Trainee Station Masters in Level-5 (PB1+GP 2800) on Zonal Railways

As the date 28th January 2021 fixed for the meeting, is not suiting the NFIR, the meeting may therefore be deferred for the 2nd Week of February 2021, the date for which may be fixed in consultation with the Federations.

Yours faithfully,

(Dr. M. Raghavaiah),
General Secretary

Source : NFIR

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MOST IMMEDIATE

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. 2020/E(LR)II/1/2 New Delhi,

Dated: 19.10.2020

The General Managers,
All Indian Railways including
Production Units, etc.

Sub: Proposed call for “Bonus Day” by AIRF and rallies & demonstrations by NFIR on 20th October, 2020 by its affiliated Unions throughout Indian Railways on the issue of Productivity Linked Bonus to Railwaymen.

It has come to notice that AIRF will organise “Bonus Day” across the length and breadth of Indian Railways by all its affiliated Unions on 20th October, 2020. NFIR has also given call for launching rallies and demonstrations on 20th October, 2020 throughout the Indian Railways involving all sections of Railway employees on the issue relating to payment of Productivity Linked Bonus to Rail workforce. The Federation has called upon its affiliated Unions to organise demonstrations and rallies at all levels expressing strong protest against delay in payment of PLB.

20th October 2020 as Grant Bonus Day For Central Government Employees – CONFEDERATION

3. In view of aforesaid, there should not be any room for complacency on the part of the Railway administrations and all necessary stringent steps must be taken to ensure discipline and smooth functioning of rail movement. It must be ensured that Railway Servants need to seek necessary permissions from the Competent Authority on their respective Railways/ Production Units to leave their headquarters.

4. Their particular attention should be drawn to relevant penal provisions i.e. Section 173, 174 and 175 of the Railways Act, 1989 which are attracted in cases of abandoning train without authority, obstructing running of train and endangering the safety of persons by disobeying rules etc.

Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB), for the year 2019-2020 to the Railwaymen Payment – 78 days wages AIRF

5. In case any Railway Servant participates in the aforementioned rallies and demonstrations, a report indicating the number of Railway Servants who take part in the proposed rallies and demonstrations may be conveyed to Board’s office on the evening of 20th October, 2020.

(Deepak Peter Gabriel)
Executive Director, Estt.(IR)
Railway Board

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Reduction in the amount of 7th CPC Night Duty Allowance as compared to 6th CPC and imposition of pay ceiling at Rs. 43,600/- for entitlement of NDA

Dated: 07/10/2020

No.I/5(E)

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Reduction in the amount of NDA in 7th CPC as compared to 6th CPC and imposition of pay ceiling at Rs. 43,600/- p.m. for entitlement of NDA -reg

Ref: (i) NFIR’s PNM item No.35/2018.
(ii) NFIR’s letters No.I/5(E) dated 30th July, 2018, 7th December, 2018 and 18th March,2019.
(iii) Railway Board’s reply vide No.E(P&A)II-2017/HW-1 dated June,2020 to NFIR.
(iv) NFIR’s letter No. I/5(E) dated 24/07/2020 addressed to Railway Board.
(v) Railway Board’s letter No. E(P&A)II-2017/HW-1 dated 29/09/2020 (RBE No.83/020).

Responding to Railway Board’s reply vide letter No. E(P&A)II-2017/HW-1 dated June 2020 to the GS/NFIR, Federation vide its letter dated 27/07/2020, requested the Railway Board to provide a copy of the proposal sent to Department of Expenditure (DoE) for taking further action at Government’s level. It is however observed that copy has not been made available till now, while the Railway Board vide RBE No. 83/2020 dated 29/09/2020 since issued instructions revising the rates of Night Duty Allowance (NDA), fixing unjustified pay ceiling at Rs. 43,600/-per month for entitlement of Night Duty Allowance to be applicable with effect from 01/07/2017. The said decision of the Railway Ministry prescribing pay ceiling of Rs. 43,600/- per month has resulted in deprival of Night Duty Allowance to large number of Railway employees, therefore unacceptable to the Federation in view of the following:-

