Feedback of AIRF’s Preliminary Meeting held with the 7th CPC - AIRF

Feedback of AIRF’s Preliminary Meeting held with the 7th CPC - AIRF

ALL INDIA RAILWAYMEN’S FEDERATION

(Estd, 1924)

4,State Entry Road,

New Delhi – 110055

INDIA

No.AIRF/405(VII CPC)

Dated: May 28, 2014

The Secretaries,

All Affiliated Unions,

Dear Coms.,

 

Sub: Feedback of AIRF’s Preliminary Meeting held with the VII CPC 

 

On the invitation of the Seventh Central Pay Commission for having Preliminary Interaction with All India Railwaymen’s Federation(AIRF), a delegation of the AIRF, comprising of Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary AIRF, Com. Rakhal Das Gupta, Working President AIRF, Com. Ch. Sankara Rao, Asstt. General Secretary AIRF and Com. J.R. Bhosale, Treasurer AIRF, met today, i.e. 28th May, 2014, the Seventh Central Pay Commission(Hon’ble Justice Shri Ashok Kumar Mathur, Chairman, Shri Vivek Rae, Member, Dr. Rathin Roy, Member and Ms Meena Agarwal, Secretary, Seventh Central Pay Commission) in Hotel Janpath(Camp Office of the VII CPC), New Delhi.

 

The following points were raised by the AIRF before the VII CPC:-  

(i) Extension and improvement in Railway Services 

(ii) Safety & Training 

(iii) Wages, Dearness Allowance and Other Allowances 

(iv) Living Wage 

(v) Interim Relief 

(vi) Merger of Dearness Allowance 

 

 

It was asserted by the AIRF that the Railwaymen are Industrial Workers and are governed by the Industrial Disputes Act, Factories Act and Hours of Employment Regulations etc.

 

It was stressed by the AIRF that, out of 7,000 railway stations, over 6,000 are road side stations where staff are bereft of all civic facilities like housing, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, medical facilities etc., and the education of their children suffers.

 

Indian Railways run 19,000 trains daily and additional train services are being introduced without developing

infrastructure and adding manpower, rather manpower is being reduced day-by-day. In spite of all impediments, there has been tremendous improvement in carrying goods traffic and passenger services.

AIRF further stressed that, the Railwaymen are working round-the-clock in all weathers and arduous conditions, even sacrificing their lives to keep the lifeline of the nation(Indian Railways) in operation. On the one hand it used to be said that we(the Railwaymen), are the second line of defence, on the other, when the issue of Wage Structure and Allowances comes, the Railwaymen always get raw-deal, saying, they are “Common Categories”. Quoting examples of the Running Staff, Technician, Technical Supervisor, Operating & Commercial Staff, AIRF asked, where we are common? The VII CPC agreed that they would definitely look into these aspects while deciding wages and allowances of the Railwaymen.

 

It was impressed upon to the Seventh Central Pay Commission that AIRF would lead broad categories/ departments’ representation to VII CPC during oral evidence.

 

It was also stressed that the Seventh Central Pay Commission should consider the matter of granting Interim Relief as well as merger of Dearness Allowance with the Pay.

 

The Members of the Pay Commission, mainly the Chairman himself, interacted with AIRF’s representatives. The Pay Commission gave patient hearing and assured that they could understand the complexity and gravity of the Railway Industry, devotion and dutifulness of the Railwaymen and would try to administer justice to the Railwaymen by way of their recommendations.

 

Thereafter, representatives of the Staff Side, National Council (JCM), lead by Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, Secretary, Staff Side, National Council(JCM), along with Com. Rakhal Das Gupta, Com. Ch. Sankara Rao and Com. J.R. Bhosale, Members, Standing Committee, NC/JCM/AIRF, held discussions with the VII CPC.

 

The issues of Fixation of Wages, allowances and the matters of Anomalies of VI CPC, Scrapping of New Pension Scheme, Promotional Policy, General Grade Structure along with the demands of Interim Relief and Merger of Dearness Allowance with the Pay were raised by the Staff Side, NC/JCM. Apart from AIRF representatives, in the delegation, Coms. M. Raghavaiah, Guman Singh, S.N. Pathak, S.K. Vyas, Sri Kumar, K.K.N. Kutty and B.C. Sharma were also present on the occasion.

