Reckoning of Running Allowance as pay for the purpose of deduction of Income Tax

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWA BAORD)

No. F(X)I-91/23/3

New Delhi, Dated 28-12-2010

As per Standard List I, II, III

Sub: Reckoning of Running Allowance as pay for the purpose of deduction of Income Tax.

**************

In continuation of Board's letter of even number dated 13.07.2000, a copy of the Notification of Ministry of Finance (Central Board of Direct Taxes) No. S.O. 2820(E) dated 22nd November 2010 regarding substitution of the letters figures and words "Rs.6,000/- per month" with letters, figures and in sub rule (2) in the table against serial number 4 in column 4 is enclosed for information and guidance.

Receipt of this letter may please be acknowledged.

s/d
(V.Rama Manohar Rao),
Joint Director, Finance (Exp.)-I,
Railway Board

DA : As Above

More details please visit NFIR website...

Reimbursement of cost of Safety Shoes in favour of Trackmen (Gangmen), Keymen, Mates, Gatemen & Trolleymen - NFIR's on 27th & 28th December, 2010

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

Affiliated to :
Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
Internatinal Transport Worker's Federation (ITF)

MESSAGE

No.9/2010 (PNM)

Dated - 28-12-2010

The General Secretaries of Zonal Unions of N.F.I.R.

Sub: Reimbursement of cost of Safety Shoes in favour of Trackmen (Gangmen), Keymen, Mates, Gatemen & Trolleymen - NFIR's on 27th & 28th December, 2010.

The demand of NFIR for enhancement of reimbursable amount to not less than Rs.1000/- towards the cost of Safety Shoes for Tarackmen, Keymen, Mates, Gatemen and Trolleymen was discussed in the PNM Meeting held on 27th & 28th December, 2010 with the Railway Board.

Consequently the Railway Board has agreed to revised the amount. It is expected that revision would be Rs.900/-.

The Trackmen category should be informed accordingly.

Yours fraternally, s/d
(M.Raghavaiah),
General Secretary

Courtesy : NFIR

Latest Pass News from NFIR

Latest Pass News from NFIR

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

Affiliated to :
Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
Internatinal Transport Worker's Federation (ITF)

MESSAGE

No.II / 50 / 1
I / 15

Dated - 27-12-2010

General Secretaries of Affiliated Unions
of N.F.I.R.

Reg: Privilege Pass - Eligibility
****

As already advised, those who are in the Grade Pay of Rs.4200/- will be made eligible for AC-2 Tier and those in Grade Pay Rs.2800/- will be entitled for AC-3 Tier in Privilege Passes.

Those in Grade Pay Rs.1900/-, Rs.2000/- and Rs.2400/- while proceeding on duty will be eligible for AC-3 Tier travel.

Orders above position was earlier also conveyed and again reiterated for information of staff.

M.Raghavaiah
General Secretary from Railway
Board, PNM Meeting at Rail Bhawan

Source : NFIR

Modified ACP Scheme (MACPS) for Railway employees - Clarifications

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

RBE.No. 143/2010
New Delhi, dated 29.09.2010.

S.No.PC-VI/228
No.PC-VI/2009/ACP/2

The General Managers
All Indian Railways/PUs
(as per mailing List)

Subject : Modified ACP Scheme (MACPS) for Railway employees - Clarifications regarding.

In continuation to the Board's letter of even number dated 10.06.2009 notifying the Modified ACP Scheme for Railway employees, point-wise clarifications on certain issues pertaining to the MACPS, as received from the Department of Personnel & Training, are indicated below:-

