NFIR

Federation National of IndianRailwaymen 3, CHELMSFORDROAD,NEW DELHI- 11O055 Afliliated to : Indian l.lationalTrade Union Congress (!NTUC) International Transport Workers' Federation (lTF)

Its.NFIR/PNIU/107

Dated:11106/2015

The Secretary (E), Railway Board, New Delhi Dear Sir, Sub:

NFIR's agendafor PNM meetingto be held with Railway Board.

Kindly find enclosedNFIR's agendaof 30 subjectsfor discussionin the PNM meetingwith the Railway Board. Incidentally,it is mentionedthat the PNM meetingsare not being held regularly sincethe last few yearsalthoughagendaitems havebeensentpromptly while pendingPNM items continuedto get accumulated. NFIR desiresthat in this vear of 2015at leasttwo more PNM meetinssshouldbe held bv the Board.

Encl: Aeendaon 30 subiects(in 19 sheets)

Yours faitp$lly, ' qt{ , AT (Dr M. Ra{havaiah) | General Secretary'

Copy togetherwith agendaitems is forwardedto the GeneralSecretariesof Affiliated Unions of NFIR. Copy to Media CentreA{FIR. Pn. 011-2331its05. Telegram: RAILMMDOR 65f,27299,R1y.22283,22626,Fax:011-23744013,R|y.22382, E+nrafl: gs O nfirindia.com;nfir @sify.com,Website : www.nfirindia.com EIf,.Y TETBCTIO}TOF HIV / AIDS - PROLONGS QUALITY OF LIFE

PNM Item No. 31/2015 32/2015 33/2015 34/2015 35/2015

36/2015 37/2015 38/2015 39/2015 40/2015 41/2015 42/2015 43/2015 44/2015 45/2015

46/2015 47/2015 48/2015 49/2015 50/2015 51/2015

Subject Reduction of Duty hours and revision of classification of Engineering & Traffic Gateman as “Continuous”. Grant of pay fixation under rule S 13 to the erstwhile Group ‘D’ staff promoted to same grade pay of 1800/- (PB-I). Denial of promotions against vacancies of Loco Pilots on Zonal Railways consequent to Court cases – Railway Board’s intervention - urged. Problems faced by the Loco and Traffic Running Staff while performing running duties – reg. Safety Related Retirement Scheme (SRRS – 2004) – renamed as Liberalized Active Retirement Scheme for Guaranteed Employment for Safety Staff (LARSGESS) – Deletion of 33 years service condition for Loco Pilot Category urged. Abnormal delay in forwarding inter railway/inter divisional transfer applications of Railway employees – Remedial measures-requested. Simultaneous creation of posts of Ticket Checking Staff when new trains are introduced or runs extended-reg. Granting promotion opportunity as JE against 25% Intermediate Apprentice quota to those Technicians initially appointed as Technician-III on compassionate ground. Mis-interpretation of Railway Board’s orders resulting denial of LARSGESS to ESM/TCM/WTM, GP 1900 – reg. Cashless facilities to the RELHS beneficiaries on the Indian Railways – reg. Appendix - 3 IREM Examination-Change of pattern – Clarification on exemption-reg. Clarification regarding consideration of service rendered as Fireman, Loco Pilot (Shunting), ALP etc., for coverage under LARSGESS-reg. Provision of rail net/internet connections to the offices of the recognized Unions and provision of CUG SIMs to the Office Bearers at Branch level-reg. Abnormal delay in finalization of proposals relating to D&AR cases – Staff put to hardship – reg. (a)Cadre restructuring benefit and promotion of Catering Staff of Parliament House Catering Unit - reg. (b)New Catering Policy 2010 – Repatriation of 188 Deemed Deputationist officials (DDOs) from IRCTC to Railways-reg. Grant of financial upgradation under MACPS to the Technical Supervisors of DC Traction and presently working as JE/SSE. Grant of MACP to the former Traffic Signallers/A2 Signallers absorbed as ASMs/SMs on North Eastern Railway-reg. Conversion of 43 Non-Incentive posts into “Incentive posts” – Carriage Repair Shop, TPTY – South Central Railway. Irregularities in implementation of cadre restructuring – JEs/SSEs (P.Way) – East Central Railway. Training Module for Loco Pilot (Shunting) on Indian Railways – wrong interpretation by Southern Railway - reg. Absorption of Quasi Administrative staff in erstwhile Group ‘D’ (PB-I GP 1800/-) – case of West Central Railway-reg.

52/2015 53/2015 54/2015 55/2015 56/2015 57/2015 58/2015 59/2015 60 /2015

Revision of Incentive Rates – Rail Wheel Factory, Yelahanka, Bengaluru. Incorrect formation of panel of Shunting Master in PB-1 + GP 2400/- on Solapur Division of Central Railway – reg. Scheme for filling up of the posts of Loco Running Supervisors – Western Railway. Non-implementation of percentage ratio with effect from 01/01/2006 for Pointsman category in Operating Department resulting deprival of promotion to staff. Consideration of wards of deceased/medically invalidated staff for compassionate appointment to the post of Traffic/Commercial Apprentice-reg. Acute shortage of Guards on Western Railway – reg. Restructuring of Group ‘C’ cadres – Western Railway-reg. Ticket Checking staff grievances – redressal urged. (a) (i) Creation of 367 revenue non-gazetted posts for Habibganj - Bina 3rd Line of Engineering Department on Bhopal Division, W.C. Rly. (ii) Creation of 281 revenue non-gazetted posts for maintenance of new track at Mawai-Chatarpur of Engineering department on Jabalpur division. (b) Non-creation of Group ‘C’ posts for maintenance of Permanent Way new assets on East Central Railway-reg.

Item No.31/2015 Sub:

Reduction of Duty hours and revision of classification of Engineering & Traffic Gateman as “Continuous”. --------Serious difficulties are being faced by the Gate Keepers of Engineering/Traffic Level crossings who are presently Classified as “Essentially Intermittent” while discharging duties, as they are directed to work 72 hours in a week. These staff, however, do not keep their family in the quarters provided, due to the problem of children’s education and other personal difficulties, particularly on account of remoteness, lack of basic amenities for normal living. They are compelled to keep their families in the nearest major towns and visit while off duty, in the process, the time available to spend with the family is quite inadequate as they get only one day time in a week, out of which lot of time is spent in commuting from the work place to the house and back. The staff do not also have option to visit their family every day as they are required to perform 12 hours duty per day in a week of six days. This creates lot of psychological impact on the staff and adversely affects performance which cannot be considered desirable for safe operation of train services. In this connection, NFIR also brings to the notice of the Railway Board the recommendations of the High Power Committee (R&S) presented to the Railway Board, of which Para 5.5.5 and 5.5.6 are relevant - Extracts of which are reproduced below. “Para 5.5.5 Duty hours of all safety category staff in EI category and specially the Gateman should be 60 hours in a week only irrespective of the distance of his quarter/residence from his workplace. Para 5.5.6 On high density routes where the number of trains in each direction are more than 72 (on double line sections) or more than 24 (on single line sections), no safety category staff (excepting the shunting staff) should be classified as EI category.” NFIR, therefore demands that the duty hours of the Gate Keepers should be reduced and they be classified as “Continuous” as their case comes within the ambit of the above recommendations of the HPC (R&S). NFIR also invites Railway Board’s attention to Federation’s views already sent to Board on the HPC (R&S) report for taking further action. Item No.32/2015 Sub:

Grant of pay fixation benefit under rule S 13 to the erstwhile Group ‘D’ staff promoted to same grade pay of 1800/- (PB-I).

Ref:

(i)

Railway Board’s letter No. PC-VI/2009/I/1/3 dated 19/12/2012 & 28/01/2015. (ii) NFIR’s letter No.II/49/Part. II dated 16/02/2015. ------------While inviting the attention of Railway Board to the references cited above, NFIR places the following points for consideration :(i)

(ii)

Prior to 01/01/2006, the Group ‘D’ posts were carrying different duties and responsibilities with higher pay scales. With the implementation of revised pay structure and merger of all Group ‘D’ pay scales with revised GP 1800 – PB-1, a new situation has arisen wherein the duties and responsibilities of higher nature performed by staff against the pre-revised higher pay scales also carry GP 1800/- only, but however, pay fixation under erstwhile F.R. 22C/present S-13, has not been extended. Although GP 1800/- has been allotted to all erstwhile Group ‘D’ posts, the benefits of pay fixation when posted from same grade pay to same grade pay shouldering higher responsibilities should have been given, but unfortunately it has not been done.

