NFIR's meeting with Railway Board on 23.8.2013 - Discussion points are updated on the official website of NFIR

NFIR's meeting with Railway Board on 23.8.2013 - Discussion points are updated on the official website of NFIR

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

NFIR's MEETING WITH RAILWAY BOARD

In response to the NFIR’s letter No.IV/MR/CORRES/2013 dated 28th June, 2013 given to Hon’hle Minister of Railways, over non-settlement of demands of Railway Employees (in spite of discussions, meetings etc..) compelling NFIR to take strike ballot for deciding indefinite strike on Railways, the Railway Ministry invited NFIR for meeting on the issues raised. Accordingly, a meeting was held at Rail Bhavan, New Delhi on 23/08 2013 between Railway Board and the NFIR wherein following have participated:

Official Side
1. Shri Arunendra Kumar CRB
2. Shri M. Raghavaiah General Secretary
3. Shri R.P. Bhatnagar, Wkg. President

NFIR
1. Shri Guman Singh. President
2. Shri S.K. Jain MS/ME
3. Shri R. Kashyap F.C.
4. Shri Suresh Kumar Seth A.M./Staff
5. Smt. Saroj Rajware Advisor/Finance
6. Smt. Ragini Yechury E.D./IR

At the outset, the CRB welcomed the delegation of NFIR and expressed hope that the staff issues shall be discussed and finalised satisfactorily.

Responding to CRB’s address, Shri M. Raghavaiah, General Secretary NFIR, explained the circumstances which have forced the Federation to take decision for industrial action duly holding strike ballot and said that procrastination of matters by the Government of India and more particularly the Railway Ministry is the main reason for the Federation for taking such an action. He, however, felt concern over the negative attitude adopted by the Railway Board on the issues concerning railway employees.

The General Secretary further mentioned that the agreements reached with the Federation have not been implemented even after years and cited the issue of upgradation of Apex level Group ‘C’ posts to Group ‘B' Gazetted (NFIRs PNM item No. 36/1998 and DC/JCM item No.16/2009), agreed to, in the year 2006 but has not been implemented by the Railway Board so far. This is causing serious resentment among Senior Supervisors working on the Indian Railway.

Shri Raghavaiah further said that though the Cadre Restructuring Agreements have been signed lone ago, formal orders have not been issued by the Railway Board. Delayed action on the part of Railway Board is causing frustration among Railway employees.

The General Secretary NFIR drew attention of the Railway Board over the announcements made by the the former Railway Minister on 01/02/2013 at 3, Chelmsford Road, New Delhi, where Member Staff was also present, no action has been taken by the Railway Board to fulfill the announcements even alter 6 months period.

The issue of revision of rates of incentive to the staff of Rail Wheel Factory, Yehlanka, was also mentioned by the General Secretary NFIR. The General Secretary said that the issue was discussed by NFIR in the PNM meeting under item No.11/2011 although agreed, but however orders have not been issued.

Shri Raghavaiah, also cited briefly issues discussed and proposals sent by Railway Ministry to Finance Ministry as listed below and urged fur approaching MoF for clearance as these are pending since the last 3 years.

•     Entry Grade Pay of Rs. 4200/- to Station Master.,
•     Replacement of Grade Pay of Rs. 4600/- with Rs. 4800/-
•     Issues pertaining to Running Staff relating to allotment of higher Grade Pay to loco Pilots (Mail / Express) and reckoning additional allowances as pay for all purposes.
•     Merger of Technician Grade-II with Technician Grade-I

The General Secretary NFIR while drawing attention of the Railway Board to the Charter of Demands (containing 36 demands) as submitted to Hon'ble MR requested the CRB that more meetings at the level of Railway Board are needed to address the demands raised by the Federation.

The following issues were discussed at length in the meeting, Outcome of the discussions is also shown against each item :-

1. Non - implementation of the agreement related to upgradation of apex level Group 'C’ posts to Group ‘B’ Gazetted - NFIR PNM Item No. 36/1998 & DC/JCM Item No. 16/2009.
MS stated that the issue is at the final stage. He apprised that 3335 posts of Group 'C’ Grade Pay Rs.4600 will be upgraded to Group 'B’ posts. These posts are proposed to be filled on the basis of seniority. However approval of Ministry of Finance will be required (stated by MS & AM/Staff).

