Web: www.airfindia.com/Email: airfindia@yahoo.co.in

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

Year 53, Vol. 11. Editor: Shiva Gopal Mishra November, 2017 Editorial

CRB Looks Positive on Charter Demands Dear Comrades!

Many changes have been announced ever since Shri. Ashwani Lohani, joined as Chairman of Railway Board (CRB). Major announcement includes- immediate end to the VIP culture, all senior officers to spend maximum time in field duty, There is massive devolution of powers at the Divisional and Station level officers and functions & powers of the Railway Board has been trimmed to keep it as supervisory top body. He also emphasize on dealing with the evils of corruption, sexual harassment at workplaces. CRB urges railway employee to work in mission mode to bring about quantitative and qualitative improvements in short time frame. He also said that, for him railway employees, not the customers, come first. He believes that a contented and happy employee is the prerequisite for the success of any organization. And this great organisation is no exception; therefore, employee welfare is the core concern of all railwaymen. It is very encouraging for railway employee that, CRB has asked to all senior officials to relieve all the railway staff who has been engaged as domestic help in their homes. These staff is very crucial for railway safety. Last month, during a visit to a running room (where drivers and guards usually rest) in Allahabad, he ordered that air-conditioning facility be provided in all running rooms in the country. This is a welcoming decision, as it was pending of our running staff member. It is also a very happy occasion that our president demanded of employees’ charter has been conceded and order has

been issued by Railway Board. It those are implemented employees will definitely get lot of relief. Again, giving importance to employee up to grassroots level he encouraged senior staff to interact with employee up to grassroots level as these employees are railways' strength and senior officials should listen to their subordinates, who have a right to express their opinions. The railwaymen worked round the clock to keep the wheels on move. We worked in every condition and every situation; but at the same time we also raise our concern and demands for the better working and living condition. While, we welcome the CRB thoughts and concern and the initiative he has taken so far and believe that our charter of demand will be fulfilled at the earliest.

Best wishes to you and your family, General Secretary

INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, November 2017 Page 2

MESSAGE OF CRB

It is with immense pride that I share with you my happiness on assuming the position of Chairman, Railway Board. This is not only an onerous responsibility but also a challenge being the administrative head of this great organization, which is also the lifeline of the nation. At this critical juncture when we are facing a serious issue with the image perception of the railways, I expect all my fellow Railwaymen to pitch in wholeheartedly to set this perception right. I am sure, with your cooperation, we will be able to achieve and re-establish the pristine glory of the brand Indian Railways. Indian Railways is indeed a great organization. The largest employer in the world under a single management, we are the wheels on which the nation moves. Spreading from Kanyakumari in the South to Baramulla in the North, Dibrugarh in the East to Okha in the West, this great monolith indeed touches almost the entire length and breadth of this great nation and thereby the lives of almost all the citizens of this nation. The sincerity, dedication and professional capability of the railway employees, both officers and staff is indeed unparalleled. It is the men on the field who, regardless of their personal inconveniences and hardships, ensure that the wheels of the Nation keep moving surely and safely. This is what makes the Indian Railways the most visible symbol of dynamic delivery in our country. After spending over 41 years with the railways, this appointment as the head of the railway family has touched the inner core of my heart and makes me extremely grateful to the almighty. Besides being a humbling moment, it also strengthens my resolve to put in my life and soul for the welfare and the forward march of this great organization. The great Indian Railways has suffered a serious dent in the recent past due to certain unfortunate incidents. Such incidents often overshadow the great work that this organization performs day in and day out. Let us, therefore, resolve to bring about an all-round improvement in the working of the railways so that we are able to satisfactorily meet the hopes, expectations and aspirations of the vast multitude. SAFETY shall always remain our principal focus area. We have to always be on our guard to ensure the highest level of safety in train operations and instill a renewed sense of confidence in our esteemed passengers. CLEANLINESS at stations and on trains is another area that is crying for attention and often contributes to our image. Similarly quality of CATERING and LINEN on trains is also an area of serious concern. We have to work in a mission mode to bring about quantitative and qualitative improvements in a very short time frame in these areas, while at the same time not losing sight of the fact that the railways needs an overall improvement to achieve total customer satisfaction. Our Operating Ratio needs to be brought down considerably, not only by reducing expenditure but by increasing freight loading and also finding other means of non-conventional revenue generation to achieve a spurt in revenues. I have always believed in the supremacy of the human resource. For me my employees, not the customers, come first. For, it is my firm conviction, that a contented and happy employee is the prerequisite for the success of any organization. And this great organisation is no exception. I would therefore, expect employee welfare to be the core concern of all railwaymen. At the same time we also have to deal with the evils of corruption, sexual harassment at work places and alcohol abuse while on duty. These are social evils and need to be dealt firmly with an iron hand. I personally believe in avoiding any frills in the form of bouquets, gifts, lavish celebrations, excessive protocol etc. These divert our attention from our primary responsibilities, hard core work and severely damage the organization also. Our focus needs to be on deliverance and deliverance alone. We also have to reform our processes, many of which have, with passage of time, become so complicated that they seriously hamper work. That remaining busy is not deliverance is a thought that also needs to be imbibed.

INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, November 2017 Page 3

This is my personal appeal to all my fellow railwaymen to put in their best effort to restore the old glory of the lifeline of the nation – the great Indian Railways.

Minutes of meeting of DC/JCM held on 23-24 October 2017

12/2009: Recognition of hospitals and tie-ups for Neuro surgery patients on Central Railway.

As per the extant practice being followed by the Railways, private hospitals are empanelled as per CGHS rates. In the instant case, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai is not willing to provide Neurosurgery treatment as per CGHS rates whereas there are other private hospitals available which are willing to provide Neurosurgery treatment as per CGHS rates and Railway has empanelled four such private hospitals i.e. (i) Surana Hospital, Chembur (2) Suraj Hospital, Sanapada (3) Balalji Hospital, Byculla and (4) Seven Hills Hospital, Mumbai. Four private hospitals empanelled for Neurosurgery treatment seems enough to cater the Neurosurgery cases needs of Central Railway.

On the insistence of the Staff side, it was agreed to review empanelment of Jaslok Hospital.