 

The Chairman, VII CPC, on persistent demand of the Staff Side, NC/JCM, suggested that the Staff Side can submit separate Memorandum on Interim Relief and Merger of Dearness Allowance, so that VII CPC can seek necessary advice from the Government, as to how to deal with these issues since there has been no specific reference in the matter from the Government to VII CPC on these subjects.

 

It was decided that detailed memorandum on behalf of Staff Side, National Council(JCM) should be submitted by 30th June 2014, and all the departments, like Railways and others should submit their memorandum by 15th July, 2014.

 

This is for your information and giving wide circulation amongst all sections of the Railwaymen.

 

Comradely yours,

sd/-

(Shiva Gopal Mishra)

Source: AIRF

AIRF – Preliminary submission to the 7th Pay Commission

AIRF – Preliminary submission to the 7th Pay Commission

Preliminary submission to the VII CPC 

 

ALL INDIA RAILWAYMEN’S FEDERATION

(Estd, 1924)

4,State Entry Road,

New Delhi – 110055

INDIA 

No.AIRF/405(VII CPC)

Dated: May 28, 2014

Justice Shri Ashok Kumar Mathur,

Chairman,

Seventh Central Pay Commission,

New Delhi

 

Dear Sir

 

Sub: Preliminary submission to the VII CPC 

 

I, on behalf of 13 lakh Railwaymen, welcome you and the Members of the VII CPC, would like to submit the following as a preliminary step towards our approach and expectations from the VII CPC.

All India Railwaymen’s Federation(AIRF) was established in the year 1924, and the leadership of this federation was heralded by the eminent personalities like Shri V.V. Giri, who was one of the founder members of the AIRF and was the General Secretary of the AIRF for long 10 years from 1927-37. Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan was the President of this federation from 1947-57. Last President of the AIRF was Shri Umraomal Purohit, from 1980 to till his death in February 2014. He was also Secretary, Staff Side, National Council(JCM) since 1977.

 

All India Railwaymen’s Federation(AIRF) participated in the Independent struggle. It also saved Railway Industry from economic depression of 1930 and faced other challenging tasks at different times.

Railwaymen are the second line of defence, and during 1962 Chinese aggression, 1965 Pakistan War and 1999 Kargil War etc., Railwaymen stood firm in the duty post and carried out army and the necessary equipments to war front.

 

During natural calamities, like floods, earthquake etc., the Railwaymen transport necessary helps to the victims, and in far-flung areas in the country for conducting smooth elections. The Railwaymen run thousands of Special Trains, and during the 16th Lok Sabha elections, Indian Railways run 5,000 Special Trains in addition to split coaches for ferrying security personnel and election materials.

 

The Railways is a common man’s transport, cheaper than other modes of transport as also eco-friendly. The Indian Railways is the symbol of national integrity.

 

 

EXTENSION AND IMPROVEMENT IN RAILWAY SERVICES 

The Railways generate resources, internally also to a substantial quantity. The Railways is having 16 Railway Zones, 06 Production Units and Metro Rail, Kolkata(a new Railway Zone).

 

INDIAN RAILWAYS 

Comparative Statement of improvement in productivity of the Railwaymen is as under:-

 

	2005-6	2012-13	Variation
Net Ton Kilometer (Million)	441762	641849	+ 45.29
Passenger Kilometer (Million)	615634	1098103	+ 78.37
Staff Strength (In Thousands)	1412.4	1287.3	(-) 8.86%

Traffic Unit for 1000 employees*, which is an indicator of improvement is as follows:-

2000-2001	2011-12
535	1408

 

*Traffic Unit represents Passenger Kilometer and NTKM

Indian Railways working is of belt system. It is not an individual’s performance, but collective efforts of all sections of the Railwaymen, which represents improvement in the performance.

 

 

SAFETY

Safety gets paramount importance in the working of the Indian Railways. Unfortunately, new trains are being

introduced as per the demands, but without increasing line capacity, rolling stock and manpower. Rather manpower is decreasing violating the provision of the Hours of Employment. A committee in respect of Working Hours etc. of the Railwaymen was appointed by the Ministry of Railways, which had submitted its report to the Railway Board in August 2013, but unfortunately, no decision has yet been taken on the report of the said committee despite repeated representations. National average for training is 2% of the total expenditure, but the Railways spent only 0.50%.

