Minutes of PNM meeting of Railway Board with NFIR held on 25th and 26th April, 2019.

Dr. M. Raghavaiah, General Secretary /NFIR

General Secretary/ NFIR at the outset thanked Member Staff and Chairman of the PNM meeting for highlighting the significant performance of Railways during the year 2018-19, surpassing the previous targets. General Secretary also thanked the Member Staff for conveying the important decisions towards staff welfare including that of orders issued, granting 10 : 20 : 20 : 50 ratio to the Track Maintainer category in GP 2800, 2400, 1900 and 1800 respectively with effect from 08/03/2019.

While assuring Federation’s support for improving the efficiency levels further, the NFIR General Secretary placed the following points for taking necessary action.

Also check: RAILWAY EMPLOYEES BONUS 2019

I. The PNM meeting now being held after lapse of 111⁄2 months although Agenda was sent on 26/06/2018. Many issues continued to remain unsettled. Activating the PNM Machinery is very much essential for holding formal meetings frequently for sorting out the issues.

II. Railway employees are heavily overburdened due to non-filling of vacancies, for long period. With the recent decision of the Board to fill all vacancies, Federation hopes that the staff hardships may be mitigated to some extant.

III. Railway employees are extremely disappointed over:-

• Government’s failure to fulfill its assurance through Group of Ministers on revision of minimum wage, fitment formula and abolition of NPS.
• NFIR’s meeting with Hon’ble MR on 04/04/2018 and subsequently – latest being 23rd January, 2019 with regard to Federation’s repeated pleas for exempting Railways from NPS as already agreed to, by two successive Railway Ministers in view of complex and unique working of Railways and hard working conditions of Railway Staff akin to defence forces personnel (over 85% work in remote places, Jungle areas where no basic requirements of life exist). Although Hon’ble MR has assured to take action to pursue at Government level, it is observed that there has been no progress. Railway employees are extremely agitated as they do not get covered under Liberalized Pension Scheme. Over 7 lakh Railway employees joined on and after 01/01/2004, are extremely disappointed as they cannot hope for guaranteed pension of 50% of last pay drawn at the time of retirement. General Secretary specially requested the Member (Staff) to take initiative on this important issue.

IV. Aggressive decisions towards closure of establishments, outsourcing regular activities, contractorisation without prior consultations, surrender of posts are indiscriminately, contractorising the activities resulting staff dislocation and loss of seniority and career growth have been contributing for staff unrest. These are required to be addressed and instructions be re-iterated for ensuring prior consultations on all such matters in the interest of healthy industrial relations.

No prior consultations are held and arbitrary decisions resorted to.

Also read: Upgradation of posts in Railways recommended by 7th CPC – clearance of DoP&T and MoF

V. 7th CPC issues:-

• Departmental Anomaly Committee (DAC) was constituted by the Railway Board vide letter No.PC-VII/2016/DAC/1 dated 05/10/2016. NFIR had placed issues before the DAC vide Federation’s letters No.IV/DAC/7CPC/2016 dated 09/06/2017 and dated 16/08/2017. Second meeting of DAC was held on 04/01/2018, but with “ZERO RESULT” as Official Side maintained that the issues dealt did not come under the definition of ‘Anomaly’ (Loco Running Staff, Guards, Technical Supervisors, Pharmacists, Radiographer, ECG Technicians, Physiotherapist, Health & Malaria Inspector etc.).
• Railway Ministry has not initiated action on the positive recommendations of 7th CPC to give benefit to certain categories though a period of over 2 years 9 months passed. GS/ NFIR specifically mentioned NFIR’s letter No.IV/NFIR/7th CPC(Imp)/2016/RB dated 22/09/2016 and 15/11/2016.
• GS/ NFIR reminded that the proposals sent by the Railway Ministry vide No.PC-VII/ 2015 /R-U/9 dated 08/02/2017 to the MoF/ DoP&T relating to revision of pay structure of Senior Supervisors in Group `C’ of all Departments (other than Accounts Department) for upgrading 75% supervisory posts from Level-7 (erstwhile GP 4600) to Level-8 (GP 4800) and revision of Pay Levels of Group‘B’ Officers of all Departments (other than Accounts Department) to Level-9 have been pending for more than 1 1/2 years. He requested prompt follow up action for obtaining clearance.
• Shri Raghavaiah further stated that the Railway Ministry’s proposal for revision of KMA rates for Running staff w.e.f. 01/07/2017 has not been concurred yet by MoF. Similarly the Running staff are not being paid Leave salary on 7th Pay scales on Northern and West Central Railways due to IPAS problems. These issues should be settled without further delay.

