NFIR PNM pending items - quick redressal of issues

NFIR PNM pending items - quick redressal of issues

NFIR

No. NFIR/PNM/113

Dated: 10/06/2019

The Member (Staff),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: NFIR PNM pending items - quick redressal of issues - reg.

Although PNM meeting under your chairmanship was held on 25th/ 26th April, 2019 and subsequently the pending PNM Items relating to PC-I Directorate were also discussed on 04th June, 2019 in a special meeting, many items are continued to remain unresolved. Many pending PNM Items can also be settled by issuing fomral orders as the demands are within the parameters of norms and logic.

NFIR has also sent fresh PNM Agenda to the Railway Board on 29th May, 2019 as the Federation is eager for formal meetings in quick succession for sorting out the staff grievances through serious dialogue. Some of the demands listed in the fresh Agenda can also be agreed to, straightaway and orders issued by Railway Board without waiting for discussion. The Federation's request is that the PNM Items which can be agreed without waiting for formal discussion need to be identified and decisions communicated bv the Board and this initiative would motive employees.

NFIR, therefore, requests your kind intervention to see that the Railway Board gives greater priority for resolving PNM Items soon. Federation may kindly be replied of steps initiated on this specific proposal.

Yours faithfully,
(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)

Source: NFIR

Reckoning service for entitlement of Post Retirement Complimentary Passes

NFIR

Reckoning service for entitlement of Post Retirement Complimentary Passes

No.I/15/2018

Dated: 23/05/2019

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Reckoning service for entitlement of Post Retirement Complimentary Passes - reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR's PNM Item No. 06/2016.
(ii) Board's letter No. E(W)2006/PS5-1/28 dated 18/04/2007 & 08/05/2008.
(iii) Board's letter No. E(W)2013/PS5-1/7 dated 16/12/2013.
(iv) Board's letter No. E(W)2013/PS5-1/28 dated 12/03/2014.
(v) Board's letter No. E(W)2016/PS5-8/2 dated 19/04/20l8.
(vi) NFIR's letter No. I/15/Part III dated 06/07/2018, 17108/2018 & 03/10/2018.
(vii) NFIR's letter No. I/15/2018 dated 12/03/2019.

Responding to the instructions issued by the Railway Board vide letter dated 19/04/2018 with reference to NFIR's PNM Agenda Item No. 06/2016, Federation vide series of letters, latest being dated 12/03/2019, requested the Railway Board to restore previous instructions issued vide No. E(W)2006/PS5-1/28 dated 18/04/2007 to facilitate the benefit of Post Retirement Complimentary Passes to the Former Defence Forces Personnel etc., working in Railways (as announced by Hon'ble MR in the Parliament during the course of presenting Rail Budget 2007-08). Federation further desires to bring to the notice of the Railway Board that the subject was also discussed with ED(IR) on 3rd July, 2018 while specific case belonging to North Western Railway was also cited wherein the Zonal Railway has taken negative view and declined to implement Board's instructions dated 19104/2018 stating that the employee has not completed 20 years or more service in Railways, therefore not entitled for PRCP.

During NFIR's PNM meeting held with the Railway Board on 25/26-4-2019 though the subject could not be discussed due to paucity of time, the position conveyed through Action Taken Statement to the Federation is as follows :-

" The matter is under re-examination on file in consultation with Associate Finance"

NFIR, therefore once again urges upon the railway Board to issue suitable clarificatory instructions, duly modifying earlier instructions dated 19/04/2018 to facilitate the Former Defence Forces Personnel/ Central Government Employees who joined Railways, to avail the benefit of PRCP on the basis of length of service rendered in Railways and in the previous Central Government Organizations. A copy of the modified instructions issued may be endorsed to the Federation.

Yours faithfully

(Dr.Rahavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

Induction of Female employees in Railways and other Central Government departments

Induction of Female employees in Railways and other Central Government departments

NFIR

No. II/1/2019

Dated: 29.01.2019

To,
The Chairman,
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Induction of Female employees in Railways and other Central Government departments - reg.

