Indian Government Staff News - 7th Pay Commission Updates

Rest Rules for Running Staff – Railway Board Orders

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Rest Rules for Running Staff – Railway Board Orders

Rest Rules for Running Staff – AIRF Reference to Railway Board

No.AIRF/PNM/20/2009

Dated: August 27, 2018

The Member Staff,
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Rest Rules for Running Staff

Ref.: Railway Board’s letters No.E(LL)/2009/HER/1 dated 17.07.2018 and 02.08.2018

Pursuant to discussions held with AIRF, during the last PNM Meeting, held on 21-22 June, 2018, Railway Board vide their letter No.E(LL)/2009/HER/1 dated 17.07.2018 had issued instructions that, Call Books on Running Staff should be served upon only after completion of 16 hours rest at Headquarters and after completion of 8 hours at outstation.

It is, however, quite unfortunate that, Railway Board vide their subsequent letter dated 02.08.2018 have pended the said instructions till adequate number of Running Staff becomes available to fill-up large-number of existing vacancies. This is gross violation of bilateral negotiated settlement with the federation.

AIRF, therefore, desires that, orders of pending the instructions, issued vide Railway Board’s letter dated ibid dated 17.07.2018 be withdrawn immediately in the larger interest of industrial harmony.

This may be treated as “Most Urgent”.

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Source: AIRF

Filling up of vacancies on the Railways

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Filling up of vacancies on the Railways

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

RBE No.119/2018

No. E(NG)II / 2018/RR-1/22

New Delhi, dated 20/08/2018

The General Manager(p),
All Zonal Railways/ Production Units,
(As per standard mailing list).

Sub: Filling up of vacancies on the Railways.

Attention is invited to instructions contained in Board’s letter No.E(NG)II/2007/RR-1/10/Pt.(110865) dated 25/06/2014 specifying the carious factors which must be taken into account while computing vacancies for placing indents. It was inter alia mentioned therin that staff likely to go on transfer to other Railways/Divisions in a particular calendar year must also be accounted for in the pool of vacancies while placing indents with the Recruiting Agencies.

It has been observed that large number of applications for Inter Railway transfers are pending on Railways. Such transferred have a direct bearing on railway working, especially in terms of manpower because of huge gap between outflow and inflow of staff.

It is, therefore, reiterated that while placing indents for fresh recruitment notifications in future the computation done duly of vacancies must be done duly taking.into account all the pending requests of Inter-Railway transfers. For this purpose, requests forwarded to the recipient Railway/Division as on the cut off date of assessment of vacancies should be regarded as pending requests. Action may be taken accordingly henceforth.

Please acknowledge receipt.

sd/-
(M.M.Rai)
Jt.Director/E(NG)II
Railway Board

Source: NFIR

ACP & MACP Schemes for the CG Civilian Employees including Railway employees

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ACP & MACP Schemes for the Central Government Civilian Employees including Railway employees

Grant of financial upgradation under ACP & MACP Schemes for the Central Government Civilian Employees including Railway employees

No.IV/MACPS/09/Part II

Dated: 21/08/2018

The Secretary
(Department of Personnel PG & Pension)
Department of Personnel & Training
North Block, New Delhi

Dear sir,

Sub: Grant of financial upgradation under ACP & MACP Schemes for the Central Government Civilian Employees including Railway Employees – reg.

Ref: (i) DOP&T OM No.350344/1/97-Estt(D) dated 09-08-1999
(ii) DOP&T OM No.35034/3/2008-Estt(D) dated 19-05-2009

NFIR invites kind attention to the OM dated 09/08/1999 wherein the Government of India (DOP&T) had introduced ‘Assured Career Progression Scheme’ (ACPS) for the Central Government Civilian Employees pursuant to the recommendations of 5th Central Pay Commission. The ACP Scheme was made effective in the Central Government departments from 1999. The ACP Scheme remained functional until 31/08/2008 (as clarified by the DoP&T vide para 9 its OM dated 19/05/2009) due to the fact that the ‘Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme’ was introduced by the DoP&T, replacing ACPS w.e.f. 01/09/2008, pursuant to the recommendations of 6th CPC.

The Federation has however been receiving representations from the Central Government Civilian Employees, mainly railway employees from all corners of the country to make the MACP Scheme operational w.e.f. 01/01/2006 instead from 01/09/2008, pursuant to the order dated 08th December, 2017 passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Civil Appeal Diary No.3744 of 2016. In this connection, NFIR places following facts for consideration:-

On perusal of the order of the Apex Court, it is found that the Hon’ble Apex Court has held that the MACP is a part of pay structure recommended by the 6th CPC, the same cannot be considered as allowance which had been given effect from 01/09/2008. The said order has also cited the Resolution dated 30/08/2008 of the Government which was referred in the notification issued by the Ministry of Finance wherein MACP has been defined part of ‘Pay structure’ and not as ‘Allowance’ and therefore should be given effect from 01/01/2006.