S.No	Point of doubt	Clarification
1.	Whether the Pay Band would change in the hierarchy of Pay Bands & Grade Pay on grant of the benefits under MACPS?	The upgradations under MACPS are to be granted in the immediate next higher grade pay in the hierarchy of recommended revised pay band and garde pay as prescribed in the RS (RP) Rules, 2008.
2.	Whether the benefits of MACPS would be allowed to the Railway servants who have been later on inducted in the Organized Group 'A' Service?	No. The benefit under MACPS is not applicable to Group 'A' officer of Organized Group 'A' Services, as the officer under Organized Group 'A' Services have already been allowed parity of two years on non-functional basis with the officers of Indian Administrative Services (IAS).
3.	How will the benefits of ACP be granted, if due between 01.01.2006 and 31.08.2008 ?	The new MACPS has come into existence w.e.f. 01.09.2008. However, the pay structure has been changed w.e.f. 01.01.2006. Therefore, the previous ACPS would be applicable in the new pay structure adopted w.e.f. 01.01.2006. Para 6.1 of Annexure-1 of MACPS is only for exercising option for coming over to the revised pay structure and not for grant of benefits under MACPS. The following illustrations woule explain the position :- (A) In the case of isolated post: Date of appointment in entry Grade in the pre-revised pay scale of Rs.4000-6000 : 01.10.1982, 1st ACP granted on 01.10.1999: Rs.4500-7000 (pre-revised) 2nd ACP due on 01.10.2006: Rs.5000-8000 (pre-revised) [revised PB-2 Grade Pay of Rs.4200] 3rd financial upgradation under the MACPS would be due on 01.10.2012 (on completion of 30 years of continous regular service) in the immediate next higher grade pay in the hierarchy of revommended revised pay band and grade pay i.e. Grade Pay of Rs.4600 in PB2. (B) In case of normal promotional hierarchy : Date of appointment in entry Grade in the pre-revised pay scale of Rs.5500-9000 : 01.10.1982 1st ACP granted on 1.10.1999 : Rs.6500-10500 (pre-revised) 2nd ACP due on 01.10.2006 (as per the existing hierarchy): Rs.10000-15200 (pre-revised). Therefore, 2nd ACP would be in PB-3 with Grade Pay of Rs.6600 (in terms of hierarchy available): 3rd financial upgradation under MACPS would be due on 01.10.2012 in the immediate higher grade pay in the hierarchy of recommended revised pay band and grade pay of Rs.7600.
4.	Whether benefits of MACPS would be granted from the date of entry grade or from the date of their regular service/approved service counted under various service rules?	The benefits under MACPS would be available from the date of actual joining of the post in the entry grade.
5.	In a case where a person is appointed to an ex-cadre post in higher scale on deputation followed by absorption whether the period spent on deputation period would be counted as continuous service in the grade or not for the purpose of MACPS	(i) where a person is appointed on direct recruitment/deputation basis from another post in the same grade, then past regular service as well as past promotion/ACP, in the earlier post, will be counted for computing regular service for the purpose of MACPS in the new hierarchy. (ii) However, where a person is appointed to an ex-cadre post in higher scale initially on deputation followed by abosrobtion, while the service rendered in the earlier post, which was in a lower scale cannot be counted, there is no objection to the period spent initially on deputation in the ex-cadre post prior to absorption being counted towards regular service for the purpose of grant of financial upgradation under MACPS, as it is in the same Pay Band /Grade Pay of the post.
6.	Whether the pay scale/grade pay of substantive post would be taken into account for appointment/selection to a higher post on deputation basis or the pay scale/grade pay carried by a Railway servant on account of financial upgradation(s) under ACP/MACP Scheme	The pay scale/grade pay of substantive post would only be taken into account for deciding the eligibility for appointment /selection to a higher post on deputation basis.
7.	In a case where 1st 2nd financial upgradation are postponed on account of the employees not found fit or due to departmental procedings, etc., whether this would have consequential effect on the 2nd/3rd financial upgradation or not?	Yes, if a financial upgradation has been deferred/postponed on account of the employee not found fit or due to departmental proceedings, etc., the 2nd / 3rd financial upgradations under MACPS would have consequential effect. (Para 18 of Annexure-I of MACPS refered)
8.	In a case where the Railway servant has already earned three promotions and still stagnated in one grade for more than 10 years, whether he would be entitled for any further upgradation under MACPS?	No. Since the Government servant has already earned three promotions, he would not be entitled for any further financial upgradation under MACPS.
9.	Whether the pre-revised pay scale of Rs.2750-4400 in respect of Group 'D' non-matriculate employees, would also be taken as merged to grade pay of Rs.1800 for the purpose of MACPS in view of merger of pre-revised pay scale of Rs.2550-3200, Rs.2610-3540, Rs.2610-4000 and Rs.2650-4000, which have been upgraded and replaced by the revised pay structure of grad pay of Rs.1800 in the pay band PB-1?	Yes.
10.	If a Railway servant on deputation earns upgradation under MACPS in the parent cade, whether he would be entitled for deputation(duty) allowance on the pay and emoluments granted under the MACPS or not?	No. While eligibility of an employee for appointment aganinst ex-cadre posts in terms of the provisions of the RRs fo the ex-cadre post will continue to tbe determined with reference to the post/pay scale (and not with reference to the higher scale granted under ACPS/MACPS), such an officer, in the event of his selection, may be allowed to opt to draw the pay in the higer scale under ACP/MACP Scheme without deputation allownce during the period of deputation, if it is more beneficial than the normal entitlements under the existing general order regulating pay on appointment on deputation basis.
11.	Since the pay scales of Group 'D' employees have been merged and placed in the Grade Pay of Rs.1800, whether they are entitled for grant of increment @ 3% during pay fixatin at entry stage.	Yes. On the analogy of point 22 of Annexure-I of MACPS, the pay of such Group 'D' employees who have been placed in the Grade Pay of Rs.1800 w.e.f. 01.01.2006 shall be fixed successively in the next three immediate higher grade pays in the hierarchy of revised pay bands and grade pays allowing the benefit of 3% pay fixation at every stage.

2. The MACPS should strictly be implemented in keeping with the instructions issued vide Board's letter dated 10.6.2009 ibid read with the aforesaid calrifications.

3. Hindi version is enclosed.

[Authority : DoP&T's OM No.35034/3/2008-Estt.(D) dated 09.09.2010]

(N.P.Singh)
Deputy Director, Pay Commission -V
Railway Board

Source: AIRF

NEED FOR COMBINED CADRE RESTRUCTURING OF GROUP A, B AND C ON THE RAILWAYS...

NEED FOR COMBINED CADRE RESTRUCTURING OF GROUP A, B AND C ON THE RAILWAYS IS MACPS A SUBSTITUTE FOR CAREER PLANNING?

Promotion without improved status is like ‘Crumbs without the Soup’

IRTSA has been continuously seeking Career Planning of Technical Supervisors on Railways for the last nearly 45 years – ever since its inception. While some relief was provided over the years through the Cadre Restructuring in 1979, 1984, 1993 and 2003 – when a varying % age of posts were upgraded in different cadres. This did help in reducing the stagnation in lower pay scales, to a certain extent. But neither there was uniformity in the revised %age between various cadres nor did it bear any relativity with the duties and responsibilities or the increase thereof over the years.

But the worst part of it is that the entire exercise was separately done for the various Groups of Posts in Group A, B, C and D – thus taking away the basic thrust for simultaneous Career Planning. As such, IRTSA recently conducted a special Seminar on “Career Planning of Technocrats on Railways” and also submitted Memoranda to the Railway Board on the issue. But while the response of MM was positive on the issue, AMS felt that the MACPS (Modified Assured Career progression Scheme) will provide the requisite Financial Upgrading – ignoring all together that MACPS did not provide for improvement in status & power – which were equally important for effective Management.

