No.AIRF/PNM/II/2016 Dated: July 21, 2016 The General Secretaries, All Affiliated Unions, Dear Comrades, Sub: Agenda items for next PNM Meeting of AIRF with Railway Board Kindly arrange to send this office (through email only), agenda items, along with supporting documents, for the next PNM Meeting of AIRF with Railway the Board within a period of one week, so that agenda of the next PNM Meeting of AIRF may be sent to Railway Board. Please treat the matter as “Most Urgent” and do the needful.

Item No.31/2016 Sub: Extending numbers of exemption to Appendix-III, Part-I Examination 2012 passed candidates Ref.: AIRF‟s letter No.AIRF/5(678) dated 29th July, 2016 Your kind attention is invited towards para 5(iv)(a) of the Advance Correction No.215, IREM, Volume-I (Revised Edition 1989), which has been circulated to all the Zonal Railways and Production Units vide Board’s letter RBA No.58/2006 dated 06.11.2006, wherein it has been stipulated that:-

“A candidate who passes (secures 40% or more marks in case of “General” Category/30% or more marks in case of “SC/ST” Category) in each of the compulsory subjects of Part-I Examination, i.e. “Advance Commercial Book Keeping” and “General Rules and Procedures”, but fails in Part-II Examination of that year, shall be exempted from appearing in Part-I Examination during the successive two attempts in the next two consecutive examinations”.

The pattern of Appendix-III (IREM) Examination was subsequently changed vide RBA No.36/2014, circulated vide Board’s letter No.A(E)/A3/2014/1/1 dated 11.11.2014, whereby Part-I and Part-II Appendix-III (IREM) Examination were combined in a single examination, to be conducted on yearly basis. Consequent upon above change in the pattern of Appendix-III (IREM) Examination, as circulated vide Railway Board’s letter supra dated 11.11.2014, it was laid down in Railway Board’s letter No.A(E)/A3/2015/1/1 dated 03.03.2015 (RBA No.18/2015) that, “since the Appendix-III (IREM) Examination are to be held on a combined single examination, the exemption i.e. Pass Exemption granted through Board‟s letter No.A(E)/A3/2K/9 dated 06.11.2006(RBA No.58/2006) shall no longer be applicable after Appendix-III (IREM) Examination 2015”. It was further laid down therein that, “a candidate who had obtained exemption in 2010 and 2012 from appearing Part-I of above mentioned exam as per Board‟s letter dated 06.11.2006 ibid shall be granted one-time exemption from appearing the compulsory papers (ABK and GRP) of Appendix-III (IREM) Examination 2015”. Some candidates of ECoR who had appeared in Appendix-III (IREM) Exam 2012 and passed one exam would avail only one chance of exemption while those who appeared in the year 2010 were privileged to avail two chances of exemption. Thus, the candidates who had passed Part-I Examination 2012 were disadvantaged of one attempt of exemption from appearing in Part-I of Appendix-III (IREM) Exam owing to change in the pattern of exam vide Board’s letter ibid dated 11.11.2014. This is apparently a gross discrimination with such candidates. It is, therefore, urged that, the matter may be looked into and justice be accorded to such candidates who appeared in Appendix-III (IREM) Exam of 2012 and passed Part-I of the same successfully as a “Special Case”.

Item No.32/2016 Sub: Grant of ACP/MACP to the Stock Verifiers over Northern Railway The Junior Asstt. (Accounts), recruited in PB-I, Grade Pay Rs.2800, get promotion as Account Assistant in PB-II with Grade Pay Rs.4200 after three years of regular service on fulfillment of requisite condition. Account Assistants working in PB-II with GP Rs. 4200 can opt to work as Stock Verifier in same Pay Band and Grade Pay against vacancies in the said category, whereupon they are accordingly posted as Stock Verifier under Accounts Department. It is, however, noticed that, the Stock Verifiers over Northern Railway are being denied legitimate financial upgradation under MACP Scheme, considering their being posted as Stock Verifier in GP Rs.4200 as promotion, which is highly unfair and unjustified. It is also mentioned here that, at the time of implementation of recommendation of V CPC for ACP Scheme, Accounts Staff, who were posted from Accounts Assistant(pay scale Rs.1400-2600) to Stock Verifier (pay scale Rs.1400-2600) got next pay scale of Rs.6500-10500 under ACP Scheme. AIRF, therefore, desires that, necessary orders be issued for granting benefit of financial upgradation under MACP Scheme to Stock Verifier over Northern Railway so as to accord them justice.