NFIR explained the resentment among Senior Supervisory staff and urged for issuing orders without further delay. The Board have assured to finalize soon.

2. Cadre Restructuring Orders not issued yet although CRC in its meetings have unanimously decided for revision of percentages and grant of upgradation.

It was explained by the Railway Board that the recommendations of Cadre Restructuring Committee have been considered by the Board and orders will be issued after MR’s approval. NFIR stressed that efforts may be made to get the orders issued before next month. It was agreed to speed up for quick decision.

3. The benefit of fixation of Pay in erstwhile FR 22  in case of Promotion from same Grade Pay shouldering higher responsibilities has not been granted yet inspite of Government's decision (NFIR PNM Item No. 35/2006 & DC/JCM Item No. 14/2007).

Pursuant to the demand raised by NFIR at the level of Railway Board under item No.35/2006 (PNM) & 14/2007 (DC/JCM), it was advised by the Railway Board that clearance from the Ministry of Finance has been obtained in respect of promotion of staff from same Grade Pay to same Grade Pay shouldering higher responsibilities on or after 01.01.2006 for the category of Loco Pilots and Guards in addition to approval already secured for promotion of Senior Technician to JE, MCM to JE.Sr. P.Way Supervisor to JE, Matron to ANO, for giving benefit of fixation of pay under Rule S 1313 (I) (A) (I) (erstwhile FR 22C) to the staff of above categories. Formal orders are likely to be issued any time next week.

After discussion, CRB has also agreed to re-examine the issue in the light of Codal provisions well as MoF’s orders already available, to extend the benefits of fixation of Pay under FR 22 C in case of promotion in the same Grade Pay having higher duties and responsibilities without approaching Ministry of Finance (MoF).

4. Absorption of Staff of Quasi-Administrative units against erstwhile Group ‘D’ posts
in Railways (NFIR's DC/JCM Item No. 27/2006).

After discussions, it was decided to have separate meeting at the level of Member Staff for finding way to arrive at  a decision benefitting Quasi administrative staff.

5. Grant of parity in the Pay Structure of Stenographers at PAR with Stenographers of RBSS/CCS (NFIR’s DC/JCM Item No. 11/2011).

NFIR emphasised to implement the Recommendations of VI Central Pay Commission for granting parity. However the issue will be re-examined in the light of commitment of Railway Board and the note of ED (N).

Member Staff, however, offered Officer based Pay Structure and Grade Pay for the Stenographers on Zonal Railways. Production Units etc for which Federation will respond after consulting the staff.

6. Running Staff issues pending in the fora of PNM & DC/JCM meetings.

A separate meeting with the Member Staff will be convened shortly.

7. Office accommodation and other facilities to NFIR on four Zonal Railways Plus Metro Railways (At Divisional and Zonal Head Quarters).

CRB desired to formulate a policy to deal with such situations. Railway Board will send proposal to the Federations for their views to facilitate framing policy.

8. NFIR stressed in the meeting to pend implementation of Railway Board’s order dated 13/12/2012, in which causing withdrawal of financial benefit already granted to Running Staff & others under MACPS.

CRB & MS have agreed to review the decision for mitigating hardships to employees.

sd/-
(M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary/NFIR

Source : NFIR

Health scheme for railway employees

Health scheme for railway employees

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF  RAILWAYS
RAJYA SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO-208
ANSWERED ON-23.08.2013

Health scheme for railway employees

208 . SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR

(a) whether Government has conducted a pilot project under the Railway Employees Liberalised Health Scheme on the line of the CGHS;
(b) whether Government seeks to replace this with a more broad-based Scheme;
(c) the likely time-frame within which the Medical Directorate of the Railway Board seeks to implement this Scheme; and
(d) whether Government presently has any system in place to provide medical benefits to railway employees since the pilot project ended in 2011 and the new broad based Scheme is yet to come into effect and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF RAILWAY
(SHRI MALLIKARJUN KHARGE)

(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
*****

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 208 BY SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR TO BE ANSWERED IN RAJYA SABHA ON 23.08.2013 REGARDING HEALTH SCHEME FOR RAILWAY EMPLOYEES.

(a) to (c): Yes, Sir. A pilot project for providing cashless medical facility in an emergency for Retired Employees Liberalized Health Scheme (RELHS) card holders, in private recognized hospitals over National Capital Region was introduced by Northern Railway in 2008. The scheme was subsequently extended upto August 2011.

