massive march on parliament - airfindia.org · indian railwaymen, april 2018 page 3 94th annual...

Web: www.airfindia.com/Email: [email protected]

With Annual Subscription Rs.60/-, Single Copy Rs.5/-

Year 54, Vol. 04. Editor: Shiva Gopal Mishra April, 2018

Editorial

Massive March on Parliament Dear Comrades! Kudos’s to all of you for supporting clarion call given by All India Railwaymen’s Federation for

Parliament March on 13th March, 2018. Unexpected huge turn-out in this massive rally on the one

hand has increased our enthusiasm and on the other hand bell the rings of government.

All India Railwaymen’s Federation’s working committee has also taken decision to go for relay

hunger strike from 8th May 11th May where massive participation is accepted because it will be held

at branch level.

Comrades, 8th May had been a historical day for all of us because of historical strike of 1974 where

there had been mass scale victimization and repression of striking railwaymen at behest of

Government. We could not forget the tratism of other union played for breaking this strike but they

could not succeed. This year is golden jubilee year of 1968 strike and our unions are celebrating it

with jubilation while giving befitting condolences to martyrs.

Comrades, in view of adamancy of the government it will be essential to

remain in all preparedness for total struggle to save railways and to achieve

our long pending demands including restoration of old pension scheme,

increase in minimum wage and change in fitment formula accordingly.

We have to again prove our strength in relay hunger strike from 8th to 11th May

as we had proved on 13th March in Parliament March.

Hope relay hunger strike will be a great success and central govt. will resolve the long pending demands of central govt. employees.

With Best Regards, General Secretary

INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, April 2018

6th National Convention of the NETWON, Nepal

The 6th National Convention of the NEPAL YATAYAT MAZDOOR SANGH (NETWON), which is the umbrella union for Civil Aviation, Road Transport, Tourism, Petrol Tanker Driver & Taxi Driver unions was held in the tourist city of Pokhara on 30th and 31st March 2018 with the slogan “Let’s Dignify Transport Workers, Implement Social Security Act”. Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary/All India Railwaymen’s Federation and Com. Sangam Tripathi from International Transport Federation and more than 400 representatives from all over Nepal participated in the said Convention and proceeding of this convention awaited.


94th Annual General Meeting of AIRF to be held at KOTA

(West Central Railway), from 1st to 3rd November, 2018

“March to Parliament” on 13th March, 2018

Pursuant to unanimous resolution of the 93rd Annual Convention of AIRF, held at Gorakhpur from 15-17 November, 2017 and there being no progress on the three major demands of the Railwaymen, viz. (i) Guaranteed Pension and Family Pension to NPS Covered Employees, (ii) Improvement in Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula and (iii) Railway Safety from privatization/outsourcing, a “Massive March to Parliament” was organized by the All India Railwaymen’s Federation in the morning of 13th March, 2018 in New Delhi, which was largely attended by the office-bearers, activists and grassroots workers of AIRF affiliates, numbering more than 50,000. The “March to Parliament” started from AIRF Office, 4 State Entry Road, was culminated into a Mass Rally at the Parliament Street, New Delhi. Addressing the “Massive Rally”, General Secretary AIRF, Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra said that, there has been serious resentment and deep sense of frustration among the Central Government Employees, including the Railwaymen, on the disappointing report of the 7th CPC. As such, a unanimous decision was taken by the NJCA to launch an “Indefinite Strike”of all the Central Government Employees, including the Railwaymen, commencing from 6 o’clock on 11th July 2016, on account of government’s intervention and negotiations heldwith the Group of Ministers, comprising of Hon’ble Home Minister, Hon’ble Finance Minister, Hon’ble Minister for Railways and Hon’ble State Minister for Railways, on 30th June, 2016, and their assurance that, the grievances of the Central Government Employees, in regard to improvement in Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula and Guaranteed Pension and Family Pension to NPS Covered Employees etc., would be addressed in a limited timeframe(four months) by setting-up an “Empowered Committee” for the purpose.

Owing to the above assurance from the GoMs ibid, the NJCA had unanimously decided to defer the proposed “Indefinite Strike” of the Central Government Employees, scheduled to be commenced from 11th July, 2016. Com. Mishra further said that, though the GoMs had assured to resolve these issues within a period of four months, however, ironically enough, more than 18-month time has already elapsed, but nothing fruitful outcome has yet evolved, as a result of which, patience of the Railwaymen has crossed the limit. Com. Mishra also mentioned that, the present government is pursuing the policies of contractualisation and privatization at a more faster pace, and a number of activities of perennial nature are being outsourced, which is posing serious threat on Railway Safety as well. The number of these contractual workers is increasing day-by-day, he said, and they are being exploited to the greatest extent, on the other hand, large-number of posts in Safety Categories are lying vacant for the last more than two years. The General Secretary added that, the Railwaymen are exerting hard round-the-clock in all odds and climatic conditions to keep the wheels of the Indian Railways moving. They even have to sacrifice their precious lives while performing duties, nevertheless, Ministry of Railways and Government of India are not taking appropriate action to improve upon their working and living conditions despite sustained persuasions by the AIRF. The General Secretary further added that, aggrieved by the indifferent attitude of the Ministry of Railways and Government of India in not addressing their above-mentioned major demands, thousands of the Railwaymen from all over the Indian Railways have arrived in this mammoth gathering to knock at the door of the Parliament to awake the government.