There has been no upgrading or Cadre Restructuring of the Apex Grade of Group ‘C’ (Rs.840-1040 / Rs.2375-3500 / Rs.7450-11500) ever on the Railways – (either in 1979, 1984, 1993 or 2003). Consequently there is extreme stagnancy & resultant frustration amongst the incumbents of the Apex Grade ‘C’ – especially amongst the Technical Supervisors on the Railways.

There has been substantial increase in the duties and responsibilities over the years of the Technical Supervisors (JEs, SEs & SSEs) ¬due to modernisation and advancement of technology on the Railways – but this has not been recognised or remunerated in any manner whatsoever – especially in the case of Senior Section Engineers.

Only about 2 to 3% of Technical Supervisors – (entering with Diploma or Degree in Engineering) - reach Group ‘B’ level and only a small fraction thereof reach Group ‘A’ level – due to very meager number of Posts in Group ‘A’, ‘B’ vis-à-vis Group ‘C’ and non-implementation of DOPs orders regarding Classification of Posts – issued after the last 4 Pay Commissions on the Railways. Large majority of Technical Supervisors (with Diploma in Engineering at JE level and with Graduation in Engineering at SE/SSE level) do not get any promotion except in a very few cases and that too at the fag end of their careers. Even after acquiring long years of experience and expertise they remain and mostly retire in the Supervisory cadre itself.

In the new scenario of modern liberalized economy; and the management requirements thereof, it is imperative that Combined “Cadre Restructuring” of posts in Group ‘A’, ‘B’ & ‘C’ may be considered to upgrade adequate number of Group ‘C’ posts to Group ‘A’, ‘B’ – to fully meet with the job requirements of the posts of Technical Supervisors on Railways. Most of the employees in other cadres get 3 or 4 promotions or even more in their service in Railways - except the JEs & SE/SSEs. It is pertinent that JEs with Diploma in Engineering and one & a half year of training as well as SE/SSEs with Graduate in Engineering and one year of on the job training - are getting stagnated in the Apex Group ‘C‘ scale without any further avenue of promotion except in rare 2 to 3% cases. JEs who enter in the Grade Pay of Rs.4200 get only one promotion to the Grade Pay of Rs.4600. SE/SSE with Graduate in Engineering qualification enter in the Grade Pay of Rs.4600 - remain stagnant in the entry grade itself.

The JEs & SE/SSEs rot at the Grade Pay of Rs.4600 throughout their career since there are very meager number of posts in Group-B.

In the Technical Departments of Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Signal & Telecommunications and Stores, only 4274 Group-B posts are available for 5,72,191 Group-C employees, i.e. just 0.74% posts are available in Group-B. After abolition & Up-gradation of Group-D to Group–C the availability of Group-B posts will further dip to very meager i.e. just 0.47%.

In spite of higher nature of duties and responsibilities on account of requirements of Safety & modernisation, Railways have the lowest %age of Gazetted posts in Group A & B vis-à-vis Group C & D - in comparison to all other Departments of Central Government (as cited in the highlights of Power Point Presentation – reproduced in this issue).

With the huge investments and fast coming-up of new projects, more number of posts in the Group-A & B are essentially required, so that decision making and accountability can be broadened in the administrative hierarchy.

Sixth Central Pay Commission in its recommendations and thereafter the Government has made the right decision of abolishing the Group-D posts and upgrading them as Group-C. But similar functional and career improvements (made at the bottom level) have not been carried over to the middle tier in the apex Group-C and Group-B.

Large number of Posts have been upgaraded over the years in Group ‘A’ & ‘B’ to ensure the career planning of the Officers in those cadres but no such upgrading had been allowed in case of Apex Scale of Technical Supervisors – to improve their career prospects or in view of the increase in their duties & responsibilities due to modernisation on the Railways.

All these are not only the root cause of frustration amongst the Technical Supervisors on the Railways - these are also an impediment in effective execution of administrative polices & plans due to lack of executive powers of the Technical Supervisors who are the ‘On-the-Spot Managers. This is bound to have an adverse impact on the efficiency and safety on the Railways, as has been mentioned variedly by all the Railway Accident Inquiry Committees and Railway Reforms Committee.

Combined cadre strength of Technical Departments including all posts in Group - ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ on Indian Railways, should therefore be Restructured – so as to be comparable with - if not higher than - the All India Average % age of Group ‘A’, ‘B’ & ‘C’ of Central Government employees in other Departments – as cited and fully justified elaborately by IRTSA in its Memorandum to the Railway Board.

Source: Voice of Rail Engineers - July-August, 2010 Issue
Courtesy: IRTSA

Fixation of Pay in merged grades for working on ad-hoc basis on ex-cadre posts in Construction Organisations

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINSTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAILWAY BOARD

S.No.PC-VI/225
No. PC-VI/2009/I/RSRP/6

RBE No.133/2010
New Delhi, dated 14.09.2010

The General Managers,
All Indian Railways,
(As per mailing list).

Sub: Fixation of Pay in merged grades for working on ad-hoc basis on ex-cadre posts in Construction Organisations.

      As per Rule (7) of RS(RP) Rules,2008, initial pay of a Railway servant shall be fxed separately (i) in respect of his substantive pay in the permanent post on which the employee holds a lien and (ii) in respect of his pay in the Officiating post held by him.

2.     As per note 5 below Rule 7 of RSRP Rules, 2008, Where a Railway servant is holding a permanent post and is officiating in a higher post on a regular basis and the scales applicable to these two posts are merged into one scale, the pay shall be fixed under this sub-rule with reference to the officiating post only and the pay so fixed shall be treated as substantive pay”.

