AIRF met with the Hon’ble Minister for Railways to discuss the issue of vaccination for Railway Staff and their families, aged 18 to 44 years and stressed to him that Railway Employees are Frontline Workers who are feeling restless due to non-vaccination, particularly those in the age group of 18 – 44 years and members of their families.

All India Railwaymen’s Federation
(Estd. 1924)

No.AIRF/561

Dated: May 13, 2021

The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions

Dear Comrades,

Sub: Vaccination of the Railway Staff and their families aged between 18-44 years

Today I discussed the issue of vaccination to the Railway Staff and their families, aged between 18 to 44 years, with Hon’ble Minister for Railways and impressed upon him that the Railway Employees are Frontline Workers and they are feeling restless due to non-vaccination, particularly those in the age group of 18 – 44 years and also members of their families.

Hon’ble M.R. informed me that, he had already asked the Chairman to take immediate steps on the issue of vaccination of all the Railway Employees.

I also informed Hon’ble M.R. that the Chairman-Cum-CEO, Railway Board, all the General Managers, and even some of the DRM’s are actively trying their level best for arranging vaccination from the State Governments, but the State Governments are not cooperating. I requested to Hon’ble M.R., that this issue must be taken up at the political level with the Chief Ministers to provide sufficient vaccine to the Railway Staff and their families in their State Jurisdiction, or otherwise Railways should purchase the vaccines and they should be administered to the Railway Employees and their families by the Railways itself, and there should be no delay on this issue.

Hon’ble M.R. had agreed to pursue this matter and resolve the issue at an earliest.

Comradely yours,

(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Source: AIRF India

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AIRF

All India Railwaymen’s Federation

No.AIRF /24(C)

Dated: January 10, 2020

The Member Staff,
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Aadhaar enabled Biometric Attendance System for Railway Staff

Aadhaar-enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) was introduced in the Railways vide Office Order No.08 of 2014 dated 01.12.2014 of the Railway Board.

In the year 2016, Ministry of Law and Justice got Aadhaar Act, 2016, enacted in the Parliament, which was notified on March 26, 2016. Aadhaar Act, 2016 clearly states that identity of an individual through Aadhaar can only be established in case of receipt of subsidy and other benefit of services which are being provided by the Government. Meanwhile Hon’ble Supreme Court in its landmark judgement on Aadhaar Act, 2016, delivered on 26th September, 2018, has categorically struck down Section 57 of Aadhaar Act, 2016, which says that, “Nothing in the Act shall prevent the use of Aadhaar for establishing the identity of an individual for any purpose whether by the state or anybody, corporate or person”. In view of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 and Hon’ble Supreme Court’s judgement, the following points are highlighted:-

• AEBAS was introduced in the year 2014 in the Indian Railways and the system has not been revised after implementation of Aadhaar Act, 2016 and the judgement of Hon’ble Supreme Court thereafter in September 26, 2018.
• Section 8(2) of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 made it mandatory to obtain the consent of an individual before collecting his identity information for the purposes of authentication. In this connection, it is to be pointed out that, getting consent of the employee for Biometric Attendance, as per Aadhaar Act, 2016, is totally against the Act, which says that, authentication, as per Aadhaar Act, 2016, is only for welfare scheme.
• An additional step has been introduced in the Biometric Machines which seeks consent of the Railway Employees and demographic locations before Biometric Attendance is marked, making marking of attendance cumbersome and the employees are made to wait in long queues to mark their attendance on Biometric Machines.
• Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 says that, “Nothing contained in this Act shall prevent the use of Aadhaar number for establishing the identity of an individual for any purpose, whether by the State or anybody Corporate or Person, pursuant to any law for the time, being in force or any contract to this effect. As per Aadhaar Act, this is the only section where anybody, Corporate or Person can use Biometric for authentication, but Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 has been declared void and unconstitutional by Hon’ble Supreme Court in its judgement in September 2018.
• Since Biometric Machines belong to the Third Party, and having software developed and modified by the manufacturer and these machines are connected with the internet, thus make data vulnerable for misuse. Consent of the Railway Employees to use their Aadhaar Number and Biometrics on Third Party’s entity for attendance has put personal data (Biometric and Aadhar Number) of Railway Employees at severe risk in the hands of hackers, who can peep into various Aadhaar linker services of an individual, such as Bank Accounts, Income Tax details and other welfare services linked with the Aadhaar Card.