Also Read: 7th CPC Recommendations on MACP

The order dated 8th Dec’2017 passed by the Apex Court has already been implemented by the Ministry of Defence, giving effect to the MACPS w.e.f. 01/01/2006 through an OM dated 25/07/2018.

DoP&T may kindly take note that in para 6.5.2 & 6.5.4 of the report of 6th CPC, the Commission had recommended for implementation of the revised pay structure consisting of Pay Band and Grade Pay w.e.f. 01/01/2006 while the revised allowances were given effect from prospective date i.e. 01/09/2008.

Ministry of Finance vide Gazette of India, Extraordinary Notification of Resolution No. 1/1/2008-IC dated 29/08/2008 had implemented revised pay structure (Pay Band & Grade Pay) w.e.f. 01/01/2006 whereas the implementation of MACPS was made effective from 01/09/2008. Accordingly, Ministry of Railways also implemented revised Pay structure w.e.f. 01/01/2006 vide its order dated 04/09/2008 while the rates of Non Practicing Allowance (NPA) were revised w.e.f. 01/01/2006 vide Board’s order dated 22/09/2008. Therefore, the MACPS which is part of Pay structure as decided by Apex Court should be given effect from 01/01/2006 in railways and all other Central Government departments.

Another important fact which cannot be ignored is, that the Apex Court had held that the benefit of ACP granted to an employee is part of the Pay structure which not only affects the pay but also pension of the employee, therefore, decided that the ACP is not allowance but a part of pay. At the same time, the Hon’ble Supreme Court further held that there can be no dispute that grant of ACP is part of pay structure and that the resolution dated 30/08/2008 relating to implementation of 6th CPC recommendations on pay structure, pay bands, grade pay etc have been given effect from 01/01/2006 and also added that this is the decision of the Cabinet which could not have been modified by issuing executive instructions.

NFIR suggests that while issuing modified instructions, in compliance with Apex Court order, the DoP&T may allow option opportunity to all those beneficiaries of ACPS as well MACPS to exercise their option for financial upgradation from the dates advantageous to them so as to avoid further grievances.

Summing up, NFIR urges upon the DoP&T to kindly consider the above points and issue modified instructions for granting financial upgradation under MACPS with effect from 01/01/2006 as was done by the Ministry of Defence. A copy of the instructions issued may be endorsed to this Federation.

Yours faithfully
sd/-
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

Click to read all NFIR’s Letters

Suicide committed by Shri Bablu Kumar (Trackman) – AIRF

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Suicide committed by Shri Bablu Kumar (Trackman) – AIRF

Suicide committed by Shri Bablu Kumar, Trackman, Sholapur(Central Railway) – DO to CRB

 

No.AIRF/24(C)

Dated: August 17, 2018

The Chairman,
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Suicide committed by Shri Bablu Kumar, Trackman, Sholapur(Central Railway)

Reference our earlier letter of even number dated 13th August, 2018.
As we had discussed about various problems faced by the staff at the grassroots level, particularly some important and vulnerable cadres, like Trackmen, again one Trackmen, Shri Bablu Kumar, has committed suicide just because he could not be granted leave though he had run from pillar to post, so that, his leave can be sanctioned.

Indifferent attitude of some of the officers is forcing the employees to commit suicide. All the incidents, where employees have committed suicide, need a thorough investigation. It also needs that, the people responsible for forcing employees, where they are committing suicide, should be dealt with firmly.

AIRF is of opinion that, criminal cases under IPC Section 306 should be registered against these officers, only then we can expect some improvement in their behavior. It is quite unfortunate that, nowadays, when Trackmen Cadre is highly educated, they are being treated as slaves. AIRF and its affiliates have always fought against the atrocities against the Trackmen Cadre in the past and will continue to fight for our Trackmen brother and sisters.

Also read: All AIRF Letters to Railway Board

I would further request you that some serious efforts should be made so that, frustration developing amongst the Trackmen Cadre could be resolved quickly. AIRF has observed that, main problem being faced by the Trackmen Cadre is their Career Progression, for that we have suggested that Direct Recruitment Quota should be reduced and posts should be filled through LDCE/GDCE to give them proper promotional prospects. We have also suggested that the entire recruitment should be made in the cadre of Trackmen, and after 2/3 years time they should be given option to go to their department of choice. Working conditions of the Trackmen Cadre also need immediate review. Working hours of all the Gatemen, Keymen, Mate and Trackmen need urgent review. Looking the weather conditions, there is urgent need of Higher Dressing Allowance to them.