NFIR, therefore, urges upon the Railway Board to consider granting pay fixation under rule S-13 (erstwhile FR 22-C) to the staff posted against the post of identical Grade Pay of Rs.1800/- (PBI), shouldering higher duties/responsibilities. 1

Item No.33/2015 Sub:

Denial of promotions against vacancies of Loco Pilots on Zonal Railways consequent to Court cases – Railway Board’s intervention - urged. ------------In the context of the judgement of Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of M. Nagaraj v/s Union of India, various Courts pronounced judgements relating to promotion of General, SC & ST employees leading to cancellation of promotions/selection panels particularly in Loco Pilot category. Consequently regular promotions are not being granted against LP vacancies. Some zonal railways have granted ad-hoc promotions for limited periods for managing the train operations and at the same time referred the matter to Railway Board, seeking guide lines. In this connection, NFIR desires to state that the ad-hoc promotion does not give status and for this reason the staff are expressing unhappiness as their career growth is being adversely affected due to non-grant of regular promotion. Added to this problem, when the VII CPC recommends revised pay structure through its report hopefully expected by the end of August, 2015 and Government accepts the same, the pay drawn as ad-hoc promotee shall not be taken into account for pay fixation. The NFIR therefore urges upon the Railway Board to intervene and give clearance to Zonal Railways to facilitate granting regular promotions against vacancies and also regularization of adhoc promotion with retrospective effect. The subject is included in the PNM agenda for discussion. Item No.34/2015 Sub:

Problems faced by the Loco and Traffic Running Staff while performing running duties – reg.

Ref:

NFIR’s letter No.II/34/Pt.12 dated 09/03/2015. ------------The Loco and Traffic Running Staff while working trains find dead bodies of human beings or animals on the tracks. On some occasions, the living beings suddenly appear on the railway track and collide with the train engine. 2. The dead human or animal body/parts of the dead bodies are required to be removed by the GRP personnel as per instructions contained in GRP Manual/Chapter VIII, 1989 to avoid detention to trains. 3. NFIR is constrained to bring to the notice of the Railway Board that the GRP Personnel escorting the passenger carrying trains or those available at the premises of railway station are reluctant to perform the jobs of removing the dead/perished human/animal body lying on the railway tracks. The job perforce is performed by the Loco Pilots/ALPs/Guard on the track with the aim of running services without detention. The running staff are agitated over the reluctance/inaction of GRP Personnel in these situations. NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to kindly intervene and issue suitable instructions in order to ensure that GRP Personnel take care of human/animal bodies found hit/lying on tracks. Item No.35/2015 Sub:

Safety Related Retirement Scheme (SRRS – 2004) – renamed as Liberalized Active Retirement Scheme for Guaranteed Employment for Safety Staff (LARSGESS) – Deletion of 33 years service condition for Loco Pilot Category urged.

Ref:

(i)

Railway Board’s letter No. E(P&A)I-2001/RT-2 (KW) dated 02/01/2004. 2

(ii)

Railway Board’s letter No. E(P&A)I-2010/RT-2 dated 11/09/2010 & 24/09/2010. (iii) NFIR’s letter No. II/34/Part 12 dated 09/03/2015. ------------NFIR invites kind attention of the Railway Board to the instructions issued by the Board vide letter dated 02/01/2004 relating to Safety Related Retirement Scheme (SRRS-2004) covering the categories of Gangman (presently designated as Track Maintainer) and Drivers/Loco Pilots for the purpose of retirement under the scheme. The SRRS-2004 has been further improved, covering some more safety categories with the nomenclature “Liberalized Active Retirement Scheme for Guaranteed Employment for Safety Staff (LARSGESS) during the year 2010 and the scope of LARSGESS has again been extended to cover five more categories in the year 2014 as a result of negotiated settlement reached with the Federations. Under the Scheme the Loco Pilots in the age group of 55 to 57 years are allowed to seek voluntary retirement subject to fulfilment of 33 years qualifying service and vice them their wards selected after adjudging suitability are to be appointed as ALP in GP 1900/- PB-1 In this connection, NFIR brings out the following points for consideration:(a)

Those candidates selected at the age of 25 years through RRB as ALP and completed induction training thereafter will not be in a position to fulfil 33 years qualifying service condition when they attain the age of 55-57 years. (b) Those Technicians who join as Assistant Loco Pilot through lateral induction against prescribed quota will also not be able to fulfil the “33 years qualifying service” condition as Loco Pilot. (c) The Ex-Servicemen joined as ALP will also not be able to fulfil 33 years qualifying service condition as they are being inducted through RRB with upper age relaxation. In view of the above, need has arisen to review the “33 years qualifying service condition” for ensuring that the LARSGESS is made applicable to Loco Pilot category in a real sense. NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to see that modified instructions are issued duly “deleting the condition of 33 years service” for Loco Pilots to facilitate them to retire under LARSGESS and avail employment opportunity to their wards. Item No.36/2015 Sub:

Abnormal delay in forwarding inter railway/inter divisional transfer applications of Railway employees – Remedial measures-requested. --------Reports are being received from NFIR affiliates of different Zonal Railways that the applications of staff seeking inter railway/inter divisional transfers are not being forwarded by Divisional/Zonal level Administration on the pretext of acute staff shortage. Although the affiliates of NFIR have been insisting upon the Zonal Railway administrations to process all such applications and keep ready for the purpose of issuing transfer orders immediately when the replacement is made available, it is unfortunate to point out that the Zonal Railways are refusing to forward the applications on the plea that pressure from various sources would mount once the applications are forwarded, leading to difficulties. Due to this negative attitude of Zonal Railways, the inter railway/inter divisional request transfer applications of staff are pending at Unit levels since years, while the administration have not taken any initiative in recruiting the required number of candidates. The indents on RRBs are not placed for meeting all types of requirements and contingencies resulting heavy vacancy position at all times while transfer requests are continued pending without action. The vacancy position is alarming, particularly in the vital categories of ALP, ASM & Guard. Even leave is refused and periodic rests are postponed several times, citing the reason “shortage of staff”. This situation is causing serious staff disappointment and resentment.

3

In order to overcome the above difficult situation, NFIR urges upon the Railway Board to arrange to conduct thorough review for streamlining the extant procedure for ensuring that empanelled candidates are made available adequately for meeting the requirement and at the same time for sparing the staff who sought inter railway/inter divisional transfer without much loss of time. The subject is listed for discussion in the ensuing PNM Meeting. Item No.37/2015 Sub:

Simultaneous creation of posts of Ticket Checking Staff when new trains are introduced or runs extended-reg. --------Although 2500 posts in the Ticket Checking category have been sanctioned vide Railway Board’s letter No. 2012/TG-V/10/COMMITTEE dated 26/12/2013, still there is very heavy shortage of Ticket Examiners on the Zones due to non-creation of required number of posts for manning the coaches as good number of trains were introduced during the past one decade. As the expectations of passengers have risen and law & order situation deteriorated, there is absolute need to ensure provision of adequate number of Ticket examiners for manning the coaches. At present the Ticket Examiners are heavily over burdened with heavy additional work load in view of shortage. In this context, NFIR invites Railway Board’s attention to Board’s orders vide letter No. E(G)2003/EC/2-3 dated 31st October 2003 on the subject of review of cadre in Coach Maintenance Depots. Vide this order, the Railway Board had decided that the posts required for maintenance of rakes in coaching complexes in the context of introduction of new trains (2003-04 and onwards) will be created on the lines being done for the crews by way of periodic review to the extant this involves introduction/induction of coaches in new trains. NFIR is of the view that similar decision needs to be given by the Railway Board for creation of the posts of Ticket Checking Staff for efficient manning of coaches. Incidentally, it is mentioned that the Committee constituted by the Railway Board on Ticket Checking Staff in the year 2003 had also given its report for creation of posts on the lines the posts of Running Crews are provided as and when new trains are introduced without linking to the money value/matching surrender. Unfortunately no action has been taken on the report so far. NFIR therefore urges upon the Railway Board to review the extant policy and accord approval for creation of posts of Ticket Examiners when new trains are introduced/additional coaches are attached or runs of the coaching trains are extended on the lines of provision of “Running Crews”. Item No.38/2015 Sub:

Granting promotion opportunity as JE against 25% Intermediate Apprentice quota to those Technicians initially appointed as Technician-III on compassionate ground. ------------The extant instructions provide for induction of Technician Grade –III in GP 1900/- in the Technical Departments as follows:(i) (ii)

50% by direct recruitment; and 50% by promotion of Departmental Staff as under:(a) 50% plus shortfall against (b) below from amongst staff having the qualification of Class -X Board Examination; and (b) 50% from amongst existing erstwhile Group ‘D’ staff in GP 1800 (PB-I).