3.     Clarifications are being sought by the zonal railways regarding fixation of pay of staff working in Construction Organisation on ex-cadre posts on ad-hoc basis in merged grades. The matter has been examined and it is clarified that in the case of staff working in Construction Organisation on ex-cadre posts on ad-hoc basis, their pay in the 6th CPC pay structure is to be fixed separately for cadre post and ex-cadre post as provided in Rule 7(1) of RSRP, 2008. Note 5 below Rule 7 is not applicable in their case.

4.     This issues in consultation with Establishment Directorate and with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

5.     This disposes of CAO (Const. & MTP), Southern Railway’s letter No.P-5241/I/P/CN dated 12.08.2009 and Southern Railway’s letter No.P(R)524 dated 31.0.2009.

(U.K.Tiwari)
Deputy Director Pay Commission-VI
Railway Board.

www.indianrailways.gov.in

Safety Related Retirement Scheme in Railways covering with Safety Categories

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

RBE No.131/2010.


New Delhi, dated 10.09.2010.

No.E(P&A)I -2010/RT-2

The General Managers,
All Indian Railways.

Sub: Safety Related Retirement Scheme covering safety categories with grade pay of Rs.1800/-.

**********

Please refer to Board’s letter No. E(P &A) I – 2001/RT-2 (KW)dated 02.01.2004 regarding introduction of safety related retirement scheme (SRRS) for Drivers and Gangmen.

2.It has now been decided to extend the benefit of scheme to other safety categories of staff with a grade pay of Rs. 1800/- p.m. The qualifying service has been reduced from 33 years to 20 years and the eligibility age group from 55 – 57 years to 50 – 57 years for seeking retirement under the Scheme in the case of Safety categories with Grade Pay of Rs.1800. The list of safety categories covered under the scheme is enclosed as Annexure.

2.1 It has also been decided to modify the nomenclature of the scheme as Liberalized Active Retirement Scheme for Guaranteed Employment for Safety Staff (LARSGESS) with grade pay of Rs.1800. However, the employment under the scheme would be guaranteed only to those found eligible/suitable and finally selected as per procedure.

3. The condition of qualifying service (i.e. 33 years) and age group (i.e. 55 – 57 years) for Drivers will remain unchanged.

4. It is also reiterated that the retirement of the employee be considered only if the ward is found suitable in all respects. Retirement of the employee and appointment of the ward should take place simultaneously.

5. The other terms and conditions of the scheme will remain unchanged.

6. This issues with the concurrence of the finance directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

7. Kindly acknowledge the receipt.

8. Hindi version will follow.

s/d
(Dharam Pal)
Deputy Director Estt.(P & A) II,
Railway Board.

ANNEXURE to Railway Board’s letter No. E(P&A)I – 2010/RT – 2 dated 11.09.2010.

Safety Categories with grade pay of Rs. 1800.

A. Operating Department.
1- Pointsman
2- Shuntman
3- Leverman
4- Gateman
5- Traffic Porters

B. Civil Engeering Department.
1-Gateman
2-Trolley man
3-Key man

C. Signal and telecommunication Department.
1-Khalasi/Khalasi Helper re-designated as Helper Grade II & Grade I atched to ESM/MSM/TCM/WTM

D. Mechanical and Electrical Department.
1-Khalasi/Khalasi Helper re-designated as helper Grade II & Grade I assisting Loco Fitter / C&W Fitters in Diesel Sheds (Open Line & Workshops) EMU / Elec. Sheds (Open Line & Workshops) and Train Lighting & AC. Fitters (Open line & Workshops)
2- Crane Jamadar & Crane Khalasis.

**********

Source: AIRF

Trinamool to hit streets to oppose Tuesday's strike

Trinamool to hit streets to oppose Tuesday's strike

Kolkata, Sep 4 (PTI) Trinamool Congress workers will hit the streets to oppose the 'bandh politics' of Left parties who were backing a nation-wide industrial strike on Tuesday called by the central trade unions, party chief Mamata Banerjee said here today.

"We will take out processions and hold meetings on Tuesday to protest the strike, but will not go for confrontation," Banerjee, also the Railway Minister, told reporters.

A day's shutdown would have a crippling effect on the economy, she said, adding "CPI(M) here calls bandhs frequently. Such bandhs cause loss of crores of rupees when the state's debt burden stands at Rs two lakh crore."

"A bandh should not be called unless there is a serious compulsion. We are opposed to bandhs," she said.

Source: PTI

Revised pay structure of the common category posts of Pharmacists cadre – clarification

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(Railway Board)

S. N0. PC-VI/220
No.PC­VI/2009/I/RSRP/10

RBE N0. 109/2010
New Delhi, dated 05.08.2010

The GMs/CAOs(R),
All Indian Railways & Production Units
(As per mailing list)

Sub:      Revised pay structure of the common category posts of Pharmacists cadre – clarification reg.

      Attention is invited to Railway Board’s letter of even number dated 30.O3.2010 on the above subject.

2.      As per para 2 of Board’s letter dated 30.03.2010 Pharmacist Grade-II and Grade I will be merged and designated as Pharmacist (non- functional grade) in PB 2 with grade pay of Rs.4200/- and the grade will be granted to Pharmacist (entry grade) on non-functional basis after 2 years of regular service in the grade pay of Rs.2800. In view of this, the word ‘promotion’ appearing in para 3 of the letter may be read as ‘placement’. Such placement will, however, be subject to vigilance clearance.