VI. Implementation of commitments dated 07/02/2014.

• LPs Mail/Exp – placement in GP 4600/- pending.
• Stepping up of pay of LIs inducted prior to 01/01/2006 – pending.
• Merger of Technicians-II with Tech-I – pending.

VII. Other important issues:-

• VII CPC report – Para 9.2.37. – Hospital Leave, Special disability leave and sick leave subsumed in a new leave named “Work Related Illness and Injury Leave (WRIIL):- Orders yet to be issued.
• RELHS-97 – Railway Board’s letter dated 31/05/2012 allowed post March 2009 retirees/dependents to join as members within one year period. Some retired staff living in remote places were unaware of opportunity, consequently not availed the provision. Railway Board may now provide opportunity for those retired staff/dependents between March, 2009 and May, 2012) to join RELHS. (Board’s letter No.2011/H/28/1/RELHS/Court Cases dated 31/05/2012).
• Extension of Scheme for contract employment of para-medical personnel against vacancies beyond 30/06/2019 is needed as RRB empanelled candidate may not be available by that date, while retired personnel may not join lower level posts. On one Zone there are 2 regular Dialysis Technicians, while contract Dialysis Technicians are working. Similarly, 25 contract Nursing Superintendents in a Central Hospital who may face termination on 30/06/2019 and if posts go unmanned, health care suffers badly.
• Extension of MACPS to Railway School/College Teachers – All Teaching Staff of HRD Ministry, Delhi National Capital Region, Defence Ministry run schools are covered under MACPS. Action be taken for bringing Railway Teachers under MACPS with retrospective effect.
• Minimum educational qualification for Pharmacists in Railways – Government’s Notification/Ministry of Health & Family Welfare not implemented. Action be taken for revising the entry qualification.
• Harmonization of the cadre structure of Medical Laboratory Staff with those in Central Government Hospitals – Case pending despite elaborate proposal sent by NFIR.
• Employees visit Hospitals for eye vision test. After dilation of eyes, it will take hours for them to be able to see. If roll on sun glasses are provided, the present problem can be got solved. Instructions may be issued to stock “roll on sun glasses” in hospitals for use of those undergo eye vision test.
• On S.E.C. Railway – Raipur Division:- Compassionate appointment requests for wards of medically decategorised and voluntarily retired employees are rejected despite Board’s orders. Instructions may be issued to respect Board’s orders and consider rejected cases.
• Pending MACPS issues – Separate meeting at MS/FC level needed as already committed to the Federation.
• 100% objective type question paper – Negative marks stipulation be removed.
• Railway Board’s norms for creation of posts ESMs, JE, SSE (Signal) etc., not implemented. Action be taken for implementation of Norms without further loss of time.
• Lateral induction of Track Maintainers:- Board’s instructions are not being complied with, on Zonal Railways resulting disappointment among Track Maintainers. Board should issue instructions again to GMs.
• No Dues Certificates : The General Secretary, NFIR stated that responding to the instructions issued by the Railway Board vide letter dated 30th July, 2018, Federation requested to issue clear instructions to the GMs of Zonal Railways and Metro Railway, Kolkata not to levy penal/interest charges where dues have been cleared by our affiliated Unions. He requested the Railway Board (MS) to kindly refer NFIR’s letters dated 18/08/2018 & 22/09/2018 and see that this issue is resolved. He also requested the Railway Board to connect Federation’s letters dated 08/10/2018 and 11/12/2018 relating to the specific case of South Eastern Railway and sort out problem.
• Retention of Railway residential accommodation by the Office Bearers of recognized Unions on their superannuation : GS/NFIR invited kind attention of Board (MS) to the instructions issued vide Board’s letter dated 06/04/2018 to various Zonal Railways asking Zonal Railways to get vacated the Railway residential accommodation allotted to the Office Bearers of recognized Unions after their superannuation. He stated that NFIR has sent series of letters dated 11/05/2018, 21/05/2018, 04/06/2018, 23/07/2018, 03/08/2018, 07/08/2018, 21/08/2018 and 11/09/2018, but unfortunately clear instructions to Zonal Railways are yet to be issued. He further said that the accommodation allotted to the Office-Bearers of the Union by the competent authority should be allowed.
• Appendix II A qualified Accounts Clerks as JAA against D/R quota upto 331⁄3% vacancies: GS/NFIR requested the Railway Board to issue appropriate clarification to the Zones etc., to take 331⁄3% of total DR quota vacancies of JAA into account for granting promotion to Appendix-II A qualified Accounts Clerks so that all the qualified staff will have benefit of promotion. He requested that the modification in the Board’s order is necessary in view of some confusion in calculating vacancies against 331⁄3% quota on a Zonal Railway (South Central Railway) wherein the Seniority Units are 2 or more in the Zone.
• Replies to NFIR’s letters : Dr. Raghavaiah expressed disappointment that though the Federation has been writing letters to the Railway Board on various staff grievances there has been no satisfactory response and no replies sent, consequently the references remain pending. He cited NFIR’s letter dated 31/01/2019 wherein list of 33 pending cases and letter dated 13/02/2019 (16 Pending cases) was sent to Railway Board. He urged for speedy resolution of the grievances in favour of staff.
• Incorrect revision of pension in case of pre-2016 Railway pensioners: Mr. M. Raghavaiah stated that the revision in pension has not been taking place correctly in favour of retired Railway employees particularly those who retired prior to 2016. He cited the example of a case of retired Technician Gr-I whose pension revision has been done incorrectly. He further stated that the Federation has also sent a communication to the Railway Board vide No.II/35/2018 dated 22/02/2019 together with copy of incorrect PPO. [A copy of Federation’s letter with enclosure was handed over to DG (Personnel) in the meeting].
• DNB Trainee Doctors S. Railway and other Zones – Stipend according to 7th CPC not paid at Pay Level-11 despite representations: GS/NFIR brought to the notice of the Member (Staff) that DNB Training Doctors on Southern Railway and also on other Zones are not being paid stipend at 7th CPC Pay Scale despite representations by the staff. Federation understands that instructions have already been issued to pay arrears to the DNB Trainee Doctors on 7th CPC Pay Scale. He urged the Railway Board to take action to remedy the situation in order to settle the justified demand of DNB Trainee Doctors working in Railway Hospitals/Health Units.