 

Railwaymen are the Industrial Workers and govern under the Industrial Disputes Act and Hours of Employment & Regulations, framed under the Railway Act and Factory Act.

 

There are more than 7,000 railway stations, of them over 6,000 are road side stations. Large-number of stations are in the forest and terrorist infested areas. Staff working at the roadside stations are bereft of housing, potable water, sanitation, medical aid, and children education is a far cry.

 

Railwaymen work round the clock, and they have to remain vigilant all the 24 hours in 365 days. A committee was appointed on the Safety of the Railways under the chairmanship of Dr. Anil Kakodkar. Para 2.3 of the said report is cited below:-

 

	Killed	Injured
Railwaymen	1,600	8,700
Passenger/Public	1,019	2,118
(Unmanned Level Crossing)	723	690

 

WAGES, DEARNESS ALLOWANCE AND OTHER ALLOWANCES 

 

The wages of the Railwaymen are low in comparison to the workers of the PSUs. This has been constantly agitating the minds of the Railwaymen.

 

1st to 7th CPC appointed only after the series of agitations, submission of Charter of Demands or after the Strike Notice.

 

AIRF had to launch country-wide strike against anti-labour report of the 2nd CPC in the year 1960 and against the report of the 3rd CPC(20-day long 1974 strike).

 

LIVING WAGE was propagated by the 1st CPC as back as 1946-47. It has been embodied in the Article 43 of the Constitution of our country, wherein directive principles have been enshrined. Unfortunately, the same is yet to be achieved after 66 years of the Independence and 62 years of adoption of the Constitution.

The 4th CPC in para 7.32 of its report at page 85 had recommended periodical revision/review of wages through bilateral negotiations.

 

Railwaymen need separate consideration in respect of wages, allowance and other benefits. This matter was

agitated before the VI CPC also, and the VI CPC in para 7.36.100 of its report had observed as follows:-

“Various Railway Federations have demanded a special dispensation for Railway employees keeping in view the profitability of their organization. The demand is not without substance especially as employees have to be rewarded for efficient performance of the entire organization that has yielded continuous profits without resorting to any substantial increase in the passenger/freight fares in the recent years. A separate dispensation in terms of pay scales and allowances is not, however, possible, as long as the organization continues to be a Ministry in the Central Government because it will then need to be governed by the common pay scales and allowances for the entire Central Government. In such a scenario, the optimal solution would be corporatization of Indian Railways as a Public Sector Enterprise. This would allow the Railways flexibility in determining its own compensation package”.

 

The Staff Side, National Council(JCM) Standing Committee, had a discussion with the Government on Terms of Reference of the VII CPC on 24.10.2013 and requested to have another round of discussions in the matter, but unfortunately the government issued the said ToR unilaterally, which was protested by the Staff Side, NC/JCM. A meeting of the Standing Committee of NC/JCM was also held on 07.05.2014, wherein the issue of Interim Relief and merger of Dearness Allowance were again raised.

 

It may be mentioned here that, Interim Relief was recommended by the 3rd CPC, and the 4th CPC had recommended two Interim Relief. Before appointment of the V CPC, discussions were held on different dates in September 1993 with the Cabinet Secretary, when an Interim Relief of Rs.100 p.m. to Group `C’ and `D’ employees was sanctioned prior to appointment of V CPC and subsequently V CPC had recommended two Interim Relief. Interim Relief requires to bridge the gap of erosion in the real wage during interregnum period.

 

 

MERGER OF DEARNESS ALLOWANCE 

 

25% Dearness Allowance was merged in the Pay after series of negotiation with the Cabinet Secretary in September 1993.

 

The V CPC in its report had also recommended merger of Dearness Allowance when it crosses 50%, and the same was done.

 

It is necessary to point out here that the inflation trend prevailing during 01.01.1996 to 31.12.2005 and from 01.01.2006 to 01.01.2004 inflation was 74%, whereas from 01.01.2006 to 01.01.2011, it was 51%, and further raised to 100% on 01.01.2014.

 

Yours faithfully,

sd/-

(Shiva Gopal Mishra)

General Secretary

Source : AIRF

QUALIFYING SERVICE FOR PROMOTION

QUALIFYING SERVICE FOR PROMOTION

Eligibility for promotion : – It is necessary to fix suitable standards for promotion from one grade to another, including minimum length of service in the lower grade. As far as possible, the minimum length of service in the lower grade prescribed as a condition for promotion to the higher grade should not markedly be different from that prescribed by other Departments for promotion to similar grades involving the same nature of duties and responsibilities.