On Zonal Railways, good number of persons have been appointed as Technician Grade-III on compassionate ground against 50% direct recruitment quota vacancies (item no. i above) and they have also been subjected to 3 years regular training before their absorption in GP 1900/- as Technician Gr III. These Technicians in course of time get promoted to the posts of Technician Grade-II (GP 2400), Technician Grade-I (GP 2800/-) & Sr.Technician (GP 4200/-) duly clearing the 4

prescribed tests. All such staff naturally aspire for promotion opportunity as JE but however the same is denied on the plea that they do not possess the ITI qualification. NFIR contends that denial of opportunity to face selection to the post of JE against Intermediate Apprentice quota of 25% vacancies is not justified for the reason that they have undergone three years training initially and acquired skills equal to those possessing ITI. NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to issue instructions to the Zones/PUs, making eligible of those Technicians who were initially appointed on compassionate ground as Technician-III for promotion as JE against 25% Intermediate Apprentice quota. Item No.39/2015 Sub:

Mis-interpretation of Railway Board’s orders resulting denial of LARSGESS to ESM/TCM/WTM, GP 1900 – reg.

Ref:

NFIR’s letter No.II/34/Pt.11 dated 01/09/2014. ------------The helpers in GP 1800 attached to ESM/MSM/TCM/WTM are permitted to retire under LARSGESS for facilitating appointment of their wards in their place, whereas the ESM/MSM/TCM/WTM in GP 1900/- are not allowed for similar retirement under LARSGESS. The Zonal Railways however contend that vide annexure to Board’s letter dated 11th September, 2010 and 24/03/2014, some safety categories have been indicated and only those categories are covered under LARSGESS, thus the ESM/MSM/TCM/WTM in GP 1900 is kept out of scheme. This interpretation is wrong and hence Board’s clarification to Zonal Railways needs to be issued. 2. It is further mentioned that the helper in GP 1800 assisting Loco Fitter/C&W Fitter/Fitters in Diesel Sheds, Electric Sheds, Open Line EMU Sheds etc., is covered under LARSGESS whereas the Loco Fitters, C&W Fitters in Diesel Sheds, Electric Sheds etc., under whom helpers (GP 1800) have been working, are denied the coverage of LARSGESS similar to that of ESM etc., These aberrations are required to be rectified. 3. It is further noticed that when the employee like Pointsman etc., in GP 1900 retires under LARSGESS, his ward is employed in the GP 1800 against D/R quota by subjecting him to written test. This also needs to be clarified properly in view of the fact that in terms of extant instructions, no test is required to be conducted for offering appointment under LARSGESS in GP 1800 (PB-1). NFIR, therefore, urges upon the Railway Board to consider the above points for removing the deficiencies. Item No.40/2015 Sub:

Cashless facilities to the RELHS beneficiaries on the Indian Railways – reg. ------During NFIR’s PNM meeting held with the Railway Board on 5th/6th June 2012, the Member Staff in his opening address stated that the Railway Board was in the advance stage to bring Smart Card Scheme for the retired railway employees for treatment in an emergency. The scheme was to be made applicable in all State Capitals, all Zonal Headquarters and was to cover about 9/10 ailments which are of emergent nature. It was further mentioned that the Smart Card would enable the employee in an emergency to go to a recognized hospital or where such hospitals are not available then to a CGHS empanelled hospital, get the treatment there and the bills will be passed on to the Railways. The Member Staff also said that the scheme which was earlier a pilot project in the NCR region would now be open to most of the retired railway employees. The Member Staff had also expressed confidence of issuing notification for implementation of the scheme by the end of July, 2012. Unfortunately, the Railway Board has however taken more than 2 years’ time when a meeting at the level of DG/RHS with both the Federations was held only on 12/11/2014, wherein a ‘Concept Note’ in seven sheets was circulated. Unfortunately, record note of the meeting have not 5

been finalised by the Railway Board so far, despite NFIR’s reminder dated 06/04/2015, and the scheme is yet to be implemented. NFIR, therefore, urges upon the Railway Board to issue instructions for implementation of the Smart Card Scheme as agreed to already. Item No.41/2015 Sub:

Appendix - 3 IREM Examination-Change of pattern – Clarification on exemption-reg.

Ref:

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

Railway Board’s letter No. A(E)/A3/2K/9 dated 06/11/06. Railway Board’s letter No. A(E)/A3/2014/1/1 dated 11/11/2014. Railway Board’s letter No. A(E)/A3/2015/1/1 dated 03/03/2015. NFIR’s letter No. II/70/Part. II dated 13/05/2015. ------------The NFIR had raised demand under PNM item No. 47/2005 that if the staff who have cleared Part I examination (Appendix – 3 IREM Examination), but failed in Part II, they be allowed to appear for only in Part II examination. Pursuant to discussions, the Railway Board have issued orders vide letter No. A(E)A3/2K/9 dated 06/11/2006 giving exemption for 2/3 years with following stipulations. a) A candidate who passes (secures 40% or more marks) in each of the compulsory subjects of Part I examination i.e. “Advanced Commercial Book- Keeping” and “General Rules & Procedures”, but fails in Part II examination of that year, shall be exempted from appearing in Part I examination during the successive two attempts in the next two consecutive examinations. b) Absence from the examination shall be counted as a chance/attempt for this purpose. 2. Federation is surprised to note that the Railway Board vide letter No. A(E)/A3/2014/1/1 dated 11/11/2014 have modified the pattern of examination of Appendix-3 IREM arbitrarily. The changed pattern as circulated by the Railway Board under letter No. A(E)/A3/2015/1/1 dated 03/03/2015 envisages holding of single examination as against “in two parts” with revised stipulation as follows:(a)

(b)

(c)

Since the Appendix 3(IREM) Examinations are to be held in a combined single examination, the exemption i.e. Pass Exemption granted through Board’s letter No. A(E)/A3/2K/9 dated 06/11/2006 (RBA No. 58/2006) shall no longer be applicable after Appendix-3 (IREM) Examination, 2015. A candidate who had obtained exemption in 2010 and 2012 from appearing Part I of above mentioned exam as per Board’s letter No. A(E)/A3/2K/9 dated 06/11/2006 (RBA No. 58/2006) shall be granted “One Time Exemption” from appearing the compulsory papers (ABK & GRP) of Appendix-3 (IREM) Examination 2015. Absence from the examination shall however be counted as a chance/attempt for this purpose. Further, this exemption shall not be available in future examinations. In future examinations, only merit exemptions (60% or more) shall be applicable as per extant practice.