Based on experience gained during the pilot project, Ministry of Railways has decided to extend this scheme to RELHS beneficiaries in all Metros, State Capitals and Zonal Headquarters of Indian Railways. Zonal Railways have been instructed to implement the scheme. Depending upon the different local conditions and spread of retired employees over different Zones, all the beneficiaries are likely to be covered in two to three years. Further, extending the treatment facility in case of medical emergency to RELHS beneficiaries to all cities where hospitals are empanelled either with Central Government Health Scheme or with Railways, has been proposed in the Railway Budget 2013-14.

(d) : Yes, Sir. Railway employees both serving and retired and their eligible dependants are provided health care services through Railway hospitals and health units spread across the rail network of the country. In addition, Private Hospitals have been recognized on need basis.
Source: RAJYA SABHA

Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan: Performance and Region-wise result analysis

Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan: Performance and Region-wise result analysis


(a) & (b) Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) are administered by an autnonomous organization namely Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS). The apex body for monitoring the performance of KVs in the country is the Board of Governors (BOG). The Hon’ble Minister of Human Resource Development (HRD), Government of India, is the Chairman of BOG which comprises of educationists, educational administrators, and Members of Parliament. Ministry of HRD is adequately represented in the BOG. For effective management of monitoring, the BOG is supported by four standing committees headed by Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Human Resource Development viz. Academic Advisory Committee, Finance Committee, Administration & Establishment Committee and Works Committee.Through its Annual Report, KVS apprises its performance as well as its other important achievement / activities of the whole year to the BOG. The performance of KVs during the last three years, region-wise, is given in Annexure-I.


(c) & (d) The performance of teachers is assessed as reflected in the academic performance, which is reviewed from time to time by the BOG and Academic Advisory Committee. Apart from this the performance is regularly monitored by in-house mechanism of KVS. Activities in schools are regularly monitored and supervised by the Principal concerned. Further, performance of KVs is monitored through a system of Academic Supervision and surprise inspection of schools by respective Regional Offices of KVS. At least two inspections viz. one annual academic supervision and one surprise inspection is carried out by the Deputy Commissioner / Assistant Commissioner of the Regional Offices in respect of each KV of that region. Besides, Senior Officers of KVS (HQ) also visit the KVs from time to time on need basis.

(e) The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced various innovations for all the CBSE affiliated schools to improve the quality of education. In KVS the quality of education is maintained and monitored through a continuous and rigorous system of Academic inspection of schools by its respective Regional Offices. Moreover, teachers are trained through 21/22 days In-Service course periodically besides small duration workshops by five Zonal Institutes of Educational Training in collaboration with 25 Regional Offices of KVS.

ANNEXURE-I

REGION-WISE RESULT ANALYSIS (PASS PERCENTAGE) CLASS - X & XII (CBSE)
FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS i.e. 2010 TO 2013  

		Class - X				Class - XII
Sl.No	Region	2010	2011	2012	2013	2010	2011	2012	2013
1	Agra	*	*	99.45	99.88	*	*	93.82	93.6
2	Ahmedabad	96.11	99.68	99.48	99.86	88.79	90.48	91.93	90.9
3	Bangalore	99.18	99.8	99.91	100	97.02	95	95.53	97.92
4	Bhopal	95.8	99.61	99.74	99.91	92.39	91.83	92.58	93.32
5	Bhubaneswar	96.92	98.6	99.8	99.97	90.01	93.28	93.48	95.08
6	Chandigarh	96.54	99.44	99.68	99.94	94.86	94.75	95.6	96.14
7	Chennai	99.11	99.94	99.69	99.95	97.51	97.58	95.84	96.09
8	Dehradun	96.4	99.2	99.6	99.7	87.48	94.15	97.2	96.16
9	Delhi	96.5	99.15	99.55	99.91	91.87	95.54	95.43	97.21
10	Ernakulaum	*	*	100	100	*	*	98.49	99.31
11	Guwahati	96.9	97.75	99.3	99.83	93.54	94.68	95.57	93.52
12	Hyderabad	98	99.51	99.86	100	93.58	95.71	97.43	97.23
13	Jabalpur	94.06	99.1	98.91	99.87	85.52	88.75	91.99	91.2
14	Jaipur	92.98	99.55	99.59	99.97	90.99	90.8	92.49	95.28
15	Jammu	95.86	99.39	99.28	99.82	86	91.1	87.73	89.18
16	Kolkata	98.05	99.69	99.52	99.91	91.03	93.1	94.21	95.22
17	Lucknow	96.59	99.61	99.32	99.84	90.39	93.92	93.02	93.13
18	Mumbai	96.68	99.27	99.41	99.7	90.68	91.9	95.16	95.41
19	Patna	95.06	99.76	99.68	99.74	88.48	92.68	95.98	90.53
20	Raipur	*	*	99.23	100	*	*	90.67	95.34
21	Ranchi	*	*	99.55	99.92	*	*	92.47	94.48
22	Silchar	98.01	97.54	99.23	99.93	89.33	92.09	94.76	93.3
23	Sirsa	*	*	99.09	99.92	*	*	92.22	94.21
24	Tinsukia	*	*	98.94	100	*	*	91.2	95.28
25	Varanasi	*	*	99.54	99.94	*	*	92.43	92.08
26	KVS(HQ)	96.64	94.74	100	100	91.13	91.38	98.18	100

