Indian Government Staff News - 7th Pay Commission Updates

Grant of Non-functional Up-gradation to Indian Railway Medical Service officers

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Grant of Non-functional Up-gradation to Indian Railway Medical Service officers

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

RBE No. 83/2018
New Delhi, Dated:- 08.06.2018

No. PC-VI/2009/I/4/R-6/1
PC-VI No. 386

The General Managers/CAO(R)
All India Railways & Production Units,
(as per mailing list)

Sub : Grant of Non-functional Up-gradation to Indian Railway Medical Service officers.

Ref : (i) Railway Board’s letter No. PC VI/2009/I/4/R-6/1 dated 27.11.2009 (RBE No.209/2009) & 29.07.2010 (RBE 107/2010)
(ii) Railway Board’s letters No.PC-V/2008/ACP/2 dated 07.01.2009 (RBE No.05/2009)

Attention is invited to Railway Board’s letter No. PC VI/2009/I/4/R-6/1 dated 27.11.2009 (RBE No.209/2009) circulating DOP&T’s OM No. AB. 14017/64/2008-Estt(RR) dated 24.04.2009 & 25.09.2009 for adoption in favour of Railway Officers of Organised Group `A’ Services in PB-3 and PB-4.

2. It was subsequently clarified by DOP&T vide their OM No. AB.14017/39/2009-Estt.(RR) dated 02.04.2012 that the benefit of NFU to Organised Group `A’ Services shall not be applicable to the officers in those Organised Services where FCS and DACP Schemes are already operating and where officers are already separately covered by their own in-situ Progression Schemes. However, Hon’ble Delhi High Court in WP (C) No. 4067/2014 and WP (C) No. 4073/2014 vide orders dated 13.10.2014 quashed the DOP&T’s OM dated 02.04.2012. Since the said judgment of Hon’ble High Court attained finality as Hon’ble Supreme Court dismissed the SLP and Review in the case, DOP&T decided to declare their OM dated 02.04.2012 as non-est, as conveyed vide their OM No.CS-14017/1/2018-Estt.(RR)(Pt.l) dated 25.04.2018.

3. There has been a demand of IRMS officers also for extension of the benefits of NFU Scheme and the issue has been the subject matter of litigation. Hon’ble Central Administrative Medical Tribunal vide their orders dated 28.09.2017 in O.A.No.3290/2017 (Indian Railway Medical Services Association & Anr vs DOP&T & Anr) allowed the relief in terms of the judgment of Hon’ble Delhi High Court in W.P.(C ) No. 4067/2014. The matter was accordingly referred to DOP&T.

4. DOP&T have considered the issue in consultation with Department of Expenditure and conveyed their no-objection to the Ministry of Railways to extend NFU benefits to IRMS doctors. Accordingly, Ministry of Railways have decided to grant the benefit of Non-Functional Upgradation (NFU) Scheme as applicable to Organized Group `A’ services of Railways to IRMS Officers as per the detailed terms and conditions as have been in vogue from time to time after introduction of the scheme. Accordingly, grant of higher scale / benefits under the scheme would be admissible w.e.f. 1.1.2006, where due and admissible, as provided in the original instructions under reference.

(S. Balachandra Iyer)
Executive Director/Pay Commission-II
Railway Board.

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

Appointment on Compassionate Grounds: 2nd Wife Policy Letter

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Appointment on Compassionate Grounds: 2nd Wife Policy Letter

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAILWAY BOARD

RBE No.42/2018

New Delhi, dated 21.03.2018

The General Manager(P)
All Indian Railways & PUs.

Sub:Appointment on Compassionate Ground

The issue Of considering appointment on compassionate grounds(CG) to sons/daughters, born through Other than first legally married wife has been engaging the attention of this Ministry for quite some time, in the backdrop Of partial quashing of CG related instructions contained in this Ministry’s letter dated 02.01.1992 regarding such appointments, by the Hon’ble High Court/Calcutta in the case(WPCT 20 of 2009) Namita Goldar & Ors. Vs 1301 & Others.