Trackmen at the gates want that, there should be proper lighting, water and washroom facilities. There is also urgent need to provide them free transit facility in the township where their families stay and their children could get proper education. There are thousands of Trackmen those who have been recruited in the Indian Railways from all over the country, but they mainly belong to Bihar, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and some other states. They have only one dream, when they can be sent back to their states.

As we have also advised that, it should be made mandatory that, whenever next panel will be available, these people should be transferred from their present place of posting to the place where they request for their transfer. There can be many more problems also, I hope, if Ministry of Railways address these problems quickly, it will be able to satisfy our Trackmen brothers and sister working over the Indian Railways.

Since as I know that, you have a deep sympathy with the Trackmen Cadre, I hope, something concrete will be done, so that, another Bablu Kumar should not suicide.

With Regards,

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Source: AIRF

New Railway Time Table Effective from 15.8.2018

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New Railway Time Table Effective from 15.8.2018

Ministry of Railways will be releasing its new All India Railway Time Table known as “TRAINS AT A GLANCE (TAG)” effective from 15th August, 2018

Ministry of Railways

Ministry of Railways will be Releasing New All India Railway Time Table (Train at A Glance) With Effect From 15th August 2018

In addition to The “Trains at a Glance”, All Zonal Railways will also be Releasing their respective Zonal Railway Time Tables

The Ministry of Railways will be releasing its new All India Railway Time Table known as “TRAINS AT A GLANCE (TAG)” effective from 15th August, 2018. In addition to the “Trains at a Glance”, all the 17 Zonal Railways will also be releasing their respective Zonal Railway Time Tables (5 Zonal time tables in all, each Zonal Time Table comprising 3-4 Zonal Railways) which will also come into effect from 15th August, 2018. The new Trains at a Glance will also be available w.e.f. 15th August, 2018 on Indian Railways’ official website i.e. www.indianrailways.gov.in.

Important highlights of the new time table are as follows:

Overview

Indian Railways runs about 3500 reserved trains which include Gatiman Express, Rajdhani Express, Humsaafar Express, Tejas Express, Duronto Express, Antyodaya Express, Garib Rath Express, Shatabdi Express, Sampark Kranti Express, YUVA Express, Janshatabdi Express and other types of Express trains. This is in addition to about 4600 Passenger and 5000 EMU trains. The volume of passengers carried daily is about 2.22 million.

In addition, more than 36000 Special train trips were run during 2017-18 to clear extra rush and meet passenger demand. About 500 coaches were permanently augmented in about 300 trains to increase the carrying capacity.

III. Proliferation of new train services:
In the year 2017-18, 90 number of new services was introduced, 43 number of services were extended and increase in frequency of 9 number of services was done. In the current year upto 15.08.2018, 35 number of services have already been introduced, 28 number of services have been extended and increase in frequency of 5 number of services have been effected.
Till date, 23 Humsafar Express trains, 10 Antyodaya Express trains, 1 Tejas Express, 1 Uday Express which have already been introduced have been incorporated in the new Time Table. In addition, 1 Antyodaya Express train, 2 Tejas Express, 2 Uday Express trains still to be introduced have also been included.
After a review of lie over periods of rakes at destinations it was noticed that rake utilization can be further improved. The review revealed that rakes of trains that were having lie overs at the terminals can be utilized for providing new services, extending existing services and increase the frequency of some trains. Accordingly 24 new trains, 66 extension of trains and 4 increase in frequency of trains which have already been started using the lie over rakes have been incorporated in the new Time Table w.e.f. 15.08.2018.

IV. Replacement of conventional Passenger trains with MEMU/DEMU: The short distance passenger trains especially having reversal enroute are being replaced by Mainline Electric Multiple Units (MEMUs) & Diesel Electric Multiple Units (DEMUs). In the year 2017-18, 57 number of conventional passenger services have been replaced by MEMUs/DEMUs thereby increasing the overall mobility of the system. In the current year, 50 conventional services have already been replaced by MEMU/DEMU upto 15.08.2018 and 50 more conventional services are planned to be replaced by 31.03.2019.

