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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

The post RAILWAY BOARD AND NFIR MINUTES OF THE PNM MEETING ON 15TH & 16TH JULY, 2022 appeared first on CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEWS.

Every Railwayman should work to curb avoidable expenses, he said and raised following issues for taking speedy action:

Also read: Highlights of PNM Meeting Dr. M. Raghavaiah, General Secretary / NFIR

• The allowances to all the staff was paid from 1st of July 2016 but the KMA and other related allowances to running staff have not been decided. Such delay is a cause of Railwaymen blaming the Federation and gives room for staff agitations. This type of situation cannot do well to the institution. The Railway Board should seriously think and resolve the issues quickly.
• Railway Board constituted a Task Force Safety Committee consisting of five very senior officers (General Managers), the Committee gave recommendations on 10th January 2017 wherein it has been mentioned that the running staff who join duty after leave at 0:00 hours and worked train immediately after resumption, commit accidents. Therefore, the Committee recommended that the running staff should not be booked to work train before 8 ‘o’ clock in the morning when they resume duty after availing leave.
  Unfortunately recommendations of the Committee are not being followed and the running staffs are booked invariably to work first train after 0:00 hours on resumption from leave. He urged the Member Staff to see that suitable instructions are issued to the Zonal Railways to follow the recommendations of the Committee to avoid situations which may cause accidents.
• The Railway Board issued orders in the year 2004, as a result of decision arrived at, in the DC/JCM meeting, but unfortunately this decision has been changed unilaterally in the year 2007 by the Board. This change has created adverse situation like denial in granting appointment on compassionate grounds. He urged the MS that the order of 2004 be restored without delay.
• Time and again the Railway Board had issued detailed guidelines, not to retain money from settlement dues of railway employees on superannuation, but unfortunately these orders are being violated by withholding heavy amounts from settlement despite the fact that employees are not in occupation of Railway quarter and equally no disciplinary action pending against them.
• Retired Railway employees have been re-engaged against vacancies, but they are not paid Night Duty Allowance though they perform night duty. OT Allowance is also not paid to these re-engaged staff when they work over hours of duty at out stations. He empathetically stated that injustice is being caused to the retired Railway employees who are re-engaged as all such rules are equally applicable to them when they have been re-engaged to Railway service.
• The PPOs of running staff are not being revised because concordance tables have not been provided although orders have been issued to revise their pension pay orders by sighting illustrations, but it is not working as the staff have developed habit of working with the assistance of concordance table, as such concordance tables be
  prepared and issued.
• Regarding filling up of vacancies, he expressed satisfaction on the information given by Member Staff that by the end of May 2019, a panel of 62,960 selected candidates of Pay Matrix Level-I and similarly panels of ALPs and SMs will also be made available. He stated that occurrence of 3% vacancies of total cadre is through natural attrition, therefore the sequence of formation of panels should be planned and followed in a methodical manner as a regular course.
• Case of payment of honorarium to cashiers and other accounts staff of NWR for the year 2008, 2009 and 2010, is pending in the Railway Board for sanction. The inordinate delay in payment is a matter of concern for everyone. He requested Member Staff for early communication of sanction to the NWR for which NFIR has also made reference.
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• The condition of railway quarters continues to remain deplorable as there is no maintenance. Our position becomes very embarrassing when staff complain about differential treatment as there is zero maintenance of staff quarters while on the other hand the quarters of officers are well maintained. He requested that immediate action be taken in the matter to mitigate the staff complaints.

Source: NFIR

The post NFIR & Railway Board Meeting – Shri Guman Singh, President raised following issues appeared first on CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEWS.

Dated:19/12/2016

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Absorption of Diploma Holder as JE-II – Case of Diploma Holder progressmen working in RE Organization – reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR/PNM item No.12/2011 & 24/2012.
(ii) Para 2 of Board’s letter No.2016/E(LR)I/NMI-12 dated 14/12/2016.

Kind attention of Railway Board is invited to the minutes of the PNM meeting of NFIR held on 19/20-12-2014 on the subject matter relating to agenda items No.12/2011 and 24/2012, as reproduced below:-

“Necessary instructions have been issued to concerned Zonal Railways vide Board’s letter No.E(NG)II/2011/RC-3/3/PNM-NFIR dated 22/25.08.2014. Federation was also provided with a copy of the letter.