2. In this regard, Railway Board has taken into account following observations of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, on the subject of CG appointment, in the case of State Bank of India & another Vs Rajkumar, (Civil appeal No. 1641 of 2010):

“it is now well settled that appointment on compassionate grounds is not a source of recruitment. On the other hand it is an exception to the general rule that recruitment to public services should be on the basis of merit, by an open invitation providing equal opportunity to al/ eligible persons to participate in the selection process. The dependants of employees, who die in harness, do not have any special claim or right to employment, except by way of the concession that may be extended by the employer under the Rules Or by a separate scheme, to enable the family of the deceased to get over the sudden financial crisis. The claim for compassionate appointment is, therefore, traceable only to the scheme framed by the employer for such employment and there is no right whatsoever Out side such scheme….”.

3. Railway Board has also taken into account following observation of Hon’ble High Court of Jharkhand (Ranchi) in writ petition No. WP(S) 16 of 2014 (pronounced on 24.07.2014) “Compassionate appointment is a matter of policy of the employer and the employer cannot be compelled to provide compassionate appointment contrary to its policy/scheme. When there is
specific circular which clearly provides that the children of second marriage of the employee shall not be eligible for compassionate appointment, no direction can be issued to the respondents to consider the case of the petitioner.”

4. The matter has been examined and in Supersession Of this Ministry’s letter dated 02.01.1992 issued under RBE No. 01/1992 and No. dated 03.04.2013, it has been decided that the first
right of being considered for compassionate grounds appointment is vested, in cases Of death Of Railway servants while in service, with the legally wedded surviving widow provided she has not remarried at the time of making request for appointments on compassionate grounds. It is clarified that in cases of those Railway Servants who are governed by the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, there can only be one legally wedded wife/widow, as second marriage, while spouse is living, is void/voidable in view of the Section 5(1) read with Section 11 of the Act. In this respect, Railway Board’s letter NO. GS 1-1 dated 10.04.1992 connects.

5. If aforementioned legally wedded surviving widow does not want herself to be considered for compassionate grounds appointment, she can nominate, for CG appointment, a “bread winner” for the family from amongst the following:

(a) In cases of those Railway Servants who are governed by the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. Son(including adopted son); or daughter(including widowed/ adopted/ married/divorced daughter). However, if such Railway Servant has left sons/daughters, who have been treated as legitimate Or deemed to be legitimate, under Section 16 of Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, neither widow can nominate them as bread winner for CG appointment nor such sons/daughters can claim CG appointment.

(b) In cases Of those Railway Servants who are governed by their respective Personal Laws: Son(including adopted son); Or daughter(including widowed/ adopted/ married/divorced daughter).
However, if such Railway Servant has left sons/daughters through second/subsequent legally valid marriages, i.e. other than through first wife and deceased Railway Servant have failed to Obtain requisite permission for such second/subsequent marriage as required under section 21 (relating to restrictions regarding marriage) Of the Railway Services (Conduct) Rules, 1966, neither first widow/second/subsequent widow can nominate such sons/daughters as bread winner for CG appointment nor such sons/daughters can claim CG appointment. Moreover, such Second/subsequent widow also would not have any right to seek compassionate grounds appointment.

6. All Zonal Railway/PUs/Units are directed to decide cases accordingly.

Please acknowledge receipt.

(Neer Kumar)
Director Estt. (N)ll,
Railway Board

View order

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

5% GST to Train Food and Drinks

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5% GST to Train Food and Drinks

5% GST applicable to supply of food and drinks made available in trains, platforms or stations

Ministry of Finance
5% Uniform rate of GST to apply in all railway catering services in trains or on stations

With a view to remove any doubt or uncertainty in the matter and bring uniformity in the rate of GST applicable to supply of food and drinks made available in trains, platforms or stations, it has been clarified with the approval of the competent authority that the GST rate on supply of food and drinks by the Indian Railways or Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. or their licensees, whether in trains or at platforms (static units), will be 5% without input tax credit. The copy of letter F.No. 354/03/2018-TRU dated 31.03.2018 (Order No. 2/2018 – GST) issued to the Railway Board is available atwww.cbec.gov.in .

How to Change Passenger name in IRCTC Reserved Ticket?

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How to Change Passenger name in IRCTC Reserved Ticket?