The provisions of the Constitution of India, ensured "Right to Equality'' to any person for employment opportunity in Government as well other than Government Institutions. Articles 14, 15 & 16 of the Constitution have enshrined the "Right to Equality'' to all the persons irrespective of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Equality of opportunity in the matters of emplo5rment has been provided under Article 16 of the Constitution for all citizens to employment or appointment to any office under the state.

In the above context, NFIR brings to the kind notice of the Railway Board (CRB) that on Railways female candidates are recruited through RRCs/RRBs/Compassionate appointment etc., to the posts of Track Maintainer, Junior Engineer, ESM Gr-I, Station Master, Assistant Pointsman, Helper, Technicians etc., in the Technical, Operating and other Departments. Certain jobs mainly Track Maintainer are arduous and hazardous as the staff are expected to work under open sky facing inclement weather conditions at remote places, jungle areas, where minimum basic necessities of life do not exist. The female Track Maintainers are facing these hardships in the course of performing their duties.

Vide PNM Agenda Item No. 23/015 at Railway Board's level, the NFIR demanded that the female Track Maintainers may be permitted to seek transfer to other Departments on completion of two or three years service. However, this issue is still pending.

Pursuant to the efforts of NFIR and discussions during PNM meetings, the Railway Ministry vide letter No. E(NG)III/2018/RR-I/13 dated 20/09/2018 (linked with Board's letter No. E(NG)I-99/CFP/23 (Vol. II) dated 14/1/2013 permitted Track Maintainers to seek change to other Cadres/Departments against 10% as well 40% vacancies, but sadly the instructions dated 14th November, 2013 are yet to be implemented by Zonal Railways due to non-availability of replacement as a result of no recruitment since the last over three years. Consequently, Track Maintainers (Male & Female) are put to sever hardships, while they have been bitterly complaining against non-compliance of Railway Board's instructions.

The light of the above facts, NFIR expects the Railway Ministry to give special consideration to Track Maintainers for the purpose of pursuing their career growth through lateral induction/transfer to other Departments. NFIR vide PNM Agenda Item No. 2312015 had also suggested that the recruitment from Open Market be made to the post of 1800 Grade Pay/Pay Level-l instead designation-wise recruitment thereby the 1st appointment of such recruitees shall be against the post of Track Maintainer and for filling minimum, in pay Level-l in other Departments the Track Maintainers can be drawn on option basis, thereby within a period of 5 to 7 years, they may get shifted to other cadres. It seems Railway Board have not yet considered this constructive proposal of NFIR.

NFIR hopes that the rights provided through "Constitution" for employment of female candidates shall be protected and implemented by the Railway Ministry without dilution/deviation and at the same time Federation urges upon the Railway Board to consider NFIR's demand (PNM Item No. 23/2015) relating to granting appropriate relief to female Track Maintainers working in the Railways.
NFIR also insists upon the Railway Board to continue the extant policy of recruitment of male and female candidates without discrimination, otherwise many complications may arise including that of public agitations and litigations. A line in reply is solicited.

Yours faithfully

(Dr. M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

Clarification regarding entitled number of sets of Post Retirement Complimentary Passes (PRCP) admissible to lateral entrants in Railways Service

Post Retirement Complimentary Passes (PRCP) admissible to Ex-servicemen or CG employees - Railway Board's clarification

Government of India
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)

No. E(W)2016/PS5-8/2

New Delhi, dated 19.04.2018

The General Managers (P)
All Zonal Railways &
Production Units.

Sub: Clarification regarding entitled number of sets of "Post Retirement Complimentary Passes" (PRCP) admissible to lateral entrants in Railways Service.
Ref: (i) Board's letter No.E(W)2006/PS5-1/28 dated 18.04.2007.
(ii) Board's letter No.E(W)2006/PS5-1/28 dated 08.05.2008.
(iii) Board's letter No.E(W)2013/PS5-1/7 dated 16.12.2013.
(iv) Board's letter No.E(W)2013/PS5-1/28 dated 12.03.2014.

In the PNM/NFIR meeting with Board, the Federation have raised an issue that lateral entrants in Railways Service, especially ex-servicemen, who have retired or ceased to be a railway servant, after having rendered more than 20 years of qualifying service (i.e. after addition of admissible past non-railway service) are not being issued entitled number of PRCPs.