 

The qualifying service for promotion from one grade to another is necessary so that there is no premature promotion or undue jump in pay and also to ensure that the officer has sufficient opportunity to demonstrate his competence/potential for holding the higher post. The period of qualifying service varies from post to post depending upon the scale of pay and the experience, required for manning the higher post. Broadly, the following qualifying service for promotion from one grade to another may be followed:

 

Field of Promotion

 

From Grade Pay   (in Rs.)	To Grade Pay  (in Rs.)	Qualifying Service  (in years)
1800	1900	3 Years
1900	2000	3 Years
1900	2400	8 Years
2000	2400	5 Years
2400	2800	5 Years
2400	4200	10 Years
2800	4200	6 Years
4200	4600	5 Years
4200	4800	6 Years
4200	5400	8 Years
4200	6600	10 Years
4600	4800	2 Years
4600	5400	3 Years
4600	6600	7 Years
4800	5400	2 Years
4800	6600	6 Years
5400	6600	5 Years
6600	7600	5 Years
6600	8700	10 Years
7600	8700	5 Years
7600	8900	6 Years
8700	8900	2 Years
8700	10000	3 Years
8900	10000	2 Years
10000	HAG	3 Years
HAG	HAG+Scale	1 Year
HAG	Apex scale	2 Years
HAG+Scale	Apex scale	1 Year

Source: 90paisa.blogspot.in
[http://90paisa.blogspot.in/2014/05/qualifying-service-for-promotion.html]

Enhancement of monetary ceiling for issue of sanction of medical claims - Confederation

Enhancement of monetary ceiling for issue of sanction of medical claims - Confederation

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS 

1st Floor, North Avenue PO Building, New Delhi -110001 

Website: www.confederationhq.blogspot.com 

Email: confederationhq@gmaiI.com

 

Ref: CONFD/GENL/2014

Dated : 28-05-2014

To 

The Secretary 

Ministry of Finance 

Department of Expenditure 

North Block, New Delhi

 

Sir, 

Sub: Enhancement of monetary ceiling for issue of sanction of medical claims.

 

At present the monetary ceiling for sanctioning medical claims is restricted to Rs.2 lakhs for Head of the Department. The Internal finance division is delegated for the sanction of medical claims above two lakhs to five lakhs. Now a days the medical  treatment has become too costly. The claims above two lakhs are increasing and accumulating at Internal finance division of the various Departments/Ministries.

 

Hence, it is requested to enhance the monetary limit for sanction of medical claims as per the prescribed list to five lakhs from the present two lakhs to the Head of the Department.

 

A line in reply is highly appreciated.

Yours faithfully, 

sd/- 

(M.Krishnan) 

Secretary General

Source: http://confederationhq.blogspot.in/

LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF MEMORANDUM TO 7TH CPC EXTENDED

LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF MEMORANDUM TO 7TH CPC EXTENDED

As per the request of the JCM National Council Staff side, 7th Central Pay Commission has granted extension of time upto 15.07.2014 (15th July 2014) for submission of memorandum by individual organizations other than JCM staff side. The following is the revised time schedule (Last date).

1.  JCM National Council Staff side                :  30.06.2014

2.  All other Federations/Unions/Associations  :  15.07.2014

JCM National Council Staff side will be submitting a common memorandum before 30.06.2014 on the common demands of the Central Government Employees. The Copy of the JCM Staff side memorandum will be placed in the website.

All affiliated organizations of the Confederation are requested to prepare their sectional memorandum well in advance and be ready to submit it before 15.07.2014 to the 7th CPC. New Pay scales demanded by the JCM Staff side will be available in the common memorandum of the JCM Staff side.

Confederation National Secretariat meeting will be held on 31.05.2014 at ITEF Head Quarters (Rajouri Garden) at 2 PM as already notified to finalise the common memorandum. (Please note the time change from 11 AM to 2 PM). All National Secretariat members are requested to attend the meeting.