Item No.33/2016 Sub: Appointment on compassionate ground – acquisition of higher qualification Ref.: (i) Railway Board‟s letters No.E(NG)II/2003/RC-1/Genl./4 dated 02.04.2004 and 15.06.2007 (ii) AIRF‟s letter No.AIRF/226(604) dated 27.04.2016 It has been brought to our notice that, some of the Zonal Railways are aiming to reject compassionate ground appointment cases of Railway employees who die in harness or retired due to medical invalidation in the light of Railway Board’s letter dated 15.06.2007 referred to above. Board will recollect the fact that, on the representation of the organized labour and after elaborate discussions on the subject matter , giving human touch to the hardships and ground realities, Railway Board’s letter on the subject matter dated 15.02.2000 was reviewed vide Board’s letter No.E(NG)II/2003/ RC-1/Genl./4 dated 02.04.2004. AIRF is of firm opinion that, of late, submission of applications for compassionate ground appointment should be discouraged, but this does not mean that, the wards/dependents of an employee after the sad demise or medical invalidation of the employee, who are undergoing course of a professional Degree/ Diploma, be compelled to leave their course and kill the dreams of the employee, which will be a big jolt to the departed soul besides his own dreams of life. AIRF, therefore, urges upon the Railway Board to withdraw their letter dated 15.06.2007 on the subject matter or suitably modify the same in the spirit of Railway Board’s letter No.E(NG)II/2003/RC-1/Genl./4 dated 02.04.2004 to maintain human face.

Item No.34/2016

Sub: Recording of higher academic/educational qualification in the service sheet of duly appointed candidates

It has been brought to the notice of this federation that; a number of candidates, while applying for recruitment in the Railways, are unable to record their full academic/educational qualification in their application form due to one reason or the other. Some of them complete their higher education before they are appointed in the Railways through due process of selection through RRB etc. It is further noticed that when they submit that to their respective railway administrations to get their full academic/educational qualification recorded in their service record, the railway administration refused to do so without any valid reason. Refusal to record their full educational/academic qualification in their service record, that is acquired before appointment in the Railways, does not appeared to be logical. AIRF, therefore, desires that, necessary instructions be issued from the Railway to all the railway administrations to accept request of such employees who wish to get their full educational/academic qualification, already acquired before appointment, recorded in their service record.

Item No.35/2016 Sub: MACP benefit to Nursing Staff like other CG Hospitals Ref.: Railway Board‟s letter No.PC-V/2009/ACP/20/CLW dated 05.03.2013 Attention is invited towards Railway Board’s aforementioned letter, clarifying that directly recruited Technical Supervisors and Matrons in GP Rs.4600 would be entitled to GP Rs.4800, 5400 of PB-II and GP Rs.5400 in PB-III respectively under the MACP Scheme, subject to fulfillment of terms and conditions relating to the scheme. Aggrieved by these orders of the Railway Board, regarding grant of 3rd financial upgradation under MACPS in PB-III with Grade Pay Rs.5400, the Delhi Nursing Union agitated the issue before Hon’ble CAT, New Delhi vide O.A. No.141/2012, praying that GP Rs.6600 in PB-III should be granted in place of GP Rs.5400. Hon’ble CAT vide their interim orders dated 16.01.2012 stayed the recovery, if any, and finally vide orders dated 09.05.2012, quashed and set-aside above-mentioned orders and directed the Respondents to grant the benefit of MACP to the applicants in Grade Pay of Rs.6600 in PB-III. These orders of Hon’ble CAT, New Delhi, were challenged in the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi through a Writ Petition, which was also dismissed vide their orders dated 04.08.2012 and further challenged by the Government before the Hon’ble Supreme Court through SLP, which too was dismissed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court vide orders dated 04.08.2013. Pursuant to this decision of the Hon’ble Court, this issues was considered in totality by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, whereupon it was decided to grant benefit of 3rd MACP to Nursing Staff on completion of 30 years’ of service in Grade Pay of Rs.6600 in PB-III and not to affect any recovery, vide O.M.No.Z-29011/1/2012-N dated 11.04.2013, a copy of which is being enclosed herewith for ready reference. The Board are, therefore, requested to grant 3rd financial upgradation under MACP Scheme in Grade Pay Rs.6600 in PB-III, instead of GP Rs.5400, to all directly recruits in GP Rs.4600, viz. Technical Supervisors, Nursing Sisters, Chief Law Asstt. and similarly situated other staff with all consequential benefits.