3.      This issues in consultation with Establishment and Health Directorates and concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

(HARI KRISHAN)
Director, Pay Commission­-II
Railway Board

www.indianrailways.gov.in

Indian Railways announced new Catering Policy - 2010

Railways’ New Catering Policy 2010

A new Catering Policy 2010 of Indian Railways has been introduced w.e.f. 21st July, 2010 which has revised policy guidelines regarding management of mobile as well as static catering units.

The management of providing onboard catering services to the railway passengers on Indian Railways is now to be done by the Zonal Railways instead of IRCTC, in a phased manner.

During the current year from January to 20th July, 2010, a total number of 687 complaints have been received regarding sub-standard food and contaminated water.

Number of Complaints received from North Zone i.e. Northern Railway, North Central Railway, North Eastern Railway and North Western Railway is 257; from West Zone i.e Western Railway, Central Railway and West Central Railway is 105; East Zone i.e. Northeast Frontier Railway, Eastern Railway, South Eastern Railway, South East Central Railway, East Central Railway and East Coast Railway is 180; South Zone i.e. Southern Railway and South West Railway is 113 and South Central Zone i.e. South Central Railway is 32.

Following steps are taken to maintain quality of food and mobile as well as static units:-

1. Modernization of base kitchens and cell kitchens where food is prepared for onward transmission to mobile unit.

2. Conducting special drive on premium trains and base kitchen.

3. Conducting 3rd party audit by reputed agencies.

4. Customer satisfaction surveys.

5. Web enabled complaint management systems.

6. Toll free number to lodge complaint.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri K.H. Muniyappa in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

Internet facility feasible in trains - Railway Minister

Internet Facility in Trains

Trial run for provision of Internet facility has been conducted only in Mumbai-Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express.

A satellite based system with Wi-Fi distribution in coaches was tried on experimental basis and was found to be technically feasible.

A pilot project for internet facility in three rakes of Delhi-Howrah Rajdhani Express has been considered and has been included in the Railway Budget 2010-11.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri K.H. Muniyappa in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

Railway Employees may be permitted to revise their initial option (Ruel-6) upto 31 12.2010

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)
******

S.No.PC-VI/216
No.PC-VI/2010/I/RSRP/5

RBE No.102/2010
New Delhi, dated 22.07.2010

The GMs/CAOs(R),
All Indian Railways & PUs
(As per mailing list)

Sub:-      Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 – Revision of option exercised under Rule 6 of Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008.

          In accordance with the provisions contained in Rule 11 of the Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008, where a Railway servant opts to continue to draw his pay in the existing scale from the 1st day of January 2006 and switch over to the revised scale from a date later than the 1st day of January, 2006, his pay from the later date in the revised scale is required to be fixed under Rule 11(i) of the Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008. As per Rule 5 of these Rules, this option to switch over to the revised pay structure from a date later than 1.1 2006 is available to a Railway Servant :

(i) who elects to continue to draw pay in the existing scale until the date on which he earns his next or any subsequent increment in the existing scale or until he vacates his post or ceases to draw pay in that scale.

(ii) who has been placed in a higher pay scale between 1.1.2006 and the date of notification of these Rules on account of promotion, upgradation of pay scale etc, the Railway servant may elect to switch over to the revised pay structure from the date of such promotion, upgradation etc.

          2. As per Rule 6(1) of Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 the option in the format appended to the Second Schedule was required to be exercised within three months from the date of issue of these Rules,

          3.Further Rule 6(4) provided that the option once exercised shall be final. The Staff Side has represented on this issue and have requested that the first option exercised may not be treated as final keeping in view the new system of pay band and grade pays and those employees may be allowed to revise their option if the option is more beneficial to them.

          4.On further consideration and in exercise of the powers available under Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008, the President is pleased to decide that in relaxation of stipulation under Rule 6(4) of these Rules employees may be permitted to revise their initial option upto 31 12.2010 if the option is more beneficial to them. The revised option shall be intimated to the Head of his Office by the Railway servant in accordance with the provision of Rule 6(2) of the Revised Pay Rules, 2008.

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

  

(Hari Krishan)
Director, Pay Commission II
Railway Board.

www.indianrailways.gov.in

Appointment of land losers affected by land acquisition for Railway Projects

Railway Board has been decided that appointment of land losers affected by land acquisition for Railway projects may call and consider applications for employment to PB-1 Pay Band of Rs.5200-20200 with grade pay of Rs.1800 only.

Railway Board has given some instructions as Screening Criteria for employment to land losers as follows...

Screening Criteria :-

1. The applicant shall be a person (sole owner of land or son/daughter/husband /wife of the sole owner) whose land or a portion thereof has been acquired for the project. In case the land is owned by more than the one person, the Competent Authority, as defined in the Railway (Amendment) Act, 2008/Land Acquisition Officer, will decide who shall be considered as applicant. Only one job shall be offered to an applicant from the land loser family.

2. it must be ensured that the displaced person has not received any land from the State Government in lieu of his/her land acquired/being acquired for the project.

3. Railway administration should request the concerned Competent Authority/Land Acquisition Officer to issue certificates to those persons whose land has been acquired to facilitate proper verification of the claims.

4. An applicant claiming appointment shall be required to submit the application with his/her signatures and photos duly certified by local MP, MLA or any Gazetted Officer. Candidates shall also submit affidavits fulfilling eligibility criteria stipulated in para 2 above, duly certified by the Competent Authority / Land Acquisition Officers. This shall be co-ordinated by respective Divisional Railway Managers.

5. The applicant should normally fulfill the eligibility and other conditions prescribed for the post against direct recruitment quota from open market. In special cases, General Manger of the Railway can relax these conditions and in respect of educational qualifications, applicant with read/write only capability shall also be considered.

6. General Manager of the Railway in whose jurisdiction the land acquisition is to be undertaken, shall be responsible for ensuring a fair and transparent selection of candidates.