(M. Krishnan)
Secretary General
Confederation

Source: http://confederationhq.blogspot.in/

Reimbursement of Medical bills in r/o Defence Civilians

Reimbursement of Medical bills in r/o Defence Civilians

Important Circular

OFFICE OF THE PRINCIPAL CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS

CARIAPPA MARG LUCKNOW-226002

No. Pay/IV/Med/7007/Ord

Dt. 23.05.2014

To
The Officer-In-Charge

Sub:- Reimbursement of Medical bills in r/o Defence Civilians

 

During the audit of Medical Claims pertaining to your office some shortcomings have been noticed to your office which are appended below.

 

1. The medical claims are submitted along with the Hospital Bills without PAN,TIN,TAN printed on the Bills.

 

2, The claims/treatments of Emergency nature are submitted without any assessment from the Addition A Director of the concerned CGHS cities.

 

3. Most of the claims of more than RS,2 lacs are forwarded to this office without necessary permission from the HOD, New Delhi/Ministry of Hearth and Welfare, New Delhi.

 

4.The Medical claims are submitted in a casual nature without enclosing the BHT sheet duly verified by the treating doctor

 

5.. CGHS Hospitals are not giving 10% discount on every cash payment.

 

To avoid the return of the medical claims repeatedly and inconvenience faced by the individuals the o I/C of the units/formations you are advised to rectify the shortcomings before forwarding the claims to this office. And it has been decided by the competent authority that the units/formations may liaise with hospitals of the concerned cities for bills/documents bearing printed PAN,TAN,TIN(wherever applicable). It has also been decided that no medical claims will be entertained w.e.f 01/07/2014 if printed PAN,TIN TAN(where applicable) are not embossed on the bilis.

 

Please acknowledge receipt.

sd/-

Accounts Officer

Source: www.pcdacc.gov.in
[http://www.pcdacc.gov.in/download/circularsnew/reimbursement.pdf

Unions and Associations are seriously involved in filling up the questionnaires prepared and sent by the 7th CPC

 Unions and Associations are seriously involved in filling up the questionnaires prepared and sent by the 7th CPC

The sheer pace of the 7th CPC has impressed the central Government employees so much that their expectations have started to grow.

It has come to our knowledge that a number of unions and associations are seriously involved in filling up the questionnaires prepared and sent by the 7th CPC. It is also well known that on behalf of the National Council JCM Staff Side, the questionnaire had already been filled with the approval of all members and has been sent.

There is no uniform pay scale or promotion hierarchy for the Central Government employees. The departments functioning under each Ministry are evaluated separately. Promotions and pay scales are decided based on the post/category of the employees in each of those departments. Based on these segregations, the employee unions/associations of each department are preparing their Memorandums containing their demands and issues.

Various unions and associations of each of these departments are currently preparing their own memorandums to send to the 7th CPC. These memorandums also contain their long-standing demands and expectations.

It can be inferred that these memorandums, prepared by various associations of employees starting with Group ‘C’, right up to the Gazetted Officers Association, reflect their thoughts and demands.

Pensioners Associations are also participating in this in large numbers. It shows the fact that they believe that their requirements will be fulfilled by this Pay Commission.

The 7th Pay Commission is offering this rare opportunity that was not given in the previous Pay Commissions. Each issue has a number of different perspectives. This could lead to a consensus-based decision that appeases all. It is a healthy trend to watch so many people vying with each other to present their opinions and suggestions.

There is special curiosity and eagerness to read the Memorandums of some of the important Central Government and railway employee federations.

Given below are the links to some of the most prominent Central Government employee unions and associations:

ALL INDIA ASSOCIATION OF CENTRAL EXCISE GAZETTED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

SEVENTH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION MEMORANDUM by AISBCEU

INDIAN RAILWAYS TECHNICAL SUPERVISORS ASSOCIATION - REPLY TO 7TH CPC QUESTINNAIRE

DRAFT MEMORANDUM TO 7TH CPC - CG PENSIONERS ASSOCIATION KERALA

RAILWAYS SENIOR CITIZENS WELFARE SOCIETY - REPLY TO 7TH CPC QUESTINNAIRE

MEMORANDUM TO 7TH CPC - COORDINATION COMMITTEE OF CG PENSIONERS ASSOCIATIONS

IOFGOA REPLY TO 7CPC QUESTIONNAIER

Source: 90paisa.blogspot.in
[http://90paisa.blogspot.in/2014/05/unions-and-associations-are-seriously.html]