The information was sbumitted by Min of HRD in reply of undermentioned Lok Sabha Question:-

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO 127
ANSWERED ON 14.08.2013

PERFORMANCE OF KENDRIYA VIDYALAYAS

127 . Shri ADAGUR H VISHWANATH
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government/CBSE monitors the performance of Kendriya Vidyalayas in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof including the performance of Kendriya Vidyalayas registered during the last three years and the current year, region-wise;

(c) whether the Government has any mechanism to assess the performance of the teachers in these Vidyalayas;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the measures taken/being taken by the Government/CBSE to ensure quality education in these Vidyalayas?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI M.M. PALLAM RAJU)

(a) to (e) : A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 127 RAISED BY SHRI ADAGOORU VISHWANATH, HON’BLE MP TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.08.2013 REGARDING PERFORMANCE OF KENDRIYA VIDYALAYAS.

** see above ***

Source: Lok Sabha
[http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/psearch/QResult15.aspx?qref=143290]
[http://164.100.47.132/Annexture/lsq15/14/as127.htm]

Dental Clinics in CGHS Dispensaries

Dental Clinics in CGHS Dispensaries

The dental services in CGHS Delhi have been outsourced in 13 Wellness centres (5 under Central Zone and 8 under South Zone) for 22 dental procedures. The location wise details are at Annexure-A.

The details of payments made to the service provider in respect of these clinics from the starting of the services till July, 2013 are at Annexure-B.

No specific complaint has been reported about irregularities committed by the dental clinics in connivance of CGHS officials. However, deficiency in services has been reported from the beneficiaries. An Inspection Committee has been constituted for regular inspection of the dental units to ensure proper delivery of services as per the terms and conditions of the agreement.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare ShriGhulamNabi Azadin written reply to a question in the LokSabha yesterday.
ANNEXURE -A
Details of  CGHS Wellness Centers where the Dental Care Services have been  outsourced

Central Zone: New Delhi

S.No.	Wellness Centers Name	Address
1	Dr. Z.H. Road (D44)	CGHS Building , Dr. Z.H. Road, New Delhi.
2	Chitra Gupta Road (D51)	CGHS Building, Near Aram Bagh. New Delhi.
3	Aliganj, Lodi Road 1(D9)	CGHS Building , Near Lodhi Road, New Delhi.
4	Kali Bari (D76)	CGHS Building, Kali Bari Marg, DIZ Area, New Delhi.
5	CGHS Dispensary Chanakyapuri	CGHS Dispensary Chanakyapuri. New Delhi.

South Zone : New Delhi

S.No.	Wellness Centers Name	Address
1	Sadiq Nagar (D63)	CGHS Dispy., Behind Siri Fort Road, Near G.K.-I, New Delhi.
2	SriniwasPuri	CGHS own Building, Sriniwaspuri, New Delhi.
3	PushpVihar (D78)	A-B/125, 126, 127 – Sector-IV, PushpVihar, New Delhi.
4	R.K. Puram-V (57)	CGHS Dispensary Building, Sector-XII, R.K. Puram.
5	MotiBagh (D16)	CGHS own Building near Begum Zaidi Market, MotiBagh, New Delhi.
6	Kidwai Nagar (D12)	CGHS Own Building, 61-63, Kidwai Nagar.
7	Kalkaji-I (D42)	CGHS Maternity Centre &Dispy., Kalkaji.
8	Faridabad (D70)	CGHS Dispensary Building, NH-4, Faridabad.