(AIRF & ITS AFFILIATES ORGANISED MASSIVE PROTESTS AGAINST GOVERNMENT AND ITS ANTI LABOUR POLICIES)


He also informed the gathering that the committee constituted to review the NPS has reportedly submitted its report around 10-month back, but the government is sitting on the same and no action is being taken to provide for Guaranteed Pension and Family Pension, as Social Security, to the NPS Covered Employees. He warned the government to take a lesson from the serious resentment of the Railwaymen and to resolve their grievances without further loss of time; else AIRF would be compelled to intensity the movement to resort to direct trade union action, entire responsibility of which shall squarely rest with the Government of India and Ministry of Railways. Presiding over the mammoth gathering of the Railwaymen, arrived in the “March to Parliament”, Com. Rakhal Das Gupta, President/AIRF, said that, AIRF has rendered all out cooperation for smooth and efficient running of the Railways, but this should not be misunderstood. The Government of India and Ministry of Railways must resolve the burning problems of the Railwaymen, like scrapping of NPS(now called National Pension Scheme), improvement in Minimum Wage and Pay Fixation Formula to all categories of the Railwaymen and stop outsourcing of perennial nature works in violation of provisions of the Contract Labour(Regulation & Abolition) Act and settle all other burning grievances, otherwise All India Railwaymen’s Federation would be compelled to intensify the struggle. The rally was also addressed by the General Secretary, National Union of Seafarers of India, Bro. Abdulgani Y. Serang, Com. N. Kanniah, Working President/AIRF, Com. J.R. Bhosale, Treasurer/AIRF, Com. Mukesh Mathur, Asstt. General Secretary/AIRF, Com. Mukesh Galav, Asstt. General Secretary/AIRF, Com. S.K. Tyagi, Asstt. General Secretary/AIRF and other office-bearers of the federation who lead the March. Subsequently, AIRF Delegation, comprising of Com. Rakhal Das Gupta, Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, Com. N. Kanniah, Com. J.R. Bhosale, Com. S.K. Tyagi, Com. L.N.

Pathak and other office-bearers of the federation, handed over a copy of the memorandum, containing the significant demands of the Railwaymen, to Hon’ble Minister for Railways. Burning grievances of the Railwaymen – Intervention sought for

We have been directed to bring to your kind notice the following burning grievances of the Railwaymen for your kind intervention through a “Massive Demonstration” before the Parliament:-

1. Exempt the Railwaymen from the purview of National pension System(NPS)

On the recommendations of the First Central Pay Commission, Pension has been granted to the Railwaymen w.e.f. 01.04.1957. Subsequently, Family Pension Scheme has also been introduced w.e.f. 01.04.1964. Social Security of the Pensioners has extended financial stability and dignity to the Railwaymen in the family at the fag-end of their life. Suddenly, the government introduced New Pension Scheme, now called National Pension System (NPS), and made it mandatory for those appointed in the Railway Services on or after 01.01.2004. Although, the contribution is defined, but the benefit is most uncertain, causing serious concern and resentment amongst the Railwaymen and their families. The matter was agitated, and on the representations of All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF), Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, the then Hon’ble Minister for Railways vide letter No.2012/F(E)III/1/4-Part dated 29th March, 2014, addressed to the then Hon’ble Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidambram, had urged to exempt the Railwaymen from the purview of NPS. Subsequently, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, the then Hon’ble Minister for Railways, vide his letter No.2012/F (E)III/1/1/4-Pt. dated 12th November, 2015 had also written to Hon’ble Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley, to exempt Railwaymen from the purview of NPS and to continue Original Pension/Family Pension Scheme for the Pensioners and Family Pensioners, irrespective of their date of appointment in the Indian Railways.


The All India Railwaymen’s Federation would urge upon the Government of India that, irrespective of date of appointment; the Railwaymen should be excluded from the purview of the National Pension System (NPS) and should be covered under original Defined Pension and Family Pension Scheme. 2. Improvement in the quantum of Minimum Wage and Revision of Pay Fixation Formula for all categories of the Railwaymen All India Railwaymen’s Federation and National Council(JCM) had submitted demand before the 7th Central Pay Commission for Revision of Minimum Wage of the Railwaymen and all other Central Government Employees on the basis of norms fixed by Dr. Aykhroyd Formula, praying fixation of minimum at Rs.26,000 w.e.f. 01.01.2014 and Wage Revision Formula by a factor of 3.72. But, Minimum Wage has been pegged down to Rs.18,000 w.e.f. 01.01.2016 and wages have been revised by a factor ranging from 2.57 to 2.81. We have come across serious agitations amongst the Railwaymen and other Central Government Employees, and the Railwaymen were forced to decide to launch an “Indefinite Strike” in the Railways w.e.f. 11th July, 2016. However, on the assurance of the Group of Ministers, viz. Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Home Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley, Hon’ble Finance Minister, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, the then Hon’ble Railway Minister, Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble MoSR, appointed for the purpose, by the government, strike decision was deferred. Unfortunately, justice in the matter is still denied by the government, causing serious discontentment amongst all the Railwaymen and other Central Government Employees and they are badly agitated on this account. AIRF requests intervention of the government, through your goodself, for improvement in the matter of Minimum Wage of the Railwaymen and also to improve wage revision/fixation formula upwardly for all the categories of the Railwaymen and others. 3. Attempt of privatization/outsourcing of regular works through the process of

contractorisation, violating the provision of Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970:-There has been constant attempt to handover regular nature of jobs to the outside agencies in detriment to the interest of safe travelling of the public. With a view to intensify the matter, a Committee, headed by Dr. Bibekdeb Roy, was appointed, and on the basis of the report of the said committee, one-by-one different departmental activities of perennial nature of the Indian Railways are being handed over to the private parties. Gradually, the work of manufacturing coaches and locomotives, including their day-to-day maintenance, are being handed over to entrepreneurs as also maintenance of the railway tracks. Private parties have also been allowed to run train sets. Indian Railways has also formed “Station Development Authority” and decided to hand over the stations to the private parties gradually. The works of manning of Level Crossing Cates and patrolling of the railway tracks are also being handed over to the private parties in the name of “Gate Mitras” etc., posing serious threat to safe running of the Railways. The government has also decided to induct 100% FDI in the Railways, and in a bit, the Indian Railway has

also entered into agreements with M/s Alstom (Germany) and General Electric (USA) for manufacturing of electric and diesel locomotives, and the contracts include maintenance of those

locomotives by the foreign agencies for a period of 15 years. Presently, orders have been issued by the Ministry of Railways to close down number of Printing Presses and to hand over those works to outside agencies. AIRF expresses its serious concern on large-scale outsourcing of Railway works part by part, causing potential threat to safety of the travelling public. AIRF strongly opposes to the above policies of the Government of India and Ministry of Railways and seeks your kind intervention in the larger interest of safety of the travelling public in the Railways. In fine, All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) would seek the intervention of the Government of India through your good self to take steps for resolving the above burning problems of the Railwaymen and the Rail users.


