year 52, vol.7. editor: shiva gopal mishra july, 2016 ... · pdf fileindian railwaymen, july...

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INDIAN RAILWAYMEN, JULY 2016

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

Year 52, Vol.7. EDITOR: SHIVA GOPAL MISHRA

July, 2016 EDITORIAL

Congrats for Successful Campaign Dear Comrades,

Lots of congratulations to all of you for massive demonstrations, Torch processions,

Dharna’s, right from gate to mass meetings, massive rallies which had make strike campaign a great success. In some of events I myself had been witness and observed the enthusiasm of the workers particularly youth. Of course this was

possible only by hard work done by our cadre at grass route level and able guidance of leaders from branch to apex level. I sincerely pay thanks to all of them for such successful cam paign.

Comrades your enthusiasm for making strike a great success had pressed the Central Govt. to come for

a negotiated settlement. And that is why a committee of group of ministers headed by Shri Rajnath Singh, Home Minister, Sh. Arun Jaitely, Finance Minister, Sh. Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, Hon’ble Railway Minister, Sh. Manoj Sinha, MoSR discussed the matter with the core group of NJCA on 30

th June night for

more than one and half hours and had finally agreed to refer the issue of minimum wage revision to high power committee of which report will be submitted within four months.

As all of you are aware that Cabinet in its meeting on 29th

had already constituted three high power

committees the most important is a committee to review New Pension System, the others on allowances and anomalies. We have to argue over there and hope something good from them.

Under these circumstances and on assurance of Hon’ble Home Minister of India and public Press Note

by Hon’ble Finance Minister. NJCA unanimously deferred the strike till the outcome of Committees Report.

Comrades in these four months we should also make introspection and find out strength and weakness

during preparation for strike and set right the same.

Four months time is not for off. We believe in Govt. and there assurances. If there is any failure then nobody will be able to blame us that we have not given full opportunity to Govt. to settle the issues.

So far our concern we are always believe in negotiated settlement the strike is our last option.

Let’s hope for the best and remain fully prepared for any future struggle.

With Best Wishes,

_______________________________________________________________________________

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Web: www.airfindia.com/Email: [email protected] OPENING SPEECH OF AIRF REPRESENTATIVES DURING PNM MEETING HELD ON 2-3 JUNE, 2016 WITH RAILWAY BOARD

Shri Rakhal Das Gupta, President AIRF

At the outset, the President Shri Das Gupta thanked Mr. Pradeep Kumar, Member Staff, all Officials of

Railway Board and Office Bearers of All India Railwaymen’s Federation and conveyed good wishes to all

the participants of the meeting.

Further, Shri Das Gupta said that passenger trains are running overcrowded but statistics said that there

is decline in number of passengers. This is because due to acute shortage of Ticket Checking Staff, many

passengers are travelling without ticket. This also effect the earning of the Railways. Apart from the same,

annual average increase in passenger fare is only 0.24%, whereas inflation in prices are manifold. This

effects earning on passenger badly. In fact Railway is a victim of Political decision.

He said that it appears in the News Paper that Indian Railway has asked for additional fund from Finance

Ministry to tide over the safety measures. AIRF would be glad if, a copy of the Report is supplied to AIRF.

The President added that AIRF affiliate National Railway Mazdoor Union (Central Railway) has come at

the help of the draught effect people and in this regard they have adopted two villages of Lathur District of

Maharastra for extending all help.

Shri Das Gupta requested the Railway Board to regularise the services of all Contract Medical

Practitioners who have serving for atleast 5 years and also to continue the services of Railway Doctors

who have retired within last 2 – 3 years, so that their services are available for another some years.

Recruitment process both RRBs & RRCs are delayed inordinately. He also mentioned that Railway Board have issued orders that there would be no recruitment Notice

during 2015 & 2016 and only in 2017 Notification would be issued. In the meantime atleast 3% staff are

retiring, new sections are being opened for traffic but there is no staff to man them. Existing staff are

being shifted from one place to the other to man the new stations & New Assets ---- violating HOER, duty

is being extracted.New Sections are being opened but no additional staff are being sanctioned. Hence,

Shri Das Gupta said that there are fund crunch in SBF. WCR has made a specific reference in this

regard. The per capita contribution to SBF is need to be enhanced from the existing Rs. 800/ -.

He further mentioned that in many cases there are inordinate delays in appointment on Compassionate

Ground. The ward in the meantime continue study and acquire qualification. But those qualifications are

not taken into account during appointment. Even Zonal Administration has been refusing to record the

enhanced Qualification in Service File.

He also said that due to introduction of IPAS, there has been inordinate delay in the matter of granting

and payment of Pension. In case of person retiring in LARSGESS Scheme, the delay is over a year.The

procedure need to be straightened so that staff after retirement are not to move from Pillar to Post to get

their due pension.

He explained that here is serious shortage of Doctors and Paramedical Staff for which the medical

facilities are practically denied to a large Section of people, especially who are working in remote areas,

small and Roadside Stations, where the dispensaries are without Doctor & without Paramedical staff. The

procedure for approval of Referral Hospital at least for those places should be liberalised without insisting

on CGHS rates.

He further pointed out that, the conditions of the maintenance of Railway Quarters are awful. They are not

repaired. Simultaneously inhabitable Quarters are kept in the building register and allotted to the staff.

The staff cannot live in such Quarters. Even in those cases when staff claims HRA, the same is refused.

AIRF strongly feels that Quarters should be maintained and kept in good fettle for occupation. Else HRA

should be granted.

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Com. Gupta requested to enhance the power of General Managers to provide appointment to the wards

of railwaymen from 20 years o 25 years, as there are hard cases of delay, especially when the family has

been residing / shifted to a remote place and did not get proper advice. Further he told that AIRF had

submitted 36 point Charter of Demands to the Railway Board in the year 2013. Finding no response, all

affiliated Unions of AIRF has conducted Strike Ballot in December, 2013.