“Classic example of leakage of Aadhaar linked data has been witnessed in the case of Shri R.S. Sharma (TRAI Chairman and Former Director General of UIDAI (Aadhaar) by the country, in whose case leakage of Aadhar Number made hackers to sneak into 14 services being used by him, that include his Bank Accounts, PAN details and other details, including his family members”.

Also check: Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System for Railway employees – Railway Board Orders

Taking consent from the Railway Employees before usage of Biometric and Aadhar Number, as per Aadhaar Act, 2016, virtually means that, Railways will not take any responsibility if Aadhar or Biometrics of the Railway Employees are misused or in case of fraudulent transaction happens with Aadhaar linked Bank Accounts.

It is evident that, use of Biometric Attendance System in the Railways, to authenticate an individual for attendance, as per Aadhaar Act, 2016, is totally unconstitutional and violates Aadhaar Act, 2016, against the judgement of Hon’ble Supreme Court and blatant attack on the privacy of the Railway Employees.

AIRF, therefore, is of the considered opinion that the above-mentioned issues be given thorough consideration and remedial action taken urgently.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Copy to: General Secretaries, all affiliated unions – for information.

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NFIR

No. II/34/2018-Part I

Dated: 19/09/2018

The Chairman,
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Incidents of violent attacks on Railway employees in the course of performing their duties-reg.

Of late, it is noticed that the Railway employees are becoming targets of physical attacks by the unruly people/antisocial elements. In this connection, NFIR cites the case of recent physical attack on Travelling Ticket Examiner of S.C. Railway (Secunderabad Division) by a group of people who are habituated of travelling unauthorizedly and threatening on duty staff. It has further been reported that three persons have attacked the Gate Keeper (Track Maintainer) at Level Crossing Gate on Northern Railway and chopped off his left arm on 17th September, 2018. Similar attacks on staff were also reported from different places and no adequate action has been taken by the concerned Law & Order Authorities to deter the miscreants.

The Railway Staff who perform duties in the field and at remote places are developing constant fear of criminal attacks on them by the miscreants. In order to maintain the morale of staff, it would be necessary to urge upon the concerned high level authorities who are accountable for maintaining Law & Order situation to take effective measures. So far as Level Crossing Gates are concerned, provision of CCTV cameras may be considered seriously to facilitate detecting the culprits for further action.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to kindly see that concrete steps are taken to protect the Railway Staff working in the field and in the remote sections of the Railway system. Federation may please be kept advised of action being taken by the Railway Board early.

Yours faithfully
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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No. II/14/2018

Dated: 08/05/2018

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Inter Railway mutual transfer of Railway Staff working in GP 1800/Level 1 (7th CPC)-reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR’s letter No. II/14/Pt. dated 27/02/2017 addressed to GM, N.F.Railway and GM, S.C. Railway.
(ii) GM (P), N.F. Rly’s letter No. E/283/60/M/C&W/IRMT/PSK dated 25/05/2017.
(iii) NFIR’s letter No. II/14/Part VIII dated 19/06/2017.
(iv) Railway Board’s reply to GS/NFIR vide Board’s letter No. E(NG)I-2017/TR/19 dated 02/08/2017.
(v) Railway Board’s letter No. E(NG)I-2017/TR/24 dated 22/09/2017.

Federation vide its letter dated 19/06/2017 brought to the kind notice of Railway Board, a specific case of inter railway mutual transfer of Railway Staff working in erstwhile GP I 800/Pay Level 1 and requested to issue modified instructions for approving mutual transfer request of Railway employees working in lowest entry pay scale even though working in different Departments/Units.

Responding to Federation’s letter, the Railway Board vide letter dated 02/08/2017 addressed to General Secretary, NFIR conveyed that the General Managers of Zonal Railways have been authorized to decide the cadre of the employees seeking mutual transfer and further stated that the individual cases may be taken up by the affiliates of the Federation at Zonal level to be sorted out in consultation with the respective Zonal Railway. Subsequently, Railway Board vide instructions dated 15/09/2017 (RBE No. 130/2017) directed the General Managers of Zonal Railways and Production Units that all cases of mutual transfer which have been accepted by the Zones/Units should be implemented within the next 15 days and all employees involved in such transfer should be spared by 30th September, 2017. Thereafter Railway Board vide letter dated 22/09/2017 (RBE No. 131/2017) issued yet another instructions simplifying the procedure for mutual transfer particularly in respect of divisionally controlled posts as well head quarter controlled posts and fixed a timeline.