3. The revised policy instructions have caused disappointment among staff who feel that earlier system was facilitating them to prepare and clear the examination (two papers – Part I and Part II). It is also disappointing to note that greater flexibility has not been given in the case of those staff who passed Part-I either in the year 2012 or in any other previous years. Para 2 (ii) of Board’s letter dated 03/03/2015 has clamped certain restrictions which need to be addressed for providing opportunity to all irrespective of the year in which they passed Part-I examination. NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to review for restoring the instructions dated 6/11/2006 and in the meanwhile issue modified instructions duly granting exemption as sought above. 6

Item No.42/2015 Sub:

Clarification regarding consideration of service rendered as Fireman, Loco Pilot (Shunting), ALP etc., for coverage under LARSGESS-reg. ------Federation has been receiving reports from Zonal Railways (more particularly the Western Railway) regarding non-consideration of the cases of appointment of wards of the Loco Running staff who have been rendered service as Fireman or Loco Pilot (Shunting) etc., despite the fact that according to channel of promotion, the staff move from Fireman/Diesel Assistant/ALP to Sr.ALP and thereafter as Loco Pilot (Shunting) and LP (Goods). It has also been brought to the notice of the Federation that a D.O. reference bearing No. E(R&T)890/60/1/LARSGESS/GP-1900 dated 05/11/2014 from the CPO/Western Railway addressed to the AM/Staff has been pending in Board’s Office for over 6 months. In the said reference, the Zonal Railway has requested to clarify “to the counting of qualifying service in the same category i.e. Fireman, ALP/Loco Pilot (Shunting) or the service rendered in these categories as mentioned in the channel of promotion” Federation has also learnt that a large number of cases are pending for want of clarification from the Railway Board resulting into disappointment and frustration among running staff. NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to issue suitable clarification for reckoning the service rendered as Firemen, Loco Pilot (Shg.) as part of service in safety post for the purpose of LARSGESS. The subject will be discussed in the ensuing PNM meeting. Item No.43/2015 Sub:

Provision of rail net/internet connections to the offices of the recognized Unions and provision of CUG SIMs to the Office Bearers at Branch level-reg. ------------NFIR invites the attention of the Railway Board to the Office Order No. 7 of 2015 bearing no. 2014/E(LR)III/LR/Misc/3 dated 08/01/2015 vide which an application software on ‘Railnet’ has been prepared and uploaded on the Railway Board website to ascertain status/action taken on the references made by the Federations to the Railway Board. Federation has been receiving complaints from the affiliated Unions that their Branch organizations are not able to make use of Railway Board’s facility in the absence of internet/rail net connectivity, with the result the field functionaries of the recognized Unions are unable to track down the matters and to carry the relevant information to the staff at grass root levels. It is also noticed that the Presidents and Secretaries of the recognized Unions at Branch level have not been provided the CUG SIM cards. This is causing difficulties to the Office Bearers of the recognized Unions within the CUG groups for effective interaction and equally with supervisors/officers at official levels. Our affiliates when approached at Zonal level, it was replied that these facilities are not made available to the recognized Unions at Branch level as no such instructions have been issued by the Railway Board. NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to issue instructions to the Zonal Railways to extend internet/rail net facility to the Branches of the recognized Unions and to provide them with CUG SIM cards for better and effective coordination and monitoring. Item No.44/2015 Sub:

Abnormal delay in finalization of proposals relating to D&AR cases – Staff put to hardship – reg. ------------7

It is noticed that the references/proposals sent by Zonal Railways relating to disposal of D&A rules cases continued to remain pending at Railway Board level for years together, causing severe hardship to the retired staff as their settlement dues have been with-held for years. In this connection, NFIR suggests to the Railway Board to prescribe time limit for disposal of cases in the interest of justice. For Railway Board’s appreciation, a few cases are cited below as example: (a) Shri Y. Joseph, SSE (C&W), Central Railway, Miraj (retired from service on 31/03/2010) – GM (P) Central Railway’s letter No. HPB/M-DAR/YJ/PA dated 11/07/2013 to Railway Board and NFIR’s letter No. II/5/Pt. I dated 13/09/2013, 15/01/2014 & 11/04/2014. (b) Shri S.V. Rao, Ex. AEE/Workshops, Kharagpur, SE Railway (retired from service w.e.f. 19/03/1990). NFIR’s letter No. II/5 dated 07/12/2012, 03/09/2013, 19/10/2013, 24/01/2014 to Railway Board. (c) Shri KVP Ratna Raju, Chief Booking Supervisor (retired), S.C. Railway, Rajamundry, Vijayawada Division:- GM/P/SC Railway’s letter No. SCR/P-HQ/425- DAR/A/C 1/BZA/K.V.P.R/35/2012 dated 4/06/2013 to Railway Board & NFIR’s letter No. II/35/Part. 10 dated 04/11/2013 to Railway Board. (d) Mr. Ram Kishan, Retired Technician II (Body Shop, CRWS/Bhopal, W.C. Railway – (Retired 4 years back). GM/WCR letter No.WCR/PHQ/DAR/RB dated 13/08/2014 to Railway Board and Board’s reference to GM/WCR vide letter No.E(D&A)2013AE 182 dated 03/07/2014. NFIR, therefore, urges to see that systems are improved duly fixing time line for speedy disposal of pending proposals of above nature. The status of progress made on the above cases may also be furnished to the Federation. Item No.45 (a) Sub:

Cadre restructuring benefit and Parliament House Catering Unit - reg.

Ref:

(i)

promotion

of

Catering

Staff

of

GM/Northern Railway’s letter No. 940/E/523/Pt. XIII/E/C dated 29-12/2-1-2015 to the Railway Board. (ii) NFIR’s letter No. I/8/CRC/09/Vol. 10 dated 16/02/2015. ------------NFIR invites the attention of Railway Board to the instructions issued under letter No. E(NG)I-2003/TR/10 dated 28/12/2010, pursuant to introduction of New Catering Policy – 2010 and decision for restoration of catering units vis-a-vis catering staff/posts to Railways, earlier transferred to IRCTC. According to these instructions, the staff strength for the purpose was required to be considered as on 31/03/2003. (Here it may be mentioned that no cadre restructuring effective from 01/11/2003 as applicable to other Group ‘C’ & ‘D’ categories of Staff was allowed in the case of these Catering Staff). 2. Federation further wishes to state that the issue of non-grant of cadre restructuring to the staff of Parliament Catering Unit was raised in the cadre restructuring committee meeting held on 22.02.2013 by the NFIR. The Federation had also mentioned that the revised percentage structure prescribed for catering staff w.e.f. 01/01/2011, should also be extended to the Catering Staff of Parliament Catering and Railway Board working under the administrative control of General Manager, Northern Railway. Consequently, Railway Board vide letter No. E(NG)I-2003/TR/10/Pt. III dated 03/10/2013 issued instructions to the Northern Railway for extending the benefit of revised percentage structure to the Parliament Catering Unit/Railway Board Catering, Staff w.e.f. 01/01/2011 with consequential benefits. 3. Now that the Northern Railway vide letter No.940-E/523/Pt.XIII/EIC dated 29-12/02-01-2015 has addressed a letter to the Railway Board seeking clarification whether the posts of Catering Supervisor/Catering Store Clerk in GP 2000/- may be filled by modified selection basis on scrutiny of Service Record and Confidential Report, as decided by the Railway Board in certain Group `C’ cadres vide letter dated 08/10/2013. 8

On Northern Railway, the promotion quota vacancies against 33⅓% quota in the pay scale of Rs. 3200-4900/GP 2000 have not been filled by those in GP 1800/-, resulting no promotion opportunity of those Bearers/Waiters in GP 1800/-. The 16 ⅔% quota vacancies to be filled through competitive examination/selection for promotion to GP 2000/- have also not been filled since last more than one decade. The Northern Railway mentioned in its letter to Board that only five people are available in GP 1800/- as on 01/01/2011 which is totally incorrect as large number of catering staff working in Rail Bhavan/Parliament House Catering Unit are in GP 1800/- with no promotion benefit. Summing up, NFIR requests the Railway Board to kindly consider the above points for issuing orders for mitigating the hardships of catering staff. Item No.45 (b) Sub:

New Catering Policy 2010 – Repatriation of 188 Deemed officials (DDOs) from IRCTC to Railways-reg.

Ref:

NFIR’s letter No. II/80(i) Catg. Policy/2010 dated 01/06/2015.

Deputationist

----------On receiving reports that the names of all staff absorbed in IRCTC and still aspiring for repatriation back to Railways have not been included in the list of Catering Staff circulated under Board’s letter No. E(NG)I-2003/TR/10/Pt. III dated 02/03/2015 for their repatriation back to Railways, NFIR vide letter dated 01/06/2015 requested Railway Board to issue instructions to the Managing Director/IRCTC and Zonal Railways for preparation of supplementary list of catering staff who for the reasons beyond their control could not exercise option but are still desirous to go back to Railways. NFIR requests the Railway Board to issue instructions accordingly. The subject matter will be discussed in the ensuing PNM Meeting. Item No.46/2015 Sub:

Grant of financial upgradation under MACPS to Supervisors of DC Traction and presently working as JE/SSE.