2. In this context, your attention is drawn to the amendment made vide Advance Correction Slip (ACS) No.53 to Railway Servants (Pass) Rules, 1986 (Second Edition - 1993), circulated vide Board's letter cited under Ref.(i) which provided for giving weightage only to the extent of half of the period of past non-railway service rendered by "Ex-servicemen or Central Government employees" for determining their eligibility to PRCP. The said provision was further amended vide ACS No.56, circulated vide Board's letter cited under Ref.(ii). It provided for counting of half of the period of past non-railway service rendered by the lateral entrants in non-railway departments or establishments to determine their eligibility ot PRCP subject to the condition that the said period of past non-railway service has been counted along with the railway service for pensionary benefits. It was also made clear that the number of PRCPs of such lateral entrants shall be at par with those railway servants who have retired with minimum 20 years of qualifying railway service.

3. Furthermore, in terms of ACS No. 74, circulated vide Board's letter cited under Ref.(iii), read with Board's letter cited under Ref.(iv), railway employees who retired on or after 01.01.2006 were made entitled to the following PRCP facility:-

Category		No. of PRCPs admissible in one year
Group A & B	With railway service of 20 years or more	3 Sets
Group C		2 Sets
Group D		1 Set

4. Accordingly, it is clarified that the lateral entrants who have retired or ceased to be a railway servant w.e.f. 01.01.2006 after having rendered 20 years or more of qualifying service (i.e. either railway service plus half of the period of past non-railway service counted along with railway service for pensionary benefits or railway service exclusively), are entitled to the number of PRCPs as stipulated in preceding para 3.

5. The Railways are advised to follow the extant provisions of statutory rules scrupulously and issue passes accordingly.

(V. Muralidharan)
Dy. Director Estt. (Welfare)-I
Railway Board

Source: IRTSA

Payment to the Track Maintainers deputed for night patrolling duties for purchase of dry cell

Grant of Dry Cell Allowance @ 150/- p.m for Track Maintainers performing night patrolling duties - Railway Board

No. 2016/CE-I/GNS/4pt.

New Delhi, dated 07.12.2017

General Managers,
All Indian Railways,

Sub: Payment to the Track Maintainers deputed for night patrolling duties for purchase of dry cell - PNM/NFIR Agenda Item No. 44/2016.

NFIR has raised the issue of revision of amount being given to the Track Maintainers deputed for track patrolling duties during night for purchase of dry cell battery. The matter has been considered by Board (MEW & FC) and it has been decided that all track maintainers deputed for night patrolling shall be paid @ Rs 150 per month alongwith their salary towards purchase of dry cell, wherever rechargeable torches have not been provided.

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

[Rly.no.030-47598, Mob (CUG)-97176111

Source: NFIR

Promotion from GP Rs.1800 (Level-1) to GP Rs.1900 (Level-2) against 33-1/3% quota - Minimum eligibility condition of service for selection

Promotion from GP Rs.1800 (Level-1) to GP Rs.1900 (Level-2) against 33-1/3% quota - Minimum eligibility condition of service for selection.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA/BHARAT SARKAR,
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS/RAIL MANTRALAYA
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No.E(NG)I-2015/CFP/8

The General Managers (P)
All Zonal Railways &
Production Units etc.
(As per standard list).

New Delhi, dated 21.04.2017

Sub:- Promotion from GP Rs.1800 (Level-1) to GP Rs.1900 (Level-2) against 33-1/3% quota - Minimum eligibility condition of service for selection.

In terms of provisions contained in Para 189 of IREM, Vol.I, Railway servants in erstwhile Group 'D' categories for whom no regular avenue of promotion exists, 33-1/3% of the posts in the lowest grade of Commercial Clerks, Ticket Collectors, Trains Clerks, Office Clerks, Stores Clerks etc. are eligible for promotion on completion of 3 years continuous service, which is relaxable for SC/ST employees who are eligible on completion of probation in recruitment grade, which is 2 years (Para 104 of IREM).