AIRF’S REFERENCES TO RAILWAY BOARD ON STAFF MATTERS

Sub: Solidarity with the French Railwaymen’s Strike

All India Railwaymen’s Federation, on behalf of more than 1.2 million Railway Workers in India, which has always been the champion for the cause of the Railwaymen in our country, fully supports you in your strike against the reforms being pushed by the government just to privatize, under neo-liberalization pressure world over, the Railway Systems. We hope that your fight will definitely put pressure on the French Government and they will definitely discuss with you and resolve the workers’ issues. We are separately writing to the French Government through their Ambassador in India to negotiate the matter with your union and involve workers’ participation for meaningful negotiations. (No.AIRF/31-D(G) Dated: April 6, 2018)

Sub:- Feedback of the meeting held with MR/MS/ DG(P) on 4th April, 2018 A Joint meeting held with MR/MS/DG (P) yesterday (4th April, 2018) over lunch where from administration ED (IR) was also present. From AIRF I myself (Sh.S.G.Mishra) as well as Sh. N. Kanniah, Working President/ AIRF attended in place of President/AIRF who was pre-occupied at Tinsukia. AIRF raised the following issues:- (1) The earlier decision taken was not implemented for eg. Stopping the HRA of those,

who are refusing or surrendering the Qrs. Earlier MR has said that to promote railwaymen to own their own house, the staff should be allowed liberally to surrender. (2) The issue of course completed apprentices was also raised demanding delinking it with RRC. (3) On the issue of LARSGESS they informed that they are pursuing the matter with ‘Attorney General of India. (4) The matter regarding charging of general rent/ electricity & water bill on Union Offices also came-up for discussion and administration assured for early resolution of the issue. 5) AIRF as has already raised the issue of increasing career progression of staff working in 1800 GP and 4600 GP, MR assured that suggestions given by AIRF for increasing percentage of LDCE/ GDCE and also in group ‘B’ will be considered sympathetically. (6) On the issue of New Pension Scheme, Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula, MR assured a meeting with FM shortly. In the mean time he asked Railway Board to arrange educative seminars to clarify the scheme to the users, where Union leadership at all level must be involved. (7) MR also agreed with the demand of creation of posts for new assets and asked the board there must be solution of this problem and staff posts should

definitely be created before opening of new lines, electrification etc. (No. AIRF/24 (C). Dated 05-04-2018.)

Sub: Promotional prospects of the staff, particularly working in GP Rs.1800 and Rs.4600

This is in reference to our discussion held with Hon’ble Minister for Railways, wherein your goodself and Director General (Pers.), Railway Board, were also present, wherein we had mentioned that, due to very bleak promotional prospects for the staff in GP Rs.1800, a large number of employees are stagnating in the same grade for even 15-20 years and similar is the situation in GP Rs.4600, wherein there is direct recruitment of the SSEs with B. Tech qualification. They also do not have any promotional prospects and are languishing in the same grade and some time even retire in the same grade. The above situation is creating lots of frustration amongst the staff working in GP Rs.1800 and Rs.4600. We are very thankful to Hon’ble MR who agreed to our views and asked your goodself to explore the possibilities; how they can be given relief. He also mentioned that, at least meritorious employees must get some promotional chances. We have already written to Railway Board that, since a large number of qualified staff is joining Railways, matching their qualification with newly RRB recruits in higher Group `C’


cadre. We have suggested that, 10% of Direct Recruitment Quota should be reduced and the same should be given to these qualified staff working in GP Rs.1800 in all the cadres, may be through LDCE/GDCE, to give satisfaction to the staff stagnating in GP Rs.1800 for a long time. Similarly, we can also increase percentage of promotion from Group `C’ to Group `B’ to give relief to the SSEs working in GP Rs.4600 and not getting any promotion for a long time. We hope that, in the wake of Hon’ble MR’s instructions and our suggestion, your goodself will kindly take-up this issue at an earliest to provide relief to the staff who are in frustration because of little career progression. (No.AIRF/24(C) Dated: April 4, 2018)

Sub: Restructuring of IT Cadre on Zonal Railways/PU’s and RDSO. Ref.:- i. Railway Board’s letter RBA No.45/2017 dt.18.04.2017 ii. Railway Board’s letter No. 2017/AC-II(CC)/37/9 dt. 29.6.17 iii. Railway Board’s letter RBA No.182/2017 dt.29.12.2017. iv. AIRF’s letter No. AIRF/364 (VII CPC) (887) dt.25.05.2017, followed by letter No. AIRF/ 364 (VIICPC) (887) dt.30.06.17 and letter No. AIRF/ 364 (VII CPC) (887 & 934) dt. 08.02.18. Will you kindly recollect the serious anguish reflected by IT Cadre employees from all Zonal Railways & PU’s present in All India Conference of IT Cadre held on 9th March, 2018 in T.N. Bajpai Memorial Hall, 12 Chelmsford Road, New Delhi

demanding immediate corrigendum to Railway Board letter RBA No. 45/2017 dated 18.04.2017 to the extant that based on established principle of cadre restructuring, the same should be on sanctioned strength instead of operating strength and no higher grade posts should be surrendered. It was also reflected that IT cadre was formed vide Railway Board Circular No.002/AC-II/37/8 dt. 16/11/2006 without percentage distribution between different posts of the cadre and since then there had been a ban on recruitment and thus huge vacancies remained lying vacant. This prolonged injustice with the cadre be redressed implementing the restructuring w.e.f. 16.11.2006 on sanctioned strength of IT Cadre. AIRF urging upon the Board to re-examine the matter in detail and redress the injustice as requested above by keeping Board’s letter RBA no. 45/2017, “in abeyance” forth with till corrigendum is issued having due consultations with the Federations. (No.AIRF/364(VIICPC)(887&934)dt.27.03.2018)