He also mentioned that to settle the issues a meeting with full Railway Board and Federation were held

on 07.02.2014 and on the proposal of the Railway Board a Joint Committee has been formed on

01.08.2014, where 13 issues were remitted. Out of 13 issues only two issues could be resolved. Two

issues where the Joint Committee had agreement, those issues also could not be resolved.

The President added that that to resolve the burning grievances of both Loco & Traffic Running staff, a

Joint Committee has been formed on 01.09.2014 by the Railway Board where 8 issues were remitted.

Unfortunately none of the issues could be resolved.

He also mentioned that to review the duty hours etc., Running and other Safety categories of staff

pending since February, 2006 a Committee was appointed by the Railway Board on 25.05.2011; the said

Committee had submitted its report in August, 2012. AIRF has already submitted rejoinder on the

recommendations. The report is yet to be implemented. He said that the Govt. of India has decided to

induct 100% FDI in all Sectors of Indian Railways and enter into Contract with two Multi National

Companies for manufacture of Electric and Diesel Locomotives and their maintenance for long thirteen

years against the interest of Railways.

He further said that there has been wide spread dissatisfaction amongst the Railwaymen against injustice

done by 7th CPC in the matter of unjust and retrograde recommendation of the 7th CPC. He said that,

unfortunately despite all out efforts of Staff Side and AIRF, the issues could not be resolved compelling

AIRF to take the painful decision to serve Strike Notice for an indefinite Period on 9th June, 2016.

Finally, Shri Das Gupta said that AIRF still open for discussion to decide the issues and urge upon the

Railway Board and the Ministry of Railways to intervene and settle the issues.

Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary AIRF At the outset Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra thanked the Member Staff and others.

Shri Mishra emphasized on payment of Washing Allowance to all those railway employees who are getting uniform. While speaking on compassionate ground appointment, Shri Mishra asked why action has not been taken

against those who do not implement compassionate ground appointment policy in true spirit. Shri Mishra said, “MS has talked about the laurels brought by the railwaymen, but unfortunately they receive no appreciation from the Railways which they deserve”.

While talking about medical facilities to railway employees, Shri Mishra reminded the Official Side(Railway Board) about the introduction of Mobile Medical Vans and Cashless Medical Card. Shri Mishra said, “Cancer has become an epidemic, therefore, in emergency railwaymen should be allowed to take

treatment in any hospital”. Shri Mishra further said, “there should be some timeframe to decide PNM items of the federation”. While demanding implementation of Cadre Restructuring in RCF/RBL, Shri Mishra said, “in

RWF/Yelahanka/Bangalore; Cadre Restructuring has been implemented with prospective effect, i.e. 28.04.2016 in respect of vacancies arisen due to retirement/death of rai lway employees. He stressed on implementation of Cadre Restructuring in RWF/Yelahanka/Bangalore with retrospective

effect, i.e. 01.11.2013. Shri Mishra demanded, “at least in PUs Cadre Restructuring should be implemented in letter and spirit. Shri Mishra stressed on payment of honorarium to P. Branch, Accounts and Cash & Pay Offices Staff.

While asserting on creation of posts against RSP Works, Shri Mishra said, there is an urgent need to review the matter and to find out a solution. Shri Mishra insisted on proper utilization of Plant & Machineries in DLW Varanasi.

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He said, “it has been found that costly machines worth crores, purchased through COFMOW, are not being opened. Shri Mishra complained that, many Zonal Railways have not implemented GDCE or hal f-heartedly. He

demanded age relaxation for GDCE candidates. Shri Mishra talked about various hurdles created and excuses given by zonal railway administrations in providing compassionate ground appointment to the wards of railway employees. He quoted example of

Shri Amar Deep, S/o Late Rajan Lal, Ex. Hindi Translator, Kota, Central Railway - Ref. AIRF/447 dated 07.04.2016. He also quoted example of Smt. Bijala Bauri, who has demanded employment assistance, on the basis of compassionate ground, to her daughter from S.E. Railway, Adra. He demanded relaxation

from minimum educational qualification for appointment on compassionate ground – Case of Smt. Kalawati, daughter-in-law of Late Babu Lal, Ex. Trollyman under DRM/NR/LKO. Shri Mishra complained that CLW Administration is inclined to abolish the name of Lok Nayak Jay

Prakash Narayan from the list of Blood Donor Clubs, in association with other Private Blood Banks, while a number of other Clubs have been running on different names in the area. He insisted on enhancement in the rate of Secretarial Allowance.

He demanded representation to recognized federations in the committees constituted by the Railway Board from time to time on various subject matters. He further demanded constitution of a Joint Committee on Running Rooms at the apex level and

appropriate representation to organized labour in the said committee and consultation with the recognized federations. Shri Mishra also shown his anguish on formation of the committee on Running Allowance, keeping the

Organized Labour in dark. He said, “any tinkering to Running Allowance and retirement benefits will be met with serious agitations”. He demanded medical facilities to widow daughter-in-law of the railway employee.

Talking about completion of one cycle in six months in the matter of appointment under LARSGESS, Shri Mishra said, “there must not be injustice to those who applied under LARSGESS” . He demanded withdrawal of Railway Board’s letter dated 01.12.2015, and all those who applied in time,

their wards should not be deprived of. Shri Mishra demanded abolition of ban on inter-railway transfer in North Western Railway. He further demanded relaxation in 5-year service condition in the matter of inter-railway transfer, duly withdrawing

Board’s extant orders and reiteration of Board’s orders issued earlier. He also demanded relaxation in the matter of mutual transfer. He insisted on at least one 3 AC Pass to Yellow Pass holders after superannuation.

He demanded Special Allowance to the staff working on CIC Section in ECR and other naxal areas. Shri Mishra said, “while making any change by the IRCTC Policy reg. supply of snacks and meal in Rajdhani/Shatabadi Trains on optional basis, it should be ensured that the facilities availed by the

pass holders must continue”. Shri Mishra emphasized on accommodation to onboard staff in Rajdhani Express trains. He demanded provision of sufficient staff for newly opened railway sections.