While concluding, the NFIR General Secretary expressed confidence that the healthy industrial relations on Railways would continue in the coming days also and the issues raised by the Federation will be redressed with speed and positive mindset.

Also read: Highlights of PNM Meeting Shri Guman Singh, President / NFIR

Source: NFIR

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NFIR

No. NFIR/PNM/113

Dated: 10/06/2019

The Member (Staff),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: NFIR PNM pending items – quick redressal of issues – reg.

Although PNM meeting under your chairmanship was held on 25th/ 26th April, 2019 and subsequently the pending PNM Items relating to PC-I Directorate were also discussed on 04th June, 2019 in a special meeting, many items are continued to remain unresolved. Many pending PNM Items can also be settled by issuing fomral orders as the demands are within the parameters of norms and logic.

NFIR has also sent fresh PNM Agenda to the Railway Board on 29th May, 2019 as the Federation is eager for formal meetings in quick succession for sorting out the staff grievances through serious dialogue. Some of the demands listed in the fresh Agenda can also be agreed to, straightaway and orders issued by Railway Board without waiting for discussion. The Federation’s request is that the PNM Items which can be agreed without waiting for formal discussion need to be identified and decisions communicated bv the Board and this initiative would motive employees.

NFIR, therefore, requests your kind intervention to see that the Railway Board gives greater priority for resolving PNM Items soon. Federation may kindly be replied of steps initiated on this specific proposal.

Yours faithfully,
(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)

Source: NFIR

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NFIR

No. II/10/Part I

Dated: 28/05/2019

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Accumulation of Earned Leave / Leave on Average Pay (LAP) beyond the ceiling of 300 days – reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR’s PNM Item No.23/2018.
(ii) NFIR’s letter No.II/10/Part l dated 17/07/2017.
(iii) Railway Board’s letter No. E(P&A)I-2010/FE-4/2 dated 08/09/2017 addressed to GS/NFIR.
(iv) NFIR’s letter No. II/10 Part I dated 18/091/2017.
(v) Railway Board’s letter No. E(P&A)I-2010/FE-4/2 dated 22/11/2017 addressed to GS/NFIR.

The PNM subject was discussed between the Railway Board and the Federation in the special meeting held on 09/08/2018, wherein the Federation requested to refer the matter to DoP&T again, connecting Board’s earlier O.M. No. E(P&A)I/2010/FE/4/2 dated 10/09/2012 and Order of the Hon’ble Chandigarh High Court. The Official Side stated that the matter will be examined. Thereafter, however, no progress had been communicated to the Federation.