Ref:

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

the

Technical

NFIR’s letter No. IV/MACPS/09 dated 22/02/2010. Railway Board’s letter No. PC-V/2010/ACP/Misc/1 dated 10/08/2010 & 23/08/2012. NFIR’s letter No. IV/MACPS/09/Pt. 5 dated 21/07/2012. NFIR’s letter No. IV/MACPS/09/Pt. 8 dated 13/01/2014. ---------

While inviting attention of the Railway Board to the above cited correspondence on the subject, Federation desires to place following facts for proper appreciation:(i)

(ii)

In terms of instructions issued by the Railway Board vide letter No. PC-III/83/UPG/3 dated 21/06/1985 to the GM/Central Railway, the posts of Operators in DC Traction were re-designated as Chargeman (operation) in pay scale Rs. 425-700, while extending benefit of restructuring w.e.f. 01/05/1984 and nothing else can be construed. Apart from above, NFIR wishes to clarify that the category of former operators/chargeman and subsequently designated as JE have been allotted following scales of pay/grade pay by the successive Pay Commissions:4th CPC Rs. 425-700

(iii)

5th CPC Rs. 5000-8000

6th CPC PB-2+GP Rs. 4200

The position advised by the Railway Board vide letter dated 10/08/2010 on the basis of report sent by Central Railway stating that the above category of staff has earned three 9

(iv)

(v)

promotions upto GP 4600 (Rs. 7540-11500) is totally incorrect particularly in view of the position explained under items (i) and (ii) above. As a matter of fact, placement of these staff in respective scales of pay and grade pay, cannot take away the rights of staff either for promotion to next Grade Pay or for financial upgradation under MACPS on completion of length of service of 10/20/30 years in GP 4600/-, 4800/- & 5400/- respectively mainly because recruitment/entry grade of these staff is now PB-2+GP Rs. 4200/-. In support of above contention, Federation desires to reproduce the contents of condition no. 5 mentioned in the Annexure to the MACP Scheme circulated under Railway Board’s letter dated 10/06/2009 which clearly covers the case of former Chargeman (operation) DC Traction. “Promotion earned/upgradations granted under the ACP Scheme in the past to those grades which now carry the same Grade Pay due to merger of pay scales/upgradations of posts recommended by the Sixth Pay Commission shall be ignored for the purpose of granting upgradations under Modified ACPS”.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to issue necessary clarification to the GM/Central Railway for granting financial upgradation in GP 4600, 4800 & 5400 to the Chargeman (operation) DC Traction/JE whose recruitment grade pay is PB-2+GP 4200. The subject matter is being placed for discussion in the ensuing PNM meeting. Item No. 47/2015 Sub:

Grant of MACP to the former Traffic Signallers/A2 Signallers absorbed as ASMs/SMs on North Eastern Railway-reg.

Ref:

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

NFIR’s letter No. IV/MACPS/09/Pt.5 dated 09/04/2012. NFIR’s letter No. IV/MACPS/09/Pt.6 dated 17/10/2012. NFIR’s letter No. IV/MACPS/09/Pt.6 dated 18/03/2013. Railway Board’s letter No. PC-V/2009/ACP/4/NER dated 25/04/2013. (v) NFIR’s letter No. IV/MACPS/09/Pt.7 dated 27/08/2013. (vi) GM(P)/NE Railway’s letter No. P/2104/SIX/Loose dated 08/07/2013 addressed to Railway Board. (vii) NFIR’s letter No. IV/MACPS/09/Pt.7 dated 14/10/2013. ----------In accordance with the instructions of Railway Board vide letter No. E(NG)I-63 PM1/40 dated 6th April, 1972, the posts of Traffic Signallers/A2 Signallers/ASM (in scale Rs. 260-430) were required to be filled up through open market and through promotion quota, consequent the decision taken in the Departmental council meeting of JCM on 10/11 February-1972. The Traffic Signallers/A2 Signallers having Aye-two medical standard were absorbed en-mass as ASM in pay scale Rs. 1200-2040/4500-7000 consequent upon total abolition of the category of Traffic Signallers/A2 Signallers. These former Traffic Signallers/A2 Signallers absorbed subsequently as ASMs, are entitled for financial upgradation under MACPS as their entry Grade Pay is Rs. 2800/- in PB-1. Federation also desires to mention that there were cases wherein the A2 Signallers, on absorption within few days, were posted as ASM. It is also learnt that these staff were recruited through Railway Service Commission (now RRB) for the common post of A2 Signaller/Pro. ASM and were given induction training of ASM. In all fairness, all these staff need to be considered for 3rd financial upgradation under MACPS on completion of 30 years of service. The Zonal Railway administration and the Railway Board have been denying the benefit of financial upgradation to the former Traffic Signallers/A2 Signallers on the plea that the posting of these staff as ASM is to be treated as promotion which is incorrect and is in violation of the Board’s instructions dated 6th April, 1972.

10

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to review the decision and issue instructions to the General Manager, N.E. Railway to grant benefit of 3rd financial upgradation under MACPS to the former Traffic Signallers/A2 Signallers absorbed as ASM. The subject will be discussed in the ensuing PNM meeting. Item No.48/2015 Sub:

Conversion of 43 Non-Incentive posts into “Incentive posts” – carriage Repair Shop, TPTY – South Central Railway. --------In view of increased work content in CN coaches and also due to increase in the set targets of AC coaches from 5 to 7 and further from 7 to 9 coaches/month, a proposal for creation of 43 Incentive posts at 135 R was sent by the General Manager, S.C. Railway to Railway Board seeking approval vide Letter No. SCR/P-HQ/165/7/EM/W/S dated 22/10/2013. The Railway Board had however not accorded approval. Considering the urgency involved in creation of posts at CRS/TPTY, the General Manager has sanctioned 43 posts under Non-Incentive, vide GM/SC letter No. SCR/P HQ/MPP/165(A)/Creations/Vol. II dated 25/09/2014 (Memorandum No. 09/MPP/Mech/ Creations/2014-15) and communicated the sanction under non-Incentive to CRS/TPTY and at the same time sent proposal to the Railway Board to convert them into incentive sanction. Till date Railway Board has not communicated the sanction of these posts under “incentive”. CRS/TPTY is one of the best Workshops giving quality out turn and fulfilling the targets fixed by the Railway Board on account of dedication of staff. However, the CRS/TPTY staff are disappointed over Railway Board’s insensitive approach towards the valid proposal of S.C. Railway for conversion of posts under “Incentive”. In view of the above facts, NFIR urges upon the Railway Board to accord approval for conversion of 43 non-incentive posts under “Incentive” early. Item No.49/2015 Sub:

Irregularities in implementation of cadre restructuring – JEs/SSEs (P.Way) – East Central Railway.

Ref:

(i) (ii)

Railway Board’s letter No. PC-III/2013/CRC/4 dated 08/10/2013. NFIR’s letter no. III/ECRMC/Part. II dated 02/02/2015. -------The Federation noticed number of irregularities on ‘implementation of cadre restructuring’ in the case of SSE/P. Way cadre on Danapur Division of East Central Railway. Federation places below some of the irregularities for appreciation:• • •

The erroneously drawn seniority list of JE. P. Way has been circulated. The employees joined East Central Railway on request transfer from other zones on acceptance of bottom seniority have not been placed in their respective positions as per rules. The inter-railway request transfers have been accepted and posted against the posts of JE-II (P.Way) meant for promotion quota.

2. Federation has further been given to understand that the panel of SSE/P. Way in GP 4600/formed vide East Central Railway, Danapur Division’s E.O.O. No. 651/2014 (Docket no. E/Engg/Rect/Gr ‘C’/P. Way/Works/2013 dated /11/2014) giving benefit under Cadre Restructuring Scheme w.e.f. 01/11/2013, contains the names of the candidates who have been allotted higher positions in the seniority list wrongly, violating the rules laid down by the Railway Board as briefly stated in para 1 above. This has resulted into deprival of promotion to those otherwise eligible to be borne on the panel of SSE (P. Way).