25/2009: Pre-medical Examination- Relaxation for Loco Pilots declared with Type II Diabetes.

Instructions issued vide Board’s letter No.2008/H/5/18 dt. 5.8.2016. (Finalised)

14/2010: Medical facilities to the staff working at the road side stations and ganghuts.

Instructions for reimbursement of Medical Claims will be reiterated within a fortnight. A separate meeting will be held with DG/RHS regarding provision of Mobile Medical Vans in all the Divisions.

27/2011: Issuance of incorrect Medical Certificates in the case of medically decategorised staff leading to avoidable problems and denial of compassionate appointment (other officer concerned – EDE/N).

Issue will be re-examined.

17/2009: Arbitrary cancellation of norms for non-gazetted categories of Signalling Staff (Group ‘C’ & ‘D’) – S&T Department.

The issue was discussed threadbare and it was also explained by the official side that around 56,000 more posts will be required as per the yardstick. It was agreed to hold a separate meeting of the Staff Side with Board(MS & FC) at the earliest.

4/2009: Provision of ACs in the UTS machine offices on the suburban section.

It was agreed to call for the status from GMs, Central & Western Railway.

9/2011: Scale of electrical fittings for staff quarters – Provision for installing air-conditioners in residential quarters.

It was agreed to hold a separate meeting of the Staff Side with AM(Elect.).

4/2012: Line Box for Loco Pilot and Guard – Revision of cost – Reg.

Matter is under process for upwardly revising the cost.

30/2012: Improvement in the conditions of Running Rooms and Rest Houses.

After discussions, it was decided that there will be a Joint Committee including representatives from both Federations. EDME (Tr.) will take necessary action for formation of this committee which shall examine the condition of the Running Rooms vis-a-vis the recommendations of EDs’ Committee.

29/2011: Filling-up posts of Loco Inspectors and Power Controllers/Crew Controllers – Modification thereof (EDPC-I).

Discussed and finalised. (Finalised)

28/97: Yardstick for staff under Junior Engineer/ Section Engineer (Works).

AM(CE) stated that committee will be asked to expedite and submit their report by 31.01.2018.

46/2003: Additional workload on Keyman-Correction slip No.58 and 73 - Para 170(6) of IRPWM.

AM(CE) stated that committee will be asked to expedite and submit their report by 31.01.2018.

15/2012: Implementation of the report of the Committee on Trackmen.

The issue regarding restructuring of the posts of the Track Maintainers (10:20:20:50) is under process and is to be finalised by 31.12.2017.

24/2011: Provision of accommodation to Trackmen in Accident Relief Train.

INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, November 2017 Page 4

Sitting space for nominated Track Maintainers has also been provided in NR and SECR. Sitting space has also been provided in 4 ARTs of NCR and 2 ARTs of WR. Further efforts will continue for providing similar facility in other zones.

17/2011: Implementation of Rest Rules for the staff of Track Machine Organization.

Instruction already exists and will be reiterated.

11/2012: Treatment of the cadre of the Cook as a regular cadre in the Track Machine Organization vis-a-vis extending the benefit of restructuring.

It was contended by the staff side that the cadre of the Cook in Track Machine Organization (TMO) has been treated as ex-cadre. Official side agreed to examine the issue of encadrement of TMO Cooks so that they can have better promotion avenue.

40/2001: Arbitrary reduction of incentives bonus to SEs and SSEs – withdrawal of Board’s decision –urged.

After detailed discussion, it was decided that a separate meeting of Staff Side with Board(MRS, MS & FC) will be held at the earliest.

2/2005: Extension of Incentive Scheme in left-out shops/sections in Railway workshops/ Production Units covered under CLW type Incentive Scheme.

The demand for incentive for Ajmer Diesel POH Workshop will be taken up for study in regard to existing workload and possible additional workload which may permit grant of incentive.

5/2009: Reservation in the trains for Running Staff.

After detailed discussions, it was agreed that Coaching and Commercial Dte. will jointly address the problem and provide a workable solution.

20/2010: Quantum of debits to be raised in case of missing PRS Ticket/Rolls.

Instructions have been reiterated jointly by Commercial and Accounts Directorates to all Zonal Railways vide letter No.2006/AC-II/45/10 dated 27.06.2016.

Staff side raised that when the Alpha code is not printed by system mistake, debits should not be raised without enquiry. Official side explained that the main issue stands settled with the issue of the above instructions.

22/2010: Provision of adequate facilities for Ticket Checking Staff in the Rest Houses on the Zonal Railways.

Staff side requested for status report from all the zonal Railways which was agreed to. Staff Side also requested that policy instructions in the matter be reiterated which was also agreed to. (Finalised)

12/2005: Payment of Washing Allowance.

&

8/2011: Demands of the AC staff of the Indian Railways.

Instructions have been issued vide RBE No.141/2017 to the effect that consequent to the decision taken by the Government on the recommendations of the 7th CPC, these four allowances namely Washing allowance, kit maintenance allowance, uniform allowance and Shoe allowance have been subsumed into a single Dress Allowance. On other issues under Item No.8/2011, position will be furnished.

1/2011: Disciplinary proceedings arising out of Vigilance cases against Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ staff.

The matter was discussed. In some railways the adequacy of punishment is also being decided in consultation with Vigilance. Clarification will be issued on this aspect.

18/2010: Provision of Rest Rooms at wayside stations.

Out of total 1647 identified stations, 396 stations have been provided Rest Rooms. Number of stations where work is in progress is 63 and number of stations where work has been proposed is 266. Latest status report shall be provided to the Staff Side.

26/2010: Special Duty Allowance – Exemption sought for from the purview of Income Tax.

The matter has been referred to the Ministry of Finance vide Board’s OM No.F(X)I-2009/ 23/6 dated 24.09.2012. Reply from Ministry of Finance is still awaited despite reminders, the latest of which was sent on 04.09.2017. Staff side requested for copies of references made which was provided in the meeting itself.

13/2012: Refund of Income Tax deducted from the salary of Running Staff.

Mechanism for refund of excess income tax has been prescribed in Sec.237 & 238 of the Income Tax Act

INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, November 2017 Page 5

1961. It was however agreed to issue instructions to the Zonal Railways etc. in the matter. (Finalised)

24/2012: Exemption of Transport Allowance from the purview of Income Tax – Enhancement of exemption limit from 800 to 3200 plus D.A. thereon.