7. Once and offer of appointment has been made, no further application claiming appointment on ground of acquisition of the same piece of land shall be entertained.

Recovery of excess payment of Gratuity from Railway Pensiners (Voluntary Retired) - Clarification

RBE No. 95/2010
PC-VI No. 212

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. F(E)III/2008/PN1/13

New Delhi, dated: 06.07.2010.

The GMs/FA&CAOs,
All Indian Railways & Production Units.
(As per Mailing List)

      Subject: Grant of full pension to Government servants who retired on or after 01.01.2006 – recovery of excess payment of Retirement Gratuity from the employees who retired voluntarily after getting the benefit of adding years of service – Clarification reg.

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        The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DOP&PW) vide their O.M. No.38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 10.12.2009, circulated vide this Ministry’s letter of even number dated 15.12.2009, have dispensed with the provision relating to linkage of full pension with 33 years of qualifying service, with effect from 01.01.2006 instead of 02.09.2008. These instructions, inter-alia, provide that the benefit of adding years of qualifying service for the purpose of computation of pension and gratuity shall stand withdrawn w.e.f. 01.01.2006. Simultaneously, para 4 of the said O.M. also provides that the overall calculation, may take into account revised gratuity and revised pension, including arrears up to the date of revision based on these instructions and that no recoveries would be made in the cases already settled

2.       In this connection, clarification has been sought from this office as to whether in the case of employees who retired voluntarily during the period from 01.01.2006 to 01.09.2008, after getting the benefit of adding years of service, the excess payment of gratuity is to be recovered or adjusted from the arrears of pension and commuted value of additional pension arising out of implementation of the instructions contained in DOP&PW’s O.M. dated 10.12.2009 ibid. The matter has, therefore, been examined by this Ministry in consultation with DOP&PW and it is clarified that the recovery of excess payment of gratuity on the above account, shall be regulated as under:

S.No	Point	Clarification
1	In cases where the employees , retired voluntarily after 1.1.2006 with pro-rata pension calculated for the qualifying service Less than 33 years, pension will under go upward revision and additional amount of pension will also be commutable	Excess payment of gratuity on account of withdrawal of weightage w.e.f. 01.01.2006 will be adjusted against arrears of pension (and not commuted value of pension). However, this adjustment will be restricted to the amount of arrears of pension. If the recovery of gratuity is more than the amount of arrears of pension, no recovery in excess of arrears of pension will be made.
2	In cases where employees retired voluntarily after 1.1.2006 after getting the benefit of adding years of qualifying service and were granted pension @ 50% of emoluments/average emoluments, as the case may be, due to their qualifying service having reached 33 years, there will be no revision in the amount of pension but the amount of retirement gratuity will undergo a change due to exclusion of the benefit of adding years of service, already extended to them.	Where there is no increase of pension, no recovery of gratuity will be made.

3.       All Zonal Railways etc., are, therefore, advised to settle the cases of the employees who retired voluntarily after 01.01.2006 but before 02.09.2008, in accordance with the above clarification.

(Sunil Bhardwaj)
Deputy Director Finance (Estt.)III,
Railway Board.

www.indianrailways.gov.in

Messing facilities in respect of Group’C’ & ‘D’ staff undergoing training in Railway Training Centres

Government of India
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)

RBE No. 94/2010
New Delhi, dated 1.07.2010

No. E(MPP)2009/3/6

The General Managers,
All Indian Railways including Production Units

Sub:-      Messing facilities in respect of Group’C’ & ‘D’ staff undergoing training in Railway Training Centres – DC/JCM Item No,07/2007

Ref: –     Board’s letter No. (i) E(Trg)73(32)/1 dated 24-5-76
                                      (ii) E(Trg)80/35/4 dated 26-6-84 and
                                      (iii) E(G)/91 AL6-1 dated 16-8-85

         As per the extant instructions, Railway employees nominated to undergo training, other than training in initial course in Railway Training Centres, are provided free messing, where it is compulsory. The messing rates for employees undergoing training are to be fixed on a uniform basis by the General Managers in consultation with their FA&CAOs.These rates correspond to roughly 80% of the daily allowance being spent on messing, so that wholesome food could be supplied. These instructions also provide for 20% of the rate of Daily Allowance being paid to the trainees for incidental expenses.

         The question of revising instructions on messing facilities in respect of railway employees undergoing training in the Railway Training Centres has been under consideration of the Ministry of Railways. The matter was raised in the DC/JCM(Railways) meeting and after due deliberations with the Federations, it has been decided that:

         (i) All the trainees availing the messing facilities should pay the messing charges directly to the training centres before being relieved from the training courses. In the case of in service staff, 100% Daily Allowance claim may be allowed, once messing charges have been fully paid by such staff and if they are otherwise eligible.

         (ii) The messing facilities should be gradually outsourced. Once outsourcing has been given effect to, the messing rates for employees undergoing training should be deducted from the trainees on the basis of actuals. Until the change to outsourcing takes place, messing rates should be fixed by the General Managers in consultation with their FA&CAOs.There would be no concept of free messing after issue of these instructions.

         (iii) The plant & machinery and equipments wherever required by the mess in the Training Centres can be provided by the Administration. While petty repairs and contingencies costing up to Rs. 500/- per item should be met from the mess fund, expenditure on repairs and contingencies costing above RS.500/- on each occasion per item provided by the Railway Administrations should be undertaken by the Administration· themselves. No departmental staff such as Cooks, Bearers, Cleaners etc. should be made available for providing messing facilities, after outsourcing the same. The departmental staff wherever engaged in the mess in the Training Centres should be suitably redeployed.