Item No.36/2016 Sub: Implementation of MACP Scheme over Indian Railways - Discrepancies – Reg. Ref.: Railway Board‟s letters No.PC-V/2009/ACP/2 dated 10/6/2009(RBE No.101/2009) and dated 29/12/2011 and No. PC-V/2011/M/3/AIRF dated 25/2/2014 The Modified Assured Carrier Progression scheme (MACPS) came into effect in terms of RBE No.101/2009 dated 10/6/2009 modifying the ACP scheme already invogue before this scheme. The Railway Board’s letter supra gives detailed provisions of MACPS as also clarifies a numbers of related issues. The illustration on page No. 9 of the said letter states at (a) under Para 28 that “in case an employee had earned first promotion within a period less than 10 years, say in 8 years of regular service and then continues in same grade pay for further 10 years, without any promotions, he will be entitled for 2nd financial upgardation under MACP on completion of 8+10=10 years and 3rd financial upgradation on completion of further 10 years service i.e. after 8+10+10=28 years.” Most of the Zonal Railways have implemented MACPS on the basis of above illustration in various categories of Railway staff. The Railway Board, however, while clarifying the matter vide their letter dated 29/12/2011 have stated that “1st financial upgradation would be on completion of 10 years of continues service in same grade pay, 2nd on completion of 20 years service from the date of initial appointment or 10 years from the date of 1st financial upgradation/promotion, whichever is earlier & 3rd financial upgradation would be admissible on completion of 30 years regular service of initial appointment or 10 years from the date of 2nd financial upgradation/promotion whichever is earlier.” The illustration under Para 28 in the Board’s letter dated 10/6/2009 has, however, been reiterated in the letter dated 29/12/2011 also. It is evident from the clarification that an employee would be eligible for 2nd & 3rd financial upgradation after completion of 10 & 20 years service from his/her first promotion. However, the clarification further issued vide Board’s letter under reference at S.No-2 is in contradiction to the above provisions so far as the concluding line of the said letter is concerned, which states that “ It is not possible to agreed to grant of 3rd financial upgradation under MACPS on completion of 20 years of service after 1st promotion/upgradation. The Board are therefore, requested to further look into the matter in totality, as this would undo the provision already made vide Railway Board’s letter dated 10/6/2009 & 29/12/2011,resulting in a lot of recoveries from the staff in case of whom the MACPS has been implemented in terms of Railway Board’s letter under reference at S.No.1. This issue may be discussed with AIRF threadbare, so that there is no contradiction creating confusion in implementation of MACPS prevailed over Indian Railways and recoveries, if any being initiated on this account in any Zonal Railway, may be stopped till finalization of this issue.

Item No.37/2016 Sub: Retention of accommodation on normal rent – Staff working in sensitive posts, transfer to other places As per Railway Board’s orders, staff working in the sensitive posts are liable for transfer to other place on completion of four years service at a seat. According to Railway Board’s orders, attempts should be made to fulfill the condition by transferring such staff in other seat in the same station. But when they cannot be accommodated in other seat, their transfer from one place to other cause serious dislocation in children education. In that case, one is to maintain two establishments – one in former place for his family and the other for himself at new station of posting. But the quarters cannot be retained for more than the permissible period, compelling dislocation in education of the children and housing problem. It is urged that, in case of transfer of staff working in sensitive posts, retention of quarter on normal rent at their previous place of posting be permitted, so that mandatory transfer may not cause disturbance to their children education, compelling maintaining of two establishments etc.

Item No.38/2016 Sub: Post Retirement Complimentary Passes to Group `D‟ staff retired prior to 01.01.2006 at par with Group `C‟ Staff On the recommendations of VI CPC, erstwhile Group `D’ Staff in pay scales Rs.2550-3200, 2610-3540, 2650-4000, 2750-4400 have been merged and GP Rs.1800 has been allotted to merged categories. At present, erstwhile Group `D’ Staff are being denied benefit of Post Retirement Complementary Passes at par with Group `C’ Staff. This is totally discriminatory and injustice, which should not be allowed to be perpetuated for all times to come. It may be mentioned here that, the staff in scale Rs.2750-4400 was already treated as Group `C’ Staff and they were entitled for Post Retirement Complimentary Passes as admissible to all other Group `C’ Staff. It is urged that, the staff who were working in pay scales Rs.2550-3200, 2610-3540, 2650-4000 may be treated at par with Group `C’ Staff for the purpose of Post Retirement Complementary Passes. Above categories of staff may also be allowed to have one set of Post Retirement Complementary Passes in 3 AC.

Item No.39/2016 Sub: Abrupt enhancement in per-capita charges for the treatment of staff and their family members employed in the Railway Cooperative Credit Societies/Banks and other quasi- administrative offices, including Recognized Unions and Federations, for treatment in Railway Hospitals Ref.: AIRF‟s letter No.AIRF/101(684) dated August 2, 2016 Railway Board vide letter No.2003/H-1/2/2 dated 27.05.2016 have issued instructions to revise per-capita charges for medical attendance and treatment facilities to the staff and the members of their families employed in the Railway Co-operative Credit Societies and Banks and other quasi-administrative offices, including Recognized Unions and Federations of the Indian Railways in Railway Hospitals w.e.f. 2004-05, i.e. after 11 years. Per-capita charges in connection with the above are deposited every year by the concerned Railway Co-operative Credit Societies and Banks and other quasi-administrative offices, including Recognized Unions and Federations for the staff and their family members. At this distinct time, abrupt upward revision of per-capita charges, effective from 2004-05, is not at all justified and would create lots of problems to the Railway Co-operative Credit Societies and Banks and other quasi-administrative offices, including recognized unions and federations, as this expenditure is to be reflected in the balance sheet of the corresponding year, which is mandatorily submitted to concerned Registrar in the stipulated period of time. AIRF, therefore, desires that this exorbitant revision may be withdrawn and the issue be discussed threadbare with the federation before finalizing the same.