2. One of the Federations (NFIR) have raised an item in the PNM forum to prescribe two (02) years residency condition for promotion from GP Rs.1800 (Level-1) to GP Rs.1900 (Level-2) against the above quota. The issue has been examined by the Board and it is now decided, that henceforth, staff will be eligible for promotion against 33-1/3% quota on completion of 2 years continuous service in the relevant grade on successful completion of probation period, irrespective of the fact whether such staff belong to GEN/OBC/SC/ST. These instructions will be effective from date of issue.

Please acknowledge receipt.

(M.K. Meena)
Deputy Director Estt.(N)
Railway Board

Signed copy

MACPS issues raised by NFIR

PNM/NFIR meeting held on 22nd & 23rd December, 2016

Government of India (Bharat Sarkar)
Ministry of Railways (Rail Mantralaya)
(Railway Board)

No.2016/E(LR)I/NM 1-16

New Delhi, dt. 31.03.2017

The General Secretary,
NFIR,
3, Chelmsford Road,
New Delhi - 110 055.

Dear Sir,
Sub: PNM/NFIR meeting held on 22nd & 23rd December, 2016

During the PNM/NFIR meeting held on 22nd & 23rd December, 2016, you had raised the following issue during your opening address:-

"The General Secretary specially mentioned the cases of MACPS which are continued unresolved. He said, the meeting at the level of MS & FC is yet to be held while meetings at the level of EDs were held, but with no fruitful results. He specially requested the MS that on all MACPS issues raised by NFIR, detailed comments may be furnished soon so that a separate meeting can be held for fruitful discussions and decisions before it is too late."

Accordingly, the comments of Pay Commission Dte. On MACPS issues are enclosed.

Yours faithfully,
(Debashis Mallik)
Director, Estt. (IR)

Position/remarks on MACPS issues raised in PNM/NFIR item(s)

Item No.	Subject	Position/remarks
1/2011	Grant of financial upgradation under MACPS to the staff who are in the same Grade pay for more than 20 year.	The matter has twice been examined in consultation with DoP&T and DoP&T has not agreed for the same. Moreover, DoP&T being the nodal Deptt., this Ministry is not in position to deviate from the instructions / clarifications issued by them. As such, there appears to be no other option left. The long pending item may be 'closed'.
16/2011	Abolition of Pay Scale and Introduction of upgraded Pay Scale with revised designation - Senior Section Engineers (Drawing) - Clarification on entry Grade Pay - Reg.	The matter has been duly examined in consultation with DoP&T and reply to Federation has been issued vide Board's letter dt. 19.10.2016.
56/2012	Counting of service of D-2 Khalasis in CLW for extending benefits of financial upgradation under MACPS -reg.	The item has been discussed threadbare with the Federation and the reply given by CLW is comprehensive covering all the doubts on the issue. There appears to be no issue outstanding for discussion. The long pending item may be 'closed'.
16/2013	Non-grant of benefit under MACP Scheme to the Stock Verifiers working in Zonal Railways/Production Units-reg.	The relevant instructions for allowing benefit of MACPS to Stock Verifiers by not reckoning their promotion from AA to ASV have been issued vide Board’s letter dt.1 9.12.2016 (RBE No.156/2016). Thus, the item may be "CLOSED".
17/2013	Grant of financial upgradation under MACP Scheme - Wrongful clarification issued by the Railway Board.	Basically, the item is regarding grant of higher Grade Pay under MACPS in cases where feeder and promotional grade posts are in same Grade Pay. Meanwhile Federation vide their letter dt.22.09.2016 had requested to make available the copy of reference made to DoP&T and reply thereto. Accordingly, the desired information has been furnished to the Federation vide Board’s letter dt. 06.10.2016. Moreover, DoP&T being the nodal department of Govt. on MACPS, this Ministry can not deviate from the instructions/clarifications issued by them. As such, there appears to be no issue outstanding for discussion. The item may be 'Closed'.
19/2014	Denial of revised V CPC pay scale - Injustice meted out to Midwives on Western Railway.	As desired by the Federation, the matter has been examined based on the information regarding recruitment qualification and pay scale at the time of recruitment obtained from Western Railway and reply to Federation has been issued vide Board's letter dt.12.05.2016. As such, no action is pending. The item may be 'CLOSED'.
15/2015	Grant of financial upgradation under MACPS to SSE -Drawing (formerly diploma holder tracers) appointed against D.R. Quota vacancies as Assistant Draftsman (presently JE- Drawing with GP-4200 in PB-2) - reg.	As requested by the Federation vide their letter dt. 22.09.16 to examine the matter in context of their letter No.lV/MACPS/09/Part 10, dt. 09.05.2016. Accordingly, the matter has been examined and replied to NFIR vide Board’s letter dt. 21 .10.2016. Further, DoP&T has already been consulted on the issue and they have not agreed to the proposal saying that the services should be reckoned from the date of direct recruitment as mentioned in the policy circular issued in this regard. As no other course of action appears to be left available, the item may be 'closed'.
46/2015	Grant of financial upgradation under MACPS to the Technical Supervisors of DC Traction and presently working as JE/SSE.	As requested by the Federation, the matter has been reviewed based on the information obtained from Central Railway as well as in light of the extant instructions on the subject and accordingly. Federation have been replied vide Board’s letter dt. 21.02.2017. There appears no other course of action to be left available.
47/2015	Grant of MACP to the former Traffic Signallers/A2 Signallers absorbed as ASMs/SMs on North Eastern Railway-reg.	As requested by the Federation to examine the matter in context of their letter dt.12.09.2016. The same has accordingly been examined and replied to the Federation vide Board's letter dt.02.01.2017.
24/2016	Denial of financial upgradation under MACP Scheme to the serving Graduate Clerks inducted againist LDCE Quota on East Coast Railway.	As decided in the meeting held on 19th & 20th May, 2016, E.Co.Railway have been asked to advise the rule and methodology under which the pay of the employees promoted as Sr. Clerks through LDCE against 13 1/3 % quota has been fixed. Reply from E.Co.Railway is awaited. Further, as per para 2 of Board’s letter dt. 18.06.81 and also in terms of Board’s letter dt. 07.10.97 benefit of pay fixation has been allowed on promotion to Sr. Clerks post through LDCE. Therefore, this promotion has to be counted for the purpose of MACPS.