Though the item could not be discussed in the PNM meeting held with the Railway Board on 25th /26th April, 2019 for want of time, the Official Side through Action Taken Statement conveyed following position:-

“An O.M. No. E(P&A)I- 2018/FE-4/4 dated 20/11/2018 has been sent to DoP&T. DoP&T’s reply is awaited.”

In order to pursue the matter at the level of DoP&T, Federation desires to have copy of O.M. dated 20/11/2018 sent to DoP&T.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to make available copy of Railway Ministry’s O.M. No. E(P&A)I-2018 /FE-414 dated 20/11/2018 sent to the DoP&T to get the matter expedited.

Yours faithfully,
(Dr. M.Raghavaiah)

Source: NFIR

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Reckoning service for entitlement of Post Retirement Complimentary Passes

No.I/15/2018

Dated: 23/05/2019

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Reckoning service for entitlement of Post Retirement Complimentary Passes – reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR’s PNM Item No. 06/2016.
(ii) Board’s letter No. E(W)2006/PS5-1/28 dated 18/04/2007 & 08/05/2008.
(iii) Board’s letter No. E(W)2013/PS5-1/7 dated 16/12/2013.
(iv) Board’s letter No. E(W)2013/PS5-1/28 dated 12/03/2014.
(v) Board’s letter No. E(W)2016/PS5-8/2 dated 19/04/20l8.
(vi) NFIR’s letter No. I/15/Part III dated 06/07/2018, 17108/2018 & 03/10/2018.
(vii) NFIR’s letter No. I/15/2018 dated 12/03/2019.

Responding to the instructions issued by the Railway Board vide letter dated 19/04/2018 with reference to NFIR’s PNM Agenda Item No. 06/2016, Federation vide series of letters, latest being dated 12/03/2019, requested the Railway Board to restore previous instructions issued vide No. E(W)2006/PS5-1/28 dated 18/04/2007 to facilitate the benefit of Post Retirement Complimentary Passes to the Former Defence Forces Personnel etc., working in Railways (as announced by Hon’ble MR in the Parliament during the course of presenting Rail Budget 2007-08). Federation further desires to bring to the notice of the Railway Board that the subject was also discussed with ED(IR) on 3rd July, 2018 while specific case belonging to North Western Railway was also cited wherein the Zonal Railway has taken negative view and declined to implement Board’s instructions dated 19104/2018 stating that the employee has not completed 20 years or more service in Railways, therefore not entitled for PRCP.

During NFIR’s PNM meeting held with the Railway Board on 25/26-4-2019 though the subject could not be discussed due to paucity of time, the position conveyed through Action Taken Statement to the Federation is as follows :-

” The matter is under re-examination on file in consultation with Associate Finance”

NFIR, therefore once again urges upon the railway Board to issue suitable clarificatory instructions, duly modifying earlier instructions dated 19/04/2018 to facilitate the Former Defence Forces Personnel/Central Government Employees who joined Railways, to avail the benefit of PRCP on the basis of length of service rendered in Railways and in the previous Central Government Organizations. A copy of the modified
instructions issued may be endorsed to the Federation.

Yours faithfully

(Dr.Rahavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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No. II/1/2019

Dated: 29.01.2019

To,
The Chairman,
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Induction of Female employees in Railways and other Central Government departments – reg.

The provisions of the Constitution of India, ensured “Right to Equality” to any person for employment opportunity in Government as well other than Government Institutions. Articles 14, 15 & 16 of the Constitution have enshrined the “Right to Equality” to all the persons irrespective of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Equality of opportunity in the matters of emplo5rment has been provided under Article 16 of the Constitution for all citizens to employment or appointment to any office under the state.

In the above context, NFIR brings to the kind notice of the Railway Board (CRB) that on Railways female candidates are recruited through RRCs/RRBs/Compassionate appointment etc., to the posts of Track Maintainer, Junior Engineer, ESM Gr-I, Station Master, Assistant Pointsman, Helper, Technicians etc., in the Technical, Operating and other Departments. Certain jobs mainly Track Maintainer are arduous and hazardous as the staff are expected to work under open sky facing inclement weather conditions at remote places, jungle areas, where minimum basic necessities of life do not exist. The female Track Maintainers are facing these hardships in the course of performing their duties.

