Minimum educational qualification for open market recruitment to the post of Pharmacist Gr.III in the Medical Department on the Railways

Minimum educational qualification for open market recruitment to the post of Pharmacist Gr.III in the Medical Department on the Railways

No.II/1/2018

Dated: 08/05/2018

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Minimum educational qualification for open market recruitment to the post of Pharmacist Gr.III in the Medical Department on the Railways.

Ref: Railway Board's letter No.E(NG)II/2001/RR-1/45 dated 22/05/2015 (RBE No.49/2015) and 05/04/2018 (RBE No.54/2018)

Federation desires to bring to the notice of Railway Board that the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (CGHS Division) vide Notification dated 11th March, 2015, circulated in the Gazette of India published weekly (March 8 - March 14-2015, at New Delhi), issued recruitment rules with the approval of the President. citing following educational and other qualification for direct recruitment of Pharmacists from open market in supercession of all previous instructions to be followed by the other Central Ministries and the Central Government Health Scheme Organization:-

(i) 12th Class Pass with Science subjects (Physics, Chemistry and Biology), or equivalent from a recognized Board or University.

(ii) Diploma in Pharmacy from recognized institution and registered as Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948; and

(iii) Two years' experience as Pharmacist in any recognized Hospital or Pharmacy after duly registered as Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948; and

OR

(i) Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy (B. Pharm.) from a recognized University or equivalent; and

(ii) Registered as a Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948.

Federation is surprised to note that the Railway Board vide letter No. E(NG)II/2001/RR-1/45 dated 22/05/2015 (RBE No. 49/2015) had issued instructions after reviewing the minimum educational qualification for direct recruitment to the posts of various categories in the Medical Department on the Railways in consultation with the Health Directorate of Railway Ministry decided to prescribe the qualification for recruitment of Pharmacists Gr. III (PB-1/GP 2800) as mentioned below of course without discussing with the Federation.
"10+2 in Science or its equivalent with 02 (two) years Diploma in Pharmacy and registration with Pharmacy Council of India or registration with State Pharmacy Council"

Federation has also come across instructions issued by the Railway Board vide letter No.E(NG)II/2001/RR-1/45 dated 05/04/2018 (RBE No.54/2018) wherein the minimum educational qualification for recruitment of Pharmacists Gr.III from open market in the Medical Department on the Railways have been reviewed arbitraily, without consultations with the Federations. The revised educational qualification for recruitment to the post of Pharmacist Gr.III in Railways is as follows:-

"10+2 in Science or its equivalent with Diploma in Pharmacy from recognized institution and registered as Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948.

OR

Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharma) from a recognized University or equivalent and Registered as a Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act 1948."

Federation is surprised to note that the Railway Board while reviewing the educational qualification for the post of Pharmacist has totally ignored the Gazette Notification issued by the Government of India as published by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the nodal Ministry and issued its own instructions. This action of the Railway Board in therefore not justified.

In this context, Federation desires to mention that in the Board’s letter dated 05/04/2018 (in Para 2) it has been discussed by the Board with both the recognized Federations. In this context, NFIR desires to clarify that the NFIR has never agreed for review of qualification for the post of Pharmacists Gr. III only. On the other hand Federation had urged the Railway Ministry to consider upgradation of the posts with respect to upgrading the Pay Scale/Pay Level which commensurate with the Pay Scales/Structure given to the other categories having Degree qualification, accordingly the Pharmacist after review of educational qualification should have been placed in erstwhile GP 4600/Level-7. In this connection, our letter No. IV/NFIR/7th CPC/CORRES/Pt. V dated 27/05/2015 and 28/05/2015 addressed to the Secretary, 7th CPC and the Secretary (E), Railway Board demanding improvement in the entry qualification with improved Pay Scale commensurating with the improved and upgraded educational and technical qualification for the post of Pharmacist may be connected. However, copies of Federation’s letters dated 27/05/2015 and 28/05/2015 are enclosed for ready reference.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to withdraw its instructions issued vide letter dated 05/04/2018 (RBE No. 54/2018) and convene a meeting with the Federation to discuss the subject matter for finding an amicable solution.

Federation may be replied of the action taken on this letter.

DA/As above

Yours faithfully,

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