Position/remarks on other MACPS issues raised by NFIR

Item No.	Issues	Position/remarks
1.	Financial upgradation under MACPS to the directly recruited Graduate Engg-Considering entry grade pay as Rs.4600/- for the purpose of MACP to all the directly recruited Engg. Graduates in Design/Drawing Cadre and other Cadres.	The matter has been consulted with DoPT and they have advised that the demand does not cover in the MACPS as the Scheme provides for counting service from direct entry grade. Further, DoPT being the nodal department, this Ministry can not deviate from the instructions issued by them. There appears to be no issue outstanding for discussion. Thus, the item may be 'Closed'.
2.	Third financial upgradation under MACPS on completion of 20 years of service from the first promotion or 10 years after second promotion or 30 years after regular appointment whichever is earlier.	The matter has twice been examined in consultation with DoP&T and DoP&T has not agreed for the same. Moreover, DoP&T being the nodal deptt., this Ministry is not in position to deviate from the instructionsiclarifications issued by them. As such, there appears to be no other option left. The long pending item may be 'closed'.
3.	Grant of financial upgradation under MACP in the promotional hierarchy- (instead of Grade Pay hierarchy)- as per judgment of various Courts.	The factual position/details about the cadres where ACP Scheme is more advantageous than MACPS as contended by the Federations have ascertained from Railways. The same is under examination.
4.	MACP benefits to railway employees- Cases of employees joining another unit/organization on request. (Railway Board's Letter No. PC-V/2009/ACP/2 dt. 31/01/2013 NFIR's letter dt 29/07/2013).	As desired by the Staff Side, necessary instructions have been issued vide Board’s letter dt.23.11.2015 (RBE No.147/2015) and thereafter a corrigendum has also been issued vide Board's letter dt.17.02.2016 (RBE No. 19/2016).
5.	Provision of all benefits on financial upgradation under MACPS-including entitlements for travel & treatment in hospital etc.	In the meeting Staff Side was requested to come out with specific entitlement which are being denied to such Staff. No reply from the Staff Side has been received so far.
6.	Non-grant of benefit of financial upgradation under MACPS to the staff on North Western Railway.	As decided in the meeting, the matter has been examined after obtaining information from N.W.Railway and reply to the Staff Side has been issued vide Board’s letter dated 17.03.2017.
7.	Grant of financial upgradation under MACPS to the Staff who are in the same Grade Pay for more than 20 years.	The matter has twice been examined in consultation with DoP&T and DoP&T has not agreed for the same. Moreover, Dop&T being the nodal deptt., this Ministry is not in position to deviate from the instructions/clarifications issued by them. As such, there appears to be no other option left. The long item pending may be 'closed'.
8.	Abolition of pay scales and introduction of upgraded pay scale with revised designation - SSE Drawing clarification on Entry Grade Pay.	Federation has requested that the matter may be examined in context of their letter dt.05.09.2016. Accordingly, the same has been duly examined in consultation wit DoP&T and reply to Federation has been issued vide Board's letter dt. 19.10.2016.
9	Non-grant of financial upgradation under MACPS to Stock Verifiers working in Zonal Railways/PUs.	The relevant instructions for allowing benefit of MACPS to Stock Verifiers by not reckoning their promotion from AA to ASV have been issued vide Board’s letter dt. 19.12.2016 (RBE No.156/2016). Thus, the item may be "CLOSED".