Vide PNM Agenda Item No. 23/015 at Railway Board’s level, the NFIR demanded that the female Track Maintainers may be permitted to seek transfer to other Departments on completion of two or three years service. However, this issue is still pending.

Pursuant to the efforts of NFIR and discussions during PNM meetings, the Railway Ministry vide letter No. E(NG)III/2018/RR-I/13 dated 20/09/2018 (linked with Board’s letter No. E(NG)I-99/CFP/23 (Vol. II) dated 14/1/2013 permitted Track Maintainers to seek change to other Cadres/Departments against 10% as well 40% vacancies, but sadly the instructions dated 14th November, 2013 are yet to be implemented by Zonal Railways due to non-availability of replacement as a result of no recruitment since the last over three years. Consequently, Track Maintainers (Male & Female) are put to sever hardships, while they have been bitterly complaining against non-compliance of Railway Board’s instructions.

The light of the above facts, NFIR expects the Railway Ministry to give special consideration to Track Maintainers for the purpose of pursuing their career growth through lateral induction/transfer to other Departments. NFIR vide PNM Agenda Item No. 2312015 had also suggested that the recruitment from Open Market be made to the post of 1800 Grade Pay/Pay Level-l instead designation-wise recruitment thereby the 1st appointment of such recruitees shall be against the post of Track Maintainer and for filling minimum, in pay Level-l in other Departments the Track Maintainers can be drawn on option basis, thereby within a period of 5 to 7 years, they may get shifted to other cadres. It seems Railway Board have not yet considered this constructive proposal of NFIR

NFIR hopes that the rights provided through “Constitution” for employment of female candidates shall be protected and implemented by the Railway Ministry without dilution/deviation and at the same time Federation urges upon the Railway Board to consider NFIR’s demand (PNM Item No. 23/2015) relating to granting appropriate relief to female Track Maintainers working in the Railways.

NFIR also insists upon the Railway Board to continue the extant policy of recruitment of male and female candidates without discrimination, otherwise many complications may arise including that of public agitations and litigations. A line in reply is solicited.

Yours faithfully

(Dr. M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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No. 2016/CE-I/GNS/4pt.

New Delhi, dated 07.12.2017

General Managers,
All Indian Railways,

Sub: Payment to the Track Maintainers deputed for night patrolling duties for purchase of dry cell – PNM/NFIR Agenda Item No. 44/2016.

NFIR has raised the issue of revision of amount being given to the Track Maintainers deputed for track patrolling duties during night for purchase of dry cell battery. The matter has been considered by Board (MEW & FC) and it has been decided that all track maintainers deputed for night patrolling shall be paid @ Rs 150 per month alongwith their salary towards purchase of dry cell, wherever rechargeable torches have not been provided.

2. This issues with concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

[Rly.no.030-47598, Mob (CUG)-97176111

Source: NFIR

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA/BHARAT SARKAR,
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS/RAIL MANTRALAYA
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No.E(NG)I-2015/CFP/8

The General Managers (P)
All Zonal Railways &
Production Units etc.
(As per standard list).

New Delhi, dated 21.04.2017

Sub:- Promotion from GP Rs.1800 (Level-1) to GP Rs.1900 (Level-2) against 33-1/3% quota – Minimum eligibility condition of service for selection.

In terms of provisions contained in Para 189 of IREM, Vol.I, Railway servants in erstwhile Group ‘D’ categories for whom no regular avenue of promotion exists, 33-1/3% of the posts in the lowest grade of Commercial Clerks, Ticket Collectors, Trains Clerks, Office Clerks, Stores Clerks etc. are eligible for promotion on completion of 3 years continuous service, which is relaxable for SC/ST employees who are eligible on completion of probation in recruitment grade, which is 2 years (Para 104 of IREM).

2. One of the Federations (NFIR) have raised an item in the PNM forum to prescribe two (02) years residency condition for promotion from GP Rs.1800 (Level-1) to GP Rs.1900 (Level-2) against the above quota. The issue has been examined by the Board and it is now decided, that henceforth, staff will be eligible for promotion against 33-1/3% quota on completion of 2 years continuous service in the relevant grade on successful completion of probation period, irrespective of the fact whether such staff belong to GEN/OBC/SC/ST. These instructions will be effective from date of issue.

Please acknowledge receipt.

(M.K. Meena)
Deputy Director Estt.(N)
Railway Board

Signed copy

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Government of India (Bharat Sarkar)
Ministry of Railways (Rail Mantralaya)
Railway Board)

No.2016/E(LR)I/NM 1-16

New Delhi, dt. 31.03.2017

The General Secretary,
NFIR,
3, Chelmsford Road,
New Delhi – 110 055.