11

3. It has also been noticed that Sr.P.Way Supervisors were deprived of promotion as JE (P.Way) as a result of acceptance of inter-railway transfer applicants against promotion quota. 4. It is further seen that the Railway Administration has not been responding to the representations for remedying injustice meted out to the staff. NFIR therefore requests the Railway Board to arrange to investigate into the matter for ensuring rectification of all irregularities and granting promotion benefits to the genuinely eligible staff. Item No.50/2015 Sub:

Training Module for Loco Pilot (Shunting) on Indian Railways – wrong interpretation by Southern Railway - reg.

Ref:

(i) (ii)

Railway Board’s letter No. E(MPP)2012/3/19 dated 11/08/2014. GM, (Electrical), Southern Railway’s reply to Railway Board under letter No. E.221/V/51 dated 24/12/2014. (iii) NFIR’s letter No. II/26/Part. I dated 11/02/2015. ------------Railway Board’s attention is invited to the above cited references relating to Training Module for Loco Pilot (Shunting). NFIR feels sad to point out that inspite of Board’s instructions issued vide letter dated 11/08/2014, the Southern Railway has unnecessarily written back to Railway Board, causing avoidable confusion. In this connection, NFIR reiterates that at the stage of induction as Assistant Loco Pilot, the staff (ALPs) have been subjected to training on “diesel and electric traction” successfully through RNG-1 for a duration of 103 days. The trained ALPs on being posted as Diesel Shunters having worked for long years as per seniority, when opt to go for AC Loco (Shunting) are not required to be subjected to TR-II for a duration of 78 days (RNG-2/RNG-4) due to the reason that the incumbents have already been trained in AC Traction at the time of posting as ALP. The authorities on Southern Railway have wrongly been insisting to undergo RNG-2/RNG-4 training for a duration of 78 days for staff going for conversation from LP (Shunting) Diesel to LP (Shunting) AC despite clarification from the Railway Board. In this connection, para 4 of GM/E, S.Rlys letter dated 24/12/2014 addressed to the Railway Board may be connected. Federation desires to state that insistence on the part of authorities on S.Railway in view of clarification dated 11/08/2014 is unjustified wherein the Railway Board has clearly stated that “the training modules Loco RNG-4 or Loco RNG-2 have not been prescribed for conversation training from one traction to another”. NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to issue suitable clarification again to the Southern Railway that the LP (Shunting) Diesel on posting as LP (Shunting) AC need not be subjected to Loco RNG-2/Loco RNG-4 training for 78 days duration but should be directed to undergo training LM 17/18 or TR-13 modules as mentioned in para 1 of S.Railway’s letter dated 24/12/2014. Item No.51/2015 Sub:

Absorption of Quasi Administrative staff in erstwhile Group ‘D’ (PB-I GP 1800/-) – case of West Central Railway-reg.

Ref:

(i)

West Central Railway’s letter No. WCR/PHQ/462/Wel/Quasi dated 02/02/2015 addressed to Secretary (E), Railway Board. (ii) NFIR’s letter No. II/1B dated 27/03/2015. ------------Federation invites the attention of the Railway Board to the West Central Railway’s communication dated 02/02/2015 seeking clarification with regard to application of Board’s 12

instructions contained in letter No. E(NG)II/99/RR-1/15 dated 30th May 2000 followed by letter No. E(NG)II/99/RR-1/15 Vol. IV dated 03/05/2006 wherein Board had permitted the Zonal Railways to consider regular absorption of quasi administrative staff in the Railways against erstwhile Group ‘D’ vacancies (GP 1800). The West Central Railway in the said reference has raised a question as to whether the minimum educational qualification presently in vogue (Railway Board’s letter No. E(NG)II/2009/RR-1/10/Pt. dated 05/01/2011 refers) is to be applied in the case of remaining staff or the instructions issued earlier under letter dated 30th May 2000 and 3rd May 2006, referred to above, are to be made applicable. 2. In this connection, NFIR wishes to state that the Railway Board vide instructions dated 30th May 2000, had categorically made it clear that only those staff of Quasi administrative offices/organizations who were on roll continuously for a period of atleast three years as on 10/06/1997 and are still on roll, subject to fulfilment of educational qualification required for recruitment to Group ‘D’ posts are required to be absorbed. The instructions relating to 3 years service were however liberalized vide Board’s letter dated 03/05/2006. 3. The Railway Board may please appreciate that the minimum educational qualification and age limit which was in vogue at a given time i.e. 30th May 2000/3rd May 2006 shall be the criteria for screening and absorption of quasi administrative staff against erstwhile Group ‘D’ vacancies. It is unfortunate to note that the West Central Railway has unnecessarily chosen to make a reference to Railway Board when the GM is competent to take decision for absorption of the staff on the basis of the educational qualification in vogue at that point of time as well as the age. The delay of a decade in this case is due to administrative reasons best known to the authorities. NFIR, therefore, urges the Railway Board to kindly issue clarification to the General Manager/West Central Railway to screen and absorb the Quasi Administrative staff who fulfilled conditions existed as on 30th May 2000/3rd May 2006. Item No.52/2015 Sub:

Revision of Incentive Rates – Rail Wheel Factory, Yelahanka, Bengaluru.

Ref:

(i) (ii)

NFIR’s PNM Item No. 11/2011. Railway Board’s letter No. 2009/M(PU)/1/40 dated 17th April 2014 to GM, Rail Wheel Factory, Yelahanka, Bengaluru. (iii) NFIR’s letter No. III/RWFKS/1 dated 15/11/2014. (iv) NFIR’s letter No. III/RWFKS/1 dated 08/05/2015. ------------Consequent to the agreement reached between the Federation and the Railway Board on NFIR’s PNM Item No. 11/2011, instructions were issued by the Railway Board vide letter dated 17th April 2014 revising the rates for payment of incentive bonus to the staff of Rail Wheel Factory, Yelahanka, Bangalore for the period from 01/06/2009 to 31/03/2014 and reduction in rates from 01/04/2014 to 31/03/2015. While issuing above instructions, the Railway Board vide para 2(a) of its letter dated 17/04/2014, had indicated that the rates decided w.e.f. 01/04/2014 are valid till 31/03/2015 or till completion of review of the incentive scheme whichever is earlier. In this connection, NFIR desires to state that though the validity period of rates of incentive has since expired on 31/03/2015, the administration has not taken any action to review the rates. The delay in finalizing review is causing deep sense of frustration amongst the staff of RWF, Yelahanka. The Staff have been demanding that the payment of incentive @ rates as made applicable for the period from 01/06/2009 to 31/03/2014 be ensured with effect from 01/04/2015 pending review of the rates. NFIR, therefore, urges upon the Railway Board to expedite completion of review and in the mean time, GM/RWF be issued with instructions to make payment of incentive at the rates existed prior to 01/04/2014.

13

Item No.53/2015 Sub:

Incorrect formation of panel of Shunting Master in PB-1 + GP 2400/- on Solapur Division of Central Railway – reg.