         (iv) No charges towards water, cess, rent and overheads should be recovered. These may be considered as part of the infrastructure.

         (v) The nominated Training Manager of the Department concerned should supervise the function of mess in consultation with Principal/In charge of the training centres through a mess committee consisting of representatives of the trainees and Faculty of the training centres. The management of the mess should be the responsibility of the Mess Committee and the modalities of forming the Mess Committee may be decided by the Railway Administration themselves.

         (vi) Guest charges, if any, should be fixed by the Training Centres on cost plus basis.

         (vii) A Six-monthly Audit of the mess accounts should be ensured through Associate Finance of the Training Centres concerned and suitable honorarium paid. The rates of the honorarium should be worked out by the Training Centres in consultation with their Associate Finance.

         (viii) The mess should function on no-profit-no loss basis taken on annual basis and profits, if any, left over should be utilized for enhancing the sports and library activities of the training institution concerned.

      The above guidelines are issued in supercession of all existing instructions on the subject.

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

  

(K.Harikrishnan)
Director
Railway Board.

www.indianrailways.gov.in

Grant of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to the Railways pensioners/family pensioners

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

S.No.PC-VI/211
No.(PC)-V/2010/A/Med./1

RBE No. 92/2010
New Delhi, Dated 29-06-2010

The General Manager
All Indian Railways & PUs
(As per mailing list)

Sub:-      Grant of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to the Railways pensioners/family pensioners-regarding.

         In pursuance of Government's decision on the recommendations of the Fifth Central Pay Commission, instructions regarding grant of Fixed Medical Allowance @ Rs.100/- p.m. to Railway Pensioners/Family Pensioners were issued vide Board's letter No.PC-V/98/I/7/1/1 dated 21-4-99 and subsequently amended from time to time; the last being letter No. PC-V/2006/A/Med./1 dated 15.09.2009.

         2. In this connection, Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare (DoP&PW), the nodal Department on the subject have advised vide OM No. 4/25/2008-P&PW), dated 25-05-2010 that the demand for enhancement of Fixed Medical Allowance has been under consideration of the Government for some time past and the amount of Fixed Medical Allowance has been enhanced from Rs.100/- to Rs.300/- per month. The other conditions for grant of Fixed Medical Allowance shall continue to be in force.

         3. These orders shall take effect from 01-09-2008.

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

         5. Hindi version is enclosed.

  

(N.P.Singh)
Dy. Director, Pay Commission - V
Railway Board.

www.indianrailways.gov.in

Vital changes in the pay structure of the Railway employees

Shiva Gopal Mishra General Secretary of AIRMF addressed a press conference on 25.06.10 at Press Club of India, New Delhi. He touched various burning issues in Indian Railways. We reproduce full text of the letter as follows...

PRESS RELEASE

New Delhi, June 25, 2010, “There will be vital changes in the pay structure of the Railway employees”, this was stated by Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary, All India Railwaymen's Federation and Northern Railwaymen’s Union in a Press Conference held here in Press Club.

Shri Mishra stated that, keeping in view the interests of the Railwaymen working in various categories; Railway Board has given its consent to change their Pay Bands widely. He stated that, after the meeting of Departmental Anomaly Committee, it was recommended to provide GP Rs.4800 to all Supervisors of apex grade as well as modification in other cadres have also been suggested.

Shri Mishra stated that more than one lakh Technicians, working in the Indian Railways and used to call Technician-II with GP Rs.2400, will now be merged with Technician-I GP Rs.2800. This will also be applicable on more than 36,000 Ticket Collectors in GP Rs.2400 and they will be provided with GP Rs.2800.

Shri Mishra informed that the Railway Board has also recommended to improve the grade pay of Technical Supervisor, Section Engineer, Jr. Engineer from GP Rs.4200 and 4600 to Rs.4600 and 4800 respectively.

“Railway Board have also recommended grade pay of Loco Pilot and Guard; and based on this, Loco Pilots of Mail and Express trains will be provided with GP Rs.4600. Besides this, Railway Board have also recommended to give Additional Allowance to the Loco Pilot(Goods) and Guard(Goods)”, Shri Mishra informed.

Shri Mishra stated that, keeping in view recruitment qualification(Graduation) and special working conditions of the Asstt. Station Master, Railway Board have recommended to provide them Entry GP Rs.4200.

Shri Mishra further stated that the main reasons of all these improvements were better coordination between AIRF and Hon’ble MR and Railway Board and also pressure of the MR on the Railway Board. Shri Mishra informed that all these recommendations have been sent to Ministry of Finance by the Railway Ministry.

“Hon’ble MR has given assurance that every possible efforts will be done to resolve the problems of the Railwaymen”, Shri Mishra informed.

“I had also raised the issue of payment of arrears to Loco Pilot and Guards w.e.f. 1.1.2006 and KMA before Hon’ble MR, which has been rejected by the Fast Track Committee. She has assured that it will be looked into”, Shri Mishra stated.

Shri Mishra also informed that the Railway Board has decided to constitute a committee to improve pay scales of more 2.5 lakh Gangmen, Keymen, Mate, Gatemen working on the Indian Railways and also to provide them Special Package. Shri Mishra further added that this category is unique, which used to be recruited and retired in GP Rs.1800.

Shri Mishra stated that he had raised the issue of filling-up of around two lakh vacant posts without further delay. Hon’ble MR has given him assurance; and some action has also been taken to overcome this problem.

Shri Mishra informed that I had also raised the issue of entitlement of Privilege Pass before the Hon’ble MR and she has assured for its early finalization.