Also check: 7th CPC Night Duty Allowance – Payment of (NDA) pursuant to the recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission

• All Group ‘C’ Railway employees (working in GP 1800 to 4600, PB-1 & 2) are eligible to receive Night Duty Allowance (NDA) as could be verified vide Board’s letters dated 09/06/2016, 14/12/2016, 17/11/2017 & 08/03/2018. These provisions are also applicable to the Group ‘C’ Railway employees in GP 4600 and also those who got financial upgradation under MACPS in GP 4800 & 5400 respectively.
• It is relevant to note that since 6th CPC pay of the Railway employees has been fixed in 7th CPC pay levels applying multiplication factor of 2.57, similar criteria should have been applied for fixing rates of Night Duty Allowance without imposing any ceiling limit.
• With the issuance of Railway Board’s instructions vide dated 29/09/2020, prescribing pay ceiling of Rs. 43,600/-, the Railway employees working even in GP 1900, 2000, 2400/Pay Level 2, 3, 4 and above have been deprived of Night Duty Allowance, although they ‘continued to perform night duty for smooth running of train services at all times.
• The decision of Railway Board vide letter dated 29-09-2020 prescribing pay ceiling of Rs.43,600/- p.m w.e.f. July 1, 2017 would also cause financial hardship to the staff who have already been paid Night Duty Allowance at the rates prevailed till date as it may lead to recovery of the NDA already paid. This situation may lead to resentment and agony among Group ‘C’ employees of all pay levels. The Railway Ministry should take initiative and place the case before DoP&T, highlighting the uniqueness and complex working to review and allow Railway to sort out the matter in consultation with the Federations.

2. Federation also desires to re-iterate again that the issue relating to grant of Night Duty Allowance to Railway Employees w.e.f. 01-07-2016 and 01-01-2017 consequent to increase in the Dearness Allowance rates from 125% to 132% raised vide NFIR’s PNM Agenda Item No.35/2018 and discussed already has not yet been resolved, therefore the same needs to be addressed now.

NFIR, therefore, once again requests to Railway Board to kindly review and see that all the points relating to grant of Night Duty Allowance to Railway employees mentioned above and also in PNM Agenda No.15/2018 are addressed and the correspondence exchanged with the DoE be also made available to the Federation. An early action in the matter is solicited.

Also check: Implementation of Government decision on 7th CPC’s recommendations on Night Duty Allowance (NDA)

Yours faithfully,

(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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MACP

NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI – 110 055
Affiliated to :
Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)

No.IV/MACPS/ 09/Part 11

Dated: 16/09/2020

The Chairman,
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Extension of Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) to the Teaching Staff (Principals, Head Masters, Lecturers & Teaching Staff) on Indian Railways-reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR’s PNM Item No. 03/2019.
(ii) DoP&T O.M.No.35034/3/2008-Estt (D) dated 19th May,2009.
(iii) Railway Board’s letter No. PC-V/2009/ACP/2 dated 10th June, 2009.
(iv) DoP&T O.M. No. 35034/3/2010-Estt (D) dated 03rd August,2010.
(v) NFIR’s letter No. IV/MACPS/09/Part 11 dated 21/02/2019.

With reference to the correspondence resting with communications cited under reference relating to extension of Modified Career Assured Progression Scheme (MACPS) to the Teaching Staff (Principals, Head Masters, Lecturers & Teaching Staff) working in Railway Schools/Colleges besides NFIR’s PNM Agenda Item No.03/2019 pending with the Railway Board, Federation desires to place following important points for kind consideration and taking positive decision:-

1. While the Railway Ministry vide ID Note No.PC-V/2019/MACP/1 (Teachers) dated 29/05/2019 (received in DoP&T on 3rd June, 2019) sent detailed proposal to the DoP&T for replacement of CAS with the MACPS for grant of financial upgradation to the Railway School Teachers, the same has been shuttling between the Railway Ministry and DoP&T/MoF, for taking final decision at the level of Railway Ministry. Federation feels sad to state that though the issue has been raised by GS/NFIR in the 47th Meeting of NC-JCM vide Item No. 4.15 of the minutes held on 13th April, 2019 under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary the proposal is yet to be approved.

