Grant of Individual or Group Cash Award to Railway Employees

Grant of Individual or Group Cash Award to Railway Employees

Government of India
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)

Office Order No. 17 of 2019

Sub: Grant of Individual/Group Cash Award

The issue of revising guidelines for grant of individual awards and group cash award to officers/staff working in Board's Office in terms of Office Order No. 44 of 2000, 31 of 2004, 61 of 2005 and 83 of 2018 was under consideration and following has been decided:-

a) The upper limit for individual award/individual limit in group award to Officers/staff recommended/sanctioned by AMs, PEDs and Secretary/RB has been revised as under:-

1. Upto Rs 4000/- for Group 'C' staff;
2. Upto Rs 5000/- for Group 'B' staff and
3. Upto Rs 6000/- for Group 'A' staff.

Further modalities on restricting the staff percentage for grant of awards to 10% and ceiling the Annual Gross Limit of sanctioning award by AMs, PEDs and Secretary/RB is under process and would be issued in due course.

b) The above limit for grant of individual award/ individual limit in group award would be applicable to DGs, Board Members and CRB also, however. in specific cases they may sanction award upto Rs 10,000/- per individual staff for meritorious service.

c) While recommending the names for Group Awards, the specific amount to be given to an individual should invariably be indicated. In the case of Group award announced on the spot by CRB or Board Mem ber or DG, a list containing the name of each awardee along with the amount of the award to be given to him/her should be submitted to the concerned Branch of Secretary's Directorate with the approval of the competent authority (not below the level of concerned ED/JS) for issue of sanction of award.

d) In case of awards by CRB/Members/DGs, there would be no restriction of time gap. For others, the gap would be minimum of 3(three) years.

e) In case of awards recommended by Board Members/DGs/AMs/PEDs etc no merit certificate would be issued, however, if any recommending/ sanctioning officer desires to issue an appreciation letter, the same would be prepared in the DO letter head of the award sanctioning authority under his own signature, a copy of which would be endorsed to Railway Board(Welfare) branch of Secretary Directorate for maintenance of records.

f) For grant of individual/group cash award or issuing appreciation letter, no D&AR or Vigilance Clearance or scrutiny of APARs would be required.

The above instructions/guidelines would not be applicable to Railway Week National Award, CRB Award, Awards granted by Minister of Railways/Minister of State of Railways and other prestigious awards.

This issues with the approval of the competent authority.

(This supersedes Office Orders No. 40 of 2000, 31 of 2004, 61 of 2005 and 83 of 2018)

No. 2018/O&M/12/1
Dated: 26.02.2019

Sd/-
(H. Moharana)
Joint Secretary/Railway Board

All Officers and Branches in Board's office, at Pragati Maidan Metro Station Building and Daya Basti, New Delhi.

Source: Indian Railways

Strengthening of IT Cadre of Indian Railway

Strengthening of IT Cadre of Indian Railway

RBA 116/2018
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAY
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No 2017/AC-II/37/9,

Rail Bhavan, New Delhi-110001  31/10/18

Principal Financial Adviser,
(All Zonal Railways &Production Units)
Sub:- Strengthening of IT Cadre of Indian Railway.

Please connect Board's letter no. 2016/AC-II(CC)/37/9 dated 18/4/17 & 29/12/17 wherein instructions regarding restructuring of Group C categories of Senior Engineer(IT) and Junior Engineer (IT) in the percentage of 67:33 respectively have been circulated to Railways & Production Units. As stipulated in the letter ibid the restructuring is to be implemented with reference to the cadre strength in operation as on 1/4/2017 and the posts of Senior Engineer (IT) and Junior Engineer (IT) not in Operation as on 1/4/17 are to be treated as deemed to have been surrendered.

The matter has been examined further and it is requested to maintain expenditure neutrality while dealing with the proposal relating to strengthening IT cadre and restructuring of the IT Cadre on the Railway.

(G. Kabui)
Director Finance/CCA
Railway Board

Source: www.indianrailways.gov.in

Railways: Provisions in respect of the Contract Workers on IR

Provisions in respect of the Contract Workers on Indian Railway

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E(LL)/2015/PNM/AIRF/1 New Delhi,
Dated 17.11.2017

The General Manager (P),
All Indian Railways & PUs.

Sub: Provisions in respect of the Contract Workers on IR.
Ref: Board's letter of even number dated 20.10.2015

Payment of minimum wages to workers employed on Railways under the various provisions of the Contract Labour (R&A) Act, 1970 has become a pivotal issue in the present economic scenario. A meeting in this regard was held by Chief Labour Commissioner (Centre) on 15.11.2017 wherein the following issues, inter alia, were discussed:

(i) Whether new rates of minimum wages w.e.f. 01.04.2017 are being paid to the contract workers;
(ii) Mode of payment to contract workers through bank/cheque/cash;
(iii) Whether provident fund is deducted from the payment made to the contract workers and the same is credited to that PF account;
(iv) Whether medical facilities from ESI are made available to contract workers;
(v) Issue of slips towards payment made to contract worker to bring out transparency in the system.