10.	Grant of financial upgradation under MACP Scheme- Wrongful clarifications issued by the Railway Board.	Basically, the item is regarding grant of higher Grade Pay under MACPS in cases where feeder and promotional grade posts are in same Grade pay. Federation vide their letter dt. 22.09.2016 have requested to make available the copy of reference made to DoP&T and reply thereto. Accordingly, the desired information has been furnished to the Federation vide Board’s letter dt. 06.10.2016. Moreover, DoP&T being the nodal department of Govt. on MACPS, this Ministry can not deviate from the instructions/clarifications issued by them. As such, there appears to be no issue outstanding for discussion. The item may be 'Closed'.
11.	Wrong implementation of MACP Scheme in IT Cadre/Granting of financial benefit under MACP Scheme to EDP Staff.	The matter has been consulted with DoPT and they have advised to examine and decide the matter in terms of clarification No.35 of DoP&T's OM dt. 18.7.2001. Accordingly, the same is under examination.

Source: NFIR

Accumulation of NFIRs PNM Items due to non finalization

Accumulation of NFIRs PNM Items due to non finalization

No. NFIR/PNM/108

Dated: 22/09/2016

The Mernber Staff,
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Accumulation of NFIRs PNM Items due to non finalization - reg.

NFIR sends herewith a list containing 12 PNM Items which are pending from the year 2011 to 2016. Most of the items are relating to grant of financial upgradation under MACPS. Although it was agreed to arrange meeting at the level of MS & FC on MACPS issues, no such meeting has been convened and on the other hand, the issues have not been resolved through discussions with the Federation.

Federation is afraid that the number of pending items will continue to grow, if Board does  not devote for setting the issues through mutual discussions.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board (MS) to kindly see that speedy action is taken on all pending PNM items. Federation will be ready to discuss on dates convenient to both.

DA/As above

Yours faithfully,
(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary I

Source: NFIR

Enhancement of Income Tax exemption limit in the case of Running Staff in Railways

Enhancement of Income Tax exemption limit in the case of Running Staff in Railways

NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI – 110 055
Affiliated to
Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)

Dated: 13/11/2015

No. II/58/Part II
The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi
Dear Sir,

Sub: Enhancement of Income Tax exemption limit in the case of Running Staff in Railways-reg.

Ref: (i) NFIR’s PNM item no. 39/2012.
(ii) Railway Board’s O.M. No. F(X)I-2014/23/4 dated 23/05/2014 & 08/05/2015.
(iii) Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, CBDT (TPL Division)’s O.M No. 149/21/2013 TPL dated 23/07/2015 addressed to Railway Board.

On perusal of contents of O.M. dated 23/07/2015, (addressed to the Railway Board by Department of Revenue, CBDT TPL Division), copy handed over to the NFIR during the PNM meeting held on 819`” October 2015, Federation felt disappointed that the view of CBDT is unconvincing as the points raised by the Federation in the PNM agenda Item No, 39/2012 have not been taken into consideration. As a matter of fact, the CBDT has generalized the issue ignoring the Federation’s demand seeking revision of tax exemption to the specific category of Running Staff of Railways.