Ministry of Finance (CBDT) vide Notification No.39/2015/F.NO.142/02/2015-TPL dated 13.04.2015 have revised the exemption limits regarding Transport Allowance w.e.f. 01.04.2015. (Finalized)

7/2006: Promotion against vacant posts in the diminishing cadres-Relaxation of extant policy – Requested.

Discussed and finalized. (Finalized)

26/2007: Introduction of objective type question in the written test held as part of selection for promotion to posts classified as ‘Selection’ – extending the provision of 50% objective type questions for selection from group ‘C’ to ‘B’ posts.

Staff Side stated that in the written test for selection from Group ‘C’ to Group ‘B’ posts, at least 50% of the questions need to be objective type. It was agreed to examine the issue.

16/2011: Strengthening of Legal Cadre in the Railways.

Discussed and finalized. (Finalized)

14/2007: Fixation of pay under Rule 1313(1)(A)(1) (erstwhile FR 22 C) to the staff promoted to the identical scales of pay carrying higher duties and responsibilities.

Ministry of Finance’s OM No.F-2-1/2015-E.III(A) dated 16.10.2015 has been adopted by Ministry of Railways on mutatis-mutandis basis vide Railway Board vide letter No.PCVI/2015/IC/I dated 08.04.2016. Clarification on some of the issues raised by Staff Side, Zonal Railways/ PUs has also been issued vide letter dated 19.09.2017. (Finalised)

26/2009: Merger of upgraded group ‘D’ posts in pay scale of 3050-4590 (Group ‘C’) of Diesel/ Elect. Loco/EMU Sheds in Technician III cadre.

Position explained in detail. Staff Side insisted to have fresh look.

33/98: Provision of adequate percentage of leave reserve for group ‘D’ employees.

After discussion, it was agreed that detailed data (on a format furnished by Staff Side) from Zonal Railways will be gathered for further action on the matter.

Items listed for discussion

Items discussed

Items could not be discussed for want of time

Items finalised

Bal

ance

86 34 52 8 78

Minutes of separate meeting of the Federation (AIRF) held on 16.06.2017 on the leftover items of PNM/AIRF meeting (22nd and 23rd November, 2016).

The Official side officers and representatives of AIRF attended the meeting.

16/2016: Sparing of talented players under Railway’s Centre of Excellence (COE) Scheme.

Vide Board’s letter No.2014/E(Sports)/4(2)/3(SCL) dated 29.10.2015, a scheme has been laid down for grant of 330 days of Special Casual Leave (SCL) to outstanding sportspersons who satisfy certain sporting achievements norms in the recognized games including boxing. The sporting norms in individual events, in brief, are as under:-

(i)Participants in specified International in Championships; (ii) Medal winner of National championships; and (iii) Medal winner of All India Inter Railway Championships.

In Boxing event of All Indian Inter Railway Championship, only Gold and Silver medals were being given. There was no provision for giving for Bronze medals. This position was continuing since long. Although, no genesis for not giving Bronze medal in Boxing event was available, the probable reason for this was the lack of enough participants.

The provision for grant of SCL has been laid down vide Board’s letter 29.10.2015 for the medal winners of All India Inter Railway Championships in the recognized games including Boxing. However, since in the Boxing event there was no provision of Bronze medal, the scheme of grant of 330 days SCL was hitherto available only to the Gold and Silver medal winners.

INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, November 2017 Page 6

However, the medal awarding system during All India Railway Championships has since been reviewed and it has been decided vide Letter No.2016/E(Sports)/ RSPB/1(9)/23/Box dated 02.08.2016 that henceforth Bronze medals will also be awarded to the 3rd and 4th place holders in those weight categories in which the number of participants is eight or more. (Finalised)

21/2010: Revision in the Dress Regulations – 2004.

The decision on the recommendations of the Uniform Committee has been pended till a decision is taken by the Government on the recommendations of the 7th CPC regarding Uniform/ Dress Allowance.

7/2012: Implementation of various welfare schemes announced by the then Hon’ble Minister for Railway during her Rail Budget Speech.

After detailed discussions, Federation demanded following separate meeting with Hon’ble Minister for Railways on the following issues:- (1) House for all; (2) Medical facilities to both dependent father and mother of Railway employees; and (3) Opening of Medical Colleges.

On the issue of ‘House for all’ it was agreed to hold a separate meeting in the first instance at the level of PED(Stn. Dev. Engg). On the other two issues i.e. (2) and (3) above, it was also agreed that a meeting in the first instance be held at the level of DG(RHS) associating Finance Directorate (the meeting of Federation with DG(RHS) and Finance has since been held on 28.07.2017).

The item is now to be handled by L&A and Health Directorates.

07/2014: Issue of Special Passes on medical ground in favour of two attendants in case of kid patient. Federation demanded that the matter may be reviewed. Official side stated that the case will be reviewed and looked into sympathetically. 21/2016: Change in the colour of dress of contractual labour engaged in AC Coaches.

During the discussions, it was decided to a new Uniform Committee for re-designing of present uniform for eligible categories of Railway Employees having Public interface has been constituted. E&R Branch has been nominated as the Nodal Branch for functioning of the Committee and to roll out the project. Send separate notes to three directorates i.e. Electrical, Mechanical and Finance for their views. The Item is now being

handled by Electrical, Mechanical and Finance Directorates.

38/2016: Post Retirement Complimentary Passes to Group ‘D’ staff retired prior to 01.01.2006 at par with Group ‘C’ Staff.

The matter was discussed intensively and extensively. The demand of the Federation has two parts:- (a) Giving Pass facilities at par with Group ‘C’ staff to all Group ‘D’ Staff in pay scales 2550-3200, 2610-3540, 2650-4000, 2750-4400 prior to 01.01.2006 i.e. upto 31.12.2005. (b) Federation demanded that in view of the fact that classification of Group ‘D’ staff has been abolished w.e.f. 01.01.2006 and all the employees were placed in GP 1800 with the classification of Group ‘C’, therefore, all such employees, irrespective of the fact whether they retired after 01.01.2006 before RSRP Rules, 2008 came into effect, should be treated as Group ‘C’ and Pass facility at par with Group ‘C’ employees should be provided to them. It was agreed that both the demands will be examined positively.