2. Since the factual report is to be submitted to Ministry of Labour & Employment within 15 days, the Railways are requested to provide the information at the earliest at Fax No. 011 - 23070939.

(M.S. Manju)
Joint Director/E(LL)
Railway Board

Source: Indian Railways

Relaxation of residency period for promotion of Jr. Accounts Asstt (GP 2800/-) as Accounts Asstt (GP 4200/-) on Indian Railways

Relaxation of residency period for promotion of Jr. Accounts Asstt (GP 2800/-) as Accounts Asstt (GP 4200/-) on Indian Railways

No. II/6/Part 8

Dated: 23/08/2017

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Relaxation of residency period for promotion of Jr. Accounts Asstt (GP 2800/-) as Accounts Asstt (GP 4200/-) on Indian Railways-reg.

NFIR invites kind attention of the Railway Board to the provisions made in the Indian Railway Establishment Manual Vol. I (2009 Edition) - Para 171 (5) wherein it has been stipulated that the posts of Accounts Assistants in GP 4200/PB-2 will be filled by promotion of Jr. Accounts Assistants in GP 2800/- on completion of three years service in the Grade and on passing Appendix-ll Examination. The said para of the IREM is reproduced below:-

"The posts in the grade of Accounts Assistants in Scale Rs. 1400-2600 will be filled by promotion of Junior Accounts Assistants in Scale Rs. 1200-2040 after they have completed three years service in the grade and passed Appendix II examination. Provided that the condition of passing the Appendix II Examination will not be applicable to those Jr. Accounts Assistants, who were promoted as such against un-qualified senior suitable quota as per clause 3 (ii) above".

2. Further the Federation brings to the notice of Railway Board that vide provision contained in Para 215 (a) of IREM (Rules governing the promotion of Group ‘C’ Staff) - Section B/Chapter I, it has been laid down that for promotion within Group ‘C’, a minimum of 2 years service in the immediate lower Grade is necessary.

In view of the above, Federation proposes that the minimum residency period of three years for promotion of J AA to Accounts Assistants with the condition of passing Appendix 11 IREM Examination be reduced to two years for ensuring equitable justice to staff.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to kindly consider the above points and amend the extant provision of 3 years residency period to two years as is in vogue in other than Accounts Department/which would enable appendix qualified staff to get promotion to the post of Accounts Assistant.

Federation may please be replied of action being taken on the above proposal.

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

Introduction of Special Leave connected to inquiry of Sexual Harassment

Introduction of Special Leave connected to inquiry of Sexual Harassment

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAILWAY BOARD

RBE No.51/2017

E(P&A)I-2017/CPC/LE-3

New Delhi, dated 29.05.2017

The General Managers and FA&CAOs
All Indian Railways & Production Units.

Sub: Introduction of Special Leave connected to inquiry of Sexual Harassment.
Consequent upon the decision taken by the Government, the President is pleased to decide that the following rule may be inserted in the Railway Service (Liberalised Leave) Rules, 1949 in respect of female railway employees:-

Special Leave connected to inquiry of sexual harassment – Leave upto a period of 90 days may be granted to an aggrieved female Railway Servant on the recommendation of the Internal Committee or the Local Committee, as the case may be, during the pendency of inquiry under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and the leave granted to the aggrieved female Railway Servant under this rule shall not be debited against the leave account.

2. This rule takes effect from the date, the notification was published by the Department of Personnel and Training viz. 15th March, 2017.

3. The provisions of the Railway Service (Liberalised Leave) Rules, 1949 are contained in Chapter-5 of Indian Railway Establishment Code (IREC), Volume-I, 1985 Edition (Reprint Edition-2008). In view of this, in exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution, the president is pleased to direct that a new para 551(F) may be inserted in Chapter-5 of the Indian Railway Establishment Code, Volume - l, 1985 Edition (Reprint Edition-2008) as per enclosed Advance Correction Slip -132.

4. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

5. Please acknowledge receipt.
DA:- Correction Slip.

sd/-
(Anil Kumar)
Railway Board

Authority: http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/

Correction in para 228 of Indian Railway Establishment Manual, Volume -I (Revised Edition1989) Edition -2009 Erroneous Promotions

Correction in para 228 of Indian Railway Establishment Manual, Volume -I (Revised Edition1989) Edition -2009 Erroneous Promotions

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR)
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAIL MANTRALAYA)
(RAIL WAY BOARD)

RBE NO. 86 12016
2016/CR/IREM Volume-I/Corrigendum

New Delhi, dated 19.7.2016

The General Managers (P)
All Indian Rail ways &
Production Units etc.
(As per standard list)

CORRIGENDUM

Sub:- Correction in para 228 of Indian Railway Establishment Manual, Volume -I (Revised Edition1989) Edition -2009 Erroneous Promotions.