Sub: Abnormal delay in the matter of P.M.E. of Shri Ajoy Banerjee, Track Maintainer, Badarpore, N.F.Railway causing consumption of hard earned leave and harassment. Apropos our discussion on date I have to state that Shri Ajoy Banerjee, Track Maintainer, Badarpore, N.F.Railway has been directed to MD/Central Hospital, Maligaon, N.F.Railway for PME vide CMS/N.F.Railway/

Badarpore’s letter No.H/180/III/2 (PME)/ Med/ BPB dated 05.01.2018, Shri Banerjee was sent to Sankardeva Netralaya, Guwahati for examination by MD/CH/Maligaon, where he has declared as Colour Blind vide letter of 23.01.2018. Since then he has been detained at Maligaon, causing serious mental and economical harassment to him. The AIRF would request you to see that such harassments are not meted out and Shri Banerjee is either declares fit to perform his duties or to declare him otherwise. (No.AIRF/36(82) dt.15.03.2018)

Sub: Implementation of the report of the Committee to review Uniform and Tool Kits for Trackmen/ Keymen/ Patrolmen Ref.: Report of the Committee headed by Shri V.K.Yadav, General Manager/ S.C.Railway submitted to the Railway Board on 18.01.2018 The above Committee vide Para 4 (iv), (v) and (vi) has recommended to grant the following allowances to different categories of P. Way Staff:- Para 4 iv. Keeping in view the higher risk associated with working alone on track while engaged in works requiring concentrated attention on track, under running traffic, Mate and keymen need to be kept in higher risk category i.e. R2H2 as compared to normal track maintainer i.e. R3H2. Accordingly, allowances varying from Rs.6000/- to Rs.10500/- needs to be paid instead of Rs. 2700/- to


Rs.3400/- at present according to the Grade. v. Considering the fact that Gatemen (Special and A Class) face higher hardship and have a higher nature of duty clubbed with much higher responsibility, they need to be kept in higher hardship category i.e. R3H1 as compared to other Gatemen i.e. R3H2. Accordingly, allowances varying from Rs.4100/- to Rs.5300/- will be paid. vi. P.Way Artisan staff along with their Helpers should be placed in R3H2 category of the risk hardship matrix. Accordingly, allowances varying from Rs.2700/- to Rs.3400/- needs to be paid according to the Grade. The Railway Board is requested to grant the allowances as per recommendation of the Committee under reference.

(No.AIRF/Sub Committee 63 (70) dt.: March 10, 2018) Sub: Re-engagement of retired employees in exigencies of services.

Ref.: Railway Board’s letter No.E(NG)-II/2007/RC-4/CORE/1 dated 12.12.2017 (RBE No.193/2017). Kindly call for AIRF’s earlier of even number dated 22nd December, 2017 on the above subject matter, addressed to the Director General (Pers.), Railway Board. AIRF is of considered opinion that, a railway employee gets superannuated at the age of 60 years, keeping in view his deteriorating mental and physical conditions. As such, such railway employees cannot be put to work as an alternative of young blood, to be recruited from open market against large-number of posts, particularly in Safety Categories lying vacant over the Indian Railways. It may further be appreciated that, the reflexes of an old man get deteriorated as an aging effect, as such, their re-engagement, particularly on the safety Category posts may lead to

absolutely unsafe train operations. It is learnt that, Railway Board is also proposing to re-engage retired Loco Pilots against the existing vacancies, which, in the light of the foregoing, would be totally uncalled for and detrimental to railway safety as they are superannuated considering their deteriorating health conditions with growing age. It would, therefore, be in the fitness of the things that, no retired Loco Pilot be re-engaged against the existing vacancies in this category in the larger interest of railway safety and safety of the travelling public, instead, all the vacancies lying vacant in this vulnerable category need to be filled-up on war footing from open market from amongst the qualified young blood.

(No.AIRF/24(C)(1126) dt.: March 09, 2018)

ALL INDIA CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (BASE 2001 = 100) Dear Subscriber,

Please renew your subscription as soon as possible by remitting Rs. 60/- by Money Order or By Demand Draft Drawn in favour of “Indian Railwaymen” to enable us to continue your uninterrupted supply of the Indian Railwaymen or Bhartiya Railwaymen every month.

While remitting your subscription, please mention clearly your Old Subscriber Number, Name and Full Address with Pin Code Number.

Month/Year Base Year 2001 = 100 Average

Total of 12 months

Twelve monthly Average

% increase over 261.41 for DA

Feb., 2017 274 3303 275.25 5.29

Mar., 2017 275 3310 275.83 5.51

April,2017 277 3316 276.33 5.70

May, 2017 278 3319 276.83 5.89

June, 2017 280 3322 276.83 5.89

July, 2017 285 3327 277.25 6.05

Aug, 2017 295 3334 277.83 6.28

Sep., 2017 285 3342 278.50 6.53

Oct., 2017 287 3351 279.25 6.82

Nov.,2017 288 3362 280.16 7.17

Dec., 2017 286 3373 281.08 7.52

Jan., 2018 288 3387 282.25 7.97

*Average Price Index for January, 2001


NEWS FROM AIRF’s AFFILIATES

OBITUARY

AIRF pays hearty tribute to Com. Uday Shankar, WCM/AIRF/RWFMU. On this sad moment we pray the Almighty to give eternal peace to the departed soul and enough strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.