2. The DoP&T vide Dy. No. 137/4915/19/CR dated 21/06/2019 sought following information from Railway Ministry:

(i) It may be intimated that as to whether Railway Schools are Autonomous Bodies or attached/subordinate office under M/o Railways.

(ii) Benefit of pay fixation is not available under CAS, in that case as to why the CAS was not discontinued on promulgation of ACP Scheme w.e.f 09/08/1999 in Railway School.

(iii) Whether Staff Side opted to remain under CAS during 09/08/1999 to 31/08/2008.

(iv) It may be intimated that as to whether the present proposal covered under Para 13 of Annexure-I of MACP Scheme or DoP&T O.M. dated 03/08/2010.

(v) It may also be indicated that from which date M/o Railways intends to switch over to MACPS instead of CAS for Railway Teachers /Principals.

In response, Railway Ministry vide ID No. PC-V/2019/MACP/1 (Teachers) dated 18/07/2019 gave following information to the DoP&T:-

(i) Railway Schools are administered by Zonal Railways and Production Units which are subordinate offices.

(ii) Railway School Teachers are common category and their service conditions etc., are regulated as per identical terms and conditions of the Teachers available under Ministry of Human Resources Development (M/o HRD). They have all along been treated at par with teachers under Ministry of Human Resources Development in every respect viz., recruitment qualification, pay structure, age of retirement etc., including Career Advancement Scheme (CAS). Since CAS continued in respect of teachers under HRD, the same was followed in respect of Railway School teachers being common category.

(iii) No such reference from Staff Side to switch over to ACP or to continue in CAS was received during 09/08/1999 to 31/08/2008.

(iv) The present proposal is preferred under para 13 of Annexure-I of MACP Scheme.

(v) M/o Railways intends to switch over to MACPS for Railway School Teachers w.e.f. 01/09/2008, the date of implementation of MACP Scheme.

MACP ON PROMOTIONAL HIERARCHY – MACP Supreme Court Order – Heard & Reserved – Order dated 23 Jan 2020

The matter has been re-examined in the DoP&T and following observations were conveyed to the Railway Ministry (Railway Board) :-

(i) For all service matters of Teaching Staff of Railway Schools, the Railway Board has adopted the same service conditions, as are applicable to Teaching Staff of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangthan (KVS), under the administrative control of the Ministry of Human Resources Development, including Career Advancement Scheme (CAS), which is in operation in Railway Schools since 1988.

(ii) MACP Scheme has not been extended to Teaching Staff of KVS.

(iii) If MACPS is extended to the Teaching Staff of Railway Schools, it is likely to disturb their parity with Teachers of KVS in all service matters. Moreover the demand is for retrospective implementation of the MACPS from 01/09/2008 when the Teaching Staff of Railway Schools would have already availed benefits under the existing CAS for the period 01/09/2008 onwards till date and introduction of MACPS w.e.f. 01/09/2008 therefore would entail withdrawal/recovery of benefits so earned under CAS. Besides this issue, introduction of MACPS, in respect of category of employees who were not covered under ACPS, may give rise to other problems in implementation, as there is no transitional provision in MACPS for such employees who were governed by any other time bound promotion/career progression scheme.

iv) Under the circumstances, since the proposal involves implementation of the recommendations of the 6th CPC, as accepted by the Government, Railway Board is advised to consult Department of Expenditure in the matter and decide accordingly.

Consequently, Railway Ministry vide ID Note No. PC-V/2019/MACP/1 (Teachers) dated 11/2019 sent detailed proposal relating to replacement of CAS by MACPS for grant of financial upgradation to the Railway School Teachers. The Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) examined the proposal and conveyed as under vide communication dated 28/11/2019 with the approval of Competent Authority (Addl. Secretary/Pers):-

“The above matter has been examined in this Department. It is stated that though the above proposal involves the implementation of 6th CPC, it is specifically related to switch over of the existing CAS of Railway School Teachers to MACP Scheme w.e.f. 01/09/2008 as applicable to Central Government Staff in terms of Para 13 of DoP&T’s O.M. dated 19/05/2009 for which DoP&T is the nodal Department on policy issue related to MACP Scheme and this Department has no comments in this matter. Ministry of Railways is, therefore, advised to take appropriate decision on the above proposal strictly as per the opinion of the DoP&T (Estt. D)”.