2. Federation however re-iterates below the key points for making proper reference by the Railway Ministry to the MoF/CBDT:-

• In para 1507 of IREC-Vol II (sixth Edition 1987/2″ Reprint Edition 2005), it has been stipulated that the Running Allowance is granted to the Running Staff for the performance of duty directly connected with charge of moving trains and includes “kilometerage allowance” or “allowance in lieu of kilometerage” and is paid on the kilometerage basis.
• The argument of CBDT that the exemption limit was raised from Rs. 6000 to 10,000 p.m. which takes care of progressive requirement of employees working in the different transport sector including Railway employees is not relevant as the revision of exemption sought pertains to Running Staff. Federation’s demand is that when the rates of kilometerage allowance of Running Staff on Indian Railways have been enhanced on DA reaching 50% of pay w.e.f. 01/01/2011 and again on reaching 100% as on 01/01/2014, the exemption limit of Income Tax correspondingly needs to be enhanced retrospectively as there is T.A. component in the kilometerage amount. Therefore, the present exempteq. amount of Rs. 10,000/- is grossly insufficient particularly in the context of upward revision of the rates of T.A which are not taxable.
• The CBDT’s view that moderation of tax rates by way of increase in the basic exemption limits and widening of tax slabs has raised every individual’s exemption limit is not relevant to the issue raised by NFIR seeking revision of exemption limit in the case of Running staff in Railways.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Railway Board to write back to MoF/CBDT duly highlighting that “kilometerage amount paid to Running staff includes T.A. component towards out of pocket expenses” and urging for approval for upward revision of tax exemption limit from the existing Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 20,000/-

Yours faithfully,

(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR – https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B40Q65NF2_7UNjRyY0p1NFdlM2c/view?pli=1

Denial of payment of HRA, Transport Allowance etc. to trainees appointed on compassionate ground in Grade Pay 1900/ – in artisan category: NFIR

Denial of payment of HRA, Transport Allowance etc. to trainees appointed on compassionate ground in Grade Pay 1900/ – in artisan category: NFIR

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(Railway Board)

No PC-V/2015/PNM/NFIR/1

New Delhi, dated 10.07.2015

The General Secretary
NFIR
3, Chelmsford Road,
New Delhi-110055

Sir,

Sub:- PNM/NFIR item No.11./2015- Denial of payment of HRA, Transport Allowance etc. to trainees appointed on compassionate ground in Grade Pay 1900/ – in artisan category etc-reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to PNM/NFIR’s item No.11/2015 on the above subject and to state that the matter has been examined in consultation with Estt. Dte. of Railway Board and they have clarified that Board’s instructions dt.14.09.2012 applies exclusively in cases, where candidate being considered for appointment on compassionate grounds are not meeting the minimum qualification for entry into the Government service that is, in Grade Pay Rs.1800 /- and the word ‘trainees’have been coined only for this limited purpose. It has nothing to do with trainees (who get stipend and not salary) in various posts of Grade Pay Rs.1900 & above, where it is mandatory for persons to complete the training sucessfully, before joining a working post.

In view of the above position, Federation’s demand is not feasible for acceptance.

Yours faithfully,
for Secretary/Railway Board

Copy to: DE(IR), Railway Board

Source: NFIR
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B40Q65NF2_7UMENfZTJHUHQ2NzA/view?pli=1

Minutes of the PNM meeting between Railway Board and NFIR

Minutes of the PNM meeting between Railway Board and

National Federation of Indian Railwaymen

held on

19th & 20th December, 2014

MINUTES

25/2012: Periodical Medical Examination – Relaxation for Loco Pilots and Guards declared with TYPE-II Diabetes – Reg.

It was agreed to allow appeals from employees decategorised in the last two years immediately prior to the date of issue of initial order allowing relaxation i.e. cases decided within a period of two years prior to the issue of Railway Board’s Letter No.2008/H/5/18 dated 20.05.2011.