Federation wanted that GM/RE should be written to fix up responsibility for not complying with Railway Board’s instructions”.

Federation is disappointed to state that though a period of two years has passed, action on Board’s instructions is yet to be taken by the concerned Zonal Railways and the RE Organization.

Further, Federation desires to have particulars of implementation and non-implementation of Board’s instructions dated 22/25-08-2014.

Yours faithfully,
(Dr M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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No. NFIR/PNM/109

Dated: 23/11/2016

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Next PNM Meeting between NFIR and Railway Board-reg.
Ref: Railway Board’s letter No. 2016/E(LR)/I/NM I-8 dated 04/10/2016

Railway Board are advised that the following representatives of NFIR will attend the PNM meeting to be held at Rail Bhavan on 22nd/23rd December, 2016.

1. Shri Guman Singh President, NFIR
2. Dr. M. Raghavaiah General Secretary, NFIR
3. Dr. R.P. Bhatnagar Working President, NFIR
4. Shri T.K. Chatterjee Treasure, NFIR
5. Shri K.S. Murty Vice President, NFIR
6. Shri J.G. Madhurkar Vice President, NFIR
7. Shri B.C. Sharma Jt. General Secretary, NFIR
8. Shri R.P. Singh Jt. General Secretary, NFIR
9. Shri P.S. Suriya Prakasam Jt. General Secretary, NFIR
10. Shri Munindra Saikia Asst. General Secretary, NFIR
11. Shri R.C. Sahoo Asst. General Secretary, NFIR
12. Shri Binod Sharma Asst. General Secretary, NFIR
13. Shri Ashok Sharma Asst. General Secretary, NFIR
14. Shri Shaik Rahiman Asst. General Secretary, NFIR
15. Shri Praveen C. Bajpai Asst. General Secretary, NFIR
16. Shri C.P. Singh Asst. General Secretary, NFIR
17. Shri R.G. Kabar Asst. General Secretary, NFIR
18. Shri Ghanshyam sharma Asst. General Secretary, NFIR
19. Shri V. Gopal Krishnan Zonal Secretary, NFIR & Motorman, Chennai Divn, S.Rly.
20. Shri Ramesh Mishra Zonal Secretary, NFIR
21. Smt Kasturi Dutta Chief Matron, Central Hospital, N.F. Rly, Maligaon
22. Smt Pranita Manumdar Chief O.S./CCM/FM Office N.F. Rly, Maligaon
23. Shri P.S. Chaturvedi General Secretary, ECRMC, Patna
24. Shri S.R. Mishra NFIR representative and General Secretary, SERMC
25. Shri Vinod Rai NFIR Representative (working on N.E. Rly)
26. Shri G. Prabhakar Andrew President, SCRES
27. Shri Sharif Khan Pathan President, WRMS

It is requested to advise GMs etc., to see that the above named representatives are granted facilities i.e. special casual leave, pass etc., for their particiaption in the PNM meeting.

Yours faithfully,
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

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The following officers and representatives of AIRF attended the meeting:

EDPC-I

5/2006: Avenues of promotion of Senior Supervisor in Scale S-13 to S-14 Group ‘B’ (Gazetted) on railways.

16/2008: Assured Carrier Progression Scheme applicable to Motormen of BCT division of Western Railway.

30/2008: Voluntary Retirement of Drivers and Gangmen.

6/2009: Extra Ordinary Leave in continuation with Maternity Leave taken without production of proper medical certificate.

10/2009: Liberalization in the Safety Related Voluntary Retirement Scheme.

12/2009: Grant of PCO Allowance/Incentive Bonus to technical staff supporting shops/Sections (including CMT/C&M Lab.), Drawing/Design, I.T. Power Supply and Stores etc.) – in Railway Workshops and Production Units- Treating them as part of Inspection, Planning & Planning & Progress wings of PCO.

7/2010: Inclusion of left out categories of the staff working in Railway Hospitals of the Indian Railways for the purview of Hospital Patient Care Allowance.

9/2010: Grant of pay scales of `5000-8000 w.e.f. 01.01.1996 to the Sub-Overseer Mistry/ Supervisor(Works), now Jr. Engineer (Works).

17/2010: Payment of Transport Allowance to the staff living in Ghaziabad (Northern Railway).

