-
N F I RNational Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI - 1 1O 055Afliliated to :
Indian l.lational Trade 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 agenda for PNM meeting to be held with Railway
Board.
Kindly find enclosed NFIR's agenda of 30 subjects for discussion
in the PNM meeting withthe Railway Board.
Incidentally, it is mentioned that the PNM meetings are not
being held regularly since the lastfew years although agenda items
have been sent promptly while pending PNM items continued to
getaccumulated. NFIR desires that in this vear of 2015 at least two
more PNM meetinss should be heldbv the Board.
Yours faitp$lly, '
Encl: Aeenda on 30 subiects (in 19 sheets) AT , qt{
(Dr M. Ra{havaiah) |General Secretary'
Copy together with agenda items is forwarded to the General
Secretaries of Affiliated Unions ofNFIR.Copy to Media
CentreA{FIR.
Pn. 011-2331its05.
65f,27299,R1y.22283,22626,Fax:011-23744013,R|y.22382, Telegram :
RAILMMDORE+nrafl : gs O nfi rindia.com; nf ir @ sify.com, Website :
www.nfirindia.comEIf,.Y TETBCTIO}T OF HIV / AIDS - PROLONGS QUALITY
OF LIFE
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PNM Item No.
Subject
31/2015 Reduction of Duty hours and revision of classification
of Engineering & Traffic Gateman as Continuous.
32/2015 Grant of pay fixation under rule S 13 to the erstwhile
Group D staff promoted to same grade pay of 1800/- (PB-I).
33/2015 Denial of promotions against vacancies of Loco Pilots on
Zonal Railways consequent to Court cases Railway Boards
intervention - urged.
34/2015 Problems faced by the Loco and Traffic Running Staff
while performing running duties reg.
35/2015 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.
36/2015 Abnormal delay in forwarding inter railway/inter
divisional transfer applications of Railway employees Remedial
measures-requested.
37/2015 Simultaneous creation of posts of Ticket Checking Staff
when new trains are introduced or runs extended-reg.
38/2015 Granting promotion opportunity as JE against 25%
Intermediate Apprentice quota to those Technicians initially
appointed as Technician-III on compassionate ground.
39/2015 Mis-interpretation of Railway Boards orders resulting
denial of LARSGESS to ESM/TCM/WTM, GP 1900 reg.
40/2015 Cashless facilities to the RELHS beneficiaries on the
Indian Railways reg. 41/2015 Appendix - 3 IREM Examination-Change
of pattern Clarification on
exemption-reg. 42/2015 Clarification regarding consideration of
service rendered as Fireman, Loco Pilot
(Shunting), ALP etc., for coverage under LARSGESS-reg. 43/2015
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.
44/2015 Abnormal delay in finalization of proposals relating to
D&AR cases Staff put to
hardship reg. 45/2015 (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.
46/2015 Grant of financial upgradation under MACPS to the
Technical Supervisors of DC Traction and presently working as
JE/SSE.
47/2015 Grant of MACP to the former Traffic Signallers/A2
Signallers absorbed as ASMs/SMs on North Eastern Railway-reg.
48/2015 Conversion of 43 Non-Incentive posts into Incentive
posts Carriage Repair Shop, TPTY South Central Railway.
49/2015 Irregularities in implementation of cadre restructuring
JEs/SSEs (P.Way) East Central Railway.
50/2015 Training Module for Loco Pilot (Shunting) on Indian
Railways wrong interpretation by Southern Railway - reg.
51/2015 Absorption of Quasi Administrative staff in erstwhile
Group D (PB-I GP 1800/-) case of West Central Railway-reg.
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52/2015 Revision of Incentive Rates Rail Wheel Factory,
Yelahanka, Bengaluru. 53/2015 Incorrect formation of panel of
Shunting Master in PB-1 + GP 2400/- on Solapur
Division of Central Railway reg. 54/2015 Scheme for filling up
of the posts of Loco Running Supervisors Western Railway. 55/2015
Non-implementation of percentage ratio with effect from 01/01/2006
for Pointsman
category in Operating Department resulting deprival of promotion
to staff. 56/2015 Consideration of wards of deceased/medically
invalidated staff for compassionate
appointment to the post of Traffic/Commercial Apprentice-reg.