EAST COAST RAILWAY SHRAMIK UNION

Youth Conference of ECoRSU held on 05/4/2018 at Puri

“ECoRSU organized Youth Convention at Puri on 05.4.2018. Shri S.G.Mishra, General Secretary, All India Railwaymen’s Federation attended as a Chief Guest and inaugurated the said event. A mass rally of Youth Railwaymen organized from Railway Station to Puri Kalyan Mandap. Branch Officials of Puri Branch felicitated Guests on the dais. Sri P.K.Patsahani, General Secretary of ECoRSU in his speech spoke on various issues pertaining to Railwaymen.

Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary of AIRF, during his valuable speech spoke on the scenario of working class as well as narrated about National & International issues pertaining to difficulties being facing by staff at work place, developments on various demands raised before Ministry of Railways & different departments under the Govt. of India. Restoration of old pension Scheme, Anomalies of 7th CPC, to revise minimum wages and multiple factor as submitted by AIRF to the Govt. of India, filling up of all the vacancies, repairing of Qrs./construction of new quarters on replacement account, construction of new Quarters wherever there is more demand, more facilities for Running staff, field staff, more facilities to women workers, enlargement of scheme of LARSGESS, how

privatisation causing safety hazard and many burning issues of Railwaymen. He narrated about the issues raised during “Parliament March” held on 13/3/2018 at NDLS. He emerged the cadres & young workers to organize Branch level programmes decided by AIRF during the month of May, 2018 to press upon the Govt. of India to finalize our pending demands.

Western Railway Employees’ Union (WREU) -Cricket Tournament

In a fond memory of Com. Umraomal Purohit WREU/BRC under banner of Youth Wing has organized cricket tournament from 08/02/2018 to 30/03/2018. The tournament was played at Madhavrao Sindhia play ground and total 52 teams took part. Final was played on 30/03/2018 respectively. The final was played between BRCP/Comm. & RPF/BRC/Divn. teams and the same won by BRCP/Comm.

Dignitaries of Baroda area were also invited and enjoyed final. They are Smt Ranjanben Bhatt- MP/Vadodara, Shri Shailesh Shah – MLA/Dabhoi, Shri Bharat Dangar – Mayor/Baroda, Shri P.B.Gajare -– ADRM/BRC, Shri Harsh Kumar – Secty. BDSA Cooperator of Vadodara and employees, family members of Railway colony, and other places. Com. J. R. Bhosale GS/WREU/CCG has also attended as Chief Guest for the final.

Com. Santosh Pawar DS/WREU has also delivered his views on engaging activities other than problems at work

place. He vowed to continue these non-bargaining activities regularly.

The affairs of organizing cricket tournament was managed by youth wing of WREU/BRC comprises Com.Sanjay Pawar, Com.Jayesh Solanki, Com.Vshal Kamble & other youth activist. Com.Santosh Pawar had lauded the role of youth wing and express satisfaction for organizing the tournament excellently.

The details of award winners are as under:- * Team of BRCP/Comm. * RPF/BRC Division * Shri Dhiren Salvi – Sr.CK – S&T

Man of Series * Shri Irfan – TTE – Man of Match * Shri Piyush Yadav –

Khalasi/Elect/Power – Best Batsman

* Shri Shekhar – TTE – Best Bowler.

ALL INDIA CONFERENCE of IT CADRE of Indian Railways held on 09th March, 2018 at New Delhi – Resolution

This All India Railway IT Cadre Conference of Indian Railway held under the aegis of All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) in T.N. Bajpai Memorial Hall, NRMU Central Office, Chelmsford Road, New Delhi on 09th March, 2018 notes with serious concern the attitude of the Railway Board to dilute the IT Caderisation policy decision arrived at Apex level through DC/JCM after prolonged discussion for years together analyzing all possible aspects.


This Conference deeply regrets the hidden motive of Ministry of Railway to ultimately outsource this perennial nature of activity or that to handover to CRIS, being successfully operated in Zonal, Divisional and Workshop IT Centres by well qualified, experienced and trained staff of IT Cadre.

This Conference, notes that it is an established principal of Cadre Restructuring that, orders for cadre Restructuring are implemented with reference to Sanctioned strength of the particular cadre and not with reference to operational strength, whereas in the Restructuring order of IT Cadre, issued vide Railway Board’s Circular No. 2016/AC-II(CC)/37/9 dated 18/04/2017 (RBA No. 45/2017), it has been laid down that, the same would be applicable with reference to operational strength of the Cadre (Para No.9(iii)), which is highly unfair. Besides, as per practice, in Vogue, in Railway Board, only required matching saving has been done to make restructuring exercise self-financing and expenditure neutral but in Para No.1 of the circular it is mentioned that, all vacant posts in operation as on 01.04.2017 would be treated as deemed to be surrendered

and resultant saving equivalent to surrendered post will be credited to Vacancy Bank.

These two conditions are very harsh and highly unjustified. Since a long time there is ban on recruitment and vacancies are lying in the cadre. Moreover, it is also mentioned that IT Cadre has been actually formed on 16.11.2006 vide Railway Board’s Circular no. 2002/AC-II(CC)/37/8 dated 16/11/2006, but at that time, percentage distribution between different posts of the cadre had not been decided, reason better known to the Board.

Hence, this Conference urges that the restructuring should be done with reference to the Sanctioned strength, that to remove condition of surrender of all vacant posts and that to implement the order w.e.f.16/11/2006.