Ref:

(i)

CPO/Central Railway’s letter No.HPB/657/LXA/T/PNM/CRMS/14/13 dated 26/09/2014 & 25/11/2014. (ii) NFIR’s letter No. II/6/Part. 6 dated 18/02/2015. ------------A notification bearing No. SUR/P/Optg./Stg. Master – II dated 12/11/2012 was issued by the DRM/Central Railway, Solapur to fill up the posts of Shunting Master (since classified as ‘selection post’ based on Railway Board’s letter No. E(NG)I/2000/PM2/4 dated 30/10/2001). The employees volunteering from the categories of Pointsman – ‘A’, Lever man and Cabin man, forming part of same seniority unit, were called to appear in the written examination. The final panel on the basis of merit, based on Railway Board’s instructions contained in letter No. E(NG)I-2008/PM7/4 SLP dated 19/06/2009 and letter No. E(NG)I-2011/PM1/26 dated 06/02/2014, was published by the Division treating the selection as “general”. Our affiliate - CRMS protested against formation of panel based on merit due to the fact that the categories of staff (Pointsman - ‘A’, Lever man and Cabin man) who were eligible to appear belonged to one and the same seniority unit. It was further contended that the selection of Shunting Master – II (PB-1 + GP 2400/-) was to be finalised on the basis of 1x3 as normal selection and the panel should have been formed in the order of seniority duly taking into consideration the seniority marks. In this connection, NFIR contends that the Shunting Master - II (PB-1 + GP 2400/-) is a “selection post” in the avenue of promotion channel and is required to be filled only by the staff of single seniority unit and for the said purpose the panel should have been drawn on the basis of seniority among those passed in the selection. It is also worth-mentioning that the selection of Shunting Master – II (GP 2400/-) was finalised by the Solapur Division of Central Railway in the year 2012/2013, therefore, the instructions issued by the Railway Board under letter No. E(NG)I2011/PM1/26 dated 06/02/2014, are not relevant to the case of Shunting Masters II. It is unfortunate that the Zonal Railway instead of rectifying the irregularity, has chosen to refer the matter to Railway Board vide letter cited under reference. NFIR, therefore, urges the Railway Board to consider the position in totality and issue suitable clarification to Central Railway to modify the panel of Shunting Master – II in (PB-1 + GP 2400/-) on the basis of seniority among those passed. Item No.54/2015 Sub:

Scheme for filling up of the posts of Loco Running Supervisors – Western Railway.

Ref:

(i)

CPO/Admn CCG’s letter No. EM/834/8/2 (AVC) Vol.V dated 17/12/2014 addressed to Railway Board. (ii) NFIR’s letter No. IV/RSAC/Conf/Part V dated 08/01/2015. ------------Our affiliate WRMS has reported a case of hardship caused to the staff by abnormally delaying the posting of duly selected candidates as Chief Loco Inspectors in PB-2+ GP4600. NFIR places below facts of the case in brief:• • •

On Ratlam Division of Western Railway, a panel to fill up vacancies of Chief Loco Inspectors was formed vide DRM/P’s notification no.E/L1025/3/TRO/Pt.6 dated 27/05/2014 with the approval of the competent authority. The selection was correctly finalized by the Division based on instructions of the Railway Board contained in letter no. 2001/M(L)/467/2 dated 12/11/2012, The selected incumbents have also successfully undergone the mandatory training. 14

2. NFIR has also been given to understand that since the issue of filling up the posts of Crew Controllers/Power Controllers etc is still under consideration in the Railway Board’s office as communicated to the Zonal Railways by the Railway Board under letter no. E(P&A)II/2009/RS-17 dated 27/03/2014 & 23/07/2014 respectively, obviously the selection has been finalized on Western Railway (Ratlam Division) based on Board’s instructions dated 12/11/2012 till final decision is taken. 3. Federation feels sad in conveying that the Western Railway authorities instead of issuing posting orders to the selected and trained incumbents, have cancelled the selection vide DRM(P), Ratlam’s letter No. E/L/1025/3/TRO/Part-6 dated 02/12/2014 under the influence of some vested interests without citing any reason. The Western Railway Headquarters Office instead of providing correct guidance to the Divisional authorities to implement panel have made a reference to the Railway Board vide letter No. EM/834/8/2(AVC) Vol V dated 17/12/2014 to complicate the matters further. The improper action on the part of authorities in the Western Railway Headquarters and also in the Division is questionable in view of the fact that at present the vacancies of Chief Loco Inspector on Ratlam Division continued unfilled. NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to kindly intervene and see that immediate instructions are issued to the General Manager, Western Railway, to restore the said selection panel of CLIs, and issue posting orders to the selected and trained candidates. Item No.55/2015 Sub:

Non-implementation of percentage ratio with effect from 01/01/2006 for Pointsman category in Operating Department resulting deprival of promotion to staff. ------------Instructions for implementation of cadre restructuring in Group ‘C’ & ‘D’ posts vide letter No.PC-III/2003/CRC/6 dated 09/10/2003, and Annexure ‘A’ (i) provide for revised percentage at the ratio of 83 : 17 in the category of Pointsman in Group `C’ & `D’ categories in V CPC pay scale of Rs.3050-4590 and 2650-4000 respectively which are now in GP 1900/- & 1800/- respectively. With the implementation of revised pay structure consequent upon the acceptance of VI CPC recommendations and merger of Group ‘D’ posts, the percentage of posts in GP 1800/- in Pointsman category has to remain at 17% while the posts in GP 1900/- has to be maintained at 83% with effect from 01/01/2006. Federation has been receiving complaints from various zones that the percentage of 83 : 17 has not been ensured in GP 1900/- & 1800/- with effect from 01/01/2006 in the category of Pointsman. NFIR, therefore, urges the Railway Board to issue clarificatory instructions to the Zonal Railways for ensuring placement at 83 : 17 ratio in GP 1900/- & 1800/- respectively in the category of Pointsman with effect from 01/01/2006 and providing 89:11 ratio with effect from 01/11/2013. GM/SCRly’s letter dated 08/03/2015 to the Railway Board may also be connected. Item No.56/2015 Sub:

Consideration of wards of deceased/medically invalidated staff for compassionate appointment to the post of Traffic/Commercial Apprentice-reg.

Ref:

NFIR’s letter No. II/1-A/Part. 19 dated 09/02/2015. ------------On Zonal Railways, the wards of deceased/medically decategorized staff possessing the qualification of B. Tech/Diploma are being subjected to second suitability test to adjudge their technical suitability on the authority of Railway Board’s letter no. E(NG)II/2000/RC-1/Genl./16 dated 17/11/2005 for the purpose of offering compassionate appointment.

15

2. In this connection, NFIR desires to mention that the instructions issued by the Railway Board under letter dated 17/11/2005 were pursuant to discussion on NFIR’s PNM item no. 23/2005, for offering the candidates possessing Diploma in Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics Engineering, the post of JE-II in scale Rs 5000-8000, presently in GP Rs 4200/-. Nowhere, it has been indicated for subjecting the candidates to 2nd suitability test. Federation further desires to state that the extant instructions of Railway Board provide for holding suitability test for Group ‘C’ posts comprising of written test & viva-voce and further laid down that the suitability of the candidate for a particular post shall be adjudged subsequently by a Committee of three senior scale officers (which is 2nd stage through viva-voce) for the purpose of allotment of a category/post to the candidate. 3. Federation also conveys that on South Central Railway, the candidates proposed to be considered for the post of JE-II, GP 4200 & 4600 are subjected to second screening test, which is against the extant provisions of Railway Board. When the matter was dealt by the NFIR affiliate – SCRE Sangh at GM Level in the meeting, the Zonal Railway Administration has referred the matter to the Board vide letter no. SCR/P-HQ/122/CGA/SCRES/2013 dated 06/01/2015 seeking clarification on the following:(i)

(ii)

Whether the candidate with Graduation/Post-graduation qualification can be considered for the post Traffic/Commercial Apprentice in GP Rs 4200/- where there is an element of DR Quota, and Whether second screening test being conducted for offering the post of Junior Engineer is in order.

4. In this connection, Federation desires to state that instructions already exist that compassionate ground appointment be granted in the intermediate grade where Direct Recruitment Quota in GP upto Rs. 4200/- is more than 25%. (Railway Board’s letter No. E(NG)II/2009/RC1/SCR/39 dated 04/06/2010-RBE No. 80/2010). These instructions further provide that in cases where request is for considering appointment in posts of GP 4200/- or more but where DR Quota is 25% or less such cases are to be referred to Railway Board for consideration. In order to avoid delay these powers may be given to GMs. NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to issue suitable instructions so that the cases could be settled expeditiously. Item No.57/2015 Sub:

Acute shortage of Guards on Western Railway – reg.