It has since been represented by the staff of various categories working in Pay Level-1 (lowest scale of Pay) through our affiliated Unions that while issuing instructions and simplifying the procedure, the Railway Board in its letter dated 22/09/2017 has fixed a condition vide note placed below Item No. 2 (b) (iii) which is reproduced below:-

Note : Mutual Exchange is between two employees of the same grade and cadre. This must be verified by the Personnel Department at every stage of processing of applications.

Reports received by the Federation reveal that the Divisions/Zones etc., have not been entertaining the inter-divisional/inter-railway mutual transfer request of staff working in the lowest grade pay in different Departments are not being accepted citing the condition of note laid down in Board’s letter dated 22/09/2017. Federation feels sad to convey that the Board’s instructions have failed to simplify the procedure and on the other hand complicated the matters.

NFIR, therefore, once again urges upon the Railway Board to issue clarificatory instructions on the subject to the Zonal Railways etc., to accept the inter-divisional/inter-railway mutual transfer requests of staff working in the lowest Pay Level-1 without any restriction relating to their working in the category/cadre/department as this being lowest post to be filled by open market recruitment.

A copy of the instructions issued may be endorsed to the Federation.

Yours faithfully,

S/d,
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source : NFIR

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A.I.R.F.
All India Railwaymen’s Federation
4, State Entry Road, NEW DELHI – 110055

No. AIRF/24(C)

Dated: 13/09/2017

The DG(P)
Railway Board
New Delhi

Sub: Advance Payment of September 2017 Salary to Railway Staff

As you are aware that Pooja festival are starting from 28th September, 2017.

It would, therefore, be in all appropriateness that necessary orders from Railway Board should go to all the Zonal Railways for making advance payment of September, 2017 Salary to the Railway staff so that they can enjoy the Pooja festival.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)

Source: AIRF

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Dated: 07/08/2017

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Travelling Allowance to Railway staff – Implementation of Ministry of Finance notification on the report of Seventh Central Pay Commission-reg.

Ref:  O.M. No. 19030/1/2017-E.IV dated 13th July 2017 issued by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure.

Consequent upon the decision of the Government on the recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission, the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide O.M. dated 13th July 2017 have issued instructions relating to revision of Travelling Allowance, entitlements for journeys on Tour/Training, Daily Allowance, TA on Transfer and TA entitlements for retiring employees, to be given effect from 01/07/2017.

While enclosing copy of the said O.M. Dated 13th July 2017, NFIR requests the Railway Board to issue corresponding instructions in the case of Railway employees so that the revised rates are given effect’ from July 1, 2017.

DA/As above

Yours faithfully,
S/d,
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

No. 19030/1/2017-E.IV
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure

New Delhi, the 13th July 2017

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Travelling Allowance Rules – Implementation of the Seventh Central Pay Commission.

Consequent upon the decisions taken by the Government on the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission relating to Travelling Allowance entitlements to civilian employees of Central Government, President is pleased to decide the revision in the rates of Travelling Allowance as set out in the Annexure to this Office Memorandum.

2. The ‘Pay Level’ for determining the TA/DA entitlement is as indicated in Central Civil Service (Revised Pay) Rules 2016.

3. The term ‘Pay in the Level’ for the purpose of these orders refer to Basic Pay drawn in appropriate Pay Level in the Pay Matrix as defined in Rule 3(8) of Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016 and does not include Non-Practising Allowance (NPA), Military Service Pay (MSP) or any other type of pay like special pay, etc

4. However, if the Travelling Allowance entitlements in terms of the revised entitlements now prescribed result in a lowering of the existing entitlements in the case of any individual, groups or classes of employees, the entitlements, particularly in respect of mode of travel, class of accommodation, etc., shall not be lowered. They will instead continue to be governed by the earlier orders on the subject till such time as they become eligible, in the normal course, for the higher entitlements.