This conference also notes that at present, existing posts, in group A&B level, are being fulfilled with the officers from Accounts Department on ex-cadre basis only. These officers are neither graduate engineers nor they have adequate experience. As a result these jobs are being done by private

entrepreneurs or by CRIS officials, IT centres are not flourishing upto the mark and private entrepreneurs/CRIS officials are blackmailing Indian Railways. It is mainly due to non-availability of organized IT Cadre at Group A & B level.

Hence, this conference earnestly request the board to form organized Cadre at Group A & B level, giving transparent career prospects and AVC at least upto Sr. Admn. Grade by introducing Central informatics Service, through UPSC, as also recommended by V CPC. It is also requested to form separate IT Department. But till date, this exercise will get final shape, it is also demanded from the Board,to implement recommendation of the committee for review of IT Cadre regarding Gazzetted setup (Para 1(viii)) circulated vide Railway Board’s letter no.2011/AC-II/37/3 dated:-24.03.2015.

The Conference also unanimously resolves to launch sustained agitational programme through Indian Railways if these demands are not fulfilled till 30.04.2018

OBSERVANCE OF THE “INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY – 8th MARCH 2018”

NRMU

International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage. It is also an opportunity to consider how to accelerate the 2030 Agenda women in the Changing world of work: Planet 50-50 by 2030’, asking for- Be Bold for Change to build momentum for the effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, to achieve gender equality and empower all women.

It highlights on to call the masses or yourself to put efforts to make a more gender inclusive world. In

view of above; ITF has taken initiative to spread the agenda of UN through current year’s theme ‘PRESS FOR PROGRESS’ to secure women Transport Workers’ Rights and equality.

The theme focuses to achieve gender equality, empowerment and Human rights of all working women in Transport sector around the world.

The affiliates of All India Railway Men’s Federation celebrated 8th March ‘The International Women’s day’ (IWD), 2018 from 6th March to 10th March to create awareness on gender-related issues at workplace and how to work on it.

During the week various solidarity awareness programmes, talks, workshops, symposium, campaigns, rallies, welfare activities and networking events were organized in different parts of country by respective zones. Various activities were organized at different parts of India; prominently at Delhi, Patna, Mumbai, Nagpur, Chennai, Kolkata, Nagpur Jaipur Allahabad, Amritsar Workshop, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, and Moradabad. Seminars on women empowerment, Health Check-up camps, Bike Rallies, March/ processions and Campaigns were organized. Various attempts to create awareness and to sensitize people

http://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/post-2015

http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/

http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/


on atrocities against women and highlights of the heinous violence and harassment against women at working and public places and self defense for women which is an essential requirement for women to survive in atrocious society were also organized during the week. Social activists, Sr. Leaders, Officials and young women achievers were invited to talk on the issues and boost up the morals to increase their participation to show the solidarity with the Trade union Movement. One of the programmes at Lucknow, International Women’s Day–8th March, 2018, Honorable Gen. Secy. /AIRF Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, delivered his message that Join us to transform the momentum into action, to empower women in all and to celebrate the activists who are working relentlessly to claim women’s rights and realize their full potential. He said, present time is tough for workers “AIRF, being free, democratic and an independent organization, will leave no stone unturned for the sake of the employees as well as Railway Industry, We are committed to fight for justice and right for the last employee in the Railway Industry.

SWRMU

The South Western Railway Mazdoor Union, Hubballi celebrated “International Women’s Day” on 27th March, 2018 in the Main Union Office premises. Dr.Kirthi.P.L, Dy.Medical Superintendent, SDM Narayana Hrudayalaya, Dharwad was the ‘Chief Guest’ on the occasion.

Women’s wing of SWRMU Com. Jayalaxmi.J.Rakop, Chairperson of the Women’s Wing and Comrades Smt.Shaheen Adhoni, Convenor of

the Women’s Wing and other Executive Members of Women’s Wing also participated in the meeting, About 1200 women employees from Headquarters, Hubballi Division, Hubballi Workshop & Stores participated and actively took part in the celebration of International Women’s Day. Many of them spoke on the occasion and brought out their problems.

The following are the main demands which were put forth and resolutions were passed unanimously:

1. Stop sexual harassment to women worker and whenever the cases are reported thorough investigation should be done to render justice to women employee. 2. Reduction in the working hours of women employees from existing 8 hours to 6 hours.

3. Provision of Separate Rest Rooms/Change Room/Rest Room for Women Employees to be provided.

4. Where the husbands are working spouse should be posted at the same place.

5. Women employees may consider on priority for Day shift as well in office only. If, in any case women employee deputed for night shift, a security staff (RPF) need to be employed near the counters dealt by the women staff for her security. 6. Transportation facilities for the women employees who perform night duties.

7. When compassionate ground appointments are offered to the women they should be considered according to their choice. 8. The 7th CPC recommended that 100% percent of the salary for first

365 days but only 80% of salary for next 365 days of CCL. This Union demands to withdraw this recommendation and grant 100% salary for entire period of CCL.

9. Women employees should not be posted or deputed to places where required facilities for women are not available like separate rest room, etc. 10. Change of category of Women Track Maintainers to other departments to be considered.

Speaking on the occasion, the General Secretary Com. Dr.A.M.D’Cruz elaborated the importance of Women’s Day celebrations which is observed all over the world on 8th March, every year. Narrating the conditions of working women at various work spots urged the administration to extend all necessary facilities as required for the welfare of women employees. General Secretary Com. Dr.A.M.D’Cruz spoke about the slogan of “BETI BACHAO-BETI PADHAO”, an initiative of Government of India to protect female child. General Secretary/SWRMU also highlighted the problems of Women’s employees like reduction in Child Care leave payment by 20% in the 7th Pay Commission report, Compassionate Grounds appointment for Widow/Married daughters, Change of Department for Track women, Rest rooms for women employees, Request Transfer on Spouse Grounds. He also further highlighted the achievements of the Union & All India Railwaymen’s Federation and further assured the women delegates that their grievances will be taken care of by SWRMU & AIRF.