Ref:

NFIR’s letter No.III/WCRMS/Pt.6 dated 31/03/2014, 26/06/2014, 06/01/2015 & 16/02/2015. --------For the last over one year period, NFIR has been representing to the Railway Board, the case of acute shortage of Train Guards on Western Railway but appears to be of no avail. The position on the availability of Train Guards on the Zone has reached a stage where the Divisional Authorities are compelled to utilize the services of staff belonging to the categories of ALPs, Parcel Porters and staff of other miscellaneous categories to run the services. This does not appear to be justified in view of the fact that this is one of the core categories of running staff and may cause adverse impact on the safety in train operations. Considering the importance of the issue, NFIR highlighted the problem in the PNM meeting held with the Railway Board on 30th/31st January 2014 as is evident under the minutes at Page No.10 (item No.4). However, there is no tangible progress. In order to wipe out the shortage of Train Guards on the Divisions of Western Railway, General Manager vide letter No.ET/1025/4/5(L)RJT dated 25/03/2014 had sought one time exemption from the Railway Board for filling the vacancies of Guards from eligible Graduate employees and of course after subjecting them to selection and through mandatory training. Federation has however noticed that the Railway Board has not approved the proposal sent by 16

GM/W.Rly, without appreciating the difficulties faced in managing train services in the absence of Guards. NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to consider the difficult situation prevailing on the Divisions of Western Railway and accord approval to the proposal of GM/Western Railway as a one time dispensation as a special case. Item No.58/2015 Sub:

Restructuring of Group ‘C’ cadres – Western Railway-reg.

Ref:

(i) (ii) (iii)

NFIR’s letter No. I/8/CRC/09/Vol. 10 dated 05/12/2014. Railway Board’s letter No. PC-III/2014/Misc./1 dated 31/12/2014. NFIR’s letter No. I/8/CRC/09/Vol. 10 dated 05/02/2015. ------------On perusal of reply received from the Railway Board vide letter dated 31/12/2014 to Federation’s letter dated 05/12/2014, NFIR felt that the Railway Board has ignored the ground realities of the issue. The facts of the case are placed below:2. The selection for promotion to the posts of Station Masters GP Rs 4600/- on certain divisions of Western Railway pertaining to the pre-October 2013 vacancies was finalized well before 8th October 2013, but however the panel and promotion orders were issued on 31/10/2013. (i)

(ii)

In terms of para 4.2 of Railway Board’s letter dated 8th October 2013, the selections can be finalised as upto 01/11/2013. Rightly, the administration, having finalised selection for promotion to the post of Station Master GP 4600/- well before 8th October 2013, had issued promotion & posting orders as per panel published on 31st October 2013. Some of these Station Masters have declined promotion (probably they have been ordered transfer on promotion), with hope that they would be granted promotion under cadre restructuring on ‘as is where is’ basis with effect from 01/11/2013 in terms of Board’s letter dated 08th October 2013. Vide para 11 of Board’s letter dated 08th October 2013, it has been stated that such of the staff who had refused promotion before issue of these orders and stand debarred for promotion, may be considered for promotion in relaxation to the extant provisions as a onetime exception. This very para has been given different interpretation by the Railway Board vide letter No. PC-III/2013/CRC/7 (Pt. II) dated 15/12/2014 addressed to CPO (A), Western Railway ignoring the fact that the incumbents were selected as a result of finalization of selection and promoted on 31/10/2013 against the vacancies already existed prior to 31/10/2013. In the instant case, the staff have declined promotion because the cadre restructuring would benefit them with advantage of retention on promotion.

3. A careful scrutiny of Western Railway’s letter No. ET/1025/4/4/ADI(L) dated 19/11/2014 would throw light that the case referred by Western Railway is very genuine and aimed at giving benefit to those seniors selected against pre - October 2013 vacancies of Station Masters in GP 4600/- as promotions have been ordered on 31st October 2013. Hence, those who declined the said promotion are required to be considered against restructured posts for promotion w.e.f. 01/11/2013. NFIR, therefore, urges the Railway Board to review the case de-novo for protecting the genuine interests of empanelled and promoted station masters on Western Railway. Item No.59/2015 Sub:

Ticket Checking staff grievances – redressal urged.

Ref:

(i) (ii) (iii)

Railway Board’s letter No. 2010/TG-V/2013 dated 14/11/2013. NFIR’s letter No. II/73 dated 15/09/2014. NFIR’s letter No. II/73 dated 02/02/2015. -------------

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Further to above references, NFIR brings the following issues for quick redressal :(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

As per instructions of Railway Board, 7% of the staff is required to be utilized in Ticket Checking Squads and the remaining 93% staff is required to be deployed on passenger amenities. These instructions are not being adhered to by Zonal Railways (Central Railway etc.,) The Ticket Checking Staff is being allotted one berth in 3 AC coach for self to perform duties instead of a berth in 2nd AC used to be allotted earlier. This is causes inconvenience to the passengers of 3 AC coach and is also a cause of complaint against Ticket Checking Staff. It is therefore suggested that the TTEs manning trains be allotted a berth in higher class AC coach and also for every two coaches in the sleeper class. Reports have been received that the Ticket Examiners are being put to harassment by authorities when theft/pilferage takes place in the running trains. While the security staff (GRP & RPF) are accountable, the TTEs are being questioned and asked to give explanation. Poor quality of Uniform

The Uniform supplied is non-branded and substandard. The staff are bitterly complaining against poor quality of cloth. NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to redress the above issues satisfactorily for enhancing the morale of staff. Item No.60(a) Sub:

(i) Creation of 367 revenue non-gazetted posts for Habibganj - Bina 3rd Line of Engineering Department on Bhopal division, W.C. Rly. (ii) Creation of 281 revenue non-gazetted posts for maintenance of new track at Mawai-Chatarpur of Engineering department on Jabalpur division.

CPO/WCR letter No. WCR/PHQ/1260/Cadre/PoCr/3rd Line/Engg/BPL dated 07/10/2014. (ii) CPO/WCR letter No.WCR/PHQ/1260/Cadre/PoCr/New Line/Engg./JBP dated 18/11/2014. (iii) NFIR’s letter No. III/WCRMS dated 03/04/2015. ------------NFIR invites the attention of Railway Board to the following proposals sent by the West Central Railway vide letters, cited under reference, for creation of posts for maintenance of new assets as mentioned therein:Ref:

(i)

S.No.

Proposal regarding

Money value required

1

Maintenance of Habibganj-Bina 3rd Line (New Asset) Maintenance of new track at MawaiChatarpur section Jabalpur Divn/Engg. Deptt.

13,15,06,800

No. of Group ‘C’ posts required 367

10,24,55,088

288

2

Federation has also been given to understand that the WCR have sent the above proposals duly enclosing prescribed check list and other related documents required by the Board. Federation also reminds that the above proposals have been pending in the Railway Board awaiting sanction causing practical difficulty for the Zonal Railway in maintenance of the new assets since built and equally burdening the existing staff with heavy additional work load. NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to communicate sanction for creation of the above mentioned posts duly providing matching money value from Railway Board’s Vacancy Bank early for maintenance of new assets by the Open Line Administration. 18

Item No.60 (b) Sub:

Non-creation of Group ‘C’ posts for maintenance of Permanent Way new assets on East Central Railway-reg. -----------A large number of new projects including new tracks of Civil Engineering (P.Way ) have been completed on East Central Railway after its formation. Maintenance of this infrastructure is required to be taken over by the “Open Line” organization from Construction Department/RVNL. Federation has received reports that in June 2012 Railway Board had given directions to the E.C. Railway authorities that the “Open Line” may start maintenance of new tracks and assets for opening the sections for traffic. However, the proposals for creation of posts in the category of SSE, JE. P.Way and Track Maintainers for maintenance of newly built assets are pending uncleared for want of matching money value since the last more than 2 years. While the additional requirement of Track Maintainers, has been worked out based on Manpower & Cost Norms for Track Maintenance (MCNTM) formula, as laid down by the Railway Board under letter No. 2010/CE-I(Spl.)/GNS/8 dated 20/05/2010, the Railway has not been able to create posts for want of adequate money value in the vacancy bank till date whereas the posts of Officers have been created on the Zone freely. NFIR, therefore, urges upon the Railway Board to provide money value to the East Central Railway for creation of the posts of SSE, JE/P.Way, Track Maintainers, Gate Keepers etc., to ensure proper maintenance of newly built assets. The subject matter is being placed by the NFIR for discussion in the ensuing PNM meeting. ---------------------------

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