57/2015 Acute shortage of Guards on Western Railway reg. 58/2015
Restructuring of Group C cadres Western Railway-reg. 59/2015 Ticket
Checking staff grievances redressal urged. 60 /2015 (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.
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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 childrens 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 Boards attention to
Federations 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 Boards letter No. PC-VI/2009/I/1/3 dated
19/12/2012 & 28/01/2015. (ii) NFIRs 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) 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.
(ii) 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/-
(PB-I), shouldering higher duties/responsibilities.
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Item No.33/2015
Sub: Denial of promotions against vacancies of Loco Pilots on
Zonal Railways consequent to Court cases Railway Boards
intervention - urged.
------------- In the context of the judgement of Honble 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: NFIRs 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 Boards letter No. E(P&A)I-2001/RT-2 (KW)
dated 02/01/2004.
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(ii) Railway Boards letter No. E(P&A)I-2010/RT-2 dated
11/09/2010 & 24/09/2010.
(iii) NFIRs 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.
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4
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 Boards 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 Boards attention to Boards 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) 50% by direct recruitment; and (ii) 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
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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 Boards orders resulting
denial of LARSGESS to ESM/TCM/WTM, GP 1900 reg.
Ref: NFIRs 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 Boards 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 Boards 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 NFIRs 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
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6
been finalised by the Railway Board so far, despite NFIRs
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) Railway Boards letter No. A(E)/A3/2K/9 dated 06/11/06.
(ii) Railway Boards letter No. A(E)/A3/2014/1/1 dated 11/11/2014.
(iii) Railway Boards letter No. A(E)/A3/2015/1/1 dated 03/03/2015.
(iv) NFIRs 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) Since the Appendix 3(IREM) Examinations are to be held in a
combined single examination, the exemption i.e. Pass Exemption
granted through Boards 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. (b) A candidate who had obtained
exemption in 2010 and 2012 from appearing Part I of above
mentioned exam as per Boards 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.
(c) 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 Boards 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.
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7
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 Boards 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 Boards 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.
-------------
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8
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 Boards 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 Railways letter
No. HPB/M-DAR/YJ/PA dated 11/07/2013 to Railway Board and NFIRs
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). NFIRs 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 Railways
letter No. SCR/P-HQ/425- DAR/A/C 1/BZA/K.V.P.R/35/2012 dated
4/06/2013 to Railway Board & NFIRs 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 Boards
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 promotion of Catering Staff
of Parliament House Catering Unit - reg.
Ref: (i) GM/Northern Railways letter No. 940/E/523/Pt. XIII/E/C
dated 29-12/2-1-2015 to the Railway Board. (ii) NFIRs 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.
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9
On Northern Railway, the promotion quota vacancies against 33%
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 % 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
Deputationist officials (DDOs) from IRCTC to Railways-reg.
Ref: NFIRs letter No. II/80(i) Catg. Policy/2010 dated
01/06/2015.
----------- 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 Boards 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 the Technical
Supervisors of DC Traction and presently working as JE/SSE.
Ref: (i) NFIRs letter No. IV/MACPS/09 dated 22/02/2010. (ii)
Railway Boards letter No. PC-V/2010/ACP/Misc/1 dated 10/08/2010
& 23/08/2012. (iii) NFIRs letter No. IV/MACPS/09/Pt. 5 dated
21/07/2012. (iv) NFIRs 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) 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.
(ii) 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 5th CPC 6th CPC Rs. 425-700 Rs. 5000-8000 PB-2+GP Rs.
4200
(iii) 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
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10
promotions upto GP 4600 (Rs. 7540-11500) is totally incorrect
particularly in view of the position explained under items (i) and
(ii) above.
(iv) 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/-.
(v) 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 Boards 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) NFIRs letter No. IV/MACPS/09/Pt.5 dated 09/04/2012.