In the Indian Railway Establishment Manual, Volume-I (Revised Edition 1989)/ Fist Re-print Edition – 2009,” Rule 2927- R II “appearing in the last sentence of existing para 228 II(d) at page no.85 may be read as” Rule 2027 – R II (Fifth reprint) 1974, renumbered as Rule-1327 – R- II( 2nd Reprint)2005
Please acknowledge receipt.

sd/-
(Abhilasha Jha Misra)
Director Accounting Reforms
Railway Board

Source : NFIR

Railway employees to have new uniforms designed by Ritu Beri

Railway employees to have new uniforms designed by Ritu Beri

New Delhi: Five lakh railway employees comprising front office staff, TTEs, guards, drivers and catering personnel will soon don new uniforms created by fashion designer Ritu Beri woven around the theme of Indian culture.

Beri submitted four different sets of uniform, each with a distinct texture, to the Railway Ministry five days back and the public transporter will soon launch an online initiative on Twitter, Facebook and the ministry’s website seeking the views of people to help it select the attire.

In the first phase, the new uniform will be issued to five lakh of 13 lakh employees of the Indian Railway.

Beri said the look of the uniform will be an ode to India and her exoticism.

“The focus is to reflect modern India while respecting our deep-rooted tradition and culture, thus reflecting the glory of India. The uniforms will be Indo-western in cut and silhouette with comfort being the most important factor,” she said.

The idea behind introducing the new uniform is to instill a sense of pride and belonging among the staff rendering their services to around two crore passengers every day, a senior official involved in the project said.

He said, in the first phase, front office staff, guards, drivers and catering personnel, onboard staff, station masters, loco pilots, train ticket examiners and gangmen will be given the uniform at an estimated cost about Rs 50 crore. The new uniform will also be given to the technical staff in workshops and production units.

Currently, railway staff including TTEs, station masters and guards wear uniforms which were designed long ago.

Beri’s new collection includes sarees and T-shirts.

The new dress is expected to be ready for use by the year-end, the official said, adding a common uniform can be worn for ceremonial occasions like celebration of Railway Day, sporting events and prize distribution ceremonies.

One of the designs Beri has submitted is based on tribal art, while the other is inspired by rustic coins and currency of the ‘golden period’ of the country. The third is based on the legacy of nawabs, while fourth is inspired by pop art. The fourth option, classified as vibrant soul of India, reflects elements of culture, business, music and entertainment.

“The work on the uniform designs is in progress. For now,

we have made the first presentation. We have worked very hard for two months and researched on various possibilities. We will work with Khadi, our national fabric, which also works well given our climate conditions.

“The idea is to create uniforms that are attractive, impactful and comfortable at the same time. I wish to retain our traditional look but give it a modern twist in keeping with today’s times,” Beri told

PTI

Now, cancelling train tickets will be just a phone call away

Now, cancelling train tickets will be just a phone call away

Indian Railway is set to launch a facility next month for the hassled passengers who find it hard to reach its counters within the stipulated time to cancel their confirmed tickets and claim refund.

Come April and cancelling a confirmed train ticket would only be a phone call away.

Indian Railway is set to launch a facility next month for the hassled passengers who find it hard to reach its counters within the stipulated time to cancel their confirmed tickets and claim refund.

“One has to dial 139 giving details of the confirmed ticket for cancelling it and the sender will get a one-time password (OTP). Passenger has to reach the counter the same day and reveal the OTP to claim refund,” said a senior Railway Ministry official.

After the change in refund rules, a lot of passengers are now finding it difficult to reach counters to cancel the reserved tickets within the stipulated time and as a result they are losing money.

According to the new refund rules, railways has doubled the ticket cancellation charge with the aim of helping genuine passengers get confirmed tickets.

“The refund rules were revised to discourage touts and ticketing agents who engage in black marketing of tickets,” said the official, adding “however, it has also resulted in inconvenience in some genuine cases. So we are now providing the 139 facility for cancellation.” Coming to the aid of harried passengers, railways will launch the cancellation facility through 139 service so that one does not have to rush to the counter to cancel confirmed tickets. The tickets which are booked online can be cancelled on the ticketing websites. The 139 facility is for those who bought tickets from counters. The software is ready and the facility is likely to be formally launched in the second week of April.

PTI

PIB: Indian Railway Decides to Continue Facilitator Scheme

Indian Railway Decides to Continue Facilitator Scheme

The Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) were introduced to facilitate passengers in getting unreserved tickets without manual intervention. In the initial phase, to popularise the use of smart cards and to make the general public accustomed to using the ATVMs, the scheme for Facilitators was introduced.

Initially, instructions for engaging facilitators on Central & Western Railway were issued and subsequently all zonal Railways were allowed to engage facilitators. Thereafter, the scheme has been reviewed from time to time and extensions were given on annual basis. The last extension has been given upto 31.03.2016.