Dear Sir,
Sub: PNM/NFIR meeting held on 22nd & 23rd December, 2016

During the PNM/NFIR meeting held on 22nd & 23rd December, 2016, you had raised the following issue during your opening address:-

“The General Secretary specially mentioned the cases of MACPS which are continued unresolved. He said, the meeting at the level of MS & FC is yet to be held while meetings at the level of EDs were held, but with no fruitful results. He specially requested the MS that on all MACPS issues raised by NFIR, detailed comments may be furnished soon so that a separate meeting can be held for fruitful discussions and decisions before it is too late.”

Accordingly, the comments of Pay Commission Dte. On MACPS issues are enclosed.

Yours faithfully,
(Debashis Mallik)
Director, Estt. (IR)

Position/remarks on MACPS issues raised in PNM/NFIR item(s)

Position/remarks on other MACPS issues raised by NFIR

Source: NFIR

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Dated: 22/09/2016

The Mernber Staff,
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Accumulation of NFIRs PNM Items due to non finalization – reg.
NFIR sends herewith a list containing 12 PNM Items which are pending from the year 20ll to 2016. Most of the items are relating to grant of financial upgradation under MACPS. Although it was agreed to arrange meeting at the level of MS & FC on MACPS issues, no such meeting has been convened and on the other hand, the issues have not been resolved through discussions with the Federation.

Federation is afraid that the number of pending items will continue to grow, if Board does  not devote for setting the issues through mutual discussions.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board (MS) to kindly see that speedy action is taken on all pending PNM items. Federation will be ready to discuss on dates convenient to both.

DA/As above

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

Source: NFIR

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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)

Dated: 13/11/2015

No. II/58/Part II
The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Enhancement of Income Tax exemption limit in the case of Running Staff in Railways-reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR’s PNM item no. 39/2012.
(ii) Railway Board’s O.M. No. F(X)I-2014/23/4 dated 23/05/2014 & 08/05/2015.
(iii) Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, CBDT (TPL Division)’s O.M No. 149/21/2013 TPL dated 23/07/2015 addressed to Railway Board.

On perusal of contents of O.M. dated 23/07/2015, (addressed to the Railway Board by Department of Revenue, CBDT TPL Division), copy handed over to the NFIR during the PNM meeting held on 819`” October 2015, Federation felt disappointed that the view of CBDT is unconvincing as the points raised by the Federation in the PNM agenda Item No, 39/2012 have not been taken into consideration. As a matter of fact, the CBDT has generalized the issue ignoring the Federation’s demand seeking revision of tax exemption to the specific category of Running Staff of Railways.

2. Federation however re-iterates below the key points for making proper reference by the Railway Ministry to the MoF/CBDT:-

• In para 1507 of IREC-Vol II (sixth Edition 1987/2″ Reprint Edition 2005), it has been stipulated that the Running Allowance is granted to the Running Staff for the performance of duty directly connected with charge of moving trains and includes “kilometerage allowance” or “allowance in lieu of kilometerage” and is paid on the kilometerage basis.
• The argument of CBDT that the exemption limit was raised from Rs. 6000 to 10,000 p.m. which takes care of progressive requirement of employees working in the different transport sector including Railway employees is not relevant as the revision of exemption sought pertains to Running Staff. Federation’s demand is that when the rates of kilometerage allowance of Running Staff on Indian Railways have been enhanced on DA reaching 50% of pay w.e.f. 01/01/2011 and again on reaching 100% as on 01/01/2014, the exemption limit of Income Tax correspondingly needs to be enhanced retrospectively as there is T.A. component in the kilometerage amount. Therefore, the present exempteq. amount of Rs. 10,000/- is grossly insufficient particularly in the context of upward revision of the rates of T.A which are not taxable.
• The CBDT’s view that moderation of tax rates by way of increase in the basic exemption limits and widening of tax slabs has raised every individual’s exemption limit is not relevant to the issue raised by NFIR seeking revision of exemption limit in the case of Running staff in Railways.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to write back to MoF/CBDT duly highlighting that “kilometerage amount paid to Running staff includes T.A. component towards out of pocket expenses” and urging for approval for upward revision of tax exemption limit from the existing Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 20,000/-

Yours faithfully,

(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR – https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B40Q65NF2_7UNjRyY0p1NFdlM2c/view?pli=1

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