5. The claims submitted in respect of journey made on or after 1st July, 2017, may be regulated in accordance with these orders. In respect of journeys performed prior to 1st July, 2017, the claims may be regulated in accordance with the previous orders dated 23.09.2008.

6. It may be noted that no additional funds will be provided on account of revision in TA/DA entitlements. It may therefore be ensured that permission to official travel is given judiciously and restricted only to absolutely essential official requirements.

7. These orders shall take effect from 01st July, 2017

8. Separate orders will be issued by Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways in respect of Armed Forces personnel and Railway employees, respectively.

9. In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit & Accounts Department are concerned, these orders issue in consultation with the Comptroller & Auditor General of India

Hindi version is attached.

(Nirmala Dev)

Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

ANNEXURE

Annexure to Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure

O.M.No. 19030/1/2017-E.IV dated 10th July 2017.

In supersession of Department of Expenditure’s O.M.No.19030/3/2008-E.IV dated 23.09.2008, in respect of Travelling Allowance the following provisions will be applicable with effect from 01.07.2017:

2. Entitlements for Journeys on Tour or Training

A.(i)     Travel Entitlements within the Country

(ii) It has also been decided to allow the Government officials to travel by Premium Trains/Premium Tatkal Trains/Suvidha Trains, the reimbursement to Premium Tatkal Charges for booking of tickets and the reimbursement of Dynamic/Flexi-fare in Shatabdi/Rajdhani/Duronto Trains while on official tour/training. Reimbursement of Tatkal Seva Charges which has fixed fare, will remain continue to be allowed. Travel entitlement for the journey in Premium/Premium Tatkal/Suvidha/Shatabdi/Rajdhani/Duronto Trains will be as under:-

(iii) The revised Travel entitlements are subject to following:-

1. (a)    In case of places not connected by rail, travel by AC bus for all those entitled to travel by AC II Tier and above by train and by Deluxe/ordinary bus for others is allowed.

1. (b)   In case of road travel between places connected by rail, travel by any means of public transport is allowed provided the total fare does not exceed the train fare by the entitled class.

1. (c)    All mileage points earned by Government employees on tickets purchased for official travel shall be utilized by the concerned department for other official travel by their officers. Any usage of these mileage points for purposes of private travel by an officer will attract departmental action. This is to ensure that the benefits out of official travel, which is funded by the Government, should accrue to the Government.

1. (d)   In case of non-availability of seats in entitled class, Govt.servants may travel in the class below their entitled class.

B. International Travel Entitlement:

C. Entitlement for journeys by Sea or by River Steamer

1. (i)  For places other than A&N Group of Islands and Lakshadweep Group of Island:-

(ii) For travel between the mainland and the A&N Group of Islands and Lakshadweep Group of Island by ships operated by the Shipping Corporation of India Limited:-

D. Mileage Allowance for Journeys by Road:

1. (i) At places where specific rates have been prescribed:-

1. (ii) At places where no specific rates have been prescribed either by the Directorate of Transport of the concerned State or of the neighboring States:

At places where no specific rates have been prescribed, the rate per km will further rise by 25 percent whenever DA increases by 50 percent.

E (i). Daily Allowance on Tour

(ii) Reimbursement of Hotel charges:- For levels 8 and below, the amount of claim (up to the ceiling) may be paid without production of vouchers against self-certified claim only. The self-certified claim should clearly indicate the period of stay, name of dwelling, etc. additionally, for stay in Class ‘X’ cities, the ceiling for all employees up to Level 8 would be Rs.1,000 per day, but it will only be in the form of reimbursement upon production of relevant vouchers. The ceiling for reimbursement of hotel charges will further rise by 25 percent whenever DA increases by 50 persent.

1. (iii) Reimbursement of Travelling charges:- Similar to Reimbursement of staying accommodation charges, for level 8 and below, the claim (up to the ceiling) may be paid without production of vouchers against self-certified claim only. The self-certified claim should clearly indicate the period of travel, vehicle number, etc. the ceiling for levels 11 and below will further rise by 25 percent whenever DA increases by 50 percent. For journeys on foot, an allowance of Rs.12/- per kilometre travelled on foot shall be payable additionally. This rate will further increase by 25% whenever DA increases by 50%.