This issue has been examined again and based on the feedback received from zonal Railways a decision to continue with the scheme up to 31.03.2017 has been taken. It has, however, been decided that on those zonal Railways where this concept was introduced in 2011-12, this scheme will not be extended beyond 31-03-2017. It has also been stipulated that ATVMs shall be earmarked on rotational basis to facilitators and general public. This has been done keeping in view the complaints that the machines of facilitators function properly whereas those for general public remain out of order.

PIB

NFIR writes to Railway Board on Amendment of wage calculation limit from 3500 to 7000

NFIR writes to Railway Board on Amendment of wage calculation limit from 3500 to 7000

NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI – 110 055

No. 1/10/Part IV

Dated: 07/03/2016

Shri Suresh Prabhu,
Hon’ble Minister for Railways, Rail Mantralaya,
New Delhi

Respected Sir,

Sub: Amendment to payment of Bonus Act, 1965-Revision of wage calculation limit from Rs. 3500/- p.m. to Rs. 7000/- p.m. with effect from 01/04/2014- payment of P.L. Bonus to Railway employees at revised rate of Rs. 7000/- p.m.-reg.

Ref: Railway Board’s reply vide No. E(P&A)II-2014/PLB-8 dated 16/02/2016 to GS/NFIR.
While thanking the Railway Ministry for its prompt reply to NFIR under reference No. E(P&A)II-2014/PLB-8 dated 16/02/2016, the Federation re-iterates the following facts for taking appropriate steps by the Government.

(i) The chronological developments since decades need to be taken into account for processing the case for payment of PL Bonus to the Railway employees at the revised wage calculation ceiling limit i.e. Rs. 7000/- p.m. w.e.f. 01/04/2014.

(ii) When the Bonus Act was amended, raising the wage calculation ceiling from Rs. 750 to 1600, the Railway employees were paid PL Bonus at the revised wage calculation ceiling limit. Subsequently, when the Bonus Act was amended, revising the wage calculation limit from Rs. 1600/- to Rs. 2500/-, the said rate was adopted by the Railway Ministry and PL Bonus paid to the Railway employees at the revised rates.

(iii) When the wage calculation ceiling was again revised to Rs. 3500/- w.e.f. 1st April 2006, the Federation took up the issue and explained the merits of the case for adopting the rate of Rs. 3500/- w.e.f. 01/04/2006 for ensuring payment of PL Bonus. The Railway Ministry had processed the case and obtained Union Cabinet’s approval and issued orders vide letter No. E(P&A)II-2008/PLB-10 dated 03/10/2008, duly revising the wage calculation ceiling to Rs. 3500/- with retrospective effect i.e, from 01/04/2006, consequently, PLB arrears for the year 2006-07 were paid to the Railway employees in October 2008.

From the above facts, it could be seen that the payment of P.L. Bonus has been ensured commensurating with the revision of wage calculation ceiling limit made through amendments to Bonus Act, 1965 without any deviation. Similarly when the wage calculation ceiling limit has been raised to Rs. 7000/- p.m., the Railway Employees are entitled for payment of P.L. Bonus at revised rates for the year 2014-15.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Hon’ble Railway Minister to kindly arrange to process the case on top priority for obtaining the approval of the Union Cabinet for making payment of PL Bonus arrears pertaining to the year 2014-15 to the Railway employees at the earliest.

Yours sincerely,

(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source : NFIR

Railway Tatkal booking charges revised

Railway Tatkal booking charges revised

Indian Railways has increased Tatkal charges from Rs.10 to Rs.100. The maximum reservation charges for A.C. Third Class, has been increased from Rs.350 to Rs.400. The minimum charges have been increased from Rs.250 to Rs.300.

Indian Railways increases Tatkal charges  – Increased by Rs 10 – Rs.100  for various classes.

Indian Railways has announced increase in Taktal ticket charges from the minimum train passenger fare will go up from Rs 10 (in the reserved second sitting) to Rs 100 (in the highest executive category).

The maximum reservation charges for A.C. Third Class, has been increased from Rs.350 to Rs.400. The minimum charges have been increased from Rs.250 to Rs.300. For the Second Class A.C., the maximum Tatkal reservation charges have been increased to Rs.500. The minimum charges have been increased to Rs.400. There are no changes of rates for the Second Class Seating coaches.

The revised rates will be applicable from December 25, 2015.

Class of Travel	Minimum Tatkal Charges (in Rs)	Maximum Tatkal Charges (in Rs)
Second (sitting)Sleeper	Earlier 90Earlier 175	Revised 100Revised 200
AC Chair Car	Earlier 100Earlier 200	Revised 125Revised 225
AC 3 Tier	Earlier 250Earlier 350	Revised 300Revised 400
AC 2 Tier	Earlier 300Earlier 400	Revised 400Revised 500
Executive	Earlier 300Earlier 400	Revised 400Revised 500

Source : India Today

Provision of E-Catering Facilities in Railways

Provision of E-Catering Facilities in Railways

In order to widen the range of food options available to passengers, E-catering services have been introduced, through Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) in trains without pantry car or Train Side Vending as well as on 45 designated stations from where passengers of originating/passing trains can avail of this facility. The details of stations selected for this purpose are as follows:-