CHANGE OF NAME OF A PASSENGER ON CONFIRMED RESERVATION TICKET

A change of name in reservation is permitted only by Sr.Divisonal Commercial Manager of concerned division. Where there is no post of Sr.Divisonal Commercial Manager, the change of name in reservation is permitted by Divisional Commercial Manager of concerned division on written requisition tendered by party along with documents as required under the rules 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure of train in following circumstances.

(i) Government servant proceeding on duty on production of a letter from the appropriate authority.

(ii) Between family members due to unavoidable circumstances, viz. father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, husband and wife. No cancellation and reservation charges are recovered in this case. The station Manager will be competent to permit alteration of reservation under the condition mentioned above.

(iii) However, in case of group travelling together, party’s written request should be tendered in writing 48 hours before scheduled departure of train and change of name is not permitted in excess of 10% of total strength of the group/party.

Change in the Name of Passenger Holding Confirmed Reservation

1. Save as otherwise, a berth or a seat reserved in the name of a person shall be used only by the person and shall not be transferable to any other person.

2. Chief Reservation Supervisor of important stations are authorized by Railway Administration to permit the change of name of a passenger having a seat or berth reserved in his name in the following circumstances namely :

(a) Where the passenger is a Government Servant, proceeding on duty and appropriate authority, makes a request in writing 24 hours before the scheduled departure of trains

(b) Where the passenger makes a request in writing 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the train that the reservation made in his name may be transferred to another member of his family, meaning, Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, Son, Daughter, Husband and Wife.

(c) Where the passengers are students of a recognized educational institution and the Head of the institution makes a request in writing 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, that the reservation made in the name of any student be transferred to any other student of the same institute.

(d) Where the passengers are members of a marriage party and any person deemed to be Head of such party makes a request in writing 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train that the reservation made in the name of any member of the marriage party be transferred to any other person.

(e) Where the passengers are a group of cadets of National Cadet Corps and any officer who is the head of the group, makes a request in writing at least 24 hours before the departure of the train that the reservation made in the name of any cadet be transferred to any other cadet.

Such request will be granted only once. Regarding item no. (c), (d) and (e), such request for change in excess of 10% of the total strength of group shall not be granted.

Source: www.indianrailways.gov.in

Women Employees of Indian Railways Honored for their Outstanding Services

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Women Employees of Indian Railways Honored for their Outstanding Services

Ministry of Railways
Women Employees (Group C & D) of Indian Railways Honored for their Outstanding Services

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, the Railway Women’s Welfare Central Organisation (RWWCO) today honored 32 women employees for their exemplary dedication, integrity and courage in discharge of their duties. The women have been working as Track Maintainers, Technician, Loco-pilot, Women Head Constable, Chief Matron, Senior Messenger, Data Entry Operator, Porter, Khallasi, Safaiwali among others and contributing to the smooth functioning of Indian Railways across varied Zones. The list of the women honored today is appended.

On this occasion, prominent persons who are working in the field of women’s empowerment were also felicitated. Among these Shri Anshu Gupta (Founder of Goonj, an NGO), Shri Amod Kanth, Head Of Prayas, an NGO), Shri Anil Modgil & Shri Sunil Modgil Brothers And Founders Of Arushi a Bhopal based NGO. Mrs. Manju Devi Yadav FirstWoman Porter from Northern India was also honored today by RWWCO.

The Railway Women’s Welfare Central Organisation is the apex body of the chain of Women’s Welfare Organisations spread across all Zones of Indian Railways and engaged in the task of welfare of Railwaymen and their families through need based socio/welfare activities. The organization started its activities in 1962 after Indo-China war.

List of awardees attached

JEs and SSEs of Indian Railways – Removal of Injustice – NFIR

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JEs and SSEs of Indian Railways – Removal of Injustice – NFIR

No. IV/NFIR/7 CPC (Imp)/2017/R.B.-Part II

Dated: 19/02/2018

The Chairman,
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Grave injustice done by successive Pay Commissions to the category of Junior Engineers and Senior Engineers in Railways-growing dissatisfaction, discontentment and frustration among Technical Supervisors – kind intervention requested.

The Junior Engineers and Senior Section Engineers in the Railways are field level Supervisors whose contribution for safe and efficient running of the system has been very significant. These Engineers ensure quality and efficiency in the course of performing their duties on Open Line/Construction and as well in Workshops/Production Units. Unfortunately, this core section of Supervisors has not been looked after matching with their duties and responsibilities over a period of time, consequently their pay structure as on date, got relegated to two levels only i.e. Pay Level 6 & 7 (7th CPC).