45/2016: Inclusion of name of widowed mother-in-law in Passes issued to a widow women employee.

Instructions have already been issued vide Board’s letter No.E(W)/2001/PS5-1/3 dated 24.09.2001.

(Finalised)

52/2016: Provision of industrial/safety shoes to the staff of Signal, Electrical and C&W Departments.

Since the issue is already governed by Dress Regulations which empowers General Managers for shoes, after giving copy of Board’s letter to the Federation, item will be closed after issue of clarification to all concerned in this regard.

03/2016: Clarification in regard to para 4(C) of Railway Ministry’s decision in Rule 18 of the Railway Services(Conduct) Rules, 1966.

Official side stated that instructions contained in para (c)of Railway Ministry’s decision No.4 below Rule 18 of RS(Conduct)Rules, have since been modified vide Ministry of Railway’s letter No.E(D&A)91GS1-1 dated 15.01.1991 to the extent that the earlier requirement of obtaining prior sanction of the prescribed authority has been done away with, and as per the amended instructions, the Railway servant is now only required to give intimation of the transaction to the prescribed authority if such estimated transaction exceeds 10,000 (Rupees Ten thousand), provided that the transaction is

INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, November 2017 Page 7

not with a person having official dealings with the railway servant. It was further stated that the issue of enhancement of limit of 10000/- requires examination in consultation with the DOP&T and decision will be taken only after obtaining views of DOP&T.

It was, therefore, agreed that DOP&T will be approached to enhance the limit further with a cogent proposal. Necessary clarification in this regard will be issued to all concerned.

25/2016: Misinterpretation of rules with regard to withholding of increments for a specified period as a measure of penalty and consequent financial loss to the employees.

The Official Side explained that the penalties are statutory provisions and also a later increment shall become due only after the earlier increment is availed. It was decided that a letter in this regard shall be furnished to the Federation and SC Railway will be replied suitably by the Railway Board. 20/2009: Rest Rules for Running Staff.

Official Side stated that instructions have been issued vide Board’s letters (i) No.E(LL)/ 2016/HPC/7 dated 13.10.2016 and (ii) No.E(LL)/2016/HPC/1 dated 28.11.2016. Federation in this regard stated that Headquarter rest of 16 hours for all Running Staff should be undisturbed and un-interrupted. For which, Federation demanded that a fresh circular may be issued. 19/2014: Implementation of the Report of High Power Committee constituted to review duty hours of Running Staff and other Safety related Categories of Staff. Status of the Recommendations of High Power Committee which have been raised has been sent to the Federation vide Board’s letter No.2014/E(LL)/HPC/3 dated 18.11.2016. Federation requested the official side to issue instructions on the balance items. 36/2015: Payment of ex-gratia and Workmen Compensation in favour of railway employees who either sustained permanent injuries or die while on duty. Instructions have been issued vide Board’s letter No.E(LL)/2015/PNM/AIRF/5 dated 31.10.2016. As regards the specific case of Northern Railway, the case will be examined on receipt of detailed reply from Northern Railway.

52/2015: Grievances of the Traffic Controllers - Early redressal thereof.

Federation requested that total sanctioned strength of the category of Traffic Controllers along with total number of Traffic Controllers on roll and percentage of Leave Reserve and Rest Giver accounted for may be advised. Further, efforts be made to fill up the vacancies of the Traffic Controllers at an early date.

Official side stated that the position will be called for from all Zonal Railways.

07-A/2016: Delay in granting of sanction of Honorarium to Accounts Staff over Northern Railway in the competency of Railway Board for the years 2010-11, 2011- 12, 2012-13 and 2013-14.

Official side stated that the proposal for sanctioning Honorarium to Accounts staff of Northern Railway for the year 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 was considered by Board (MS) and the decision of the Board for review of the proposals was conveyed to Northern Railway on 12.08.2016. Revised proposals received from Northern Railway are under examination/ consideration in Board.

As regards proposal for grant of honorarium to Accounts staff of N. Rly for the year 2013- 14, the observation of the Board has been communicated to N. Rly vide Board’s letter dated 06.12.2016. Revised proposal has yet not been received from N. Rly.

07-B/2016 : Sanction of Honorarium claim.

Official side stated that the proposal of N.W.Rly/ Cash & Pay staff for the financial year 2009-10 was considered by Board (MS) and decision of the Board was conveyed on 12.8.2016 that each and every case should be reviewed/re-examined and all proposals should personally be certified by FA&CAO(HOPD/CHOD) that the claims are justified and comments of GM on reasonableness of every claim should also be obtained. Reply from the Railway is still awaited.

37/2016: Retention of accommodation on normal rent – Staff working in sensitive posts, transfer to other places.

Federation agreed for providing detailed justification in regard to retention of accommodation on normal rent at the previous place of posting in cases where staff working in sensitive posts is transfer to other places. Official side stated that based on the justification, proposal will be put to Board for decision.

Items discussed Items finalized Balance

16 2 14

INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, November 2017 Page 8

AIRF’S REFERENCES TO RAILWAY BOARD ON STAFF MATTERS

Sub: Revision in the rates of KMA and ALK for the Running Staff

We have calculated the rate of KMA per 100 KM as per formula in vogue, which is appended below for your kind perusal:- 30% Pay Element

Loco Pilot(Passenger) Guard(Passenger)

Basic Pay (35400+112400)/2 (25400+112400)/2

Mean Pay 73900 73900

30% of Pay Element 22170 22170

TA Rates 800 800

National Average KM 4700 5100

Mileage Rate with Revised TA Rate w.e.f. 01.07.2017

(22170+800X20)/4700*100=812

(22170+800X20)/5100*100=748

The Board are, therefore, requested to revise the rates of KMA and ALK at the earliest as there is serious discontentment prevailing among the Running Staff owing to inordinate delay in this regard. (No.AIRF/55 Dated: October 30, 2017)

Sub: Proposal of the Railway Ministry for closure of Railway Printing Presses, Restructuring of the Workshops and closure of Parel Workshop of Central Railway

Consequent upon unfortunate stampede, that took place at Elphinstone Road Station of Mumbai Area on 29.09.2017, resulting in death toll of 23 rail commuters, a High Level Meeting was held by Hon’ble Minister for Railways, Shri Piyush Goyal Ji, wherein Chairman and other Railway Board officials also participated. Certain important decisions had reportedly been taken in the said meeting, including closure of Railway Printing Presses, Restructuring of the Railway Workshops and Closure of Parel Workshop of Central Railway to pave the way for a new Passenger Terminal at that location.