Corridor blocks: To provide sufficient time for the maintenance of the fixed infrastructure like track structure, signalling gears, overhead equipments, it has been planned to ensure provision of fixed corridor blocks. Zonal Railways have incorporated traffic corridor blocks of 2.5 to 3 hours duration in the new Working Time Table w.e.f. 15.08.2018. In the WTT 2018, the duration of corridor blocks is about 292 hours more than the corridor blocks available in WTT 2017.

VI. Mega blocks: In addition, 4 to 5 hours mega block has also been worked out in different sections of each Division on one day of the week (preferably Sunday) to carry out major maintenance works. In these mega blocks, all maintenance works including civil, over head traction (OHE), signal & telecommunication will be undertaken by pooling of resources to achieve maximum output. This will not only improve the reliability of the assets but also enhance the passenger safety. Mega blocks on more than 95% sections in all the Divisions of Indian Railways have been incorporated in the new time table. The intimation of mega block planned for Sunday is to be conveyed to Railway Board by Tuesday. In case mega block is availed, Zonal Railways may allow 2 hours corridor block on 3 alternate days in the week.

Charting at booked speed: The charting of trains having MPS of 110 Kmph has been carried out at 105 Kmph to the extent possible to reflect actual running. This will further help in improving the punctuality of the trains. The Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Tejas, Gatimaan, Humsafar, Garibrath, Duronto & Antyodaya Express trains having MPS of 130 Kmph have however been charted at 130 kmph.

Efforts to improve punctuality of late running trains: A careful analysis of the reasons for loss of punctuality has been carried out for trains regularly running late and necessary changes in the time table have been incorporated to improve punctuality.

IX. Replacement of conventional rakes by LHB rakes: To provide more safe and comfortable journey the conventional rakes are being replaced by LHB rakes. In the year 2017-18, 49 number of conventional rakes have been replaced by LHB rakes. In the current financial year, 48 rakes have already been replaced by LHB rakes upto 15.08.2018 and 66 more rakes are planned to be replaced by 31.03.2019.

Rationalization of terminals: To avoid criss-cross movement at important stations, the terminals of important trains have been changed. In the current financial year, terminals of 23 number of trains have been shifted. 12 trains in NR, 5 trains in NCR, 1 trains in ECR, 1 train in NWR & 4 trains in SCR have been shifted.

XI. Bye passing of terminals to avoid reversal: To streamline the operations by avoiding reversal, 20 trains have been shifted to adjacent terminals. In the current financial year, the terminals of 4 trains in SECR, 7 trains in WCR, 2 trains in ECoR, 5 trains in SER & 2 trains in NCR have been shifted.

Revision of Advance Reservation Period – Railway Board Order

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Revision of Advance Reservation Period – Railway Board Order

Revision of Advance Reservation Period for Running of Suvidha Trains and Special Trains on Special Charges

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

Commercial Circular No.37 of 2018

No.TC-II/2910/2013/Dynamic pricing/C

New Delhi, dated: 12.07.2018

The Principal Chief Commercial Managers
All Zonal Railways

The Managing Director,
CRIS, Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi.

The Chairman & Managing Director,
Indian Railways Catering & Tourism Corporation.,
11th floor, B-148, Statesman House,
Barakhamba Road, N.Delhi-110001

Sub: Revision of advance reservation period for running of Suvidha trains and special trains on special charges.

REF: 1. Commercial circular no. 30 of 2015 dated 21.05.2015.
2. Commmercilal circular no. 33 of 2015 dated 02.06.2015.
3. Commercial circular no. 40 of 2015 dated 01.07.2015
4. Commercial circular no. 03 of 2018 dated 12.01.2015

In rcontinuation of above instructions, Ministry of Railways have decided that the currency of above instructions regarding revision of Advance Reservation Period for running of all Suvidha Trains and Special Trains on Special Charges to 120 Days and applicability of normal refund rule even in Suvidha Trains shall be extended for another period of one year i.e. from 15.7.2018 to 14.07.2019.

2. Zonal Railways may review the scheme on hald yearly basis to assess the effectiveness of the scheme.

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

sd/-
(Shelly Srivastava)
Director Passenger Marketing
Railway Board

Authority: http://www.indianrailways.gov.in

Railways to Identify Employees on Unauthorised Absence

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Railways to Identify Employees on Unauthorised Absence

Ministry of Railways
Drive against absentee workmen in Railways

In November, 2017, a drive was launched by the Railways to identify employees on unauthorised absence in various Zonal Railways and Production Units. The details of number of absentees are given below:-

Zonal Railway/Production Unit
No of Absentees
Central
1375
East Coast
683
East Central
1792
Eastern
1214
North Central
844
North Eastern
358
Northern
1301
North Western
360
South Central
650
South East Central
274
South Eastern
829
Southern
1476
South Western
216
West Central
550
Western
1414
Chittaranjan Locomotive Works
34
Diesel Locomotive Works
6
Diesel Loco Modernisation Works
6
Integral Coach Factory
115
Rail Coach Factory
19
Rail Wheel Factory
5
Total
13521

Appropriate action under Disciplinary and Appeal Rules has been initiated against such absentees.