27/2010: Implementation of recommendations of VI CPC – Grant of Transport allowance to Railway employees.

3/2011: Revision of rates of Kilometreage Allowance and Allowance in lieu of Kilometreage (ALK).

4/2011: Placement of Pharmacists in the Entry GP of `4200(non-functional grade) on completion of two years service in GP `2800 as well as grant of three MACPs to the Pharmacist category on the Indian Railways.

9/2011: Caretaking Allowance to Hostel Staff and merging of Caretaker posts with Ministerial Staff.

10/2011: Grant of pay scale `5000–8000 (pre–revised)/ PB–II GP `4200 in new pay scales to Tower Wagon Drivers of Electrical Department.

13/2011: Grant of LAP, LHAP and Casual Leave to paramedical staff engaged to work in Railway Hospitals etc. on contract basis.

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

8/2012: Extension of second chance in the matter of Aptitude Test under LARSGESS Scheme.

18/2012: Payment of Breakdown Overtime Allowance to Mechanical Supervisors(C&W) – Mechanical Department.

32/2012: (A) Wrong implementation of MACP Scheme in IT Cadre.(B) Granting of financial benefit under MACP Scheme to EDP Staff.

40/2012: 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).

Source: http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/establishment/E%28LR%29/airf%20lo%2015-02-20.pdf

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NFIR’s MEETING WITH RAILWAY BOARD

In response to the NFIR’s letter No.IV/MR/CORRES/2013 dated 28th June, 2013 given to Hon’hle Minister of Railways, over non-settlement of demands of Railway Employees (in spite of discussions, meetings etc..) compelling NFIR to take strike ballot for deciding indefinite strike on Railways, the Railway Ministry invited NFIR for meeting on the issues raised. Accordingly, a meeting was held at Rail Bhavan, New Delhi on 23/08 2013 between Railway Board and the NFIR wherein following have participated:

Official Side
1. Shri Arunendra Kumar CRB
2. Shri M. Raghavaiah General Secretary
3. Shri R.P. Bhatnagar, Wkg. President

NFIR
1. Shri Guman Singh. President
2. Shri S.K. Jain MS/ME
3. Shri R. Kashyap F.C.
4. Shri Suresh Kumar Seth A.M./Staff
5. Smt. Saroj Rajware Advisor/Finance
6. Smt. Ragini Yechury E.D./IR

At the outset, the CRB welcomed the delegation of NFIR and expressed hope that the staff issues shall be discussed and finalised satisfactorily.

Responding to CRB’s address, Shri M. Raghavaiah, General Secretary NFIR, explained the circumstances which have forced the Federation to take decision for industrial action duly holding strike ballot and said that procrastination of matters by the Government of India and more particularly the Railway Ministry is the main reason for the Federation for taking such an action. He, however, felt concern over the negative attitude adopted by the Railway Board on the issues concerning railway employees.

The General Secretary further mentioned that the agreements reached with the Federation have not been implemented even after years and cited the issue of upgradation of Apex level Group ‘C’ posts to Group ‘B’ Gazetted (NFIRs PNM item No. 36/1998 and DC/JCM item No.16/2009), agreed to, in the year 2006 but has not been implemented by the Railway Board so far. This is causing serious resentment among Senior Supervisors working on the Indian Railway.

Shri Raghavaiah further said that though the Cadre Restructuring Agreements have been signed lone ago, formal orders have not been issued by the Railway Board. Delayed action on the part of Railway Board is causing frustration among Railway employees.

The General Secretary NFIR drew attention of the Railway Board over the announcements made by the the former Railway Minister on 01/02/2013 at 3, Chelmsford Road, New Delhi, where Member Staff was also present, no action has been taken by the Railway Board to fulfill the announcements even alter 6 months period.

The issue of revision of rates of incentive to the staff of Rail Wheel Factory, Yehlanka, was also mentioned by the General Secretary NFIR. The General Secretary said that the issue was discussed by NFIR in the PNM meeting under item No.11/2011 although agreed, but however orders have not been issued.

Shri Raghavaiah, also cited briefly issues discussed and proposals sent by Railway Ministry to Finance Ministry as listed below and urged fur approaching MoF for clearance as these are pending since the last 3 years.