While expressing concern on acute shortage of train Operating Staff, particularly on North Central Railway, Shri Mishra, said, “this leads to safety hazard”. He further said, “owing to shortage of doctors and other paramedical staff, Health Units/

Dispensaries are on the verge of closing”. Shri Mishra stressed on provision of Trolley Mounted Jet Pump for cleaning of railway tracks for maintain cleanliness on railway tracks.

Shri Mishra demanded recognition to Kota Heart Institute; as recommended by the West Central Railway Administration. Shri Mishra expressed anguish on the 13-year maintenance contract to some agency; which will

manufacture Electrical and Diesel Engines at Madhepura and Marhowra. Shri Mishra demanded granting of Revised Qualification Pay to qualified Appendix III-A Accounts Staff w.e.f. 01.01.2006. He further demanded to conduct further Appendix III-A Examination for re-engagement

of interested retired/ retiring SSOs in Accounts Department at least for a period of 02 years. Shri Mishra also demanded absorption of surplus Cash & Pay Staff in Accounts Department. Shri Mishra stressed on issuance of suitable advice from Railway Board to West Central Railway

Administration to include OSM Category(being Electrical Powe

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J.R. Bhosle, Tresurar/AIRF

Orders should be issued for payment of retirement benefits @ 55% to the Running Staff those who retired voluntarily without joining stationary posts as agreed in Railway Board’s PNM held on 22.05.2015.

Railway Board issued orders regarding one additional increment @ 3% to the promotees in merged grades between 1.1.2006 and 4.9.2008 vide letter No.PC-VI/2012/I/RSRP/1 dt. 23.3.2012 RBE No. 40/2012. Railway Board is requested to consider for ignoring the refusal given by the employees during

that period for promotion in the merged grade for grant of MACPS benefits. DoP&T’s orders dated 2.3.2016 not to recover excess payment from pensioners / family pensioners in case of minimum pension paid @ 50% of the corresponding pay scale be issued.

Shri Bhosale demanded for extension of tenure of CMPs from 10 to 15 years and for enhancement of retirement age in case of Paramedical Staff also to 65 years, if not at least 62 years. Shri Bhosale demanded that penalty of “Removal from Service” in SPAD cases should be abolished as

per High Power Committee’s recommendations. Classification for the post of Shunting Master Grade Pay Rs.4200 be revised to seniority -cum-suitability. The pilot project for Motorman on both side cab in Mumbai Suburban Section should be kept in

abeyance. Western Railway notified GDCE selection for ASM, Guards and other posts in the year 2013, which exam could not be held and subsequently cancelled while issuing fresh Notification No.1/2016 on 29.04.2016.

Many employees who applied for earlier GDCE selection (which was cancelled) have become ineligible to apply for fresh GDCE selection on account of overage. Railway Board is requested to advise GM/Western Railway to give one time exemption to those overage employees who had applied for 2013

notification for the fresh GDCE selection for the post of ASM and Guards. Minimum Wages of contract workers be raised to Rs.10,000

AIRF WORKING COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 24 JUNE, 2016 IN T.N. BAJPAI MEMORIAL HALL, NEW DELHI

STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING OF AIRF

Prior to holding of Working Committee Meeting, the Standing Committee of AIRF met in J.P. Chaubey Memorial Library, 4 State Entry Road, New Delhi, to take stock of the situation and to decide future course

of action in the context of countrywide “Indefinite General Strike”; slated to commence from 11th July, 2016.

At the outset, while offering welcome to the Office Bearers of AIRF, President AIRF, Com. Rakhal Das Gupta, mentioned that, after serving Strike Notice to the respective General Managers by AIRF affiliates,

there is no visible responsible from the government side, as such, Indefinite Strike would be inevitable. He advised that, to make the strike a grand success, strategic points should be identified in all the Zonal Railways and our emphasis should be to concentrate on these points. He further pointed out that, while in

most of the Zonal Railways; preparations for strike are satisfactory, still there are certain weak areas where we have to focus our attention. Addressing the Standing Committee, General Secretary AIRF, Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, briefed about

the negotiations held with the government and the latest developments in this regard. He added that, although there have been several rounds of formal and informal discussions with the Empowered

Implementation Committee, headed by the Cabinet Secretary, nevertheless there is nothing concrete outcome and there are only verbal assurances in regard to our demands, as such there is glaring need to intensity mass mobilization for preparing for the proposed “Indefinite Strike”.

Com. N. Kanniah, Working President AIRF, briefed about the agitation programmes conducted by SRMU as also their strike preparations. Com. J.R. Bhosale, Treasurer/AIRF, opined that, in the prevalent circumstances we should aimed at

successful Indefinite Strike as per directives of the President and General Secretary.

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Com. Mukesh Mathur, Asstt. General Secretary AIRF, Com. K. Srinivas, Vice President AIRF, Com. S.K. Tyagi, Asstt. General Secretary AIRF and Com. Mukesh Galav, Asstt. General Secretary, briefed about the agitation programmes conducted by NWREU, SCRMU, NRMU(NR) and WCREU as also their

preparations for strike. They assured that their unions are fully prepared for the strike. While talking on this occasion, Com. R.D. Yadav, Vice President AIRF, said that, in his zone, i.e. North

Central Railway, preparations for the strike are not up to the mark as of now because of some dilemma . He, however, assured that, we shall make all out efforts to streamline the preparations in our zone through mass contact and creating awareness among the workers

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair. WORKING COMMITTEE MEETING

The Working Committee of All India Railwaymen’s Federation(AIRF) met on 24th June, 2016, in T.N. Bajpai Memorial Hall, 12 Chelmsford Road, New Delhi, as scheduled, with Com. Rakhal Das Gupta, President/AIRF, in the Chair. Names of the Working Committee Members, who attended the meeting, are

annexed with these proceedings. At the outset, President AIRF, Com. Rakhal Das Gupta, while welcoming the participants, congratulated them for massive participation in “March to Parliament” in New Delhi.