Item No.40/2016 Sub: Implementation of various recommendations of the Joint Committee on Package and Allowance to Trackmen and other grievances of the Trackman Category Trackmen, being ever neglected category, the Joint Committee on Package and Allowance to Trackmen had recommended a number of measures for upliftment of this category. As per Railway Board’s letter No.2013/CE-1/GNS/29 dated 01.01.2014 (para 10.2 of the Joint Committee referred to above) had agreed to implement the percentage distribution in different grades of Trackmen as 10, 20, 20 and 50% (Grade I, II, III and IV respectively) after orders of the date of approval, communicated by the Railway Board, i.e. 17.08.2012 as per agreement arrived at with this federation. However, necessary orders to this effect are yet to be communicated to Zonal Railway Administrations for implementing the same. Other recommendations of the above-mentioned Joint Committee are also yet to be implemented in letter and spirit, which also need to be implemented without further delay. Owing to change of designation of Gangmen to Trackmen, the age old unit of the gang also needs to be given new nomenclature as “Trackmen Unit” in place of gang. AIRF desires that the above mentioned improvement may be done for the category of Trackmen at an early date.

Item No.41/2016 Sub: Enhancement of ceiling of investigation facilities at the Health Unit level One of our affiliates Western Railway Employees‟ Union had raised the issue of enhancement of ceiling for investigation at the Health Unit level, as a result of which, the Chief Medical Director, Western Railway vide letter No.MD 173/0 dated 16.04.2016 has referred the matter to Director General(RHS), Railway Board to enhance the ceiling of investigation facilities at the Health Unit level from Rs.5,000 p.m. to Rs.15,000 p.m. per doctor. Since in the present time, diagnosis is depended upon thorough investigations, like Ultrasound, USG, X-Ray, Pathological investigations etc., as such great difficulties are being experienced at the Health Unit level to undertake the required investigations and the railway patients have to face undue hardship on this account because they are either directed to Divisional/Central Hospitals which are located at the distant places from most of the primary Railway Health Units. It may also be appreciated that, the number of patients is increasing day-by-day because different types of ailments, like hypertension, diabetes, are developing in the Railwaymen and their family members. As such, present ceiling of Rs.5,000 p.m., fixed for investigations to be carried out at the Health Unit level, is considered quite inefficient. AIRF, therefore, demands that, the present ceiling of Rs.5,000 p.m. per doctor in Railway Health Units be enhanced to Rs.15,000 p.m. per doctor, considering the above facts into account at an early date.

Item No.42/2016 Sub: Compassionate ground appointment to daughter-in-law of deceased railway employees Ref.: AIRF‟s letter No.AIRF/226(653) dated 08.07.2016 Some cases have been brought to the notice of this federation, wherein married son of a railway employee expired while employee himself was in service, and subsequently employee also expired, leaving behind son, widow and widow daughter-in-law. Employee’s family, comprising of son, widow and widow daughter-in-law with their children are left without any source of income to maintain their livelihood. Owing to age factor and health problems, widow of the employee does not prefer to seek appointment on compassionate ground and intends to appoint his widow daughter-in-law to maintain livelihood of the family. On account of non-availability of any policy in this regard, railway administrations deny such appointments on compassionate ground to widow daughter-in-law, with the result that, family of the deceased railway employee is subjected to acute hardship without any source of income for livelihood due to loss of breadwinner as a result of death of the employee. Such cases attract more compassion from the railway administration on humanitarian ground. AIRF, therefore, desires that, the policy of granting appointment on compassionate ground be suitably modified to provide for appointment on compassionate ground to widow daughter-in-law where widow of the deceased railway employee, on account of health reason etc., prefers to give appointment to her widow daughter-in-law for earning livelihood of the family of deceased railway employee in special circumstances.

Item No.43/2016 Sub: Filling-up of large number of vacancies of Goods Guard in North Western Railway As Railway Board are aware that, 60% of vacancies in the category of Goods Guard is earmarked for Promotee Quota from amongst the specified eligible category in Traffic and Commercial Departments with certain percentages prescribed for each eligible category. In North Western Railway, there are around 480 vacancies in the category of Goods Guard which are to be filled-up by promotion from amongst the eligible feeder categories. It has been reported that, sufficient number of candidates, possessing prescribed academic/educational qualification in the feeder categories, being not available, these vacancies are not being filled-up, with the result that, there is acute shortage of Goods Guard over the said Railway. Large number of vacancies in the category of Goods Guard would result in working of goods trains without the Guard, which is a clear-cut safety infringement. Similar may be the situation over other Railways also. AIRF, therefore, desires that, vacancies of Goods Guard, earmarked for Promotee Quota, if cannot be filled because of non-availability of eligible feeder category staff, one time exemption be granted to Zonal Railways and Production Units to conduct GDCE from the qualified staff of all the departments as large number of educated staff is available in Grade Pay Rs.1800 in different categories, including the Trackmen for the present and necessary instructions to this effect be issued at an early date.