ANNEXURE –B

Details of Expenditure on Outsourced Dental  Units in CGHS Delhi

(Figures in Rs)

Sr.No	Month	Central Zone	South Zone	Total
1	Oct-11	448956	-	448956
2	Nov-11	497881	-	497881
3	Dec-11	4043711	-	4043711
4	Jan-12	-	-	-
5	Feb-12	-	-	-
6	Mar-12	176163	-	176163
7	Apr-12	1179142	2586424	3765566
8	May-12	13006909	-	13006909
9	Jun-12	1303705	5290870	6594575
10	Jul-12	484770	1928530	2413300
11	Aug-12	3552947	7443269	10996216
12	Sep-12	2663951	941197	3605148
13	Oct-12	2425373	-	2425373
14	Nov-12	3272900	-	3272900
15	Dec-12	2359883	-	2359883
16	Jan-13	1740479	2075111	3815590
17	Feb-13	298461	2490650	2789111
18	Mar-13	6519138	14361771	20880909
19	Apr-13	2582860	2586424	5169284
20	May-13	5579933	3251084	8831017
21	Jun-13	2628854	12823634	15452488
22	Jul-13	4296128	7420154	11716282

PIB News

Treatment from CGHS Empanelled Hospitals

Treatment from CGHS Empanelled Hospitals

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Treatment from CGHS Empanelled Hospitals

As per the existing guidelines, a CGHS beneficiary is required to obtain permission from his administrative Department / Office or CMO in charge (in case of pensioner beneficiary) to avail medical treatment in a CGHS empanelled private hospital. However, in case of emergency he can go to any hospital whether empanelled or not, to avail medical treatment. This provision is necessary to ensure proper medical treatment of a CGHS beneficiary in consultation with the Government specialists. This is also a measure of ‘checks and balances’ to ensure financial propriety and optimum utilization of public money.

This Ministry has been receiving representations from the individuals; Pensioners Associations etc. to allow the CGHS beneficiaries to take treatment from the CGHS empanelled private hospitals without obtaining the requisite permission. However, their requests have not been acceded to as the present referral system is considered necessary in the interest of the beneficiaries and it is also necessary as a check and balance measure to ensure financial propriety.

CGHS is already providing comprehensive and hassle free healthcare services to its beneficiaries through its large network of Wellness Centres and empanelled private hospitals and diagnostic /imaging centres. With a view to further simplify and liberalize the procedures in CGHS to make its services more hassle free, the requirement of mandatory permission for undertaking diagnostic tests and investigations has been done away with w.e.f. 1st January, 2013. In addition, ‘Continuous Empanelment Scheme’ has also been revived at all CGHS locations to empanel more number of eligible private hospitals to enhance accessibility and availability of medical services to the beneficiaries in a hassle free manner.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare ShriGhulamNabi Azadin written reply to a question in the LokSabha yesterday.

Source: http://90paisa.blogspot.in/2013/08/treatment-from-cghs-empanelled-hospitals.html

Service Provided by CGHS

Service Provided by CGHS

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Service Provided by CGHS

This below information was given by the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare ShriGhulamNabi Azadin written reply to a question in the LokSabha yesterday.

This Ministry has been receiving complaints/grievances in respect of the following major aspects.
 1.Administrative:- Misbehavior by medical and paramedical staff, Shortage of staff,  Punctuality etc.

2. Technical:- Delay in settlement of medical reimbursement claims (MRCs),  Supply of substitute medicines instead of the prescribed by the Govt. specialists, Delay in supply of indented medicines, etc.

3. Related to empanelled hospitals: Denial of credit facility, Misbehavior of hospital doctors/staff, overcharging, etc.

4. Related to Internet accessibility: Disruption in services due to breakdown in internet connectivity,  etc.

To redress the grievances/complaints, the following steps have been taken:

Administrative :-Instructions have been issued to the doctors /para-medical staff working in CGHS to be polite and courteous in their behaviour with the patients. In specific cases transfers have also been made and disciplinary actions initiated. Contractual doctors are appointed to meet the requirement of Medical Officers. Regular inspections are carried out.