You might be aware that, there had been a decision of closure of the Railway Printing Presses around one decade back also. AIRF had strongly opposed the said proposal, and subsequently the issue was discussed threadbare with this federation by the Railway Board and an agreement was arrived at to continue with a number of Railway Printing Presses and side by

side closing a few which became obsolete at that time. It was further decided to augment and modernize 05 Railway Printing Presses, for which a substantial amount was also sanctioned for procurement and installation of latest printing machineries. As a consequence of the said decision, crorers of rupees have been spent by the Ministry of Railway for procurement of latest and modernized printing presses and some of such new machines have already been installed, the manpower of these printing presses is in the process of undergoing training to work on these machines or have since completed the same.

At this juncture of time, sudden decision to close all the printing presses, including those which have been augmented and modernized would not only result in sheer wastage of substantial railway revenue as also pose unwarranted problem of staff redeployment. This may also result in dislocation of the staff and their families as well. It may also be recalled that, Parel Workshop of Central Railway is located at a prime location, and this Workshop was established way back in the year 1879 by the Britishers and is spread over 47 acres of land. A railway colony is also situated in the vicinity of said Workshop, covering an area of around 15 acres of land, wherein thousands of Railwaymen and their family members, including school going children and aged parents are residing. Sudden closure of this workshop is also likely to directly hurt around 3,000 staff working in this workshop and their families would also be uprooted, who are residing there for decades together. Here it is also worth to point it out that, workers of Parel Workshop have always stood all the times and adopted all the technologies advised by the high-ups. Since the above-mentioned issues are of prime importance, involving the staff matters, it would not be proper to take any arbitrary decision without consulting the organized labour. This federation, therefore, urges upon not to take any arbitrary decision without considering the pros and cones and far reaching consequences of closure

INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, November 2017 Page 9

of Railway Printing Presses and Parel Workshop of Central Railway and this issue be discussed threadbare with the federation before taking any further decision in the matter. This may kindly be treated as “Most Urgent”. (No.AIRF/24(C) Dated: October 26, 2017)

Sub: Bringing together all the stations of Northern, North Eastern and North Central Railways in and around Allahabad City area under the administrative control of NCR

Ref: Railway Board’s letter No.2011/ E&R/1300/2 dated 18.10.2016.

It is reported to us that a presentation by the General Managers of Northern, North Eastern and North Central Railways for bringing the administrative control of all railway stations falling under the Municipal limits of Allahabad city under NCR has been scheduled for 24.10.2017. In this context, it is to bring into your kind notice that AIRF had explained your predecessor about the operational difficulties that may arise after proposed transfer of administrative control of PRG, PYG and PFM Stations from LKO Division of Northern Railway and ALY Station of North Eastern Railway to NCR. During past, informal discussions with the respective General Managers of these Railways revealed also operational constraints in transferring the administrative control of these stations to NCR. The prominent aspects of the case are as here under: -

1. PRG, PYG, PFM and ALY Stations have religious significance owing to the fact that Holy River Ganga if flowing parallel to these stations and huge congregation of pilgrims during “Aardh Kumbh Mela” and “Kumbh Mela” is handled by these stations. Sufficient staff and officers are posted at these stations and transfer of their administrative control will create lots of problems.

2. Various works for development of these stations have been sanctioned by the concerned Zonal Railways, keeping in view linked operational needs and their transfer will disturb the entire planning and progress of ongoing works.

3. At present, interchange points at PRG and ALY, having multiple lines, has off-loaded ALD by terminating and originating nearly seven pairs of passenger trains which were earlier dealt from ALD. PYG Station, having sanctioned works for development as a coaching terminal worth Rs. 51.13 crores, will handle the vast multitude of pilgrims as well as passengers after completion of these ongoing works.

4. If administrative control of the above noted stations is transferred, LKO and BSB Divisions of Northern and North Eastern Railways will have to develop new interchange points at stations in nearby, where required CSR is not available.

5. A large number of staff of different categories, deployed on these stations, will face lot of problems, including seniority disturbances, and that will be an irreparable loss to them. From the above, it is clear that, transfer of the administrative control of PRG, PYG and PFM and ALY Stations to NCR will only lead to serious operational and line capacity constraint to the respective Railway Zones. It, is therefore, requested that, the proposal for transfer of the administrative control of the aforesaid stations to NCR, for administrative purposes, immediately be dropped.

(No.AIRF/35, 38, 448. Dated: October 21, 2017)

Sub: Payment of National Holiday Allowance to Non-Gazetted Staff working in level-9 and above

Ref.: Railway Board’s letter No.E(P&A)I-2017/HL/ 1 dated 30.08.2017(RBE No.108/2017)

Consequent upon the decisions taken by the Government on the recommendations of the 7th CPC, relating to revision of the rates of NHA, Railway Board vide their letter referred above issued notification to all concerned. While issuing the said letter, rates of the allowance per day for various levels in the pay matrix of the 7th CPC, levels up to 8 has only been considered. Since, large number of non-gazetted railway staff are working in level-9 and above (erstwhile GP Rs. 5400 and GP 6600), who were paid NHA

INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, November 2017 Page 10

before issue of aforesaid order, it will be in the fitness of circumstances that all non-gazetted staff be paid NHA. It is therefore, requested that, necessary clarifications to all the General Managers of the open line and PUs immediately be issued for arranging payment of NHA to all non-gazetted staff admissible w.e.f. 01.07.2017. (No.AIRF/405 (VII CPC). Dated: October 21, 2017)

Sub.: Appointments on compassionate ground, under LARSGESS, and recruitment of the Course Completed Act Apprentices in the Railways – AIRF’s Letter to Hon’ble Railway Minister Shri Piyush Goyal