He thereafter directed the General Secretary to move Condolence Motion. CONDOLENCE MOTION

Before agenda of the meeting was taken-up, two-minute silence was observed to pay tribute to those who left for heavenly abode during the intervening period; names of a few are quoted hereunder: -

01.11.2015 Brijmohan Lall Munjal, Hero MotoCorp patriarch and doyen of Indian two-wheeler industry

16.11.2015 Saeed Jaffrey, veteran actor

17.11.2015 Ashok Singhal, International Working President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad 25.12.2015 Sadhana, Veteran Actress of Bollywood 02.01.2016 A. B. Bardhan, Former General Secretary of the Communist Party of India

07.01.2016 Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir 03.02.2016 Balram Jakhar, an Indian politician, a parliamentarian and Governor of Madhya Pradesh 06.02.2016 Sudhir Tailang, Indian Cartoonist

04.03.2016 P.A. Sangma, former MP and Speaker of the Lok Sabha(from 1996 to 1998) and Chief Minister of Meghalaya(from 1988 to 1990)

06.05.2016 Rashmi Arora, Youth Coordinator and Chairperson Women Wing JUD Workshop NRMU (NR)

03.06.2016 Mohammad Ali, Boxing Tycoon

Victims of the Russian plane crash, train accidents, terrorist and naxal attacks and natural calamities. Thereafter, minutes of the last Working Committee Meeting, held on 11-12 December, 2015, in New Delhi, were confirmed unanimously.

Thereafter, agenda of the Working Committee was take-up for discussion.

GENERAL SECRETARY

Initially, General Secretary AIRF, Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, heartily thanked the AIRF Office Bearers and

Working Committee Members for massive participation of the affiliated unions in the “March to Parliament” in New Delhi on date.

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He further mentioned, “this meeting of the Working Committee is being held at a very crucial juncture of time, as such the participants should remain full cautious and active during this period”. Speaking on the background of the proposed Indefinite Strike the General Secretary said, “owing to

retrograde recommendations of VII CPC, there has been serious resentment among the Railwaymen as well as Central Government Employees”.

He briefed about various developments taken place in the negotiations with the government during the intervening period and informed the House that, nothing fruitful has emerged so far out of these negotiations.

He also spoke on the agitational programmes conducted by AIRF affiliates against retrograde recommendations of the VII CPC and Charter of Demands of the ensuing Indefinite Strike. He urged upon the rank and file to concentrate and deploy all the ene rgy for preparations of Indefinite

Strike and also advised the affiliated unions to try their level best to bring all the vulnerable categories staff under their fold to make the strike a grand success. He called upon to continue intensive struggle until our genuine and legitimate demands are fulfilled.

He again mentioned, “today’s massive “March to Parliament” has definitely proved our strength and it reflects that our cadre is doing hard work and is moving from pillar to post”. Concluding his speech, the General Secretary recalled, “Railways’ Strike is not a joke, but it would

definitely result in a turmoil in the country as we are running around 22,000 pairs of trains, carrying 2.5 billion passengers everyday apart from substantial amount of goods traffic, stoppage of which

would proved to be disastrous, but in case there is no positive response from the government, we would be compelled to resort to this direct action”. President AIRF then said, “the General Secretary has explained everything; therefore, the speakers

should be very brief and precise focusing on their viewpoint”. Com. J.R. Bhosale, Treasurer AIRF, said, “we appreciate the efforts made by AIRF President and General Secretary in the direction of strike preparations”.

He further said, “we should not tolerate any curtailment in the emoluments and allowances, as such our struggle should continue until some amicable settlement is arrived on these issues”. DELIBERATIONS

Thereafter, Com. S.K. Tyagi, AGS/AIRF, Com. Pijush Chakraborty, WCM/AIRF/NFRMU, Com. C.A. Rajasridhar, VP/AIRF, Com. Basant Chaturvedi, ZS/AIRF/NERMU, Com. Mukesh Mathur, AGS/AIRF,

Com. N. Satpathy, WCM/AIRF/ECoRSU, Com. S.K. Pandey, VP/AIRF, Com. Gautam Mukherjee, VP/AIRF, Com. S.K. Bandyopadhyaya, VP/AIRF, Mukesh Galav, AGS/AIRF, Com. K. Srinivas,

VP/AIRF, Com. R.D. Yadav, VP/AIRF, Com. V.E. Charkhani, WCM/AIRF/SWRMU, Com. Talib Mohd., RCFMU/KXH, Dr. Pradeep Sharma, ZS/AIRF/DLWMU, spoke about various agitation programmes conducted by their respective unions as also their preparations for the proposed “Indefinite Strike” of 11th

July, 2016 and gave valuable suggestions. GENERAL SECRETARY

Replying to debate, the General Secretary said, “while Railway Strike is not an easy task, but in case there is no negotiated settlement on the major issues of the Charter of Demands of Indefinite Strike,

we would be compelled to resort to this weapon”. He again called upon the audience to make all sort of preparations for the strike and to create an environment all over the Indian Railways for the same.

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Lastly, he added that, the issues like National Pension System(NPS), improvement in Minimum Wage and Multiplying Factor and restoration of various allowances are the major issues which we have to fight tooth and nail until an amicable settlement thereof and expressed his hope that, all the railwaymen

would respond to our call for Indefinite Strike.

The President advised, “as far as legal reconciliation is concerned, there should be no lapse from

our side”. He said, “there is an urgent need to create awareness among the youth on NPS”. Concluding his speech, the President expressed his hope that, our cadre would leave no stone unturned for

making all preparations for the forthcoming Indefinite Strike and achieve our legitimate demands contained in the Strike Charter of Demands. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JOINT ACTION

The Central Government Employees working in and around Delhi at the call of NJCA held a massive

Rally on 24.06.2016 before the Parliament house. The Rally was organized to declare the resolve and determination of the Central Government Employees to organize Strike action commencing from 11th July 2016, if the NDA Government does not bring about a satisfactory settlement of the 11 point charter of

demands (copy enclosed).