• In the meantime, Federation learnt that the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Department of School Education & Literacy) vide communication bearing F.No. 18-13/20181S-15 dated 26th November, 2018 addressed to the Railway Ministry conveyed following position with regard to extending the benefit of MACPS to Railway School Teachers:-

“The undersigned is directed to refer to the O.M. No. E(P&A)I-2014/PS-15/PE-2(misc)(Pt.) dated 27/06/2018 on the above subject and to say that as per Section 23(3) of RTE Act 2009, the salary and allowances payable to, and the terms and conditions of service of teachers shall be such as may be prescribed. In the instant case, the Railway Board is the competent authority to decide the terms and conditions of service of Railway school teachers. Further, in respect of clarification on the MACP provisions the Department of Personnel and Training may be approached.”

3. In this connection, Federation further desires to convey that while DoPT and MoF have agreed for decision to be taken by the Railway Ministry for replacement of CAS with MACPS to Railway School Teachers, the following points need to be taken into consideration:-

• Railway Ministry has its own rules/procedure for recruitment staff of various categories including Railway School Teachers. Para 178 of IREM Vol.I lays down rules for recruitment of Teachers of all disciplines duly prescribing educational qualification, experience and scales of pay. In case of any doubt, Railway Ministry has been consulting the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi as can be verified vide Railway Board’s letter No. E(P&A)I-2001/PS-5/PE-5 dated 29/04/2002, (RBE No. 55/2002 addressed to the GM/DLW, Varanasi and copy endorsed to the GMs/All Indian Railways & Production Units) relating to the educational qualifications for Computer Teachers.

• It is also relevant to mention that the MHRD communication dated 26/11/2018 meant not only KVS, but it also included Directorate of Education of Delhi and the Schools of all Union Territories, ISRO’ s Schools etc., run on the guidelines issued by MHRD similar to the Schools run by the Railway Ministry. It is also fact while the CAS was implemented in the year 1988 based on the recommendations of Prof. D.P. Chattopadhay Committee in all the Schools, the same has been replaced by MACPS for School Teachers of all Schools w.e.f. 01/09/2008, however, excepting Railway Schools mainly due to inaction on the part of Railway Ministry ignoring the clearance given by DoP&T/MoF mentioned above. Incidentally, it is mentioned that the DoP&T has given its opinion in case of Railway School Teachers only taking into account the Teachers working in Kendriya Vidyalaya and Navodaya Vidyalayas, which is totally unjustified particularly with reference to the communication of Ministry of HRD which stipulates replacement of CAS with MACPS for Railway Schools on par with other Schools such as Directorate of Education from Delhi, all Union Territories Schools, ISRO Schools etc.

• It will not be out of place to mention that main reason for non-implementaion of MACP Scheme for KVS Teachers is that it is association of Kendriya Vidyalaya Teachers, who had chosen to remain in the existing Scheme i.e. CAS in 1999. On the other hand, the service condition of Railway School Teachers are totally different from KVS Teachers due to following reasons:-

(a) “The Association of Kendriya Vidyalaya Teachers (KVS) does not represent Railway School Teachers.”

(b) Neither Railway School Teachers nor Railway Federations were given any option to choose between CAS and ACP scheme in 1999 by Railway Ministry.

(c) No consent was asked or taken from Railway School Teachers or Railwaymen’s Federations about it, hence the question of choosing/ accepting between CAS and ACP Scheme for the Railway School Teachers, does not arise.

(d) So it is injustice to deprive Railway School Teachers from the benefit of MACPS, while the same is applicable to all categories of railway employees.

(e) KVS is an autonomous organization, but Railway Schools are under the control of Ministry Of Railways administered by Zonal Railways and Production Units, thus the condition governing the autonomous organization should not apply to Railway Teachers, who are hundred percent Employees of Indian Railways. As per para-13 of DOPT O.M. dated 19.05.2009, Ministry of Railways can decide to switch over to MACPS at its own level without sending proposal to DOPT.