Item No.44/2016 Sub: Eligibility criteria for appearing in selection to the post of OS, PB-II, GP Rs.4200, against 20% LDCE Quota Pursuant to implementation of recommendation of the VI CPC, 20% posts of OS, PB-II, GP Rs.4200, were earmarked to be filled-up through LDCE from amongst the following categories, as per IREM Volume I, para 174, duly fulfilling the conditions laid down for them as under:-

Seven years regular service as Clerk-cum Typist/Typist in Grade Pay Rs.1900 and Sr. Clerk/Sr. Typist in Grade Pay Rs.2800/2400, put together.

OR

Three years regular service as Sr. Clerk/Sr. Typist in Grade Pay Rs.2800/2400

OR

Seven years regular service as Clerk-cum-Typist/Typist in Grade Pay Rs.1900. It has been brought to the notice of this federation that, in some Zonal Railways, candidates in the above-mentioned categories, duly fulfilling the requisite conditions, laid down against each, are not available to fill-up the posts of OS, PB-II, Grade Pay Rs.4200, against 20% LDCE Quota. For instance, in North Western Railway, a selection was conducted to fill-up the posts of OS against 20% LDCE Quota vide Notification No.875-E-1/2 OS/LDCE-20%/Selection dated 29.10.2015, of which only 85 eligible candidates could apply. Similar may be situation in other Zonal Railways also. It is also pertinent to mention here that, large number of educated staff have been inducted in the Railways during the recent past, who are either Graduate or Post-Graduate in different disciplines, but have not yet completed 7 years of service. AIRF, therefore, desires that, the condition of 07 years service, as laid down above, be reduced to 03 years, so that the posts of OS, PB-II, Grade Pay Rs.4200, earmarked for 20% LDCE Quota, are filled-up without any difficulty.

Item No.45/2016 Sub: Inclusion of name of widow mother-in-law in the Passes issued to a widow women employee According to Pass Rules, family of a railway employee is entitled to avail the facility of Passes in the Railways. Definition of the “family” means, spouse of the employee, his/her children and widow mother, sister and disabled son/brother only, who are entitled to avail this privilege. Able son/dependent brother are entitled only up to the age of 21 years. In the Indian concept of the family, widow mother-in-law is also a family member of a widow railway employee. In case a male railway employee dies in harness and his widow gets appointment on compassionate ground, her widow mother-in-law (widow mother of the deceased employee) is unfortunately not covered under the Railway Pass Rules. The irony of the fate lies in the fact that, widow mother of the deceased employee loose everything, i.e. her husband and his son also. While her son, a railway employee, was alive, she was entitled to avail the facility of Railway Passes with her son, but after the death of her son, she is deprived of the same. It may be appreciated that, after the death of husband and son, widow mother-in-law of a widow women employee is in dire need of all kinds of assistance, including medical facilities, and that of the Railway Passes. AIRF, therefore, demands that, such cases may be considered on humanitarian ground, and necessary modification in the Railway Pass Rules be affected to cover widow mother-in-law of widow railway employee, appointed on compassionate ground, on humanitarian ground.

Item No.46/2016 Sub: Benchmarking for MACP from Good to Very Good Dedication of the railwaymen is a proven fact. Running of 22,000 pairs of trains everyday in all weathers itself is a glorious example of services rendered by the railwaymen. Therefore, benchmarking suggested by the VII CPC from Good to Very Good is not workable for the railwaymen. AIRF, therefore, urges upon that, the existing benchmarking for promotion/MACP in the Railways itself is working satisfactorily, as such, there is no need to change this benchmarking system.

Item No.47/2016

Sub: Merger of IRPMU with CSTE Project Unit of NCR, Allahabad Ref.: (i) Railway Board‟s letter No.2016/O&M/3/3 dated 14.06.2016 (ii) AIRF‟s letter No.AIRF/24(C)(660) dated July 16, 2016 Indian Railway Project Management Unit(IRPMU) was set-up to look after special works of signaling and was working with its entire efficiency and giving full productivity. It is unfortunate that, orders have been issued from the Railway Board for merger of IRPMU with CSTE Project Unit of North Central Railway Allahabad, and the staff working in IRPMU New Delhi Office have been asked to be repatriated. Such orders are putting the existing staff into lot of troubles and harassment because some of their wards are even in the middle of scholastic session. It is, therefore, requested that, these orders should be cancelled and the system, which was in vogue earlier, should be allowed to continue. In case there is any problem, the matter should be discussed with AIRF because almost all the staff working in IRPMU New Delhi Office, have represented to AIRF against closure of IRPMU New Delhi Office. Similar is the situation with Stores Department of Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala. Since inception of RCF/KXH, the office of COS Stores was opened at Tilak Bridge, New Delhi, with a view to facilitate the tenderers and suppliers based in Delhi and around. Adequate number of staff have been posted in this unit. Recently some orders have been issued that this office should be closed, rendering all the staff helpless. On our representation Railway Board considered that they would not send the staff who would not opt to go to RCF/KXH, but it is unfortunate that, pressure is being mounted for shifting of these staff. AIRF will not tolerate any harassment to these staff who have been posted in the COS Stores Unit of RCF/KXH at Tilak Bridge, New Delhi. AIRF, therefore, wants that, Railway Board should not initiate such action to dislodge the staff posted in Delhi or at any other places over the Indian Railways.