Two of the most significant issues that have triggered the strike action are:

(i) The inordinate delay in taking decisions on the 7th CPC recommendations;

(ii) The refusal of the Government to bring back the old statutory defied Benefit scheme of pension to all CGEs in the place of Contributory Pension Scheme.

The report of the 7th CPC was submitted on 19.11.2015 after a delay of about 3 months. The

Government especially the Finance Minister had assured that the final decision over the report will be taken within 4 months. On 19th June 2016, the delay has crossed seven months.

There had been no meaningful discussions with the NJCA so far. The computation of Minimum wage by

the 7th CPC deserves to be rejected as the commission has, in a bid to suppress the entitlement doctored the formula itself. The wages of an MTS in civil service, who is a group C employee cannot be less than Rs 26000 on the basis of the formula evolved in 1957 to which the Government is a party.

There cannot therefore be any question of reduction in the quantum of minimum wage.

The NPS, which the Government introduced for those retired after 1.1.2004 in Government service has to be construed as a fraud perpetuated and deserves to be abandoned. There cannot be two classes of civil

servants in the country; one making contribution but still not getting any assured pension and the other entitled for a statutory defined pension without any contribution. Those who are covered by the NPS in Central Civil Service is now more than 40% of the total personnel. The Government must be bold enough

to address this issue.

It is high time, that the Government comes forward, hold meaningful and fruit ful discussion with NJC and settle the 11 point Charter of demands. The continued procrastination is a sure step to confrontation and

the Central government employees in the Country will certainly commence the strike action from 11.7.2016.

The entire civil service, which includes the Railways and Postal workers, employees of Defence fac tories

and establishments and all other services of the Government of India, will come to a grinding halt on 11.7.2016.

The rally which was concluded at 3 PM was addressed by leaders of Railways and Defence Federations

and Confederation of CGEs and Workers.

CHARTER OF DEMANDS

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1. Settle the issues raised by the NJCA on the recommendations of the 7 CPC sent to Cabinet Secretary vide letter dated 10th December 2015.

2. Remove the injustice done in the assignment of pay scales to technical/safety categories etc. in

Railways& Defence, different categories in other Central Govt. establishments by the 7 CPC. 3. Scrap the PFRDA Act and NPS and grant Pension/family Pension to all CG employees under

CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 & Railways Pension Rules, 1993.

4. No privatization/outsourcing/contractorisation of governmental functions. 5. Treat GDS as Civil Servants and extend proportional benefit on pension and allowances to the

GDS.

6. No FDI in Railways & Defence; No corporatization of Defence Production Units and Postal Department.

7. Fill up all vacant posts in the government departments, lift the ban on creation of posts; regularize

the casual/contract workers. 8. Remove ceiling on compassionate ground appointments. 9. Extend the benefit of Bonus Act,1965 amendment on enhanceme nt of payment ceiling to the

adhoc 10. Bonus/PLB of Central Government employees with effect from the financial year 2014-15. 11. Ensure five promotions in the service career of an employee.

12. Do not amend Labour Laws in the name of Labour Reforms which will take away the existing benefits to the workers.

13. Revive JCM functioning at all levels.

National Council (Staff side)/Joint Consultative Machinery

Sub: Non-se ttlement of our demand – Decision to go on “Indefinite Strike” commencing from 11.07.2016 – Request for your intervention and support.

I, (Secretary (Staff Side) NC/JCM) write this on behalf of the apex level body of all the Central

Government Employees Organizations who are participating in the Negotiating Forum; called the Joint

consultative Machinery. The JCM as a Negotiating Forum was conceived and implemented in 1966 after

the prolonged discussions with the Staff Associations and the Federations in the Central Services in the

wake of first industrial action in 1960. The idea of setting up the JCM was in realization of the absence of

a plat form to discuss, deliberate and settle the demands/issues/grievances/problems of the Civil

Servants. Up to 1995-96 the JCM, which has a three level negotiating platform was functioning well,

meetings were regular. However, after the promulgation of the new recognition Rules in 1993, the

meetings at the Ministry level became few and far between and at the national level, the deterioration

stepped in a little latter. The National Council, which was to meet thrice in a year, did not meet even once

in a year. The last meeting of the National Council was held on 15.05.2010. The organizations

participating in the JCM were demanding the meeting to be held, but the pleas were ignored by the

successive Cabinet Secretaries. The Charter of Demands (see page no. ---) in pursuance of which the

strike is decided to be organized, has arisen due to long neglect of the grievances of the

employees/workers.

When the 7th

CPC was set up in February, 2014, no announcement for Interim Relief or DA Merger was

made by the then government, which had all along been the practice whenever the government had set-

up the pay Commissions earlier. We fully co-operated with the Commission, submitted a memorandum

detailing the issues and explained the reasoning behind each demand. The 7th

CPC submitted report on

19.11.2010 to the government. In our communication dated 10.12.2015, we sought

improvement/amendment over the recommendations of the 7th

and explained our demands both in writing

and orally before the Empowering Committee. Most of the meeting was monologues except perhaps the

last one. What we have understood, is that, the Empowering Committee might not come forward to make

any major changes. A fruitful meeting is supposed to be a dialogue where both parties at the negotiating

table exchange their understanding, views and difficulties and reach a mutually acceptable position. In

1998, when the then Cabinet Secretary decided not to have such a dialogue with the Staff Side and

unalterably issued the Government Notification on the 5th

CPC recommendations, the then government

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did set up a committee of Group of Ministers. The GoM held discussions on all issues and averted the

strike action. The 1998 situation establishes, without an iota of doubt, that, the Staff Side has always

taken reasonable stand on all the issues and paved way for settlement.

The one and only recommendation made by the 7th

CPC was to provide some relief to the past old

pensioners. The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has unfortunately recommended to the

Cabinet Secretary that, even that recommendation must be rejected on the specious plea that the

requisite relevant records might not be available.

These developments have caused anguish, anxiety and anger amongst the workers. it is now more than six months that the Commission submitted its report. If the government comes forward to hold a meaningful discussion with the leaders of the NJCA, a mutually acceptable settlement can be brought

about and the impending strike, slated to commence from 11.07.2016, can ultimately be avoided.