44/2012: Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS)-97) – Extension of scope to those retiring with less than 20 years service

Official Side stated that the proposal to consider the demand in case of normal superannuation cases has not been agreed to by Finance Dte. Federation strongly conveyed their discontentment as this was agreed to do so in the last PNM meeting. After consulting EDF(E) in the matter it was agreed to reconsider to cover those retired employees who joined late but retired at the normal superannuation age.

This will be processed in a month’s time.

59/2012: Eligibility for accommodation in the Railway Hospitals/ Recognised Hospitals-Non observance of laid down instructions – Staff facing hardship – review urgent

Necessary instructions have been issued to Zonal Railways vide Board’s letter No.2011/H-1/11/90/SCR/ Accommodation Criteria dated 25.08.2014.

(CLOSED)

7/2014: Recognition of corporate hospitals for referral facility for treatment of railway employees (serving & retired)

It was explained to the Federation that Railway Board has already given freedom to CMDs to inspect corporate hospitals and send the proposals for the recognition so that the best of healthcare services can be given to Railway patients at the time of need.

However, representatives of the Federation mentioned about reference from NF Railway and difficulties being faced in RWF, ICF etc. It was agreed to look into those cases for the needful action.

20/2014 (iii): Railway Hospital within the premises of the Coach Factory at Rae Bareli with required facilities of specialist & Super Specialties to attend to Health Problems of the staff and their family members yet to be established.

CMS(SAG) has already joined at RCF, Rae Bareli. He can engage specialist on HVS basis or can call on case to case basis. There is no specialist cadre of IRMS. On availability of specialist from UPSC they can be posted.

AM(Tele)

7/2013: Joint Procedure Order (JPO) for use of CUG/ Personal Mobile Telephones by Loco Pilots/ Assistant Loco Pilots/ Motormen and Guards – Review – urged

Missed Call Alert Facility is a premium service provided by Airtel to its subscribers. Any CUG user can opt for this facility and no separate instructions are required to be issued for this purpose.

(CLOSED)

EDPM

19/2013: Reservation for Tatkal by paying difference of Fare on passes/ PTOs

The matter was re-examined but it has not been found feasible to agree to the request.

(CLOSED)

13/2011: Provision of cooking facilities at Rest Rooms meant for Ticket Checking Staff

It was explained that there is no pending policy issue on which a dispute exist now. Improvement to TTEs rest houses has been taken with zonal railways with D.O. letter from CRB and MT. Further, the matter has also been followed up in CCM Conferences. Improvement and Maintenance of TTEs rest houses are continuous and ongoing process. Further the status report on TTE Rest Room over Zonal Railways and at Delhi, Mughalsarai and Lok Manya Tilak Terminus furnished to the Federation. After detailed deliberation it was agreed to send a further reference from Board (MT) highlighting the complaints made by the Federation on this PNM Item.

29/2014: Ticket Checking Squads – Change of nomenclature

Position advised by Official Side is enclosed as Annexure-A.

AM(Elect.)

25/2011: Problems encountered by A.C. Escorting staff due to deterioration in working conditions.

A separate meeting with Board (ML & MM) is yet to be held. It was stated by the Official Side that due to non availability of a regular MM, the meeting cannot be held immediately. Federation requested for holding this meeting very soon. It was agreed to fix the meeting date early.

24/2013: Urgent need for construction of a new Running Room at Mumbai Central – Western Railway.

The Federation’s representatives conveyed their utmost concern on this issue as due to lack of facility, the running staff are sometime required to wait for four to five hours for accommodation in the running room at Mumbai Central, Western Railway. They conveyed that this is a serious problem and needs immediate attention. The issue was discussed threadbare and it was decided to look into the matter and take quick action.

AM(CE)

3/2012: Career Progression and improvement of working conditions of Trackmen in the Railways – Implementation of the Report of the Joint Committee

Federation demanded implementation status on Board’s letters dated 17.08.2012 & 01.04.2014 in a month’s time. This was agreed to.

AM(Signal)

14/2010: Upgradation of posts commensurating with the increased work load and responsibilities – ESM Category – S&T Department.

Another separate meeting with AM(Signal) is to be held.

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