We write to bring to your kind notice that, as you are well aware that, Indian Railways is an operational organization with 24X7 hours working throughout the year and presently running around 22,000 trains (Freight and Passenger) everyday. Working of the Indian Railways, being peculiar, certain policies were framed after detailed deliberations and duly considering all the aspects and pros and cons as well. You may appreciate that, there are certain vulnerable categories of the Railwaymen, particularly related to Railway Safety, like Loco Pilot, Track Maintainer, Technicians of various disciplines engaged in maintenance of rolling stock, signaling and track, and supporting staff, who are required to discharge their duties with optimum output, for which their physical fitness is of quite paramount importance. Considering aging factor on the Railway Staff, employed in these vulnerable categories, it was deliberated in the “Safety Seminar”, held on 12-13.07.2003 in National Rail Transport Museum, Chanakya Puri, New Delhi, with the then Hon’ble Minister for Railways, Shri Nitish Kumar, who prefer to discuss the ground reality with the field staff of various Safety Categories. After detailed deliberations and duly considering the job requirement, it was unanimously decided that, Loco Pilots and Track Maintainers, who are not maintaining good health and feel uncomfortable in properly discharging their duties, may be permitted to opt for Voluntary Retirement subject to fulfillment of certain

conditions with the provision to appoint their eligible wards, who fulfill requisite educational qualification prescribed for open market recruitment as also pass medical fitness in the same standard and pre-requisite training at the identified Training Centres, as Asstt. Loco Pilot or Trackmen in the Railways, as the case may be. This scheme was further extended to cover some other safety categories in erstwhile GP Rs.1800 and 1900 and had been working well without any hurdle. It may further be added that, only a marginal percentage of vacancies, occurring in these identified safety categories, could be filled-up through LARSGESS, and major portion was bring filled-up from the open market through the RRBs and RRCs. This scheme, therefore, cannot be treated as “backdoor entry” to the Railways or ultra vires as the same has been quite useful in the larger interest of safe rail operation. So far as appointment on compassionate ground is concerned, this is a very sensitive issue for the Railwaymen. In Indian Railways there has been an established practice to offer appointment to the dependent family member of the deceased Railway employee or medically in-capacitated employee to support the bereaved family to earn livelihood. Indian Railways is a big department, unlike other Central Government Departments, after the Defence, wherein a substantial number of Railwaymen used to loss their lives during the course of performing their duties, and this has been duly acknowledged by the High Power Committee, constituted by the Ministry of Railways, headed by Dr. Anil Kakodkar. The issue of offering compassionate ground appointment has, therefore, been discussed and deliberated repeatedly at all the levels and at the level of DoP&T also, and the organized labour had succeeded in convincing the Railway Administration to continue with offering appointment on compassionate ground on one-to-one basis. Any deviation with this policy is likely to lead to avoidable serious unrest in the Indian Railways.

INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, November 2017 Page 11

As regards absorption of Course Completed Act Apprentices, who undergo Apprenticeship Training in the Railway establishments, they were also being absorbed against large number of posts lying vacant in the safety categories as process of recruitment in Railways is quite tardy, and vacancies remained unfilled for quite some time, posing potential danger to Rail Safety. Skilled manpower, trained in the Railways, was, therefore, inducted in the Railways against vacancies in the Safety Categories in erstwhile Group `D’ posts, who have always proved their worth and working in performing their duties with full dedication and hard work. We fully support Government of India’s policy - “Skilled India”. It would not be out of context to mention here that, in the recent amendments brought out by the Government of India in the Apprenticeship Act, it has been clearly provided for therein that, the employers, those who are imparting training under this scheme, can make their own policy on recruitment/regularization of the candidates imparted training in their establishments, so there is nothing wrong in absorbing/regularizing/ regularizing those Course Completed Act Apprentices in the Indian Railways who are imparted training in different Railway establishments. We would, therefore, earnestly request you to consider the aforementioned facts in detail, and any deviation in the established policies be resorted to, that too without

consulting the Organized Labour, as all these policies have been framed after detailed deliberations with the Organized Labour in the past. Any move to deviate from the above is likely to pose serious threat to industrial harmony in Indian Railways, as you know, there has been total industrial peace in the Indian Railways over four decades with mutual trust and respect between the Railway Administration and Organized Labour. We sincerely hope, you will give deep thought on it before taking any otherwise decision in the matter. (D.O.No. AIRF/24(C) Dt.14.10.2017)

NC/JCM Sub: Grant of ad-hoc bonus for the Central

Autonomous Bodies for 2015-16 and 2016-17 - reg.

While thanking your goodself immensely for having extended 7th CPC benefits to the Central Autonomous Bodies on the plea made by the undersigned, one more genuine grievance pertaining to them has come

to the notice of the NC/JCM(Staff Side). As a tradition,

after declaring PLB/Ad-hoc bonus for the Central Government Staff, Railway Staff, Defence (Civilian) Staff etc., Finance Ministry used to extend the same to the Central Autonomous Bodies too till 2014-15. Not knowing the reasons, the Central Autonomous Bodies’ Staff were deprived of the same since then. Therefore, it is candidly requested to take necessary steps for granting of ‘ad-hoc bonus’ to the Central Autonomous Bodies also on par with the Central Government Staff for the years 2015- 16 and 2016-17. (No.NC/JCM/2017 Dated: October 30, 2017)

NEWS FROM AIRF’s AFFILIATES

WCREU

Jabalpur Running Staff expressed their serious anguish against anti-labour orders’ Railway Administration of Jabalpur Division on 4th November, 2017 at Jabalpur station platform no. 1 by organizing Gate Meeting and demonstration with shouting slogans.Com. B.N.Shukla, Divisional President, Com. Niranjan Kumar, Com. B.K.Singh, Com. Santosh Yadav and Com. Yogendra Kumar addressed the gate meeting, wherein more than 200 running staff presented there.

Divisional President, Com. B.N.Shukla told that ADME operation has stopped the link of Mail/Ex./Passenger trains. Because of that Mail/Ex./Passenger’s Loco Pilot and Assistant Loco Pilot are not able to get rest. Despite the instructions of the Railway Board, the links ended and the security was being violated. ALP Sr.ALP and Mail Loco Pilot has not been promoted for 2 years. There are no beds for staying and resting in Running Rooms. Running staff are being teased for one and two day’s leaves.

