NFIR's meeting with Railway Board on 23.8.2013 - Discussion points are updated on the official website of NFIR
NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI -110 055
NFIR's MEETING WITH RAILWAY BOARD
In
response to the NFIR’s letter No.IV/MR/CORRES/2013 dated 28th June,
2013 given to Hon’hle Minister of Railways, over non-settlement of
demands of Railway Employees (in spite of discussions, meetings etc..)
compelling NFIR to take strike ballot for deciding indefinite strike on
Railways, the Railway Ministry invited NFIR for meeting on the issues
raised. Accordingly, a meeting was held at Rail Bhavan, New Delhi on
23/08 2013 between Railway Board and the NFIR wherein following have
participated:
Official Side 1. Shri Arunendra Kumar CRB
2. Shri M. Raghavaiah General Secretary
3. Shri R.P. Bhatnagar, Wkg. President
NFIR1. Shri Guman Singh. President
2. Shri S.K. Jain MS/ME
3. Shri R. Kashyap F.C.
4. Shri Suresh Kumar Seth A.M./Staff
5. Smt. Saroj Rajware Advisor/Finance
6. Smt. Ragini Yechury E.D./IR
At
the outset, the CRB welcomed the delegation of NFIR and expressed hope
that the staff issues shall be discussed and finalised satisfactorily.
Responding
to CRB’s address, Shri M. Raghavaiah, General Secretary NFIR, explained
the circumstances which have forced the Federation to take decision for
industrial action duly holding strike ballot and said that
procrastination of matters by the Government of India and more
particularly the Railway Ministry is the main reason for the Federation
for taking such an action. He, however, felt concern over the negative
attitude adopted by the Railway Board on the issues concerning railway
employees.
The General Secretary further mentioned that the
agreements reached with the Federation have not been implemented even
after years and cited the issue of upgradation of Apex level Group ‘C’
posts to Group ‘B' Gazetted (NFIRs PNM item No. 36/1998 and DC/JCM item
No.16/2009), agreed to, in the year 2006 but has not been implemented by
the Railway Board so far. This is causing serious resentment among
Senior Supervisors working on the Indian Railway.
Shri Raghavaiah
further said that though the Cadre Restructuring Agreements have been
signed lone ago, formal orders have not been issued by the Railway
Board. Delayed action on the part of Railway Board is causing
frustration among Railway employees.
The General Secretary NFIR
drew attention of the Railway Board over the announcements made by the
the former Railway Minister on 01/02/2013 at 3, Chelmsford Road, New
Delhi, where Member Staff was also present, no action has been taken by
the Railway Board to fulfill the announcements even alter 6 months
period.
The issue of revision of rates of incentive to the staff
of Rail Wheel Factory, Yehlanka, was also mentioned by the General
Secretary NFIR. The General Secretary said that the issue was discussed
by NFIR in the PNM meeting under item No.11/2011 although agreed, but
however orders have not been issued.
Shri Raghavaiah, also cited
briefly issues discussed and proposals sent by Railway Ministry to
Finance Ministry as listed below and urged fur approaching MoF for
clearance as these are pending since the last 3 years.
- Entry Grade Pay of Rs. 4200/- to Station Master.,
- Replacement of Grade Pay of Rs. 4600/- with Rs. 4800/-
-
Issues pertaining to Running Staff relating to allotment of higher
Grade Pay to loco Pilots (Mail / Express) and reckoning additional
allowances as pay for all purposes.
- Merger of Technician Grade-II with Technician Grade-I
The
General Secretary NFIR while drawing attention of the Railway Board to
the Charter of Demands (containing 36 demands) as submitted to Hon'ble
MR requested the CRB that more meetings at the level of Railway Board
are needed to address the demands raised by the Federation.
The following issues were discussed at length in the meeting, Outcome of the discussions is also shown against each item :-
1.
Non - implementation of the agreement related to upgradation of apex
level Group 'C’ posts to Group ‘B’ Gazetted - NFIR PNM Item No. 36/1998
& DC/JCM Item No. 16/2009.
MS stated that the issue is at the
final stage. He apprised that 3335 posts of Group 'C’ Grade Pay Rs.4600
will be upgraded to Group 'B’ posts. These posts are proposed to be
filled on the basis of seniority. However approval of Ministry of
Finance will be required (stated by MS & AM/Staff).
NFIR
explained the resentment among Senior Supervisory staff and urged for
issuing orders without further delay. The Board have assured to finalize
soon.
2. Cadre Restructuring Orders not issued
yet although CRC in its meetings have unanimously decided for revision
of percentages and grant of upgradation.
It was explained by the
Railway Board that the recommendations of Cadre Restructuring Committee
have been considered by the Board and orders will be issued after MR’s
approval. NFIR stressed that efforts may be made to get the orders
issued before next month. It was agreed to speed up for quick decision.
3.
The benefit of fixation of Pay in erstwhile FR 22 in case of Promotion
from same Grade Pay shouldering higher responsibilities has not been
granted yet inspite of Government's decision (NFIR PNM Item No. 35/2006
& DC/JCM Item No. 14/2007).
Pursuant to the demand raised by
NFIR at the level of Railway Board under item No.35/2006 (PNM) &
14/2007 (DC/JCM), it was advised by the Railway Board that clearance
from the Ministry of Finance has been obtained in respect of promotion
of staff from same Grade Pay to same Grade Pay shouldering higher
responsibilities on or after 01.01.2006 for the category of Loco Pilots
and Guards in addition to approval already secured for promotion of
Senior Technician to JE, MCM to JE.Sr. P.Way Supervisor to JE, Matron to
ANO, for giving benefit of fixation of pay under Rule S 1313 (I) (A)
(I) (erstwhile FR 22C) to the staff of above categories. Formal orders
are likely to be issued any time next week.
After discussion, CRB
has also agreed to re-examine the issue in the light of Codal
provisions well as MoF’s orders already available, to extend the
benefits of fixation of Pay under FR 22 C in case of promotion in the
same Grade Pay having higher duties and responsibilities without
approaching Ministry of Finance (MoF).
4. Absorption of Staff of Quasi-Administrative units against erstwhile Group ‘D’ posts
in Railways (NFIR's DC/JCM Item No. 27/2006).
After
discussions, it was decided to have separate meeting at the level of
Member Staff for finding way to arrive at a decision benefitting Quasi
administrative staff.
5. Grant of parity in the Pay Structure of Stenographers at PAR with Stenographers of RBSS/CCS (NFIR’s DC/JCM Item No. 11/2011).
NFIR
emphasised to implement the Recommendations of VI Central Pay
Commission for granting parity. However the issue will be re-examined in
the light of commitment of Railway Board and the note of ED (N).
Member
Staff, however, offered Officer based Pay Structure and Grade Pay for
the Stenographers on Zonal Railways. Production Units etc for which
Federation will respond after consulting the staff.
6. Running Staff issues pending in the fora of PNM & DC/JCM meetings.
A separate meeting with the Member Staff will be convened shortly.
7.
Office accommodation and other facilities to NFIR on four Zonal
Railways Plus Metro Railways (At Divisional and Zonal Head Quarters).
CRB
desired to formulate a policy to deal with such situations. Railway
Board will send proposal to the Federations for their views to
facilitate framing policy.
8. NFIR stressed in
the meeting to pend implementation of Railway Board’s order dated
13/12/2012, in which causing withdrawal of financial benefit already
granted to Running Staff & others under MACPS.
CRB & MS have agreed to review the decision for mitigating hardships to employees.
sd/-
(M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary/NFIR
Source : NFIR