An honest review into the pay structure existed decades back for these Supervisory Staff and fair comparison with that of 5th , 6th & 7th CPC Pay Structures would establish the truth that these vital field leaders have been subjected to grave injustice, which led to deep sense of frustration among them. The following table reveals how the Junior Engineers and Senior Section Engineers have been put to perpetual injustice not only by the Pay Commissions but also at the hands of Ministry of Railways

3rd Pay Commission:

Designation
Pay Sclae
Junior Engineer/Gr-I
425-640
Junior Engineer/Gr-II
455-700
Section Engineer
550-750
Section Engineer
700-900
Sr. Section Engineer
840-1040
Sr. Section Engineer
840-1200
 4th Pay Commission:
Designation
Pay Sclae
Junior Engineer/Gr-I
1400-2300
Junior Engineer/Gr-II
1600-2660
Section Engineer
2000-3200
Sr. Section Engineer
2375-3500
 5th Pay Commission:
Designation
Pay Sclae
Junior Engineer/Gr-I
5000-8000
Junior Engineer/Gr-II
5500-9000
Section Engineer
6500-10500
Sr. Section Engineer
7450-11500
 6th Pay Commission
Designation
Pay Sclae
Junior Engineer
GP 4200/PB-2
Sr. Section Engineer
GP 4600/PB-2
 7th Pay Commission
Designation
Pay Sclae
Junior Engineer
Level-6
Sr. Section Engineer
Level-7

NFIR has been fighting for the cause of this neglected category at all fora, demanding review and justice. Though in the year 2006, the Railway Board had agreed for upgradation of 15% apex level Group ‘C’ posts to Group ‘B’ Gazetted, for facilitating promotion-of Senior Supervisors and written commitment was also given by the full Board on 7th February 2014, but sadly till date no positive results have emerged.

Railway Board have also given incorrect picture to the 7th CPC stating that these Engineers get promoted from one grade to the other on completion of every four years service. This incorrect position led the VIIth CPC not to recommend appropriate improved pay structure.

It is disheartening to mention that those technocrats recruited from Open Market through RRBs as Sr. Section Engineer (GP 4600 of 6th CPC/Level 7 of 7th CPC) have no career growth at all, due to non-provision of higher pay levels in the cadre structure, with the result large percentage of these Engineers stagnated. In this context, NFIR brings to the kind notice of CRB that during 3rd CPC period the apex pay scale of Rs. 840- 1040 &. 840-1200 was allotted to the Technical Supervisors and these scales were higher than the pay scale of Group ‘B’ Gazetted Officer, but sadly the said position got demolished, causing demoralizing effect on Technical Supervisors who are the core Supervisory force accountable for safety, efficiency, punctuality and productivity.

NFIR has already taken up this issue through its PNM agenda given to Railway Board on 4th January, 2018, while the related subject raised by the Federation is also pending in the Departmental Anomaly Committee (DAC). A copy of NFIR’s PNM Agenda Item No. 03 is enclosed for kind perusal.
Incidentally, NFIR also brings to the kind notice of CRB that in the General Managers’ Conference held at Rail Bhavan on 11th January, 2010, the General Secretary, NFIR had pointed out to the Hon’ble Railway Minister, the miserable plight of Track Maintainers with no career growth at all for them, as a result of implementation of 6th CPC Pay Structure whereby, 94% of Track Maintainers got placed in Recruitrnent Grade Pay 1800/- while only 6% were placed in Gp 1900/- (benefit of Rs. 100/- only p.m. on promotion). The Federation also explained to the Hon’ble Railway Minister in the GMs Conference that vast percentage of Track Maintainers retire/die in the recruitment Grade Pay itself. Responding to NFIR’s point, the Hon’ble Railway Minister had directed the Railway Board to constitute a Joint Committee to examine and propose special package. The Committee met and reviewed the Track Maintainers cadre structure viz-a-viz working and service conditions and given its report to the Railway Ministry. After having considered the said report, the Railway Ministry had decided to grant cadre restructuring to this category, duly introducing new grade pay GP 2400/- and 2800/- respectively. This decision was taken by the Railway Ministry independently, without approaching Ministry of Finance.