Plese visit for more details http://www.airfindia.com

Transport Allowance to blind & orthopaedically handicapped Railway employees- clarification

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

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S.No.PC-VI/ 206
No. PC-V/2009/A/TA/1

RBE No. 71/2010
New Delhi, dated 10.05.2010

Sub: Transport Allowance to blind & orthopaedically handicapped Railway employees- clarification reg.

On receipt of a reference from All India Railwaymen’s federation (AIRF) regarding grant of Transport Allowance to blind and orthopaedically handicapped Railway employees availing FRC facility, the matter has been considered in Board’s office and in context thereof, it is clarified that such blind and orthopaedically handicapped Railway employees are entitled for Transport Allowance in terms of Para-2(i) of Board’s letter No.PC-V/2008/A/TA/2, dated 12.09.2008, as the condition of availing Residential Card Pass facility by a Railway employee has been declined with grant of Transport Allowance vide Board’s letter dated 23.01.2009.

2. In view of the above, Board’s letter No.PC-V/2008/A/TA/2, dated 29.06.2009 addressed to Western Railway stands withdrawn.

3. This issue with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

4. Hindi version is enclosed.

(N.P.Singh)
Dy.Director, Pay Commission – V
Railway Board

Penalty of Withholding of Increments imposed under Vth CPC scales and operated as per VIth CPC Scales effective

RBE No.48/2010

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E(D&A) 2009 RG 6-45
New Delhi, dated : 31.3.2010

Sub: Penalty of Withholding of Increment imposed under V^th Central Pay Commission scales and operated as per VI^th Central Pay Commission Scales effective from 1.1.2006

Attention is invited to Board’s letters No.E(D&A) 78 RG 6-17 dated 29.7.1978 and No.E(D&A) 90 RG 6-109 dated 19.9.90. In terms of these instructions, issued in the context of implementation of III^rd and IV^th pay Commission scales respectively, it was advised that the Appellate/Revision Authority, may, while considering the appeal/revision application submitted against the penalty of withholding of increments take into account the quantum of financial loss that would be sustained by the railway servant in the preceding pay scale and the greater monetary loss that would result/has resulted on re-fixation in the new Pay Commission scale and accordingly reduce or modify the penalty imposed.

Board have considered the matter further in the light of implementation of VI^th Central Pay Commission scales from 1.1.2006 and desire that the Appellate/Revising Authorities while considering the appeal/revision petition against the penalty of withholding of increments imposed under the V^th Central Pay Commission scales and continuing on 1.1.2006 or imposed/effected between 1.1.2006 and 4.9.2008 that is, the date on which the VI^th Central Pay Commission Scales were notified on Railways, may also take into account the greater monetary loss that would be sustained by the appellant/petitioner on account of refixation of his pay under the VI^th Central Pay Commission Scales from 1.1.2006 and take a suitable decision regarding the quantum of the penalty.

(Harish Chander)
Dy. Director Establishment(D&A)
Railway Board

Grant of Overtime Allowance to Railway employees consequent upon revision of pay scales and allowances

Almost all Central Government Employees other than Railways are getting Over Time Allowance(OTA) asper pre-revised pay scale only(5th CPC or 4th CPC).

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

RBE No. 29 / 2010
New Delhi, dated 17.02.2010

S.No. PC-VI/189
No. PC-V/2008/A/O/3(OTA)

The General Manager(P)
All Zonal Railways and PUs.
(As per Mailing lists)

Subject:-     Grant of Overtime Allowance to Railway employees consequent upon revision of pay scales and allowances.

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Pursuant to the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission, the issue of revision of Over Time Allowance has been under consideration and in partial modification of the Board’s earlier orders on the subject, it has been decided by the Board that the Railway employees who are governed by the Statutory Acts like the Factories Act, Hours of Employment Regulations or those covered under rules for Departmental Overtime and who have opted for the revised scales of pay in terms of Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008, may be granted overtime allowance, on the basis of their emoluments in the revised scales of pay.

2. The emoluments, for the purpose of computation of rates of OTA will comprise the following:

a) Railway employees governed by Factories Act

• Basic Pay (Pay in Pay Band + Grade Pay)

• Dearness Allowance

• House Rent Allowance

• Transport Allowance

• Cash equivalent of the advantage accruing through the concessional sale to workers of food grains and other articles, as the worker is for the time being entitled to (excluding wages for Overtime work or Bonus)

b) Railway employees governed by HOER

• All the items as shown in (a) above except House Rent Allowance

c) Railway employees governed by rules Under Departmental Overtime

(i) Employees working in Loco Sheds and C & W Depot

• All the items as shown in (a) above except House Rent Allowance

(ii) Other Railway employees governed under Departmental Orders

• Basic Pay (Pay in Pay Band + Grade Pay)

• Dearness Allowance

3. The revised rates of Overtime Allowance shall be effective from 01-9-2008.

4. With a view to minimize instances of OTA, General Managers may take following measures:-

(i) Prepare an action plan for systematic and efficient utilization of manpower covering various aspects viz. filling up of vacancies, especially in Running staff and operational categories, proper management of sanction of leave and rational deployment of staff.

(ii) Conduct a fresh job analysis of the duties of Motor Car Drivers who are presently classified as ‘Continuous’ to determine their actual period of working requiring sustained attention.

(iii) Prefer hiring of vehicles for official use, if necessary.

(iv) Allow compensatory off to the staff booked on holidays due to exigencies.

(v) Direct all the RRBs to follow a uniform pattern by giving compensatory off to their staff instead of OTA.

(vi) Review payment of OTA to supervisors in the Pay Band-2 except to those who are earmarked for breakdown duties, to minimize the incidence of OTA.

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

6. Hindi version is enclosed.

(N.P. Singh)
Deputy Director,
Pay Commission-V
Railway Board