RAILWAY BOARD’S ORDER

Sub: Grant of Advances 7th CPC recommendations – Amendment to rules on House Building Advance (HBA) to Railway Servants.

Please refer to this Ministry’s letter of even number dated 05.12.2017 on the above cited subject, vide which the revised provisions relating to the grant of House Building Advance (HBA) as issued by Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (Housing-III Section) vide their OM No.I.17011/11(4)/2016-H-III dated 09.11.2017 pursuant to acceptance of 7th CPC recommendations, were mutatis-mutandis made applicable to Railway employees.

2. Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs vide their OM dated 31.01.2018 (copy enclosed (see original doc.)) have now issued clarifications to the fulfillment of extant conditions mentioned in para-2 (viii) of their aforesaid OM dated 09.11.2017, which shall be applicable mutatis-mutandis on the Railways.

(No.F(E)Spl./2008/ADV.3/6 (7th CPC) dt.28.03.2018)

Sub: LTC to Railway employees (and Government servants whose spouses are Railway servants).

The undersigned is directed to say that as per extant LTC instructions, Government servants and their

spouses who are working in Indian Railways are not entitled for the facility of LTC as the facility of “Free

Pass” is available to them. However, Seventh CPC in its report has recommended for bringing Railway

employees (and employees whose spouses are Railway servants) into the fold of LTC.

3. The matter has been considered in this Department in consultation With Ministry of Railways. It has been decided that Railway employees may be allowed to avail All lndia LTC once in a block of four years under CCS(LTC) Rules, 1988, subject to the following conditions·

(i) The railway employees shall continue to be governed fully by the Railway Servants (Pass) Rules only and availing of “All India LTC” under CCS (LTC) Rules by them will be facilitated through a Special Order under the relevant provision of the said Pass Rules.

(ii) “All India LTC” will be purely optional for the railway employees.

(iii) Even after availing “All India LTC” in a year, it will not be mandatory for the railway employee to opt for “All India LTC” 1n the next or subsequent block years.

(iv) No “Home Town LTC” will be admissible to Railway employees and on the same analogy, no Home Town converted LTC shall be allowed to them.

(v) The railway employees will surrender the Privilege Passes admissible to them In the calendar year in which they intend to avail the LTC facility.

However, they would continue to be eligible for Privilege Ticket Orders and other kinds of Passes viz., Duty Pass, School Pass, Special Passes on Medical grounds etc., as admissible under the Pass rules.

Further, if the railway employee has already availed of a Privilege Pass, then LTC will not be allowed in that year. (vi) The railway employees on deputation to any other organization, Including Railway PSUs, would also continue to be eligible for optional LTC in lieu of Privilege Pass entitlement.

(vii) The definition of beneficiaries e g members of family, dependents etc. and other conditions as laid down in the CCS(L TC) rules will be applicable for availing ‘All India LTC” facility by the railway employees even if such beneficiaries are not entitled for Privilege Pass under the Pass Rules.

(viii) If both spouses are Railway employees then both will surrender admissible in the calendar year, if they opt for All India LTC.

(ix) In case of the Government employees whose spouse is working In Railways, want to avail All India LTC, either Independently or with family members, then he/she they may be allowed subject to the condition of surrendering privilege passes admissible in that calendar year for him/her/them and an undertaking in this regard shall be given by the Government servant to his office 3. Hindi version will follow. (Office Memorandum. No. 31011/1512017-Estt.A-IV. dt. March 27, 2018)

Sub: Promotional Avenue of ESMs in S&T Department

The issue regarding promotional avenue of ESMs in the S&T Department has been under consideration of the Railway Board. The matter has been examined in


detail in consultation with the concerned technical directorate and both the Federations, and it has been decided as under:

i. Direct Recruitment to the extent of 33-1/3% in Signal Maintainer Grade-II to be discontinued subject to 15% Direct Recruitment quota to be introduced in Signal Maintainer Grade –I. The remaining 85% vacancies in Signal Maintainer Grade I is to be filled by promotion.

ii. The revised qualification for ESM Grade –III should be either (a) Matriculation (i.e.10th Class) and ITI Certificate in Electronic/Electrical Fitter/Wireman Trade or (b) pass in plus Two stage with Physics and Math in Higher Secondary or equivalent.

iii. The educational qualification of direct recruitees at Signal maintainer Grade I level should be pass in B.Sc.

iv. On one time basis to fill up vacancies of Signal Maintainer Grade-III, the residency period for LDCE should be reduced from 3 years to 2 years.

v. The vacancies in Signal Maintainer Grade-III may be calculated by taking resultant vacancies of higher grade posts of Signal Maintainer.