1. (iv) Reimbursement of Food charges:- There will be no separate reimbursement of food bills. Instead, the lump sum amount payable will be as per Table E(i) above and, depending on the length of absence from headquarters, would be regulated as per Table (v) below. Since the concept of reimbursement has been done away with, no vouchers will be required. This methodology is in line with that followed by Indian Railways at present (with suitable enhancement of rates). i.e. Lump sum amount payable. The lump sum amount will increase by 25 percent whenever DA increase by 50 percent.

1. (v)   Timing restrictions

Absence from Head Quarter will be reckoned from midnight to midnight and will be calculated on a per day basis.

1. (vi) In case of stay/journey on Government ships, boats etc. or journey to remote places on foot/mules etc for scientific/data collection purposes in organization like FSI, Survey of India, GSI etc., daily allowance will be paid at rate equivalent to that provided for reimbursement of food bill. However, in this case, the amount will be sanctioned irrespective of the actual expenditure incurred on this account with the approval of the Head of Department/controlling officer.

Note: DA rates for foreign travel will be regulated as prescribed by Ministry of External Affairs.

3. T.A. on Transfer

TA on Transfer includes 4 components:- (i) Travel entitlement for self and family (ii) Composite Transfer and packing grant (CTG) (iii) Reimbursement of charges on transportation of personal effects (iv) Reimbursement of charges on transportation of conveyance.

1. (i) Travel Entitlements:

1. (a)    Travel entitlements as prescribed for tour in Para 2 above, except for International Travel, will be applicable in case of journeys on transfer. The general conditions of admissibility prescribed in S.R.114 will, however, continue to be applicable.

1. (b)   The provisions relating to small family norms as contained in para 4(A) of Annexure to M/o Finance O.M.F.No. 10/2/98-IC & F.No. 19030/2/97-EIV dt. 171, April 1998, shall continue to be applicable.

1. (ii) Composite Transfer and Packing Grant (CTG):

1. (a)    The Composite Transfer Grant shall be paid at the rate of 80% of the last month’s basic pay in case of transfer involving a change of station located at a distance of or more than 20 kms from each other. However, for transfer to and from the Island territories of Andaman, Nicobar & Lakshadweep, CTG shall be paid at the rate of 100% of last month’s basic pay. Further, NPA and MSP shall not be included as part of basic pay while determining entitlement for CTG.

1. (b)   In cases of transfer to stations which are at a distance of less than 20 kms from the old station and of transfer within the same city, one third of the composite transfer grant will be admissible, provided a change of residence is actually involved.

1. (c)    In cases where the transfer of husband and wife takes place within six months, but after 60 days of the transfer of the spouse, fifty percent of the transfer grant on transfer shall be allowed to the spouse transferred later. No transfer grant shall be admissible to the spouse transferred later, in case both the transfers are ordered within 60 days. The existing provisions shall continue to be applicable in case of transfers after a period of six months or more. Other rules precluding transfer grant in case of transfer at own request or transfer other than in public interest, shall continue to apply unchanged in their case.

1. (iii)  Transportation of Personal Effects:

The rates will further rise by 25 percent whenever DA increases by 50 percent. The rates for transporting the entitled weight by Steamer will be equal to the prevailing rates prescribed by such transport in ships operated by Shipping Corporation of India. The claim for reimbursement shall be admissible subject to the production of actual receipts/vouchers by the Govt servant. Production of receipts/vouchers is mandatory in r/o transfer cases of North Eastern Region, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep also.

Transportation of personal effects by road is as per kilometre basis only. The classification of cities/towns for the purpose of transportation of personal effects is done away with.

1. (iv) Transportation of Conveyance.

The general conditions of admissibility of TA on Transfer as prescribed in S.R. 116 will, however, continue to be applicable.

4. T.A. Entitlement of Retiring Employees

TA on Retirement includes 4 components:- (i) Travel entitlement for self and family (ii) Composite Transfer and packing grant (CTG) (iii) Reimbursement of charges on transportation of personal effects (iv) Reimbursement of charges on transportation of conveyance.

1. (i)    Travel Entitlements

Travel entitlements as prescribed for tour/transfer in Para 2 above, except for International Travel, will be applicable in case of journeys on retirement. The general conditions of admissibility prescribed in S.R. 147 will, however, continue to be applicable.