Technical:-The time limit for clearance of MRC bills has been fixed. CGHS doctors are advised to prescribe generic medicines to the maximum extent. The indented medicines are supplied through various local chemists to avoid the delay.

Related to empanelled hospitals: Penalty is imposed and suitable action is initiated against the erring empanelled private hospitals.

Related to Internet accessibility: -Medical Officers have been instructed not to stop to provide the consultation/treatment in case of failure of internet connection.

Apart from the above, SMS Alert system has been introduced aiming at bringing transparency in delivery of services as major initiative. Redressal Committees have also been formed by CGHS.

The allocation of financial resources is based on the evaluation of specific requirements/demands projected by the CGHS units and availability of resources.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare ShriGhulamNabi Azadin written reply to a question in the LokSabha yesterday.

PIB News

Dopt Orders - Disclosure of personal information under the RTI Act, 2005

Latest Dopt Orders - Disclosure of personal information under the RTI Act, 2005

No.11/2/2013-IR (Pt.)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi,
Dated the 14th August 2013

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Disclosure of personal information under the RTI Act, 2005.

The Central Information Commission in one of its decisions (copy enclosed) has held that information about the complaints made against an officer of the Government and any possible action the authorities might have taken on those complaints, qualities as personal information within the meaning of provision of section 8 (1) (j) of the RTI Act, 2005.

2. The Central Information Commission while deciding the said case has cited the decision of Supreme Court of India in the matter of Girish R. Deshpande vs. CIC and others (SLP (C) no. 27734/2012) in which it was held as under:-

“The performance of an employee/Officer in an organisation is primarily a matter between the employee and the employer and normally those aspects are governed by the service rules which fall under the expression personal information, the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or public interest. On the other hand, the disclosure of which could cause unwarranted invasion of the privacy of that individual." The Supreme Court further held that such information could be disclosed only if it would serve a larger public interest.

3. This may be brought to the notice of all concerned.

End: As above.

sd/-
(Manoj Joshi)
Joint Secretary (AT&A)

Source: www.persmin.nic.in
[http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02rti/11_2_2013-IR-Pt.-14082013.pdf]

AIRF publishes outcome of meeting held with the Chairman, Railway Board

AIRF publishes outcome of meeting held with the Chairman, Railway Board
AIRF publishes outcome of meeting held with the Chairman, Railway Board on 23.08.2013 to discuss the grievances of the railwaymen…

All India Railwaymen's Federation

No.AIRF/24(C)

Dated: August 23, 2013

The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions,
Dear Coms.,

Sub: Feedback on the meeting held with the Chairman, Railway Board on 23.08.2013 to discuss the grievances of the railwaymen

On being called by the Chairman, Railway Board, today, i.e. 23.08.2013, to discuss the grievances of the Railwaymen, Com. Umraomal Purohit, President AIRF, Com. Rakhal Das Gupta, Working President AIRF and myself, met the Chairman Railway Board, wherein Member Staff, Financial Commissioner, Adviser (Finance), ED(IR) and Director, Estt.(LR), Railway Board, were present. In the meeting, the following decisions were arrived :-

S.No.	Demand of AIRF	Decision Arrived in the Meeting
1.	Benefit of Pay Fixation in case of status promotion	Ministry of Finance has already cleared the file.
2.	LARSGESS  Regularization of railway accommodation in favour of wards of railway employees employed under LARSGESS. Dispensation of PET and Written Test for the purpose of recruitment under LARSGESS.  Implementation of LARSGESS in case of staff working in Electrical(Power), Bridge, TMC and TRD Departments. The issues related to 2010 optees and those who have failed earlier in the PET/Written Test.  Implementation of LARSGESS in case of staff working in GP Rs.1900. 2nd chance for passing Psycho Test in case of ALP	Agreed to. Orders have already been issued by the Railway Board. Under process. The matter is under examination and the same will be expedited. The condition of Qualifying Service etc. shall be at par with those in GP Rs.1800, i.e. 20 years’ Qualifying Service and age between 55-57 years. Recruitment will be held at the Divisional level, except Loco Pilots.  In case of recruitment of Asstt. Loco Pilot under LARSGESS, 2nd chance for passing Psycho Test will also be given.
3.	Implementation of recommendations of the Cade Restructuring Committee	The matter will be sorted out shortly.
4.	Implementation of unanimous recommendations of the Joint Committee constituted to study the Career Progression and Package for Trackmen.	The matter will be discussed separately.
5.	Upgradation of 15% apex level Group `C’ posts to Group `B’.	The matter is under process.
6.	Grievances of the Running Staff One increment on status promotion.  Other issues related to Running Staff, such as granting of Running Allowance w.e.f. 01.01.2006 duly improving ALK, reduction in Duty Hours, Provision of Additional Allowance to Running Staff working in Goods Trains and also to Traffic Running Staff working as Goods Guards and Passenger Guards.  Improvement in the condition of Running Rooms etc.	Ministry of Finance has cleared the proposal of the Ministry of Railways for granting one increment on promotion. The matter was discussed at length, and the Board had agreed for having serious discussion on the subject separately. There will be a committee at the apex level also.
7.	Merger of Technician Gr. II(GP Rs.2400) into Technician Gr. I (GP Rs.2800).	Letter shall be sent from the MR to the concerned ministry and the MS will personally pursue the matter.
8.	Absorption of quasi-administrative offices staff in the Railways.	It was agreed that some solution will be found out.