Howrah, Sealdah, Guwahati, New Jalpaiguri, Patna, Bhubaneshwar, Visakhapatnam, Mughalsarai Junction (Jn.), Kanpur Central, Lucknow Jn., Varanasi, Jaipur, Bilaspur, Kharagpur, Allahabad, Gorakhpur, Anand Vihar Terminal, Hazarat Nizamuddin, New Delhi, Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Secunderabad, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore, Ernakulam Jn., Kozhikkode, Madurai Jn., Thrisur, Tiruvananthapuram Central, Bangalore City, Yasvantpur, Nagpur, Pune, Agra Cantt., Gwalior, Jhansi, Bhopal, Ahmedabad Mumbai Central, Surat & Vadodara. IRCTC has tied up with renowned, reputed and established brands in the field of catering services so that the passengers can order good quality and hygienic food of their choice. Further, Janta Khana is also being made available through E-catering services.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

Grant of 30% House Rent Allowance to employees working Umdanagar, Medchal and Gundlapochampally

Grant of 30% HRA to staff working Umdanagar, Medchal and Gundlapochampally on par with the staff working in GHMC limits.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E(P&A)II-2012/HRA-1

New Delhi, dated 18.9.2015.

The General Manager (P),
South-Central Railway,
Secunderabad

Sub:- Grant of 30% HRA to staff working Umdanagar, Medchal and Gundlapochampally on par with the staff working in GHMC limits.

Please refer to your office letter No. SCR/P-HQ/Ruling/O/811/HRA dated 29.06.15 on the above noted subject.

As per the dependency certificates dated 23.6.2015 issued by the District Collector of Ranga Reddy District, Umdanagar, Medchal & Gundlapochampally in Andhra Pradesh fulfill all the conditions prescribed in Para 2 of Board’s letter No.PC-65/HRA-1/3 dated 22-7-1965, as amended from time to time. The President is, therefore, pleased to decide that Railway employees posted at Umdanagar, Medchal and gundlapochampally, in Andhra Pradesh may be paid House Rent Allowance at the rates applicable to those posted with the classified city of Hyderabad (UA) [‘X’ class city] subject to fulfillment of the conditions laid down for grant of House Rent Allowance.

2. These orders will be valid from 01.06.2015 (a) for a period of 3 yrs i.e. upto 31.05.2018 or, (b) till the conditions prescribed in Para 2 of Board’s letter 22-7-1965, referred to above continue to be fulfilled in respect of Umdangar (ii) Medchal & (iii) Gundlapochampally or (c) until issue of any further orders in this regard by the Ministry of Railways, whichever is earliest.

3. The period at (a) of Para 2 above may, however, be extended after obtaining a fresh Dependency Certificate as prescribed in clause (ii) of Para 2 of Board’s letter dated 22-07-1965, as amended from time to time and in accordance with the provisions of Board’s letter No. E(P&A)II-85/HRA-12 dated 11-3-1986.

4. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

sd/-
(Salim Md. Ahmed)
Dy. Director, Estt.(P&A)II
Railway Board

Source: NFIR

Improvement in Railways’ Catering Services

Improvement in Railways’ Catering Services

Improvement of catering services is an on-going process. Steps taken/being taken to further improve the catering services include (i)Third Party Audit of catering services to be conducted at periodic intervals by independent and reputed auditing agencies accredited by NABCB (National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies) as empanelled by the zonal railways. The parameters for audit include all aspects of catering services like personal hygiene, infrastructure facilities, cleaning and sanitation, food safety, storage facilities, implementation of regulatory, statutory and safety regulations, quality of presentation etc. (ii) Introduction of E-Catering so that passengers can book the food of their choice through internet. (iii) Introduction of Pre-cooked Food (ready to eat) meals of reputed brands to improve the quality, hygiene and to provide variety of options of meals to the passengers. (iv) A centralized Catering Service Monitoring Cell (CSMC) has been set up having a toll free number 1800-111-321 for prompt redressal of the passenger grievances related to the catering activities for real time assistance to travelling public. (iv) Imposition of stringent punitive action including heavy penalties in case of deficiencies in services.

About 17,440 complaints have been reported regarding catering services in Railways during the last three years and current year (i.e. 01.01.2012 to 31.03.2015). Penal action has been taken on the defaulter licensees including termination of contracts in 9 cases and imposition of fines in 5903 cases.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

MTS to Offer Free Wi-Fi At Major Railway Stations in India

MTS to Offer Free Wi-Fi At Major Railway Stations in India

The railway budget which was released in the month of February this year stated that over 400 railway stations will have Wi-Fi facility. And now, it seems that the railway department is taking steps to make it possible by the end of third quarter 2015. Not all stations might get internet connectivity, but yes, the major junctions and the busiest stations are expected to get the Wi-Fi services.

Sistema Shyam, which is also known as MTS (Mobile TeleSystems), has tied up with Indian Railways to launch free Wi-Fi services at major stations in the country. The decision was taken as a part of the government’s initiative of Digital India.