We seek your co-operation, supports and intervention in the matter.

Sub: Pension and Dearness Relief to be paid net of Income tax.

Purchasing power of the pensioners has been reducing day-by-day due to continuing high inflation and steep price hike in the costs of livelihood and essential commodities as well as expenses incurred by the pensioners on their medical treatment at the fag-end of their life.

Pensioners are entitled for payment of Dearness Relief on their Basic Pension to protect their income, which erode gradually on account of market inflations. Deduction of Income Tax eats away major part of the pension, thereby defeating the very purpose of Dearness Relief to the pensioners to compensate the

inflation.

With a view to enable the pensioners to live with honour at the fag -end of their li fe, the 5th

CPC vide Para 161.11 recommended that:-

“We are of the opinion that retired Government Employees in their old age deserve sympathy and accordingly recommend that pensions including Dearness Relief of all retired Central Government Employees may be paid net of taxes”.

In view of the above, it would be quite appropriate that Pension and Dearness Relief thereon to the pensioners be paid net of taxes and no Income-Tax be recovered from the pensioners.

(No.NC/JCM/2016.Dated: June 27, 2016)

Sub: House Rent Allowance to Central Government Pensioners

The priority pertains to House Rent Allowance to the pensioners as majority of the pensioners residing in the rented accommodation and major portion of the pension is being spent on house rent due to

inordinate and galloping increase in house rent, resulting in remaining amount is insufficient to meet with and regulate basic requirement of the li fe, as such house rent is essential to regulate the li fe of the pensioners and also for their survival.

The impact of higher prices is equally affected and realized by the retired employees as in the case of serving employees, who worked with full sincerity and loyalty during their service period, are not in a position to have own house even with settlement dues and have been facing financial hardship being

living in rented accommodation.

Due to change in social pattern and conversion of joint family system into individual family system, pensioners are facing great difficulties in respect of physical, financial, mental aspect and social respect.

In order to give relief, respect and strength to pensioners for their survival, pensioners should also be considered for payment of House Rent Allowance, which becomes admissible in relation to pension, equivalent to serving employees.

As per para, 127.5 of 5th CPC, based on the Apex Court, pension is a payment for past services rendered by an employee, which has been repeated by the 6th CPC vide para 5.1.3 page 325 of their report. Consequently, element of past services includes House Rent Allowance. As such, element of

House Rent Allowance needs to be considered along with pension.

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(No.NC/JCM/2016.Dated: June 27, 2016)

News from AIRF’s affiliates

Western Railway Employees’ Union

WREU held a protest held protest demonstration and meetings at HQ Office, Church gate, DRM Offices at BCT, BRC, ADI, RTM, RJT & BVP and Parel, Dahod and Bhavnagar Workshops for demanding implementation of 7th CPC recommendations with improvement from 1.1.2016 in all respects. Payment of

PLB arrears, scrapping of National Pension Scheme, stopping of 100% FDI in Railways and privatization, filling-up of vacant posts, proper and timely maintenance of railway colonies/ quarters, immediate implementation of upgradation of Trackmen category, improvements in the pay scales of the running

staff, Technical and all other supervisors, merger of Artisan Grade I & II, and all other demands were highlighted while addressing the gathering by President, General Secretary, Treasurers, Vice Presidents, Divisional Chairmen & Secretaries of the respective divisions, AIRF Working Committee members,

Chairmen & Secretaries of the concerned Workshops at their respective places.

As per the directive given by the General Secretary to hold meetings to inform the latest information on 7th CPC in order to remove various rumors spreading in connection with pay commission, Gate Meetings

were organized at all DRM Offices, viz. BCT, BRC, ADI, RTM, RJT and BVP and DHD Workshop and CCG GLO and Accounts Offices at Church gate on 28.06.2016 on very short notice.

Com. J. Bhosale addressed the gathering at BCT and informed that the news flashing in various print

and electronic media that the Empowered Committee has submitted its report and Finance Secretary will forward this report to Cabinet is not fully believable and gave latest information on 7th CPC. He stated that there is no uniformity in regard to minimum wages and about proposed increase in wages appearing

in different news channels. He exhorted the cadre to be vigilant and watchful on government’s decision in regard to implementation of VII CPC Report. He stated that in case our just and legitimate demands are not met, we should be ready to proceed with our decision of nationwide indefinite strike of C.G.

employees including the Railwaymen. He demanded im plementation of 7th CPC recommendations w.e. f. 1.1.2016 with allowances without any further delay. Gate meetings held at other DRM / CWM Offices were addressed by the Secretaries and Chairmen of the respective Division/ Workshop and other HQ

office bearers.

SWRMU

Massive Demonstration held in front of Hubballi Workshop on 01.07.2016 against Cabinet approval to 7th

CPC retrograde recommendations.

Cabinet approved recommendations are following:-

1. The present system of Pay Bands and Grade Pay has been dispensed with and a new Pay Matrix

as recommended by the Commission has been approved. The status of the employee, hitherto

determined by grade pay, will now be determined by the level in the Pay Matrix. Separate Pay

Matrices have been drawn up for Civilians, Defence Personnel and for Military Nursing Service.

The principle and rationale behind these matrices are the same.

2. All existing levels have been subsumed in the new structure; no new levels have been int roduced

nor has any level been dispensed with. Index of Rationalisation has been approved for arriving at

minimum pay in each Level of the Pay Matrix depending upon the increasing role, responsibility

and accountability at each step in the hierarchy.

3. The minimum pay has been increased from Rs. 7000 to 18000 p.m. Starting salary of a newly

recruited employee at lowest level will now be Rs. 18000 whereas for a freshly recruited Class I

officer, it will be Rs. 56100. This reflects a compression ratio of 1:3.12 signifying that pay of a

Class I officer on direct recruitment will be three times the pay of an entrant at lowest level.

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4. For the purpose of revision of pay and pension, a fitment factor of 2.57 will be applied across all

Levels in the Pay Matrices. After taking into account the DA at prevailing rate, the salary/pension

of all government employees/pensioners will be raised by at least 14.29 % as on 01.01.2016.

5. Rate of increment has been retained at 3 %. This will benefit the employees in future on account

of higher basic pay as the annual increments that they earn in future will be 2.57 times than at

present.

6. The Cabinet approved further improvements in the Defence Pay Matrix by enhancing Index of

Rationalization for Level 13A (Brigadier) and providing for additional stages in Level 12A

(Lieutenant Colonel), 13 (Colonel) and 13A (Brigadier) in order to bring parity with Combined

Armed Police Forces (CAPF) counterparts at the maximum of the respective Levels.

7. Some other decisions impacting the employees including Defence & Combined Armed Police

Forces (CAPF) personnel include :

8. Gratuity ceiling enhanced from Rs. 10 to 20 lakh. The ceiling on gratuity will increase by 25 %

whenever DA rises by 50 %.

9. A common regime for payment of Ex-gratia lump sum compensation for civil and defence forces

personnel payable to Next of Kin with the existing rates enhanced from Rs. 10 -20 lakh to 25-45

lakh for different categories.

10. Rates of Military Service Pay revised from Rs. 1000, 2000, 4200 & 6000 to 3600, 5200, 10800 &

15500 respectively for various categories of Defence Forces personnel.

11. Terminal gratuity equivalent of 10.5 months of reckonable emoluments for Short Service

Commissioned Officers who will be allowed to exit Armed Forces any time between 7 and 10

years of service.

12. Hospital Leave, Special Disability Leave and Sick Leave subsumed into a composite new Leave

named ‘Work Related Illness and Injury Leave’ (WRIIL). Full pay and allowances will be granted

to all employees during the entire period of hospitalization on account of WRIIL.

13. The Cabinet also approved the recommendation of the Commission to enhance the ceiling of

House Building Advance from Rs. 7.50 lakh to 25 lakh. In order to ensure that no hardship is

caused to employees, four interest free advances namely Advances for Medical Treatment, TA

on tour/transfer, TA for family of deceased employees and LTC have been retained. All other

interest free advances have been abolished.

14. The Cabinet also decided not to accept the steep hike in monthly contribution towards Central

Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme (CGEGIS) recommended by the Commission.

The existing rates of monthly contribution will continue. This will increase the take home salary of

employees at lower levels by Rs. 1470. However, considering the need for social security of

employees, the Cabinet has asked Ministry of Finance to work out a customized group insurance

scheme for Central Government Employees with low premium and high risk cover.

See Page No. 15

15. The general recommendations of the Commission on pension and related benefits have been

approved by the Cabinet. Both the options recommended by the Commission as regards pension

revision have been accepted subject to feasibility of their implementation. Revision of pension

using the second option based on fitment factor of 2.57 shall be implemented immediately. A

Committee is being constituted to address the implementation issues anticipated in the first

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formulation. The first formulation may be made applicable if its implementation is found feasible

after examination by proposed Committee which is to submit its Report within 4 months.

16. The Commission examined a total of 196 existing Allowances and, by way of rationalization,

recommended abolition of 51 Allowances and subsuming of 37 Allowances. Given the significant

changes in the existing provisions for Allowances which may have wide ranging implications, the

Cabinet decided to constitute a Committee headed by Finance Secretary for further examination

of the recommendations of 7th CPC on Allowances. The Committee will complete its work in a

time bound manner and submit its reports within a period of 4 months. Till a final decision, all

existing Allowances will continue to be paid at the existing rates.

17. The Cabinet also decided to constitute two separate Committees (i) to suggest measures for

streamlining the implementation of National Pension System (NPS) and (ii) to look into anomalies

likely to arise out of implementation of the Commission’s Report.

18. Apart from the pay, pension and other recommendations approved by the Cabinet, it was decided

that the concerned Ministries may examine the issues that are administrative in nature, individual

post/ cadre specific and issues in which the Commission has not been able to arrive at a

consensus.

19. As estimated by the 7th CPC, the additional financial impact on account of implementation of all

its recommendations in 2016-17 will be Rs. 1,02,100 crore. There will be an additional implication

of Rs. 12,133 crore on account of payments of arrears of pay and pension for two months of

2015-16.

SRMU

The ERNAKULAM Rly Co-Operative Housing Society Election held on 15/06/16. In this election,

Com. G. Eswar Lal SRMU/TVC Under the Stewardship of Bro. Gopikrishna DS, Bro. Unnikrishnan DP( who led the Panel of SRMU,) Bro. C. S. Prasannakumar AGS, who were guided & motivated by our beloved Dynamic Genl. Secretary Bro. N. Kanniah & Scored an Historic Victory by Sweeping 10 out of

11 Director Post in Housing society defeating The Rainbow Coalition of DREU/NFIR supported by all Associations. This massive victory's credit is goes to all Railwaymen and entire team of SRMU.

Railway Board Order

Sub: Extension to the scheme of “Honorary Visiting Specialists” in all the Railway Hospitals all over Indian Railways.

In continuation to Board’s letter 2015/H-1/12/3/HVS/Policy dated 25.06.2015, sanction of the Ministry of Railways is hereby accorded for further extension of the scheme of “Honorary Visiting Specialists” from 01.07.2016 to 30.06.2017 in all the Railway Hospitals over all Indian Railways.

The term of Honorary Visiting Specialists who have been engaged or accorded sanction for extension up to 30.06.2016, may now be considered for extension in terms of the extant instructions for a period of one year w.e. f. the date they have taken charge of their posts.

All other terms and conditions will remain the same as given in the consolidated instructions issued vide Board’s letter no. 2014/H-1/12/8/HVS/Policy dated 19.06.2015.

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

(No.2015/H-1/12/3/HVS/Policy.dt.09.06.2016)

Sub: Grant of Hospital Patient Care Allowance (HPCA) & Patient Care Allowance (PCA) to Group ‘C’ & ‘D’ (non -ministerial) Railway employees working in Railway Hospitals & He alth

Unit/Clinics.

Ref: PNM/AIRF Item No. 7/2010, PNM/NFIR Item No. 12/2015.

Hospital Patient Care Allowance/Patient Care Allowance was introduced on the Railways in terms

Board’s letter No.E(P&A)II-98/HW-6 dated 09.01.2008. Further, the rates of HPCA/PCA were revised as

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per Board’s letter No.E(P&A)I-2013/AL-3 dated 20.02.2013. Dental Hygienists and Physiotherapists/Occupational Therapists were also made eligible for HPCA/PCA vide Board’s letters E(P&A)II-98/HW-6 Vol. III dated 31.07.2015 on the terms and conditions mentioned therein.

2. Consequent to the directions made by the Hon’ble CAT/Delhi in its order dt.16.07.2015 in OA No. 974/2013, an expert committee was constituted to find out whether the duties & responsibilities of the applicants involve continuous and routine contacts with communicable diseases & handling

infected materials, instruments, which can spread infection & thereafter would take final decision regarding their entitlement to HPCA/PCA/Risk Allowance. The applicants in this case were kitchen staff working in the Northern Railway Central Hospital, New Delhi. The recognized

Federations have also been demanding for the admissibility of HPCA/PCA to the Kitchen Staff.

3. The expert committee has submitted its recommendations and it has been considered by the Board and accordingly it has been decided to include the following category of Kitchen Staff in

the list of eligible categories of Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ (non-ministerial) for the grant of HPCA/PCA w.e.f. the date of issue of this letter:

(i) Masalchis & Cookmates;

(ii) Cooks where no separate Masalchi/Cookmates is provided and the cooks are required to clean the utensils or serve food where bearers are not provided.

4. Other terms and conditions would remain the same as per Board’s letter no. E(P&A)II -98/HW-6

dated 09.01.2008 and Board’s letter No. E(P&A)II-2013/AL-3 dated 20.02.2013.

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

(RBE No.58/2016.No.E (P&A)II-98/HW-6Vol.III.dt.02.06.2016)

Sub: Instructions regarding date of birth/age of family pensioners.

A copy of Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DOP&PW)’s O.M. No.1/23/2012-P&PW(E) dt.27

th September, 2012 on the above subject is enclosed for information and compliance. These

instructions shall apply mutatis mutandis on the Railways also.

2. A concordance of DOP&PW’s instructions referred to in the enclosed O.M. and Railway Board’s corresponding instructions is given below:

S.No. DOP&PW’s instructions Railway Board’s corresponding instructions.

1. O.M. No. 38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 21.05.2009 Letter of even number dated 26.05.2009.




5. O.M. No. 1/19/11-P&PW (E) dated 03.08.2011 Letter of even number dated 19.09.2011.

6. O.M. No. 1/23/2012-P&PW(E)dated13.09.2012 Letter of even number dated 13.10.2015.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

This Department has issued instructions vide OM No.38/37/08-P&PW(A), dated 21.05.2009, 11.08.2009, 25.06.2010 & 28.09.2010, O.M.No.1/19/11-P&PW(E), dated 03.08.2011 and O.M.No.1/23/2012-

P&PW(E), dated 13.09.2012 for consideration of date of birth/age for grant of additional pension/family pension to old pensioners/family pensioners. Certain documents i.e. PAN Card, Matriculation certificate, Passport, CGHS have been allowed to be accepted in this regard.

2. For revision of an old PPO, date of birth of family pensioners is a mandatory field in the software. Some queries have been received in this Department regarding clarification whether these instructions are applicable for accepting date of birth/age of the spouse at the time of revision of

PPOs.

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3. It is hereby clarified that the above instructions are applicable at the time of issue/revision of a PPO for a family pensioner irrespective of the age of the family pensioners at that time. It is further clarified that in case the exact date of birth is not available in the PPO/officer records, the

age of the family pensioner as on 1st

January may be taken same as what she/he had completed in the previous year. For example, i f a family pensioner completes the age of 54 years in 2012, her/his age as on 1

st January, 2013 may be taken as 54 years and PPO may be revised

accordingly.

(RBE No.59/2016.No.F (E)III/2008/PN1/12.dt.07.06.2016)

Sub: Out of Turn Promotions (OTP) to outstanding Sportspersons/Coaches for excellence in

field of sport – Clarification regarding.

Ref: Board’s letters nos. (i) 2010/E (Sports)/4(1)/1(Policy) dated 31.12.2010 (RBE No. 189/2010).

(ii) 2012/E(Sports)/4(1)/3/OTP/DOPT dated 23.05.2013 (RBE No. 50/2013) and clarifications/

corrigendum issued thereto.

(iii) 2013/E(Sports)/4(1)/1/Policy Clarifications dated 31.10.2013 (RBE No.114/2013).

As per Board’s letter of even number dated 23.05.2013 (RBE No. 50/2013) under reference on the

subject mentioned above, the power for granting second and subsequent out -of-turn promotion to next higher post in his/her cadre to the outstanding sportspersons, was delegated to General Managers. Vide Board’s letter No.2013/E(Sports)/4(1)/1/Policy Clarifications dated 31.10.2013 (RBE No.114/2013), it was

clarified that sports event concluded on or after 23.05.2013 and which makes eligible to a sportsperson/coach for out-of-turn promotion as per provisions of Board’s letter dated 23.05.2013, shall only be considered as per this policy letter. The other cases of out -of-turn promotion on sports account

shall be dealt with as per the policy in vogue at the time of sports achievement.

2. It has now been decided that in supersession of Board’s letter dated 31.10.2013 ibid, second and subsequent out-of-turn promotion to next higher post in his/her cadre to the outstanding sportspersons for

cases prior to 23.05.2013 will also be done under General Manager’s power. Further, the date of promotion for cases which were due (meeting with all eligibility norms) prior to 23.05.2015, may be granted promotion w.e.f. 23.05.2013

These instructions issue with the approval of Board (MS).

(RBE No.60/2016.No.2012/E (Sports) /4(1)/3/OTP/DOPT.dt.09.06.2016)

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