Item No.48/2016 Sub: Payment of Officiating Allowance to Running Staff in higher grade up to 30 days - Error in placing bracket in Rule 913(i)(a) of IREM-1 Ref.: AIRF‟s letter No.AIRF/55(647) dated May 27/17 June, 2016 In terms of Railway board’s instructions issued vide their letter No.PC-69/PP-1/I dated 05.05.1969 and No.E(P&A)II-76/PA/1 dated 22.06.1977 (Annex-I & II), the Running Staff officiating in higher grades for less than 30 days may be paid officiating allowance enhanced by 15% of the kilometrage actually performed for every higher grade in which officiating above the posts in which they are working i.e. a Goods Guard/Driver put to officiate in Mail/Exp. Link be paid officiating allowance at 30%. These letters also contain instructions for payment of officiating allowance to fireman etc. at 30% instead of 15% when put to officiate in higher grade. The above noted instructions were also reiterated by the Running Allowance Committee, 1980 in its recommendations approved by the Board and both the federations. The recommendations after acceptance by both the Federations were made Rules and circulated vide Board’s letter No.E(P&A) 11-80/RS-10 dated 17.07.1981 (Annex. - III) and also incorporated in Chapter-IX of IREM –I (1985 Edition). The instructions of Board’s letter ibid dated 05.05.69 and 22.06.77 were consolidated by the RAC-1980 into one sentence in sub-para-3(11) by adding a Bracket as under:- Sub-Para-3(11)(a) When running staff are put to officiate in a running post for 30 days or less, they will be paid pay admissible in the lower grade plus running allowance at the rates and on the condition applicable to the higher grade in which they officiate enhanced by 15% (except in the case of Fireman „C‟ put to officiate as fireman „B‟ and Engine Cleaners put to officiate as fireman „C‟ for whom the enhancement will be by 30%) of the kilometrage actually performed for every such higher grade. In the above instructions the Bracket commenced after the figure of 15% and closed after the figure of 30%, but in Rule 913 (i)(a) of IREM-1 (1985 Edition) there is printing error with the Bracket starting correctly before the figure of 15% but not closed. (Annex. - IV). Again in the 2009 edition of IREM-1 there is again printing error in Rule 913(i)(a) as the Bracket has commenced correctly before the figure of 15% but erroneously closed in the end of the rule after the word “higher grade” (Annex. -V). The divisional Administration of Delhi Division is misinterpreting this Bracket with the argument that “for every such higher grade” does not apply to the Goods Guard/Driver who will be paid only 15% officiating allowance for officiating in passenger as well as Mail/Express Link. Wrong placement of Bracket in rule 913(i)(a) of IREM-1 (2009 edition) has created a confusing as well as an anomalous condition and also caused a controversial situation between the contents of Board’s letters ibid dated 05/05/69,22/06/77, 17/07/81 and Rule 913(i)(a) of IREM-1. It is requested that the Railway Board may be requested to make modification in Rule 913 (i)(a) by placing the Bracket at a proper place as printed in Sub-rule3(11)(a) of RAC-1980 recommendations circulated under Board letter ibid dated 17.07.1981.

Item No.49/2016 Sub: Drastic reduction in allotment of fund on staff amenities under Plan Head 52 Awful condition of the railway quarters has always been a matter of concern and is being constantly pursued by this federation with the Railway Board, up to apex level, i.e. with Hon’ble Minister for Railways also. Despite several assurances, ironically enough, instead of providing additional fund for maintenance/repair of railway quarters and staff amenities, allotment of fund has been reduced as under:-

PLAN HEAD 52 - STAFF AMENITIES

2015-16 2016-17 Variations

Rs.399.30 crore Rs.296.51 crore (-) 102.79 crore This would definitely bound to further worsening condition of the railway quarters and colonies. AIRF, therefore, desires that, the fund allotted for repair/maintenance of the quarters and on staff amenities head be enhanced suitably, so that, some collective improvement in the railway quarters and railway colonies can be possible.