1. (ii)  Composite Transfer Grant (CTG)

1. (a)      The Composite Transfer Grant shall be paid at the rate of 80% of the last month’s basic pay in case of those employees, who on retirement, settled down at places other than last station(s) of their duty located at a distance of or more than 20 km. however, in case of settlement to and from the Island territories of Andaman, Nicobar & Lakshadweep, CTG shall be paid at the rate of 100% of last month’s basic pay. Further, NPA and MSP shall not be included as part of basic pay while determining entitlement for CTG. The transfer incidentals and road mileage for journeys between the residence and the railway station/bus stand, etc., at the old and new station, are already subsumed in the composite transfer grant and will not be separately admissible.

1. (b)     As in the case of serving employees, Government servants who, on retirement, settle at the last station of duty itself or within a distance of less than 20 kms may be paid one third of the CTG subject to the condition that a change of residence is actually involved.

1. (iii) Transportaion of Personal Effects:- Same as Para 3(iii) above.

1. (iv)Transportation of Conveyance:- Same as Para 3(iv) above.

The general conditions of admissibility of TA on Retirement as prescribed in S.R. 147 will, however, continue to be applicable.

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

No.E(G)2008 QR-1-15

New Delhi,
Dated :31.05.2017

The General Managers,
All Indian Railways and PUs,
(As per standard list).

Sub: Retention of Railway accommodation by Railway officers/staff on their deputation to Railway PSUs.

The instructions issued vide Board’s letter No.E(G)2008 QR 1-15 dated 18.12.2014 in regard to retention of Railway accommodation at their previous place of posting by officials on deputation to Railway PSUs have been reviewed.

2.Now in exercise of the power to make reasonable relaxations in public interest for a class/group of employees, in all or any of the existing provisions regarding house allotment/retention, considering the shortage of houses/ accommodation in Delhi/NCR area, the Board have decided in the first phase Railway officers/staff in occupation of Railway accomodation in areas other than Delhi/NCR on their deputation to Railway PSUs may be permitted to retain their Railway accommodation at the place of previous posting further beyond 30.06.2016 for a period up to 30.06.2019.

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

4. Please acknowledge receipt

S/d,
(Sanjay Guari)
Deputy Director Establishment (Genl.)
Railway Board

Source: NFIR

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Justice G Rajasuria, judicial member of CAT, who disposed of the original applications filed by Southern Railway Mazdoor Union last week, said the minutes of the meeting did not disclose what transpired during the discussion and what points and suggestions of the union were turned down by the administration.

Pulling up the union for failing to record the minutes, the judicial member said, “When a union like SRMU participates in a discussion, it should prepare a written submission in the form of a booklet and also set out the objective facts before the railway administration for consideration.”

“I am of the view that it is for the applicant to submit their detailed suggestion in the form of dossiers to the railway administration, following which there could be fruitful discussions between them and a conclusion could be arrived at,” he observed.

However, he said the administration could hold discussions with the union and finalise on pin-pointing posts.

SRMU had approached the tribunal against the orders of the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager and Senior Divisional Personal Officer ‘unilaterally’ pin-pointing posts in the commercial department in Madras division and effecting more than 600 transfers on periodical grounds.

The union had contended that the orders were contrary to decisions taken by the Permanent Negotiating Machinery (PNM), wherein the General Manager had agreed to some norms and that his decision cannot be sidelined by the subordinate officers in the commercial department.

The tribunal which heard the application directed the railway administration to undertake the work study and after discussion with the union, finalise the ‘pin-pointing’.

PNM is a machinery set up by Railways with a view to settle disputes arising between organised labour and railway administration.

PTI

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RBE No. 66/2016

Government of India
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)

No.2016/E(LL)/HPC/6 New Delhi

Dt. 16.06.2016

The General Manager(P)
All Indian Railways & PUs

Sub:- Recommendations of the High Power Committee to review the duty hours of running and other safety related categories of staff – Job Analysis

The High Power Committee, constituted to review the duty hours of running and other safety related categories of staff, had recommended to lay down a time schedule for carrying out the job analysis and taking decision thereupon.
The above recommendation has been duly considered by the Board and it was decided that the job analysis may be carried out and concluded in time bound manner as per existing provision.

Railways may take appropriate action accordingly.

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

Please acknowledge the receipt.

(D.V. Rao)
Director Estt.(LL)
Railway Board

Source-AIRF

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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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