This information was given by the Minister of State of Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

Source: PIB

New Ticket Confirmation Process in Railways

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Ministry of Railways

New ticket confirmation process in Railways

A tool has been developed to predict the probability of waitlisted ticket getting confirmed at the time of booking as well as during Passenger Name Record (PNR) enquiry of waitlisted ticket. The tool has been developed using the algorithm of Machine learning.

The machine learning model has been developed using the waitlisted PNR data of past 2 years. This model creates the pattern for the various waitlist scenarios and predicts the probability for the future date journey. Currently this feature is integrated with Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website only. In IRCTC website this feature is operational w.e.f. 13 June, 2018 as under:-

When the user is doing the booking transaction, and if the status of accommodation availability of the inputted journey is waitlisted, then the user can check the probability of confirmation. At the time of PNR enquiry of waitlisted ticket, the user can check the probability of confirmation. As far as trends of confirmation chances and cancellation chances probability is concerned, it is informed that it varies depending upon peak and lean periods, type of trains like short distance trains, long journey trains, trains with limited stoppage, etc.

In the computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS), confirmed berths/seats are allotted on first come first served basis till the availability and thereafter Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC)/Waiting List tickets are issued. The status of RAC/Waiting List tickets get automatically updated against the cancellation of confirmed berths/seats and also against release of unutilised reservation quotas.

To facilitate those passengers who have to undertake journey at short notice and to save such passengers from the clutches of unscrupulous elements/touts, Tatkal scheme of reservation is available where the accommodation becomes available for booking on the previous day of journey from train originating station. Further, with a view to providing confirmed accommodation to waiting list passengers and to ensure optimal utilisation of available accommodation, a scheme known as Alternate Train Accommodation (ATAS) known as “VIKALP” was introduced as a pilot project in November, 2015. This scheme has been expanded to cover all type of train on all sectors from 01.04.2017. For this facility, waiting list passenger has to give an option at the time of booking of ticket & passengers with waiting list status at the time of preparation of first reservation charts are shifted to other trains, subject to availability of vacant accommodation.

In the computerized PRS there is already a provision to permit cancer patients and their attendants travelling on concessional tickets issued in exchange of concession certificate, to directly access Emergency Quota at the time of booking itself. Maximum number of berths/seats out of the Emergency Quota in a train, which can be accessed by Cancer patients and their attendants in Sleeper, is 4 and 2 each in AC Chair Car, AC 3 tier, AC 2 tier and First Classes. In addition, separate Cancer Patient Quota has also been defined in some identified trains. Moreover, instructions are also there that in case requests are received for confirmation of berths out of emergency quota from patients who have to undertake journey for checkup like cancer treatment and dangerous ailments which cannot be postponed due to compelling circumstances, the same should be considered by quota controlling authority as per extant norms so as to accommodate to the extent feasible after satisfying themselves of the genuineness of travel.

This information was given by the Minister of State of Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

Source: PIB

Bilaspur Railway Apprentice 2018 – Apply Online

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Bilaspur Railway Apprentice 2018 – Apply Online

ENGAGEMENT OF ACT APPRENTICES IN BILASPUR DIVISION-2018

Engagement of Act Apprentices in South East Central Railway, Bilaspur Division for the year 2018-19 under Apprentices Act 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules 1962.

1. Online applications through the website: www.apprenticeship.gov.in from 01.07.2018 to 31.07.2018 (till 18.00 hrs) are invited from the eligible candidates for engagement as Trade Apprentices under Apprentices Act 196l in Bilaspur Division of South East Central Railway against the following designated trades.

Click to view the Notification

Railway ICF Apprentice 2018 – Application Form

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Railway ICF Apprentice 2018 – Application Form

Integral Coach Factory (ICF): The Integral Coach Factory is one of the earliest production units of independent India. Spread over nearly 473 acres, it has about 11,095 workers toiling in harsh conditions to make more than 2,000 coaches every year which includes conventional and self propelled coaches.

ICF required eligible candidates for engagement as Apprentice for the year 2018.

Click here for Notification

Click here for apply online