The service will be rolled out under the MTS brand, who have been primarily offering CDMA based data services since 2008 (when first released in India). However, over last couple of years, they have not been able to get the kind of traction expected.

To access free MTS internet on Railway stations, users will need to activate Wi-Fi on their devices, open a page christened Indian Railways MTS Wi-Fi, from where they can go online. The company is looking forward to offer free Wi-Fi services in all the metro trains in Gurgaon. It will also offer its services at the stations where the company does not offer CDMA services of MTS brand.

A Sistema Shyam spokesman confirmed the Wi-Fi services pact with the railways, adding that the company has concluded all regulatory formalities for acquiring a pan-India category-A ISP permit.

Busiest Railway Stations In India:

The travellers who start their journey from the stations such as Mumbai CST, Howrah, Ahmedabad, Varanasi, Agra, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Chennai, Pune etc will soon be able to use internet via Wi-Fi on their devices through MTS Internet. MTS or Indian Railways have not officially announced which and how many stations will be part of this project, one can safely assume that stations at Metros and Tier 1 cities as well as major junctions to be part of the project. The government is expected to provide at least one station in every state with such services.

Free Internet For How Much Time?

We wish it could have been for free as long as we use! But the MTS Internet will offer free Wi-Fi for the first 30 minutes only. That might be enough to go through your important emails, check your social media profiles or even read the trending news ontrak.in :). The MTS WiFi internet can be used on your laptops, mobiles or tablets.

There is no such confirmation about the charges post the 30 minutes of usage. We will update you as soon as we have some confirmation on the rates!

Source: www.govemployees.in

Environmental issues in Indian Railway – Formation of Environment Directorate in Railway Board

Environmental issues in Indian Railway – Formation of Environment Directorate in Railway Board

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No.20l5/ Environ/6/1

New Delhi dated 07.01.2015

To
GMs / Zonal Railways and Production Units,
CAO/DMW/Patiala and CAO/RWP/Bela

Sub: Environmental issues in IR – Formation of Environment Directorate in Railway Board.

In order to give an increased focus and thrust on Environmental issues handled in IR, an exclusive Directorate has been formed in Railway Board, headed by an Advisor, functioning directly under CRB. Executive Directors from Civil Engineering, Electrical, Mechanical, Traffic & Commercial, Finance and Efficiency & Research Directorates have been earmarked to be part of the Environment Directorate. This Directorate will monitor Zonal Railways and Production Units with regard to their performance on Environmental issues, particularly on:

(a) Pollution Control
(b) Efficiency in consumption of Energy
(c) Conservation of resources, particularly water
(d) Proper Lise of land including afforestation and
(e) Developrnent, production & use of alternative sources of energy.

2.0 In order to increase the focus and thrust on Environmental issues, following actions may kindly be taken.

i) Trend of consumption of Traction energy (Electrical and Diesel) to be monitored and figured along with comments as a regular item of the body of your MCDO.

ii) Audit & accreditation on Environment in major activity centres viz., workshops, depots/sheds and Railway stations, to be completed early in a time bound manner.

iii) Undertaking Audits on Energy and water consumption in the ‘A category’ consumption centres and ensuring completion of the same along with an action plan within the next 6 months.

iv) Introducing a system of user level (including stations) monitoring of consumption of all types of energy as well as water on a monthly basis, along with a trend analysis and Bench marking of consumption.

v) Identification of ongoing works having positive contribution towards Environment, taking forward the same for timely completion and realization of benefits.
vi) Annexing a report in the MCDO on trends/ developments on environmental issues, particularly with regard to items listed in (i) to (v) above, department wise, along with highlights if any, in the body of MCDO.

3.0 Compilation of reports periodically with regard to the environmental issues/actions as flagged above may be assigned to the Planning & Efficiency wing functioning in each Zonal Railway with actions to be coordinated by SDGIVl/AGM. In the case of PUs, this task may be assigned to the wing responsible for M&P maintenance.

4.0 Kindly send your reply tc this letter indicating actions being taken/ proposed by various departments on environmental issues, within a fortnight.

(K.Swaminathan)
Advisor (Environment)
Railway Board

Source: Indian Railways

Indian Railway: Swachh Bharat Mission- Annual Action Plan

Indian Railway: Swachh Bharat Mission- Annual Action Plan

Annual Action Plan for the Year 2014-15

• In terms of the mega-initiatives taken by Zonal Railways under the Swachh Bharat Mission, regular events on cleanliness are to be organized, including periodic cleanliness drives.

• All aspects of the campaign shall be continued including tree plantation, removal of encroachments, painting of road kerbs, clearing posters, repairing street lights, improving drainage, improving signage, whitewashing of buildings etc. shall be continued.

• Focus on clean and hygienic toilets and in particular those located at railway stations.

• Main sources of garbage generation should be identified at stations and station specific solutions should be put in place.