(f) Extending MACPS to Railway School Teachers will not affect KVS because the same is different administrative department in another Ministry, therefore, there is no question of disturbance of parity between Railway School Teachers and Teachers of KVS.

• Another point which is relevant to take note is that with the implementation of MACP Scheme in the case of Railway School Teachers w.e.f. 01/09/2008 will not result recovery as per Federation’s assessment. Federation reiterates that with the implementation of MACP Scheme for Railway School Teachers, the staff will be able to get pay fixation benefit which is more beneficial.

4. In addition to above, Federation also desires to convey to the Railway Board (CRB) that the proposal to replace CAS with the MACPS for Railway School Teachers carries the approval of Board (MS & FC), therefore, it is now for the Railway Ministry to implement MACP Scheme for all Railway School Teachers w.e.f. 01/09/2008 similar to other Railway employees.

NFIR, therefore, requests the CRB to kindly intervene and see that orders are issued soon by the Railway Ministry for extending MACP Scheme in favour of all Railway School Teachers w.e.f. 1st September, 2008. Federation may kindly be kept advised of the action taken in the matter.

Yours faithfully,

(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

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No.NFIR/Covid-19 /2020-II

Dated: 02/09/2020

The General Secretaries of
Affiliated Unions of NFIR

Dear Brother,

Sub: Ex-gratia payment to the families of Railway employees who caught Covid-19 infection in the course of performing duties, hospitalized and unfortunately passed away – reg.

Ref: NFIR’s letter No. NFIR/Covid-19/ 2020-I dated 0110712020 addressed to Hon’ble Finance Minister, copy endorsed to Hon’ble MR, Cabinet Secretary, CRB & GSs of affiliated Unions.

The above subject was taken up by NFIR at various levels i.e. Central Government and as well at the level of Railway Minister and in this connection, affiliates attention is invited to NFIR’s letter dated 01/07/2020. cited under reference.

Affiliates may please take note that the case for considering ex-gratia payment to the families of Covid-19 victims (Railway employees who got infected in the course of performing duties and unfortunately passed away) is being processed by the Railway Ministry. I have also spoken to the Financial Commissioner” (Railways) today and requested for positive action for providing relief to the families. Further development, if any, on this will be conveyed to the affiliates.

Also check: Central Government Employees Absence during COVID – 19 epidemic lockdown period – clarification is received from DOPT

It is hoped that the above position may be apprised to the staff at field level.

Yours fraternally.

(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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No.I/8/Part II

Dated: 04/08/2020

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi Dear

Sir,

Sub: Reduced payment of stipend to the Trainee Station Masters in Level-5 (PB1+GP 2800) on Zonal Railways -reg.

Ref: Railway Board’s letter No.PC-V/2016/PS/1 (Stipend) dated 02/02/2017 (RBE No.08/2017).

Federation invites kind attention of Railway Board to the instructions vide RBE No.08/2017 dated 02/02/2017 wherein rates of stipend payable to various categories of Railway employees during their mandatory training period prior to joining the .working post have been circulated (pursuant to the implementation of the recommendations of 7th CPC).

Complaints continued to be received by the NFIR from the Station Master category through our affiliated Unions that though the category of SM has been allotted GP 4200+PB-2/Level-6 at entry level, those SMs who have been undergoing induction training including those who completed training till now are being paid stipend at the rate of Rs.29200/- p.m. (vide S.N. 44 of Board’s orders dated 02/02/2017) while they are due to be paid stipend @Rs.35,400/- p.m. similar to the staff of other categories where recruitment is made in GP 4200+PB-2/Level-6. This is causing serious resentment and frustration among newly recruited SMs.

Also check: Payment of Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) to the Railway employees for the year 2019-2020

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to consider the valid grievance of staff and issue modified instructions to the Zonal Railways to pay stipend to trainee SMs @ Rs.35,400/- as against Rs. 29,200/-, duly endorsing copy to the Federation.

Yours faithfully

(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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