Item No.50/2016 Sub: Consideration appeal of newly recruited candidates and non-gazetted posts and declared medically unfit – Revision of policy thereof As per Advance Correction Slip No.01/2014, issued vide Railway Board’s letter No.2014/H/5/8(Policy) dated 05.06.201, duly amending para 522 of the IRMM, 2000, if a candidate has been found to be medically unfit on grounds of vision/colour vision/hypertension/diabetes or any other condition/disease, the medical examiner will not issue any certificate and will put up his/her findings to the CMO/MD/CMS/ACMS in charge of the Unit/Division/Sub-division/Production Unit. Such candidates, without having to submit any appeal, will then be immediately examined by a three members’ Standing Medical Board, consisting of (i) a specialist in the field, however, if the specialist is not available within the Unit/Division/ Production Unit, a senior doctor would be nominated in place of a specialist, (ii) the medical officer who has conducted the first medical examination, and (iii) the third being a senior medical officer specially nominated by the CMO/CMS/MD/ACMS in charge for this purpose. Decision of this three members’ Standing Medical Board, as accepted by the CMO/MD/CMS, will be final, and no further appeal is to be affected, however, in specific cases, the appeal may be considered by the CMD of the Railway. A number of cases have been brought to the notice of this federation, by its affiliates, wherein candidates, being appointed under LARSGESS, compassionate ground etc., found having minor physical deficiency, like partial amputation of nails in either of the fingers, temporary eye problem etc., are being declared medically unfit by the Standing Medical Board, constituted in terms of Railway Board’s letter supra, which invariably, is associated by the medical officer who conducted first medical examination. It is often noticed suo-moto, the appeal dealt by the Standing Medical Board, constituted in terms of Railway Board’s letter referred to above, gets biased because of the presence of the medical officer in the Board, who conducted initial medical examination of the candidate. Prior to instructions of the Railway Board, issued vide Railway Board’s letter 05.06.2014 ibid, appeal against first medical examination was being considered by a senior medical officer, specially nominated by the CMD/CMS etc., whereby decision of the appellate Board used to be normal, fair and unbiased. AIRF, therefore, demands that, the amendment made in para 522 of the IRMM, 2000, duly affected vide Railway Board’s letter dated 05.06.2014 supra, be withdrawn forthwith, and earlier policy, in vogue prior to this amendment, be allowed to continue in the interest of justice and parity.

Item No.51/2016 Sub: Increasing Promotion Quota percentage for Technician III posts in Diesel/Electric Loco/EMU Sheds on Indian Railways Ref.: AIRF‟s letter No.AIRF/53(587) dated 05.04.2016 As per Railway Board’s letter No.E(NG)I-2014/PM7/1 dated 14.01.2016 (RBE No.07/2016), the procedure prescribed for Diesel/Electric Loco/EMU Sheds to fill-up the posts of Technician III, amending para 159 of the IREM Volume I, 2009 (Reprint Edition), has been modified as under:-

(i) 50% plus shortfall, if any, against LDCE Quota as at (ii) below by selection from Course Completed Act Apprentices, and ITI passed candidates in relevant trades from the open market; serving employees who are “Course Completed Act Apprentices” or ITI qualified could be considered against this quota allowing age relaxation as applicable to serving employees; and

(ii) 25% from serving semi-skilled and unskilled staff with educational qualification as laid down in Apprentices Act; and

(iii) 25% by promotion of staff in the lower grade as per prescribed procedure. As a number of qualified staff are being recruited in Grade Pay of Rs.1800 as Helper in Diesel/Electric Loco/EMU Sheds, sufficient number of candidates, who are in possession of higher academic qualification, are awaiting promotion to the category of Technician III although they do possess the qualification prescribed for open market in the category of Technician III. AIRF, therefore, desires that, the percentage prescribed for open market recruitment, normal promotion and promotion against Talented Quota be revised as under:-

(i) 35% plus shortfall, if any, against LDCE Quota as at (ii) below by selection from Course Completed Act Apprentices, and ITI passed candidates in relevant trades from the open market; serving employees who are “Course Completed Act Apprentices” or ITI qualified could be considered against this quota allowing age relaxation as applicable to serving employees; and

(ii) 25% from serving semi-skilled and unskilled staff with educational qualification as laid down in Apprentices Act; and

(iii) 40% by promotion of staff in the lower grade as per prescribed procedure. and orders to this effect be issued with consequential amendment in para 159 of the IREM, Volume I, 2009 (Reprint Edition) at an early date.

Item No.52/2016 Sub: Provision of industrial/safety shoes to the staff of Signal, Electrical and C&W Departments Electrical Signal Maintainers are acquired to maintain the signals located between Up distance signal and Down distance signal of a station, for which they have to travel this distance, which does not have any proper pathway, owing to which they have to walk on the ballast on the track. Maintenance Staff of the Electrical and C&W Departments are also have to work in a very adverse condition. The work place is mostly in very savvy condition with oil, grease as also iron chips, which are prone to accident. AIRF, therefore, desires that, industrial/safety shoes be provided to the above-mentioned category of staff as a safety measure on the pattern of Track Maintainers.

Item No.53/2016 Sub: Creation of posts against RSP Works Ref.: Railway Board‟s letter No.F(E)I/2016/Misc./1 dated 21.04.2016 It is a matter of regret that, Railway Board vide letter under reference have issued instructions to the General Managers of all the Zonal Railways and Production Units not to create posts against RSP Works. It has also been stated that, creation of Work Charged posts against RSP Works is not in order and perpetuation of a bad precedent would not be correct. Railway Board have, however, permitted to continue such existing posts up to 30.06.2016 only and have directed to take the following action on the subject:-

(i) In the next two months a thorough review of the need for continuation of all these posts may be undertaken.