• Dust bins should be provided at all locations in the stations and the public should be advised and encouraged to use the same. Garbage generated by vendors/stalls/catering units should be promptly disposed off by the stall/unit holders into the earmarked refuse bins.

• Under this mission it shall be ensured that stations, tracks, colonies and offices are maintained in a clean and hygienic condition.

• There will be sustained ‘Public Awareness Campaign’ to promote Swachh Bharat Mission.

• Campaign should also include action under the Railway’s anti-littering rules of 2012.

• More and more mechanized cleaning gadgets will be introduced along with better types of cleaning agents.
Periodic contracts for rag picking and garbage disposal to be awarded.

• More and more toilets will be brought under the purview of ‘Pay & Use’ toilets.

• Regular inspections to be conducted at various levels viz. GMs, DRMS, SIGs (Service Improvement Groups) and at other Officers level to check the standard of cleanliness. During these inspections, deficiencies if noticed in various areas such as drainage, availability of dustbin, sewerage, water supply, washable apron and garbage disposal, will be wiped out.

• Monitoring cleanliness through CCTV cameras installed at major stations.

• An award to recognize the best efforts made by the zonal railways at stations towards the cause of cleanliness shall be introduced. Such an award shall be called “Swachh Station” award and shall be given on All India basis in each category of station.

In line with the above, the following action shall be taken:

(i) Each Zonal Railway shall prepare a division-wise Action Plan which shall indicate the mechanism of cleaning (departmental or outsourced) and the frequency prescribed for cleaning at each station.

(ii) Mechanism for monitoring cleanliness at the station along with the inspection schedule at the station where the monitoring shall be done through CCTVs.

(iii) At all ‘A-1″ category stations under the cleanliness contract, Service Level Agreements (SLAs) prescribing measurement of cleanliness shall be gradually introduced. A sample SLA may be obtained from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.
(iv) The divisions shall upload photographs of cleanliness drives to the website at a specified periodicity.

(v) Zonal Railways shall indicate the Action Plan, allocation of assessed funds for cleanliness drives for implementing the Swachh Bharat Mission.

(vi) Each division should identify vulnerable areas between stations for clearing encroachment and dumping of wastes and shall take coordinated action with local bodies. The RPF in coordination with GRP should ensure that trespassing is checked to prevent dumping of wastes in the railway area.

(vii) The mechanism of cleaning of trains under OBHS, CTS, etc., should be laid down clearly.

(viii) Public awareness campaign and public education campaign should be carried out on a regular basis. Apart from the media available with the railways, such as public announcement system, CCTVs, advertisement space at stations, etc., division should also issue press releases in the newspapers. Interviews to press and media by senior officers should be given to ensure adequate coverage of the action taken.

(ix) Use of social media should also be made to interact with the public and seeking their support on the endeavour of Indian Railways in the Swachh Bharat Mission.

(x) The progress of the Swachh Bharat Mission should be monitored on a daily basis by the ADRMs at the divisional and AGM at the Zonal level. Monthly reports should be sent to Railway Board.

Source: http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/

Minimum educational qualification for open market recruitment to various posts on the Railways

Minimum educational qualification for open market recruitment to various posts on the Railways

RBE No. 141/2014

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

RBF No. 145/2014.
No. E(NG)II/2012/RR-1/16/Pt.A.

New Delhi, Dated: 17.12.2014.

 The General Manager (P),
All Zonal Railways/Production Units/Chairmen/RRBs.

Sub: Minimum educational qualification for open market recruitment to various posts on the Railways. 


The issue of enhancement of minimum qualification from Matriculation to 12th (+2 standard) to various posts on the railways which presently have minimum entry qualification of Matriculation in Pay Band-1 of Rs. 5200-20200 having Grade Pay of Rs. 1900, Rs. 2000 and Rs. 2400 has been under consideration of this Ministry.

After detailed deliberations it has now been decided by the Board that henceforth following categories in Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) will have the revised qualification as shown in the table below:-