(No.E(NG)I/2015/PM8/1.RBE No. 48/2018, dated 26.03.2018)

Sub: Grant of Dearness Relief to Railway pensioners/family pensioners – Revised rate effective from 01.01.2018. A Copy of office memorandum No. 42/06/2018-P&PW (G) dated 22.03.2018 of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions (Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare) on the above subject is enclosed herewith for information and compliance. This order shall apply mutatis mutandis on Railways also. 2. This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways. 3. Hindi version is attached below. (No.PC-VII/2016/I/7/2/3.RBE No. 47/2018, dated 27.03.2018)

Sub: Time-limit for submission of claims for Travelling allowances – reg. Consequent upon the issuance of General Financial Rule (GFR)- 2017, vide Rule 290 of GFR, time limit for submission of claim for Travelling Allowance (TA) has been changed from one year to 60 days succeeding the date of completion of the journey. Accordingly, in supersession of all earlier orders/instructions issued on

the subject, it has been decided with the approval of competent authority that the claim of a Railway servant to Travelling with the approval of competent authority that the claim of a railway servant to travelling Allowance / Daily Allowance on Tour / Transfer / Training / Journey on retirement, is forfeited or deemed to have been relinquished if the claim for it is not preferred within 60 days succeeding the date of completion of the journey. 2. In respect of claim for Travelling Allowance for journey performed separately by the officer & member of his family, the date should be reckoned separately for each journey and the claim shall be submitted within 60 days succeeding the date of completion of each individual journey. Similarly, TA claim in respect of transportation of personal effects and conveyance shall be submitted within 60 days succeeding the date on which these are actually delivered to the Railway servant at the new station. 3. The date of submission of the claim shall be determined as indicated below:

(i) In the case of officers who are their own controlling officer.

The date of presentation of the claim at the Cash Section.

(ii) In the case of officers who are not their own Controlling officer

The date of submission of the claim to the Head of office/ Controlling officer.

4. In the case of claims falling under category 3(ii), which are presented to the Cash Section after a period of 60 days succeeding the date of completion of journey, date of submission of the claim will be counted from the date when it was submitted by the Railway Servant to the Head of Office / Controlling Officer with in prescribe time limit of 60 days. 5. A claim for Travelling Allowance of a Railway Servant which has been allowed to remain in abeyance for a period exceeding one year should be investigated by the head of the Department concerned. If the head of the Department is satisfied about the genuineness of the claim on the basis of the supportive documents and there are valid reasons for the delay in preferring the claims, the claims should be paid by the Drawing & Disbursing officer or the accounts officers, as the case may be, after usual checks. 6. These orders shall be effective from the date of issue of this letter. (No.F(E)I/2018/AL-28/29 dt.23.03.2018.RBE No.44/2018.)


Sub: Recruitment against Scouts and Guides quota – procedure for. Attention is invited to this Ministry’s letter of even number dated 21.09.2015 (RBE No. 110/2015) laying down guidelines for filling up of posts against Scouts and Guide Quota on the Railways.

1. The eligibility criteria for assessment of candidates applying against Scouts and Guide quota vacancies have been reviewed and it has been decided to amend Para 8 of board’s instructions ibid as under:

2. These instructions will be effective from the date of its issue and ongoing recruitment processes where notifications have been published, will be governed by past instructions on the subject.

(No.E(NG)-II/2015/RR-2/1.RBE No. 43/2018, dated 22.03.2018)

Sub: - Grant of Dearness Allowance to Railway employees – Revised Rates effective from 01.01.2018. The undersigned (Railway Board, Dy. Director 7th CPC) is directed to refer to this Ministry’s letter RBE No. 137/2017 dated 06.10.2017 (F.No.PC-VII/ 2016 / I/&/2/I) on the subject mentioned above and to say that the President is pleased to decide that the Dearness Allowance payable to Railway employees shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 5% to 7% of the basic pay with effect from 1st January, 2018. 3. The term ‘basic pay’ in the revised pay structure means the pay drawn in the prescribed Level in the Pay Matrix as per 7th PC recommendations accepted by the Government, but does not include any other type pay like special pay, etc. 4. The Dearness Allowance will continue to be distinct element of remuneration and will not be treated as pay within the ambit of Rule 1303 (FR 9(21)), Indian Railway Establishment Code, Volume – II (6th edition 1987) – 2nd reprint 2005.

5. The payment on account of Dearness Allowance involving fractions of 50 paise and above may be rounded to the next higher rupee and the fractions of less than 50 paise may be ignored. 6. The payment of arrears of Dearness allowance shall not be made before the date of disbursement of salary of March, 2018. 7. This issue with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of Ministry of Railways.

(No.PC-VII/2016/I/7/2/I.RBE No. 39/2018, dated 19.03.2018)

Sub: - Revision of pay scales of teachers in the Railway Degree College, Secunderabad. It has been decided that the pay scales of the teachers and other academic staff working in the Railway Degree College, Secunderabad may be revised w.e.f. 01.01.2016 as contained in Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Higher Education’s letter No.1-7/2015-U.II(1) dated 02.11.2017 addressed to the Secretary, University Grant Commission, a copy of which is enclosed. Annexure-I is also enclosed with the letter containing fitment Tables for the purpose of fixation of pay. 2. this issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways. 3.Kindly acknowledge receipt of this communication and report compliance of these orders expeditiously.

(No.E(P&A)I-2017/PS-5/PE-2.RBE No. 38/2018, dated 14.03.2018)

A Written Test 60 Marks

The written test will consist of 40 objective questions (40 marks) and 1 essay type question (20 marks) relating to Scouts and Guides organization and its activities and General knowledge for Grade pay Rs.1900/- and Grade pay Rs.1800/-, the syllabus for this will be as per Annexure – II.

B Marks on certificates 40 Marks

i. Participation/ Service rendered in National Events/National jamboree (including All Indian Railway Events): 10 Marks

First two certificates (i.e. minimum eligibility qualification) Nil

One additional event 07 Marks

Two or more additional events 10 Marks

ii. Participation/ Service rendered in State Events/Rallies: 10 Marks

First two certificates (i.e. minimum eligibility qualification) Nil

One additional event 07 Marks

Two or more additional events 10 Marks

iii. Specialized Scout/Guides course organized at National/state/All Indian Railways level: 10 Marks

One Course 07 Marks

Two or more Courses 10 Marks

iv. Participation in District Rallies: 10 Marks

One certificate Nil

Two certificate 07 Marks

Three certificate 10 Marks

TOTAL 100 Marks

massive march on parliament - airfindia.org · indian railwaymen, april 2018 page 3 94th annual...

Documents