(ii) Posts which are not justified may be surrendered.

(iii) For posts which are required, detailed justification may be provided by the concerned unit and forwarded to Board with the approval of GM.

It may be appreciated that, RSP Works are sanctioned every year, for which adequate manpower is always required to undertake the work successfully. AIRF, therefore, urges upon the Railway Board to permit creation of posts (Work Charged) against RSP Works, so that RSP Works can be successfully undertaken by the Railways without facing the crisis of manpower as hitherto.

Item No.54/2016 Sub: Fixation of Pay of Running Staff on implementation of VII CPC recommendations Ref.: AIRF‟s letter No.AIRF/405(VII CPC)(689) dated 05.08.2016 Railway Board vide their letter No.PC-VII/2016/RSRP/2 dated 03.08.2016(RBE No.94/2016) have issued Fixation Formula for revision of pay of Running Staff as under:-

(Pay in Pay Band + Grade Pay) X 2.57 + DA on pre-revised 30% Pay Element) Accordingly, their revised pay will be fixed in the corresponding cell in the Pay Matrix or next higher cell in the level. Normal weightage of fitment benefit of 14.29%, as recommended by the VII CPC, is not virtually given to Running Staff, if revised pay is fixed as per above-mentioned formula, which is causing great injustice to Running Staff. Although 30% Pay Element is not paid to Running Staff, but this element is counted for computing 17 benefits, including Dearness Allowance etc. As such, weightage of 14.29% rise should have been counted instead of counting simple Dearness Allowance on 30% of Pay Element. In fact, para 12 of the Extraordinary Gazette Notification No.1-2/2016-IC dated 25.07.2016, issued by the Ministry of Finance(Department of Expenditure), has clearly mentioned that, while revising the pay of doctors, in respect of whom Non Practicing Allowance is admissible and Railway employees, in respect of whom Running Allowance is admissible, it will be ensured that, actual rise in pay at the time of initial fixation is about 14.29%, as recommended by the 7th CPC. AIRF, therefore, demands to revise the fixation formula in respect of Running Staff, duly giving weightage of 14.29%, so as to give justice to this vulnerable category of staff.

Item No.55/2016 Sub: Advancement prospects for Lab. Asstt. of CMT Organization under Mechanical Department of the Indian Railways Owing to implementation of recommendations of the VI CPC report, the two pre-revised pay scales of General Chemical & Metallurgical Asstt.(CMA) and Chemical & Metallurgical Staff(CMS) were merged together and replaced by PB-II, GP Rs.4200. Prior to 01.01.2006, 50% posts of General C&M Asstt. were earmarked for promotion from amongst the eligible Lab. Asstt. of the CMT Department. After merger of General C&M Asstt. and C&M Asstt. on the recommendations of the VI CPC, 66-2/3% posts of the CMA in the revised pay scales, i.e. PB-II, GP Rs.4200, have been prescribed for Direct Recruitment from open market, and balance 33-1/3% are earmarked for promotion from the feeder grade. On account of certain confusions in respect of eligibility criteria and methodology, to be adopted for promotion against 33-1/3% posts of the CMA, PB-II, GP Rs.4200 (after implementation of VI CPC), no promotions are being made from the category of Lab. Asstt. to the post of CMA against above-mentioned Promotee Quota, with the result that, Lab. Asstt. in various Zonal Railways etc. are stagnated in the same grade. AIRF, therefore, urges that, necessary instructions be issued to all the Zonal Railways and Production Units to fill-up Promotee Quota in the category of CMA from amongst the eligible Lab.Asstt., so as to facilitate their advancement at an early date.

Item No.56/2016 Sub: Earmarking of quota for employment to Widowed/Divorced Daughters of the railwaymen in the recruitment from open market Ref.: AIRF‟s letter No.AIRF/447 (520) dated 23.01.2016 As a welfare measure, the Rajasthan Government has earmarked 8% and 2% quota respectively for Widowed and Divorcee daughters of the employees of the Rajasthan Government without any upper age limit for recruitment from open market against vacancies of different categories, which is evident from the advertisement of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission dated 15.05.2015 (copy of which has already been forwarded to Railway Board vide this office letter of even number dated 23.01.2016) on the above subject matter. Unfortunately, there a number of cases where Widowed and Divorcee daughters of the Railwaymen are also in dire need of employment, having no proper source of income to maintain their livelihood. It may also be appreciated that, Indian Railways, being a model employer, always takes initiatives to take care of the family members of the Railwaymen. AIRF, therefore, desires that, some reasonable quota be earmarked for recruitment of Widowed and Divorcee daughters of the Railwaymen, without specifying any upper age limit for recruitment from open market against vacancies of different categories from open market, for which a Draft Policy may be framed and discussed with the recognized federation before finalizing the same.