Sl. No.	Category of Post	Pay Band & Grade Pay	ExistingQualification	Essential Minimum Prescribed Qualification
(1)	Office Clerk	PB-1Rs.5200- 20200 (GP: Rs. 1900)	Matriculation or its equivalent examination with not less than 50% marks in the aggregate. 50% marks is not to be insisted upon in case of SC/ST/Ex-servicemen.	12th (+2 stage) or its equivalent examination with not less than 50% marks in the aggregate. 50% marks is not to be insisted upon in case of SC/ST/Ex-servicemen.
(2)	Accounts Clerk	PB-1Rs.5200- 20200 (GP:Rs. 1900)	Matriculation or its equivalent examination with not less than 50% marks in the aggregate. 50% marks is not to be insisted upon in case of SC/ST/Ex-servicemen.	12th (+2 stage) or its equivalent examination with not less than 50% marks in the aggregate. 50% marks is not to be insisted upon in case of SC/ST/Ex-servicemen.
(3)	TicketCollector	PB-1Rs.5200- 20200 (GP: Rs. 1900)	Matriculation or its equivalent examination with not less than 50% marks in the aggregate. 50% marks is not to be insisted upon in case of SC/ST/Ex-servicemen.	12th (+2 stage) or its equivalent examination with not less than 50% marks in the aggregate. 50% marks is not to be insisted upon in case of SC/ST/Ex-servicemen.
(4)	CommercialClerk	PB-1Rs. 5200- 20200 (GP: Rs. 2000)	Matriculation or its equivalent examination with not less than 50% marks in the aggregate. 50% marks is not to be insisted upon in case of SC/ST/Ex-servicemen.	12th (+2 stage) or its equivalent examination with not less than 50% marks in the aggregate. 50% marks is not to be insisted upon in case of SC/ST/Ex-servicemen.
(5)	Trains Clerk	PB-1Rs. 5200- 20200 (GP:Rs. 1900)	Matriculation or its equivalent examination with not less than 50% marks in the aggregate.	12th (+2 stage) or its equivalent examination with not less than 50% marks in the aggregate.
(6)	Library Clerk	PB-1Rs.5200-20200 (GP:Rs. 1900)	Matriculation or equivalent from a recognized Institution and Certificate in Library Science from a recognized Institution.	12th (+2 stage) or its equivalent from a recognized Institution and Certificate in Library Science from a recognized Institution.

3. These instructions will be effective from the date of its issue and ongoing recruitment for the above said categories where notification has been published will b governed by past instructions on the subject.

4. Advance Correction Slip (ACS) to Indian Railway Establishment Manual, Volume-I (Revised Edition-1989), First Re-print Edition, 2009 will follow.

(Lily Pandeya)
Director Estt(N)-II
Railway Board

Qualifications awarded by various Boards of School Education in India for the purpose of employment in Railways

Acceptance of certificates/qualifications awarded by various Boards of School Education in India for the purpose of employment on the railways.

Clarification has been received from nodal Ministry/Department of Government of India, viz, Department of Personnel & Training (DOP&T) and M/o Human Resource Development (MHRD) stating that COBSE (Council of Board of School Education in India), an Association of National & State School Boards, is responsible for verifying genuineness/ recognition of School Education Boards in India. It grants membership to Boards/Institutes that are set up by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature or an executive order of the Central/State Governments and follow National Curriculum Framework.

The certificates issued by its member Boards are equivalent to any other board across the country. Accordingly, the matter has been examined and it has been decided by the Board that zonal railways need not approach this Ministry seeking such clarification regarding acceptance or otherwise of certificates/qualification obtained from various Boards of School Education in India and instead, refer to official website of COBSE i.e. www.cobse.org which contain list of Boards of School Education which are Member Boards of COBSE.

Thus certificates/ qualification obtained from all such institutions borne on the aforesaid list will be acceptable for the purpose of employment on the railways, from the date on which the said institution has been accorded membership by COBSE, if they were not recognized earlier by any competent authority. This date of acceptability of certificate may be obtained by approaching COBSE directly and a copy of clarification thus obtained may also be endorsed to this Ministry for information & record.

Source Document : Railway Board Ordrs No.E(NG)-II/2007/RR-l/38 dated 15th July 2014

Railway Minister Announces Cash Award to Felicitate Railway Sportspersons for Winning Medals at CWG-2014

Railway Minister Announces Cash Award to Felicitate Railway Sportspersons for Winning Medals at CWG-2014

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Railways

11-August-2014 17:21 IST

Railway Minister Announces Cash Award to Felicitate Railway Sportspersons for Winning Medals at CWG-2014, Glasgow

To felicitate the Indian Railway sportspersons who won medals at recently concluded Commonwealth Games-2014, (CWG) at Glasgow, Scotland, the Minister of Railways Shri D.V.Sadananda Gowda has announced a cash award of Rs. 25 lakh for winning Gold Medal, Rs. 20 for Silver Medal and Rs. 15 lakh for winning Bronze Medal. The contribution of Railway sportspersons, as a part of Indian contingent in CWG, has been significant. Out of total 64 Medals won by India, Railway players bagged 9 Medals. The performance of Railway weightlifters and wrestlers in particular has been remarkable. They have contributed two Gold, one Silver and two Bronze Medals.


The names of the Gold Medal winners are :
Shri Sushil Kumar: Men’s freestyle 74 kg wrestling,
Shri Satish Sivalingam: Men’s 77 kg weightlifting,

Silver Medal winners are:
Shri Mandeep Jangra: Men’s 69 kg boxing.
Shri Chinglensana Singh: Hockey,
Ms. Ayonika Paul: Women’s 10 metre air rifle shooting,
Shri Rajeev Tomar: Men’s freestyle 125 kg wrestling

Bronze Medal winners are:
Ms. Pinki Rani: Women’s 48-51 kg boxing,
Ms. Swati Singh: Women’s 53 kg weightlifting,
Shri Omkar Otari: Men’s 69 kg weightlifting.