Divisional Secretary of Union Com. Naveen Litoria said that if these links will not active as soon as possible then union organize dharna pradarshan against DRM on 8th November, 2017 and on 9th November Union will submit their memorandum to the Rail Safety Commission.

INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, November 2017 Page 12

RAILWAY BOARD’S ORDER

Sub: Charter of Commitments on various matter-Time line thereof.

Please find enclosed Charter of Commitments of various activities on Establishment Matters as in the Performa attached herewith.

The time line given in the Charter should be strictly adhered to. S.N ITEM TIME LINE

1. Redressal/Disposal of staff grievances/representations received in different portals like Single Window Cell, CP-GRAM, Nivaran (including cases of Re-fixation, Seniority, MACP, Arrears, Promotion, etc.)

30 Working Days from receipt of Application

2. Personal interview with DRM

Same Day (If DRM is not available then interview will be with ADRM concerned)

3. Compassionate Appointment

Cases approved at Divisional Level

90 Days

Cases Requiring Approval from HQ.

60 Days in Division +30 Days in HQ

4. Payment of Settlement Dues

Superannuation: On date of retirement

VRS/Death/Resignation: 60 Days (for non-disputed cases only)

5. Promotion through Selections and Suitability

Within one year of issue of previous panel

6. NOC for own request transfer including mutual transfer

Disposal of Application within 15 Working Days of receipt (Either forwarding of application or rejection of case)

7. Sending call letter to candidates selected through RRB and RRC including verification of panel from RRB/RRC

Within 30 Working Days of operation of panel.

8. a) Approval of various types of Advances/Loans b) Disbursal of Advances/Loans & Arrears after approval

Administrative Sanction within 7 Working Days. With salary in the next billing cycle (as applicable).

9. P.F. Withdrawal Administrative approval of competent authority within 7 working days of receipt of application. Disbursal to be done within 7 days from the date of approval.

10 Issue of P.F. Statement

Same Day

11 Viewing of Service Record.

Once a year

12 NOC for Higher Education, Property Transaction, Passport, Deputation.

14 Working Days from receipt of Application where vigilance clearance is not required & 30 Days in other cases.

13 Disposal of D&AR Cases

Major – 150 Days Minor – 31 Days

14 Issue of Pass/PTO 1 Working Day

15 Sanction & Payment of CTG/OT/TA

Sanction within 45 Working Days from date of receipt of claim from employee. Disbursal to be done with salary in the next billing cycle (as applicable)

16.

Provision of Essential Amenities for staff

Provision of Ladies Toilet and changing room in offices where there are more than 5 female employees working

By March 2018

Whitewashing of office buildings (including Station)

Every Year

Filtered Water for identified/nominated offices.

Within 60 days of issue of charter

INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, November 2017 Page 13

Fans and Desert Coolers in identified/nominated offices.

Within 60 days of issue of charter

Provision of PC & internet connectivity as per stipulated norms.

Within 60 days of issue of charter

17 Disposal of Leave applications

a) Casual Leave:1 Working Day

b) LAP/Maternity Leave/ Paternity Leave: 7 Working Days

c) Ex-India: 30 Working Days

18 Issue of Seniority List Once Every Year

(No.E(G)2017/Employees/Charter/1.Dated:25/10/2017.RBE No.157/2017)

Sub: 49th Meeting of Participation of Railway Employees in Management (PREM) Group.

The next 49th meeting of participation of Railway Employees in Management (PREM) group at the apex level is scheduled to be held on 23.11.2017 at 11.00 hrs in the Committee Room (Room No.237), Rail Bhavan, New Delhi.

2. Members of the PREM Group as per the endorsement as under may please be provided necessary facilities in accordance with the extant instructions.

(No. 2016/E(LR)III/PREM/AM/1.Dt.25.10.2017.)

Sub: Re-engagement of retired employees in exigencies of services.

Ref: (i) Board’s letter No. E(NG)II/2010/RC-4/6 dated 27.09.2012 (RBE No. 109/2012) & 14.09.2017

(ii) No. E(NG)II/2007/RC-4/Core/1 dated 11.12.2009 (RBE No. 219/2009)

Attention is invited to Railway Board's letter referred on the above subject on the issue of modalities of re-engagement of retired employees and remuneration to be paid to them.

2. These instructions have been reviewed and in supersession of the same, it has now been decided by the Board that retired employees may henceforth be engaged on the following conditions:

i. Divisional Railway Managers are empowered to re-engage retired employees.

ii. Railway should give publicity to such re-engagement, by putting it on Railway websites.

iii. Retired employees being re-engaged, should not have been covered under the Safety Related Retirement Scheme/ Liberalized Active Retirement Scheme for Guaranteed Employment for Safety Staff (LARSGESS).

iv. While re-engaging such staff, medical fitness of the appropriate category should be obtained from the designated authorities as per existing practices.

v. Suitability/competency of the staff should be adjudged before such re-engagement and the issue of their safety record as well as the safety and other operational requirements as needed are adequately addressed.

vi. Maximum age limit for which re-engagement shall continue will be 62. vii. Monthly remuneration of a retired employee being re-engaged be determined by reducing Pension from his/her last pay drawn (i.e. Basic Pay + DA). viii. This scheme is valid up to 14.09.2018. ix. Re-engaged staff should be discharged immediately on joining of selected candidates from RRBs. (No.5(NG)-II/2007/RC-4/CORE/1.Dated:16/10/2017. RBE No.150/2017)

Sub: Recommendations of the Seventh Central pay Commission – Implementation of decision relating to the grant of Children Education Allowance.

Please refer to Board’s letter No. E(W)2008/ED-2/4 dated 01-10-2008 followed by subsequent clarifications thereon regarding grant of Children Education Allowance/Hostel Subsidy to Government employees on the recommendation of Sixth Central Pay Commission.

Now, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (Department of Personnel & Training) has conveyed Government’s decision on the recommendations of Seventh Central Pay Commission in regard to grant of Children Education Allowance & Hostel Subsidy to Government servants vide OM No.

INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, November 2017 Page 14

A-27012/02/2017-Estt.(AL) dated 16.08.2017 (copy enclosed)(see ori.).

These instructions shall apply mutatis-mutandis to Railway employees and shall be effective from 1st July, 2017. Aforesaid instructions on Children Education Allowance/Hostel Subsidy are being issued in supersession of Board’s letter No. E(W)2008/ED-2/4 dated 13-05-2014. Please acknowledge receipt.

(No.E(W)2017/ED-2/3. Dated: 12-10-20 17.RBE No. 147/2017)

Sub: Revision of rates of Training Allowances and abolition of Sumptuary Allowance for Training Institutes

Kindly refer to Ministry of Railways’ letter Nos. E(MPP)/2005/13/2 dated 22.08.2005 (RBE No. 139/2005) followed by E(MPP)/2008/3/18 dated 20.10.2008 (RBE No-156/2008) wherein Ministry of Railways had communicated that the training allowance is to be paid @ 30% and @ 15% of the basic pay to the faculty members, for imparting training to Group ‘A' Officers and to Group ‘C’ & ‘D’ staff respectively on Centralised Training Institutes and various other training Centres on Indian Railways, respectively. 2. Pursuant to the recommendation of 7m CPC as per Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure- Resolution No. 1/1/2013 -E.III(A) dated 06.07.2017, the rates of Training Allowance is revised as follows:

Training- Allowance

In the National/Central Training Academies and Institutes for Group- ‘A' officers.

24% of Basic Pay

In other Training- Establishments

12% of Basic Pay

3. It will be admissible only to the employees who join

the training establishments for a specified period of time and are then likely to go back. It will not be admissible to those employees who are directly recruited by such training establishments for imparting training.

4 Training Allowance will be admissible to the faculty members without any ceiling of 5 years and standard cooling off period between tenures will apply.

5. Further, above mentioned Board’s instruction had stated that ‘Sumptuary Allowance’ shall be paid @ Rs 3500/- per month for the Director/ Head of the Centralised Training Instititutes for Group ‘A’ Officers

and @ Rs 2500/- per month to Course Directors and @ Rs 2000/- per month to Counsellors. Pursuant to the recommendation of 7th CPC recommendation and as per Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure- Resolution No. 1/1/2013 -E.III(A) dated 06.07.2017, ‘Sumptuary Allowance’ for Training Establishment is abolished.

6. The revised rates of allowances and abolition of Sumptuary Allowance shall be applicable with effect from 1st July, 2017.

7. All other guidelines/instructions on the subject shall remain unchanged.

8. This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways. Please acknowledge receipt. (No.E(MPP)2012/3/28.Dated06.10.2017 RBE No. 145/2017)

Sub: Revised rates of stipend to special Class Railway Apprentices.

Ref.: Railway Board’s letter No.PC-V/2008/PS/2 (SCRA) dated 25.11.2008

Consequent upon the promulgation of Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016, on the basis of the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission, the issue of revision of the rates of stipend to Special Class Railway Apprentices has been under consideration. The President is pleased to decide the following revised rates of stipend for SCRAs:- Year Existing

rate of stipend (Rs.)

Amount on fixation (2.57 times of stipend)(Rs.)

Increment @ 3% of previous rate of stipend at col.(5) (Rs.)

Proposed rate of stipend (Rounded off to next hundred) (Rs.)

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

1st year

9100 23387 23400

2nd year

9100 23400

3rd year

9400 702 24200

4th year (First Six

Months)

9400 24200

4th year

(last six months)

9700 726 25000

INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, November 2017 Page 15

2. These orders will take effect from 01.08.2016.

3. The apprentices will draw the revised rates of Dearness Allowance appropriate to the revised rates of stipend.

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

(No.PC-V/2017/PS/1(SCRA) Dt.06.10.2017.RBE No.144/2017)

Sub: Special benefits in cases of death and disability in service-regulation and payment of Disability Pension/Family Pension under Central Civil Services (extraordinary Pension) Rules in implementation of recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission – regarding.

A Copy of Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare (DOP&PW)’s O.M.No.1/4/2016-P&PW(F) dated 2nd August,2017 on the above subject is enclosed (see ori.doc.) for information and compliance. These instructions shall apply mutatis mutandis on Railways also. CCS (Extraordinary Pension) Rules correspond to Railway Services (Extraordinary Pension) Rules, 1993. Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare (DOP&PW)’s O.M.No.38/37/2016-P&PW(A)(i) dated 04.08.2016, mentioned in DOP&PW’s O.M.dated 02.08.2017, was adopted on Railways vide this office’s letter No.2016/f(E)III/1(1)/8 dated 12.08.2016. (No.F(E)III/2008/PN1/20. Dt.: 04-10-2017 RBE No.:142/2017)

Sub: Grant of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees – Revised Rates effective

from 01.07.2017.

The Dy.Director, Pay Commission-VII, Railway Board is directed to refer to this Ministry’s letter RBE No 30/2017 dated 31.03.2017 (F. No. PC-VII/2016/I/7/2/1) 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 4% to 5% of the basic pay with effect from 1st July, 2017.

2.The term ‘basic pay’ in the revised pay structure means the pay drawn in the prescribed Level in the Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC recommendations accepted by the Government, but does not include any other type of pay like special pay, etc.

3. 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 (Sixth Edition- 1987)- Second Reprint 2005.

4. The payment on account of Dearness Allowance involving fractions of 50 paisa and above may be rounded to the next higher rupee and the fractions of less than 50 paisa may be ignored.

5. The payment of arrears of Dearness Allowance shall not be made before the date of disbursement of salary of September, 2017.

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

(No. PC-VII/2016/1/7/2/1. Dt: 06.10.2017.RBE No.: 137 /2017)

ALL INDIA CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (BASE 2001 = 100)

Month/Year Base Year 2001 = 100 Average

Total of 12 months

Twelve monthly Average

% increase over 261.41 for DA

Sep.,2016 277 3269 272.41 4.20

Oct.,2016 278 3278 273.41 4.49

Nov., 2016 277 3285 273.75 4.72

Dec., 2016 275 3291 274.25 4.91

Jan., 2017 274 3296 274.66 5.06

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

August,2017 295 3334 277.83 6.28

*Average Price Index for January, 2001