In the case of JEs/SSEs, NFIR strongly feels that total revamping of cadre structure is the need of the hour,considering multifarious duties being performed by the Supervisors who are also buffers in between the management and workers at grass root level. Though the Hon’ble Railway Minister had sought approval of Finance Ministry for placement of 75% of posts of GP 4600/- in GP 4800/- Pay Level 8, there has been no positive result till date. This reveals that the Railway Ministry has failed to deliver justice to these unfortunate Engineers who are the backbone of the system and contributing for improved efficiency of the Railways. It may also be noted that the duty hours of these staff are unlimited, while they shoulder “Stores/Materials” responsibilities in addition to their field duties and establishment matters.

ln order to mitigate the problems and ensure justice to JEs/SSEs of Indian Railways, NFIR requests the Railway Board (CRB) to kindly get examined the Pay Structure of JEs/SSEs denovo, taking into account the cadre structure from 3rd CPC and onwards for the purpose of granting revised cadre structure. In this context, NFIR proposes the following for early consideration and approval.

S.No.
Designation
6th CPC Grade/Pay Level (7th
CPC)
Percentage
1.
Junior Engineer
GP 4200/PB-2/Pay Level 6
33
2.
Senior Engineer
GP 4600/PB-2/Pay Level 7
40
3.
Section Engineer
GP 4800/PB-2/Pay Level 8
15
4.
Sr.Section Engineer
GP 5400/PB-2/Pay Level 9
12

Federation hopes that the Railway Board (CRB) would kindly give personal attention to this issue, so as to mitigate the injustice caused to JEs/SSEs of Indian Railways.

Yours faithfully,
(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary.

Source: NFIR

Level 1 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix – Criteria for Physical Efficiency Test (PET) – Railway Board Orders

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Level 1 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix – Criteria for Physical Efficiency Test (PET) – Railway Board Orders

Recruitment of staff in Level – 1 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix on Indian Railways – Criteria for Physical Efficiency Test (PET) regarding

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E(NG)-II/2017/RR-l/10

RBE No. 11/2018
New Delhi, dated: 24.01.2018

The General Manager (P),
All Zonal Railways/Production Units

Sub: Recruitment of staff in Level – 1 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix on Indian Railways – Criteria for Physical Efficiency Test (PET) regarding.

Ref: This office letter No. E(NG)ll/2012/RR-1/14 elated 12.11.2012 (RBE No. 126/2012)

Attention is invited to Board’!? letter under reference prescribing criteria for Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for recruitment of staff for all categories in Level – 1 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix (earlier Grade Pay 1800/-) on Indian Railways.

2. The matter has fuither been reviewed, keeping in view the requirement of the job and it has been decided by Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) to amend the existing criteria for recruitment from open market in all categories in Level-1 , as per norms prescribed below:-

Male Candidates

(i) Should be able to lift and carry 35 kg of weight for a distance of 100 metres in 2 minutes in one chance
without putting the weight the weight down;

(ii) Should be able to run for a distance of 1000 metres in 4 minute and 15 seconds 5 minutes and 40 second

Female Candidates

(i) Should be able to lift and carry 35 kg of weight for a distance of 100 metres in 2 minutes in one chance
without putting the weight the weight down;

(ii) Should be able to run for a distance of 1000 metres in 5 minutes and 40 second

3. The above norms will be _applicable in all future recruitment from open market in Level-1. Notification, 1f any, issued may please be amended,Suitably by issuing a corrigendum.

4. Please acknowledge receipt.
(Hindi version will follow)

sd/-
(Ravi Shekher)
Dy. Dir. Estt.(N)-II
Railway Board

Authority: www.indianrailways.gov.in
Original Link: Click here
Download Link: PET Criteria for Level 1

Admissibility of HRA during Study Leave

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Admissibility of HRA during Study Leave

Admissibility of HRA during Study Leave – Railway Board Orders

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

New Delhi, dated 05.12.2017

No.E(P&A)II-2017/HRA-4

The General Manager(P),
Eastern Railway,
Kolkata

Sub.:- Admissibility of House Rent Allowance during Study Leave.
Ref:- