Feedback on the meeting held with the Member Staff, Railway Board

No.AIRF/24(C)                                        Dated: May 23, 2011

The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions,

Dear Comrades,
Sub: Feedback on the meeting held with the Member Staff, Railway Board

In the meeting held today, i.e. on 23rd May, 2011, between the undersigned and Member Staff, Railway Board, wherein Adviser(IR), EDPC-I and EDF(E) were also present, the following deliberations were made on some of AIRF’s demands for which “All India Protest Day” was observed on 18th May, 2011 all over the Indian Railways :-

1. Payment of arrears of Overtime w.e.f. 1.1.2006 – Orders to this effect have already been issued.
2. Settlement of pensionery dues to Construction Organization Staff on last pay drawn – It was ensured that necessary orders will be issued in a day or two.
3. Arrears to Running Staff w.e.f. 1.1.2006 , improvement in the rate of ALK and 25% enhancement in Mileage Allowance – This issue will be discussed after collecting necessary data on 8th June, 2011.
4. Filling-up of vacancies – Efforts are on and 16,000 vacancies in GP Rs.1800 have been filled-up by Ex-servicemen. Efforts are on for further recruitment of 47,000 employees in GP Rs.1800. It is expected that a panel of 30,000 group `C’ staff will be available by the end of July, 2011. I insisted that even then there will be large number of vacancies. It was agreed that, to fill-up remaining vacancies in group `C’, possibilities for conducting GDCE will be explored.
5. Recruitment of Substitutes – The issue of recruitment of Substitutes was also discussed but remained inconclusive.
6. Anomalies – Various anomalies referred to MoF will be pursued by the Railway Ministry(Railway Board) and the outcome will be made available to the Federation shortly.

7. Constitution of High Powered Committee – Constitution of High Powered Committee to review duty hours of Running and Safety Categories Staff has already approved by Hon’ble MR and is under process of notification.
8. Joint Committee on Trackmen(Gangmen) – Meeting of the Joint Committee on Trackmen(Gangmen) is already fixed for 2nd June, 2011 and hope, recommendations of the said
committee will be finalized in this meeting.
9. Cadre Restructuring – Process of cadre restructuring has started on 20.5.2011, and the same will be progressed further.
10. LARSGESS – Member Staff agreed to review appointment of the wards of the Railwaymen under LARSGESS like compassionate ground appointment, and for that, further action will be taken in consultation with Zonal Railways.
11. Absorption of quasi-administrative offices staff in the Railways – Member Staff agreed to pursue the matter further.
Hopefully, inconclusive meeting of the DC/JCM will take place on 3rd June, 2011.

Periodic Medical examination relaxation for Loco Pilots declared with type II Diabetes

Periodic Medical examination relaxation for Loco Pilots
declared with type II Diabetes - Amendment to
Annexure-III (Para 509, 512) — 12.7.2 of IRMM- 2000

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)
N0.2008/
H/5/18
New Delhi, dated 20.5.2011

The General Managers,
All Indian Railways,
(Including PUs).

CORRIGENDUM

Sub:- Periodic Medical examination relaxation for Loco
Pilots declared with type II Diabetes - Amendment to
Annexure-III (Para 509, 512) — 12.7.2 of IRMM- 2000.

Pursuant to the demand raised by Staff Side as DC/JCM
item, the issue of relaxing the medical standards of Loco
Pilots suffering from Diabetes Mellitus have been considered by the Board and the following has been decided -

Employees in safety category (A1, A2 and A3) & RPF
who are suffering from Diabetes Mellitus can be
declared fit for the respective categories if Diabetes is
controlled on diet and/or on Tab. Metformin (oral
hypoglycemic drug) upto 2gm/day only.

Periodic medical examination of such employee is to
be conducted every year in addition to regular follow
up as per the advice of the treating physician.
The in-service employee of A-one category who had been
declared unfit due to Diabetes Mellitus prior to issue of this
Board’s letter will not be considered for re-medical
examination.
This issues in consultation with Safety, Mechanical,
Electrical & Establishment Dtes. of Board’s office
Accordingly an ACS to Annex III (Para 509, 512)- 12.7.2
of IRMM-2000 is enclosed
Hindi version will follow.
This supersedes the instructions contained in Board’s letter
of even number dated 03.05.11.
sd/-
(Dr. D.P. Pande)
Executivc Director Health(Plg.)
Railway Board
Source: AIRF

DEDUCTION UNDER NEW PENSION SCHEME NOT INCLUDED IN 1 LAKH SAVINGS LIMIT

DEDUCTION UNDER NEW PENSION SCHEME NOT INCLUDED IN 1LAKH SAVING LIMIT

The New Pension Scheme (NPS) was introduced by the
Union Government in 2003. According to the new scheme,
employees appointed on or after January 1, 2004 will
contribute 10 per cent of their Pay and Dearness Allowance
to the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority
under the Ministry of Finance. An equal amount will be
contributed by the Centre. The scheme is mandatory for
Government employees, but optional for other citizens of
India. NPS merely declared that tax benefits would be
applicable as per the Income Tax Act 1961 as amended
from time to time.
THE NEW SECTION 36(1
The Finance Act, 2011 has inserted a new Section 36 (1)(iva)
with effect from assessment year 2012-13 to provide that
an assessee will get a deduction in respect of contribution
towards a pension scheme referred in Section 80CCD of the
Act on account of an employee up to 10 per cent of the
salary of the employee in the previous year. For this
purpose, ‘salary' includes DA, if the terms of ‘employment'
so provide, but excludes all other allowances and
perquisites.
Currently, contribution made by an employer towards a
recognised provident fund, an approved superannuation
fund or an approved gratuity fund is allowable as a
deduction from business income under Section 36, subject
to certain limits.
However contribution made by an employer to the NPS is
not allowed as a deduction. The newly inserted clause
provides that any sum paid by the assessee as an employer
by way of contribution towards the pension scheme on
account of an employee to the extent it does not exceed 10
per cent of the salary of the employee in the previous year,
shall be allowed as deduction in computing the income
under the head ‘Profits and gains of business or profession'.
No doubt, such deduction would have been available under
Section 37. The matter, however, is placed beyond doubt by
the new Section. It should, however, be noted that
deduction would be available only upon actual payment. The
term ‘employee' will include all employees including
Director-employees. The limit of 10 per cent will apply to
each employee individually. The Finance Act has also
amended Section 40A (9) for this purpose.
LIMITS ON DEDUCTION
Section 80CCE provides that the aggregate amount of
deduction under Section 80CCC and 80CCD shall not exceed
Rs 1 lakh. The Finance Act, 2011 provides that contribution
made by the Central Government or any other employer to
NPS shall be excluded while computing the limit of Rs
1,00,000. The contribution by the employee to the NPS will
be subject to the limit of Rs 1,00,000.
At the same time, deduction in respect of contributions by
the Central Government or any other employer to NPS
available under Section 80CCD (2) will not be subject to the
limit specified in Section 80CCE. This provides a leeway for
employees to seek a restructuring of the pay. Employers
may be willing to include the contribution to the NPS in the
pay package and claim 10 per cent of the salary as
deduction. Depending on the pay scales, such restructuring
may offer a benefit to both the employer and the employee.
Deduction for contribution to the NPS in the hands of the
employer and the exclusion of such contributions in the
hands of the employees in computing the exemption under
Section 80C will mean a morale booster for the employer
and the employee.
(The author is a former Chief Commissioner of Income-Tax.)
source www.simpletax.org

Rates of Night Duty Allowance w.e.f. 1-1-2011

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
( RAILWAY BOARD)

No.E(P&A)II-2011/HW-2

RBE No.67/2011

New Delhi, dated 16/5/2011.

The General Managers/CAOs,
All Indian Railways & Prod. Units etc,
(As per mailing lists No.1 & 11).

Subject: Rates of Night Duty Allowance w.e.f. 1-1-2011.

*****

Consequent to sanction of an additional installment of Dearness Allowance vide this Ministry’s letter No.PC-VI/2008/1/7/2/1 dated 25.03.2011, the President is pleased to decide that the rates of Night Duty Allowance, as notified vide Annexures ‘A’ and ‘B’ of Board’s letter No.E(P&A)II-2010/HW-4 dated 27-10-2010 stand revised with effect from 01-01-2011 as indicated at Annexure ‘A’ in respect of Continuous’. ‘Intensive’,‘Excluded categories and workshop employees, and as indicated at Annexure ‘B’ in respect of Essentially intermittent’ categories.

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

sd/-
(Salim Md. Ahmed)
Deputy Director/E(P&A)III,
Railway Board.

DA: One.

Rates of Night Duty Allowance (NDA) with effect from 1.1.2011 for ‘Intensive’, ‘Continuous’ and ‘Excluded’ categories and Workshop staff.
Pay Band	Grade Pay	Rate of NDA (in Rs.)
4440 – 7440	1300	50.85
4440 – 7440	1400	51.55
4440 – 7440	1600	52.95
4440 – 7440	1650	53.3
5200 – 20200	1800	101.85
5200 – 20200	1900	102.55
5200 – 20200	2000	103.25
5200 – 20200	2400	106.05
5200 – 20200	2800	108.85
9300 – 34800	4200	184.35
9300 – 34800	4600 and above	187.15
Rates of Night Duty Allowance (NDA) with effect from 1.1.2011 for ‘Essentially Intermittent’ categories of staff.
Pay Band	Grade Pay	Rate of NDA (in Rs.)
4440 – 7440	1300	33.9
4440 – 7440	1400	34.35
4440 – 7440	1600	35.3
4440 – 7440	1650	35.55
5200 – 20200	1800	67.9
5200 – 20200	1900	68.35
5200 – 20200	2000	68.85
5200 – 20200	2400	70.7
5200 – 20200	2800	72.55
9300 – 34800	4200	122.9
9300 – 34800	4600 and above	124.75

 

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

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

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(Railway Board)

S.No.PC-VI/260
RBE No.72 / 2011

No.PC-V/2008/A/O/3(OTA)
New Delhi, dated 20/05/2011

The General Managers
All Indian Railways and Production Units
(as per mailing list)

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

The issue of revising the date of effect of OTA w.e.f. 01.01.2006 instead of 01.9.2008 (as communicated vide Para 3 of Board's letter of even number dated 17.2.2010), as demanded vide item no.24/2010 in DC/JCM, has been considered by the Board. It has been decided to revise the date of effect of OTA as 01.01.2006. It is however clarified that the basic pay and DA element for the purpose of OTA shall be revised w.e.f.01.01.2006 and other elements constituting emolument for the purpose of OTA viz. HRA and Transport Allowance etc. shall be taken into account at revised rates w.e.f.01.09.2008 as per the Sixth CPC recommendations.
2. This has the approval of Finance Directorate of Ministry of Railways.
3. Hindi version will follow.

sd/-

(N.P.singh)

Deputy Director. Pay Commission-V

Raiway Board.

Source: AIRF

CBI court refuses bail to two top railway officials

CBI court refuses bail to two top railway officials

Hyderabad, May 6 (PTI) A special CBI court today dismissed the bail pleas of A K Jagannatham, the then additional divisional railway manager in Raipur, and S N Sharma, the suspended chairman of the Railway Recruitment Board (Mumbai), arrested in connection with a recruitment scam. The court dismissed the bail petitions of Jagannatham and Sharma after the agency strongly objected to their release, a CBI officer said here. The remaining accused -- Vivek (Sharma's son), J Sahreen Kumar and B Vijay Shankar -- were granted bail. Sharma's son got bail on health grounds. The trio have to deposit a bond of Rs 50,000 each with two sureties of the same amount and can not leave Hyderabad till further orders, CBI's senior public prosecutor T Venkat Ramana said. They have also been asked to present themselves at the CBI office here every Monday and Wednesday. The CBI last June claimed to have unearthed a major Railway recruitment scam and subsequently filed a charge sheet against 15 persons. With today's order, 12 out of the 15 accused are out on bail. The agency claimed that Jagannatham was the kingpin of the scam and there was a deal of Rs one crore with some RRB officials to leak the question papers. The question papers were leaked during the examinations for the posts of assistant loco-pilot and assistant station master, held on June 6 and 13 last year by the RRB, Mumbai.

PTI

Comparison of grades (Running Pay Bands) and Grade Pays of Running Staff with those of Stationary (Non Running) Staff

Comparison of grades (Running Pay Bands) and Grade Pays of Running Staff with those of Stationary (Non Running) Staff

 

Departmental selections/ suitability tests in regional language also

As Demanded by AIRF in DC/JCM Rly Bd issued LNo E(NG)I-2004/PM1/41 dated 25/04/2011 RBE 52/2011 and instructed all GMs/ Zonal Rlys, to conduct departmental selections/ suitability tests in regional language also. 

Departmental Anomaly Committee (DAC) extended upto 30/09/2011

Departmental Anomaly Committee (DAC) extended upto 30/09/2011.

AIRF ZINDABAD NRMU ZINDABAD

Resolution - Early settlement of long pending demands of the Railwaymen

No.AIRF/24(C)                                Dated: April 27, 2011

Shri Vivek Sahai,

Chairman, Railway Board,

New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Resolution - Early settlement of long pending demands of the Railwaymen –

I am pained to bring to your kind notice that in the Working Committee Meeting of AIRF, held in New Delhi on 25-26 April, 2011, Members of AIRF Working Committee were very much agitated about non-finalisation of long pending demands of the Railwaymen, raised by the AIRF, despite all out attempts of the Federation(AIRF). A copy of the Resolution passed by the AIRF Working Committee Meeting is enclosed herewith for your kind perusal. It will be in all appropriateness to avoid confrontation that a negotiated settlement may please be arrived at on the issues contained in the attached resolution. An early action in the matter shall be highly appreciated. Yours faithfully, (Shiva Gopal Mishra) DA/As above General Secretary Copy to: Shri V.N. Tripathi, Member Staff, Railway Board, New Delhi. He is also requested to do the needful please. Copy to: Shri P.K. Sharma, Addl. Member Staff, Railway Board, New Delhi. He is also requested to do the needful please. Copy to: Shri A.K. Nigam, Adviser(IR), Railway Board, New Delhi. He is also requested to do the needful please.

ALL INDIA RAILWAYMEN’S FEDERATION

4 State Entry Road, New Delhi

RESOLUTION

The Working Committee of All India Railwaymen’s Federation(AIRF) held in New Delhi on 25th April, 2011 notes with serious concern that the grievances of the Railwaymen have been mounting day-by- day, and the attempts of AIRF for negotiated settlement for long pending burning grievances could not get due response from the Railway Board(Ministry of Railways) despite repeated attempts of AIRF through the resolution of the 86th Annual Conference of AIRF held at Nagpur from 28th to 30th December 2010 and various correspondence. The unresponsive attitude of the Railway Board has compelled the AIRF Working Committee to take painful decision to suspend all forms of negotiation with the Railway Board for a fortnight, commencing from 13th June, 2011 and observe “All India Protest Week” simultaneously from 20th to 24th June, 2011 through Dharna, Mass Protest etc. all over the country, followed by demonstrations by respective unions before the General Managers to ventilate the grievances. If the same failed to evoke proper response from the Railway Board(Ministry of Railway), AIRF will be compelled to stage massive demonstration before the Parliament during Autumn Session 2011, followed by meeting of the General Council of AIRF to take decision for precipitative action, the responsibility of which shall squarely fall on the Railway Board(Ministry of Railways). Charter of Demands
1. Fill-up all the vacant posts.
2. Early recruitment of the Substitutes to tide over the present position(AIRF/24(C) dated 5th May 2010 and 1st October, 2010 and GS AIRF’s D.O. letter No.AIRF/64 dated 20.12.2010 to the Member Staff, Railway Board).
3. Sanction additional posts in commensurate with the increase in the workload and stop surrendering of posts on thumb rule. There should not be binding of Matching Savings for creation of posts.
4. Stop outsourcing of perennial nature jobs by way of Public-Private Partnership or any such method and all perennial nature works should be done departmentally.
5. Appoint High-Powered Committee, as agreed during strike negotiation in February, 2006, to review duty hours of the Running Staff and the staff working in Safety Categories. There must not be more than eight hour-duty to any category of staff, and in case of duty hours classified as `Intensive’, the duty hours must not be beyond six-hour.
6. Take steps to limit duty hours, improve Human Resource in the Indian Railways, ensure supply of good quality and required quantity of spare parts/spare units to ensure safety of the travelling public. There should be no enhancement in the duty hours.
7. Ensure all round improvement in training institutes and take steps to motivate trainers and trainees.
8. Remove all the anomalies arising out of recommendations of the VI CPC.
9. Immediate settlement of recommendations of the Department Anomaly Committee pending with the DoP&T/MoF.
10. Complete Cadre Restructuring Exercise without putting the condition of “Matching Savings”.
11. Improve rates of Running/Kilometreage Allowance and pay scales of Loco & Traffic Running Staff as also their working conditions.
12. Pay the arrears of Running Allowance to Loco & Traffic Running staff w.e.f. 1.1.2006.
13. Merge the grade pay of Technicians Grade-II(GP Rs.2400) with Technicians Grade-I(GP Rs.2800).
14. Allot Grade Pay of Rs.4800 to all the Senior Supervisors.
15. Early upgradation of 15% apex level group ‘C’ posts to group ‘B’ posts(AIRF’s PNM item No 5/2006 and DC/JCM Item No 16/2009).
16. Absorb/regularize all the quasi-administrative staff in group `D’ posts in the Railways.(AIRF’s letter No.D.O.No.AIRF/7-B dated 21.01.2010(to Hon’ble MR), No.AIRF/24(C) dated 5.5.2010, No.AIRF/24(C) dated 01.10.2010 and No.AIRF/DC/JCM/27/2006 dated 2.11.2010(to the Member Staff, Railway Board), No.AIRF/446 dated 26.2.2011 and DC/JCM Items No 3/2006 and 27/2006).
17. Widen promotional prospects and grant Special Package to the Gangmen/Trackmen, Keymen, Gatemen, Mate. They should be provided with accommodation facilities near the railway stations. Improve uniform of the Trackman with provision of two pair of shoes every year as well as Washing Allowance. Payment of adequate honorarium to all the Gatemen.
18. LARSGESS should be liberalized and extend to all the categories of the Railwaymen and recruitment qualification in Grade Pay Rs.1800 be kept VIII class pass.
19. Improve condition of railway quarters and railway colonies as also Running Rooms/Rest Rooms and provide adequate fund for the same. Also provide Maintenance Allowance for petty repairs, white washing and painting of railway quarters.
20. Implement 21-day roster for the employees of Track Machine Organization.
21. Pay the arrears of Overtime Allowance w.e.f. 1.1.2006, i.e. from the date their pay scales were revised.(DC/JCM item No 24/2010).
22. Early implementation of recommendations of Group `D’ Staff Promotion Committee(Ansari Committee). (AIRF’s letter No.AIRF/483(336) dated 1st October 2008).
23. 8th pass educational qualification for the purpose of appointment against compassionate ground and Scout and Cultural Quota(AIRF/64 dated 4.1.2011).
24. Daily Allowance to Staff Car Driver(AIRF’s letter No.AIRF/97(xxvi)91 and PNM Item No.5/2009).
25. Withdrawal of Railway Board’s letter No.F(E)III2007/PN1/4 dated 19.8.2010 so that employees working in the Construction Organizations can draw their settlement dues based on the last pay drawn. (AIRF’s PNM item No 43/2002 and 7/2009).
26. Payment of Washing Allowance to all those staff who are getting uniforms(AIRF’s PNM item No 48/2006).
27. Pay Transport Allowance to the staff of Rayanapadu and Jamalpur Workshop(DC/JCM Item No. 27/2010).
28. Reimbursement of medical expenses(AIRF’s PNM Item No. 55/2006 and 18/2008 and DC/JCM Item No. 24/2009)Children Education Allowance/Hostel Subsidy etc. (Dc/JCM Item No 3/2010 and Transport Allowance).
29. 30%Training Allowance to the Instructors(AIRF’s PNM Item No 23/2010 and DC/JCM Item No 19/2010).
30. Early repatriation and Cadre Restructuring of the staff who are on deemed deputation in IRCTC to the Railway Catering Units(AIRF’s PNM Item No 56/2006).
31. Regularization of Casual Labours waiting in the Live Register(GS AIRF’s DO letter No.AIRF/PNM/20/ 2006 dated 23rd April 2010 and AIRF’s PNM Item No 20/2006).
32. Revision of rates of Patient Care Allowance, Risk Allowance w.e.f. 1.1.2006.
33. Removal of anomaly in the annual increment to the employees drawing increment from February to June 2006.
34. Stop selling of railway land to private builders in the name of commercial exploitation of railway land, e.g. Parsvnath Group in Delhi.
35. Ensure safety of railway employees from accidents and physical attacks and the safety of the Railwaymen working in vulnerable areas.
36. Scrap New Pension Scheme.

ZONAL RUNNING STAFF CONFERENCE ON 21-04-2011 AT GUNTAKAL

SOUTH CENTRAL RAILWAY MAZDOOR UNION

ZONAL RUNNING STAFF CONFERENCE

ON 21-04-2011 AT GUNTAKAL

RESOLUTIONS

The Running staff (both Loco & Traffic) are core frontline categories responsible for running the passenger/Freight trains with highest degree of safety, punctuality, round the clock braving vagaries of nature. With the dedicated services of running staff, targets of earnings are fulfilled. Their job is very critical with regard to safety and earnings. They are required to keep pace with technological upgradation from time to time.

The SC Railway is among the top in the Indian Railways as far as loading is concerned with a high level of productivity. Many Running staff are denied leaves and sick memo. They are unable to celebrate festivals, attend marriage functions of close relatives, attend funerals of close relatives and other important domestic works. Leave reserves are not maintained upto 30%. „Out of charts‟ working exist at some places. The Running staff including coaching staff work every day. Chargesheets are issued for silly reasons. The Running Staff are thus working in hostile atmosphere.

With a view to streamline the working system for effective functioning of Indian Railways and to scientifically evaluate and improve the working conditions, this Conference is held.

It is known fact that the A.I.R.F. is championing the cause of running staff at apex level and SCRMU at Zonal and Divisional level. In the VI P.C., the Running Staff is given raw deal in the allotment of Pay Bands, Grade Pay, Rates of running allowances, etc. A.I.R.F had also held Running staff Conference at NDLS on 13.7.2010, which was addressed by Hon‟ble Rly. Minister, CRB and other Board Members, deposing confidence on the leadership of AIRF for its sustained efforts, pressures brought on Ministry for resolving the grievances of running staff. Lot of issues were deliberated and taken.

Resolution no.1: FILLING UP OF VACANCIES IN LOCO & TRAFFIC RUNNING CADRES.

The intake of manpower in these cadres is not at all appreciable. Lot of vacancies continues to exist throughout the years. The six monthly reviews conducted in the past did not project the actual traffic forecast. Due to this widening gap, the staffs are always put to lot of hardship in overworking, stress without proper rest etc., leading to harassment and unsafe working, punishing the staff for the system failure. The South Central Railway, being a high growth railway, lot of new trains are being introduced on a

regular basis. „Special Trains‟ are not really seasonal, as they are run throughout the year. New sidings are brought in for increased loadings. Regrettably, no action is taken by the administration to increase the manpower. There are vacancies of running staff on this railway which amply speaks of the sordid state of affairs on the manpower planning front.

This Conference strongly urges that scientific approach be adopted for ensuring regular and sufficient intake of manpower with advance planning to commensurate with the volume of the traffic.

Resolution no.2 : REDUCTION OF WORKING HOURS OF RUNNING STAFF.

With the sustained efforts of AIRF in yester years, the Running staff are brought under the ambit of HOER through adjudication award headed by justice Rajadyaksha. The present 10 hour rule is a very old concept formulated when steam locomotives were prevailing, with lot of stoppages. With the standardization of track parameters, signalling system, double line etc., lot of changes are brought in with the increased speed of trains, where sustained attention is required. The Running staff are put to lot of stress leading to various health hazards, resulting in medical decategorisation, besides untimely death. As such there is an urgent need to review the working hours of these safety categories to rationalize the duty hours corresponding to their workload.

In this context, AIRF/SCRMU have been demanding the Ministry of Railways to appoint a High power committee to go into this particular aspect, which is moving at snail‟s pace. The Running staff are very much frustrated and it may lead to industrial unrest triggering serious agitation.

Therefore, this Conference, in its right earnest demands to appoint a High power committee to study working hours with a view to reduce the same for safe running of trains and also to avoid health hazards to the staff.

Resolution No.3 : CREW REST AT HOME STATION AND OUT STATION.

As per the Hours of Employment Regulations governing the crew, the working hours vis - a - vis rest at home stations and out stations are here under :

1. HOME STATIONS: i) Crew is eligible for rest of 12 hours, if their duty hours have been less than or equal to 8 hours. ii) If the duty hours exceed 8 hours, they are eligible for 16 hours rest, which excludes the preparatory time of 2 hours.

2. OUT STATIONS: i) Crew is eligible for rest as much as the duty hours, subject to a maximum of 6 hours, with two hours for preparatory time.

But, on S.C. Railway the above instructions extending two hours preparatory time after completion of rest is not allowed and the crew are disturbed within the rest, giving a warning call.

This Conference strongly demands for strict compliance of HOER with 2 hours preparatory time after clearance of rest as eligible.

Resolution no.4 : ABSENCE OF RUNNING STAFF FROM Hd.QRS.

Rly Board vide their letter No.E (LL) 97/HER/11 Dt. 30.9.1998 has directed the divisions to keep a close watch at divisional level and also periodically at Zonal level to reduce the period of absence of running staff from Hd.Qrs. This issue was again raised by A.I.R.F in its meeting with Rly.Board on 8th & 9th October 2009 and demanded to reduce the period of absence from Hd.Qrs to a maximum of 24 hours. It was explained to the staff side that every effort will be made to reduce the duration of absence of running staff form Hd.qrs to the extent possible (Bd‟s letter Dt.26.2.2010).

COM/SC has also assured that the goods crew shall be brought back to Hd.Qrs within 48 hours, which is not implemented in all the divisions. On some divisions, the Running staff are even not bought after 72 hours.

This conference therefore demands that the absence of Running staff from Hd.Qrs should be restricted to 36 hours, till such time the High power committee look in to this aspect on its appointment.

Resolution no.5: IMPROVED GRADE PAYS TO RUNNING STAFF.

The existing Pay bands and allotted Grade pay to both Loco and Traffic Running staff are unjustified. As such, the A.I.R.F and SCRMU have been demanding for improved pay bands and grade pay instead assigning single pay band + Grade pay to more than one category with an additional allowance of Rs. 500 and Rs 1000.

The Zonal Conference of Running staff of S.C. Railway expresses serious concern in allotting justified pay bands and grade pay to Running staff as under, in view of the nature of duties carries with very much responsibility.

I LOCO RUNNING Pay band + Grade pay

1. ALP - Rs. 5200-20200 - 2400

2. Sr. ALP - Rs. 5200-20200 - 2800

3. Shunter II - Rs. 5200-20200 - 2800

4. Shunter I - Rs. 9300-34800 - 4200

5. Loco Pilot/Goods - Rs. 9300-34800 - 4600

6. Loco Pilot/Passenger - Rs. 9300-34800 - 4800

7. Loco Pilot/Mail/Exp - Rs. 9300-34800 - 5400

II TRAFFIC

1. Goods Guard - Rs. 5200-20200 - 2800

2. Sr. Goods Guard - Rs. 9300-34800 - 4200

3. Passenger Guard - Rs. 9300-34800 - 4800

4. Mil/Exp Guard - Rs. 9300-34800 - 5400

Resolution no. 6: FINANCIAL UP GRADATION UNDER MACP TO RUNNING STAFF.

In the matter of financial up gradation, lot of confusion is prevailing whether to extend next higher grade pay or only the addition allowance. The financial up gradation under MACP is merely placing in the hierarchy of next Grade Pay with 3% of benefit of fixation.

This Conference demands that, notwithstanding the decision on improved pay bands plus grade pay to both Loco and Traffic running staff, the next grade pay in the hierarchy is to be allowed for 10/20/30 years inclusive of additional allowance as applicable.

Resolution no.7: ENHANCEMENT OF RATES OF RUNNING ALLOWANCE W.E.F. 01.01.2006.

A.I.R.F. and SCRMU have been constantly demanding the revision of rates of allowances as per the formula adopted comparing TA/DA, which has been engaging the attention of Rly. Board, but tangible results are not forthcoming immediately. This Conference demands to resolve this issue immediately revising the rates of running allowance w.e.f 1-1-2006 as projected by A.I.R.F.

Now the TA gets increased by 25% consequent on the DA crossing 50%. As, 70% component of the Running Allowance is TA element, the Running allowance also should be increased consequently . This should be reviewed accordingly.

Resolution no.8: PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCE TO ALL RUNNING STAFF WORKING IN COACHING TRAINS.

The Loco Pilot (Passenger) and Loco Pilot (Mail/Express) are paid Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 additional allowance respectively and Rs. 500 to Mail/Express Guards. This benefit is denied to Passenger Guards and ALPs working in coaching trains.

This Conference demands for payment of Rs. 500 special allowance for Loco & Traffic Running staff including ALPs working in Passenger trains and Rs. 1000 special allowance to Loco & Traffic running staff working for Mail/Express trains.

Resolution no.9: ENHANCEMENT OF EXEMPTION LIMIT OF RUNNING ALLOWANCE FOR LEVYING INCOME TAX.

After the persuasion by A.I.R.F, the Govt. of India has enhanced the limit of exemption from Rs.6000 to Rs.10000 after VI P.C. This exemption is not in tune with that of TA/DA element, which is fully exempted. The Zonal Conference demands that the Running allowance in full may be exempted from the purview of income tax.

Resolution no.10: CREATION OF TRAINEE RESERVE POSTS.

Based on the recommendations of various safety reforms committees, the Running staff are imparted intensive training at entry level for promotion, refresher/conversion course, LRS etc., which are consuming a lot of man days. The existing 30% of Leave Reserve is unable to cater to the needs and the staff are not directed for training in time, accumulation is the order of the day. Under the guise of shortage of manpower, the trainings are cut short, which is against the interest of safety. Therefore, this Conference demands that trainee reserve posts should be created exclusively to have intensive and meaningful training.

Resolution no.11: CHARTED CREW LINKS.

It is noticed that administration resorts to tightening the links with a view to increase cumulative duty have indiscriminately denying the “night in bed” at HQ to crew and also increase their total number of out-station days thereby increasing the health hazard on running staff. The absence of “Calendar days Rest” added to the “tight links” is virtually taking Running Staff at the brink of “BURN-OUT” syndrome.

Hence, this Conference demands that tight links wherever in force should be eased suitable to save running staff of mental and physical agony.

With the implementation of extended runs of coaching trains to neighbouring division/railway, some are selecting day trains only for their division/railways and leaving all tough and night working trains, causing heavy mental strains with continuous night working. The links distance is varying from railway to railway.

This Conference resolves that sharing of trains need to be share equally the day/night trains, otherwise stiff resistance shall prevail on extended links.

Resolution no. 12: GOODS CREW BEAT LIMITED TO 150 KMS MAXIMUM.

The Running Allowance Committee 2002 in its report had recommended to increase the crew beat length from existing 125 Kms to 175 Kms and suggested to crew booking lobbies to suit the above distance. A.I.R.F and SCRMU have strongly opposed the RAC 2002 recommendations.

However, these recommendations are brought in to force through back door method on the name of extended runs and forced to work even beyond 250 Kms causing longer hours working with stress and facing lot of hardship.

This Conference demands that the maximum beat length should be restricted to 150 Kms

Resolution no. 13: RESUMING DUTY AFTER AVAILING LEAVE/SICK.

The Running Staff are put to hardship by ordering to resume duty at 00-00 hrs. after availing leave/sick which is causing lot of inconvenience.

The Zonal Conference therefore, demands that the Running Staff may be permitted to resume duty at 08-00 hrs. after availing leave/sick.