•     Entry Grade Pay of Rs. 4200/- to Station Master.,
•     Replacement of Grade Pay of Rs. 4600/- with Rs. 4800/-
•     Issues pertaining to Running Staff relating to allotment of higher Grade Pay to loco Pilots (Mail / Express) and reckoning additional allowances as pay for all purposes.
•     Merger of Technician Grade-II with Technician Grade-I

The General Secretary NFIR while drawing attention of the Railway Board to the Charter of Demands (containing 36 demands) as submitted to Hon’ble MR requested the CRB that more meetings at the level of Railway Board are needed to address the demands raised by the Federation.

The following issues were discussed at length in the meeting, Outcome of the discussions is also shown against each item :-

1. Non – implementation of the agreement related to upgradation of apex level Group ‘C’ posts to Group ‘B’ Gazetted – NFIR PNM Item No. 36/1998 & DC/JCM Item No. 16/2009.
MS stated that the issue is at the final stage. He apprised that 3335 posts of Group ‘C’ Grade Pay Rs.4600 will be upgraded to Group ‘B’ posts. These posts are proposed to be filled on the basis of seniority. However approval of Ministry of Finance will be required (stated by MS & AM/Staff).

NFIR explained the resentment among Senior Supervisory staff and urged for issuing orders without further delay. The Board have assured to finalize soon.

2. Cadre Restructuring Orders not issued yet although CRC in its meetings have unanimously decided for revision of percentages and grant of upgradation.

It was explained by the Railway Board that the recommendations of Cadre Restructuring Committee have been considered by the Board and orders will be issued after MR’s approval. NFIR stressed that efforts may be made to get the orders issued before next month. It was agreed to speed up for quick decision.

3. The benefit of fixation of Pay in erstwhile FR 22  in case of Promotion from same Grade Pay shouldering higher responsibilities has not been granted yet inspite of Government’s decision (NFIR PNM Item No. 35/2006 & DC/JCM Item No. 14/2007).

Pursuant to the demand raised by NFIR at the level of Railway Board under item No.35/2006 (PNM) & 14/2007 (DC/JCM), it was advised by the Railway Board that clearance from the Ministry of Finance has been obtained in respect of promotion of staff from same Grade Pay to same Grade Pay shouldering higher responsibilities on or after 01.01.2006 for the category of Loco Pilots and Guards in addition to approval already secured for promotion of Senior Technician to JE, MCM to JE.Sr. P.Way Supervisor to JE, Matron to ANO, for giving benefit of fixation of pay under Rule S 1313 (I) (A) (I) (erstwhile FR 22C) to the staff of above categories. Formal orders are likely to be issued any time next week.

After discussion, CRB has also agreed to re-examine the issue in the light of Codal provisions well as MoF’s orders already available, to extend the benefits of fixation of Pay under FR 22 C in case of promotion in the same Grade Pay having higher duties and responsibilities without approaching Ministry of Finance (MoF).

4. Absorption of Staff of Quasi-Administrative units against erstwhile Group ‘D’ posts
in Railways (NFIR’s DC/JCM Item No. 27/2006).

After discussions, it was decided to have separate meeting at the level of Member Staff for finding way to arrive at  a decision benefitting Quasi administrative staff.

5. Grant of parity in the Pay Structure of Stenographers at PAR with Stenographers of RBSS/CCS (NFIR’s DC/JCM Item No. 11/2011).

NFIR emphasised to implement the Recommendations of VI Central Pay Commission for granting parity. However the issue will be re-examined in the light of commitment of Railway Board and the note of ED (N).

Member Staff, however, offered Officer based Pay Structure and Grade Pay for the Stenographers on Zonal Railways. Production Units etc for which Federation will respond after consulting the staff.

6. Running Staff issues pending in the fora of PNM & DC/JCM meetings.

A separate meeting with the Member Staff will be convened shortly.

7. Office accommodation and other facilities to NFIR on four Zonal Railways Plus Metro Railways (At Divisional and Zonal Head Quarters).

CRB desired to formulate a policy to deal with such situations. Railway Board will send proposal to the Federations for their views to facilitate framing policy.

8. NFIR stressed in the meeting to pend implementation of Railway Board’s order dated 13/12/2012, in which causing withdrawal of financial benefit already granted to Running Staff & others under MACPS.

CRB & MS have agreed to review the decision for mitigating hardships to employees.

sd/-
(M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary/NFIR

Source : NFIR

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