(ii) NFIRs letter No. IV/MACPS/09/Pt.6 dated 17/10/2012. (iii)
NFIRs letter No. IV/MACPS/09/Pt.6 dated 18/03/2013. (iv) Railway
Boards letter No. PC-V/2009/ACP/4/NER dated 25/04/2013. (v) NFIRs
letter No. IV/MACPS/09/Pt.7 dated 27/08/2013. (vi) GM(P)/NE
Railways letter No. P/2104/SIX/Loose dated 08/07/2013 addressed to
Railway Board. (vii) NFIRs 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 Boards instructions dated 6th April,
1972.
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11
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 Boards 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) Railway Boards letter No. PC-III/2013/CRC/4 dated
08/10/2013. (ii) NFIRs 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 Divisions 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).
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12
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) Railway Boards letter No. E(MPP)2012/3/19
dated 11/08/2014. (ii) GM, (Electrical), Southern Railways reply to
Railway Board under letter No. E.221/V/51 dated 24/12/2014. (iii)
NFIRs letter No. II/26/Part. I dated 11/02/2015.
------------- Railway Boards 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 Boards
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.Railways 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 Railways letter No. WCR/PHQ/462/Wel/Quasi
dated 02/02/2015 addressed to Secretary (E), Railway Board. (ii)
NFIRs letter No. II/1B dated 27/03/2015.
------------- Federation invites the attention of the Railway
Board to the West Central Railways communication dated 02/02/2015
seeking clarification with regard to application of Boards
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13
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 Boards 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 Boards
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)
NFIRs PNM Item No. 11/2011.
(ii) Railway Boards letter No. 2009/M(PU)/1/40 dated 17th April
2014 to GM, Rail Wheel Factory, Yelahanka, Bengaluru.
(iii) NFIRs letter No. III/RWFKS/1 dated 15/11/2014. (iv) NFIRs
letter No. III/RWFKS/1 dated 08/05/2015.
------------- Consequent to the agreement reached between the
Federation and the Railway Board on NFIRs 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.
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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 Railways letter
No.HPB/657/LXA/T/PNM/CRMS/14/13 dated 26/09/2014 & 25/11/2014.
(ii) NFIRs 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 Boards
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 Boards 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)I-2011/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 CCGs letter No. EM/834/8/2 (AVC) Vol.V dated
17/12/2014 addressed to Railway Board.
(ii) NFIRs 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/Ps 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.
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15
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 Boards 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 Boards 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),
Ratlams 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/SCRlys 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: NFIRs 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 Boards letter no.
E(NG)II/2000/RC-1/Genl./16 dated 17/11/2005 for the purpose of
offering compassionate appointment.
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16
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 NFIRs 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) 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
(ii) 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 Boards letter No. E(NG)II/2009/RC-1/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: NFIRs 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
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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) NFIRs letter No. I/8/CRC/09/Vol. 10 dated
05/12/2014. (ii) Railway Boards letter No. PC-III/2014/Misc./1
dated 31/12/2014. (iii) NFIRs 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 Federations 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) In terms of para 4.2 of Railway Boards 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 Boards letter dated 08th October 2013.
(ii) Vide para 11 of Boards 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 Railways 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) Railway Boards letter No. 2010/TG-V/2013 dated
14/11/2013. (ii) NFIRs letter No. II/73 dated 15/09/2014. (iii)
NFIRs 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) 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.,)
(ii) 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.
(iii) 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.
(iv) 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.
Ref: (i) 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) NFIRs 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:- S.No. Proposal regarding Money value
required No. of Group C posts
required 1 Maintenance of Habibganj-Bina 3rd
Line (New Asset) 13,15,06,800 367
2 Maintenance of new track at Mawai-Chatarpur section Jabalpur
Divn/Engg. Deptt.
10,24,55,088 288
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 Boards Vacancy Bank early for maintenance of new
assets by the Open Line Administration.
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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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NFIR's AgendaSubject (1)PNM - 107