It was also agreed that various other issues will be discussed after taking the views of the AIRF.

Comradely yours;
sd/-
(Shiv Gopal Mishra)

Source: AIRF

GDS BONUS: Department of Posts

GDS BONUS: Department of Posts

It is learnt that Ministry of finance has cleared the proposal submitted by Department of Posts to Enhance GDS Bonus Ceiling from 2500/- to 3500/-

Next Step is getting cabinet approval. We hope that cabinet will approve the proposal.

Source: http://nfpe.blogspot.in/

EPFO shows much better improvement

EPFO shows much better improvement

The number of contributing members to Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has crossed 4.00 crore as on 17.08.2013. Similarly, number of establishments covered under EPF & MP Act, who are contributing and filing their return through electronic system has increased to 4 lakh. EPFO also distributed pension to more than 44 lakh pensioners during July, 2013. EPFO’s remittances have also increased over the years. Rs. 5,962 crore were received in the accounts of EPFO for the month of July, 2013 which is around Rs. 229 crore more than the average receipt of the preceding 3 months (April-June 2013). This has been revealed by the Central Provident Fund Commissioner Shri K.K. Jalan while reviewing the performance of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization pertaining to July, 2013.

The performance of the Organization has also seen a marked improvement. In the year 2012-13, 88% of the claims were settled within 30 days (the mandate of EPFO) whereas in the current fiscal from April to July 2013, the settlement percentage of the claims settled within 30 days stood at 96.11%. In the month of July 2013 alone, 10.83 lakh claims were settled and out of that 10.66 lakh were settled within 30 days. As can be seen, the percentage of claims settled within 30 days is 98.43% for the month of July 2013.

It was also noted that the performance of the Organization in other functional parameters has also been encouraging. In the month of July 2013 alone, Rs. 133.00 crore was realized with reference to current demand (the amount raised by the organization from defaulting establishments in the current year). This is Rs. 13.50 crore more than the average realised from April-June 2013. Likewise arrear demand (the amount raised by the department from defaulting establishment in the past fiscals), recovery has also shown an upward trend. In the month of July 2013, Rs. 39.48 crores were realized which is around Rs. 9.00 crore more than the average for the period April-June 2013.

Customer satisfaction has also occupied the centre stage in EPFO’s transactions and 20,668 grievances were disposed in the month of July 2013 as compared to 13,414 which is the average for preceding three months. Central P.F Commissioner further stated that grievances are being accorded the top most priority and appropriate instructions are issued to all field formations. Direct monitoring of grievances from Head office of EPFO is also done. The internet enabled EPF internet Grievance Management System (EPFiGMS) has also been reactivated and as on date more that 96% of the grievances registered through the portal have been disposed.

Further, the facility of checking remittances status of an establishment, total no. of members enrolled by an establishment, the balance of EPF members through e-passbook facility, status of claim filed etc. are available on EPFO website www.epfindia.gov.in for providing transparent and effective service for employee and employer. SMS based information regarding status of member’s claims is also made available. As a part of the ongoing process of enhancing service delivery standards, EPFO is all set to unveil online transfer facility wherein employees can effect transfer of EPF account by submitting claims online. In this connection, the process of registration of digital signature has been set in motion.

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ST/-
(Release ID :98568)
Source: PIB