Resolution no.14: MAINTENANCE OF RUNNING ROOMS AND SUPPLY OF SUBSIDISED FOOD.

The maintenance of Running rooms/Rest rooms Crew booking lobbies are far from satisfactory though, Rly- Board has given lot of thrust in upkeep of Running rooms. The subsidized meal scheme is not fully geared up in all Running rooms .This matter is badly neglected. At several places, the rooms are congested and no efforts are made to expand the same. At some rooms, basic facilities are lacking. Monitoring of the rooms by Officers is lacking and therefore no action is taken satisfactorily.

This Conference demands to create a Running Room Inspector post exclusively for each division to monitor the conditions of running rooms and infrastructure as per the directives of Rly. Board.

Resolution no. 15 : PROVISION OF LOUNGE.

In case of crew waiting for trains, after they Sign On for duty, both at HQ as well as at outstation lobbies, comfortable lounges should be provided to facilitate waiting without pre- departure tiredness.

Resolution no. 16: STOPPAGE OF GDR CHECK OF GOODS TRAIN.

In the name of GDR check, a lot of physical strain and responsibility has been thrust on LPs and Guards for clearance of stabled stock / BPC revalidation and also clearances from loading points / private sidings. In the course of GDR check, the freshness of GDR is lost and by the time train starts they feel fatigue / stress while Running the trains.

On some of the divisions about 60% of freight trains are running on „invalid BPC‟, which are subjected to GDR check. At times, a single set of crew is clearing 2 to 3 freight stocks form loading points, causing energy loss and physical strain resulting unsafe working.

This Conference demands that the Running staff is exempted from the GDR check nominating flying squad of C & W depot for this purpose.

Resolution no.17 : CO-DRIVER FOR HI-SPEED TRAINS.

On S.C. Railway, Co-Driver is given based on the kilometres working. It may be appreciated that the links are prepared based on the existence of lobby and Running rooms. As such, Co-Driver is to be extended for all the Rajadhani links and Hi-Speed trains irrespective of kilometres working.

Resolution no.18 : AIRCONDITIONING OF EMU & ALL A/C /DSL LOCO CABS /

RAJADHANI GUARD CABIN.

With rapid change in technology, high capacity Locos are put into service for carrying heavy tonnage, resulting in lot of heat generation on the loco, which is affecting the health of the crew.

This Conference demands for provisions of Air condition in the cabs urgently to avoid hardship / health hazard to the crew.

Resolution no. 19 : ON SLR / ENGINE CAB SEAT.

Both Guards as well as Loco pilots/ALPs complain that the seat is a vital factor for their fatigue, as tilted seats with lack of balance and back rest renders the seat vulnerable for Back Pain/ Spinal Cord/ Cervical Spondilitis etc. Hence, this Conference demands utmost care to improve the seats provision as per the health standards to avoid long term adverse implication on the fitness of Running staff.

Resolution no.20: REPLACEMENT OF AGED LOCO MOTIVES AND BRAKES.

Several over aged Locomotives and Brake vans are running over S.C. Railway. They need to be replaced with new ones for safe, comfortable working, avoiding failures. The cabs of locos and brake vans need to be user-friendly, infrastructure for comfortable squatting, look out glasses, as they are required to sit hours together maintaining a high degree of alertness.

Resolution No.21: CHANGE OF UNIFORM.

The existing quality of fabric, both for summer as well as winter uniform is very cheap and of mediocre quality rendering the image of RLYS to an undesirably low face. Instead, the fabric shall be chosen from a branded type and the colour of uniform for both LPs/ALPs/Guards should be changed to a dignified view. And shoes shall be included in the ambit of uniform.

Resolution no.22: UP KEEP OF BRAKE VANS OF FREIGHT TRAINS.

The brake vans need to be provided with lighting arrangement and also keep the brake van in a clean condition by deploying the services of Safaiwalas at train ordering stations to have peaceful working.

Resolution no.23: LIBERALIZED SAFETY RELATED VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT SCHEME FOR RUNNING STAFF.

Railway Board has not liberalized the scheme for running staff on par with other safety categories. Eligibility conditions under LARSGESS may be equally applied to Running staff also.

Resolution no.24: PROPER UTILIZATION OF LOCO INSPECTORS.

The Loco Inspectors, who are expected to monitor the LPs/ALPs nominated to them, are posted as lobby incharges, RCD incharges devoiding of counselling the Running staff regularly. This Conference urges upon the management to utilize the services of Loco Inspectors properly.

Resolution no. 25: PROVISION OF FIRST AID BOXES.

All the deficient/expired items should be replenished not only at the respective depots but also at Running Rooms located at outstation to avoid hardship to Guards.

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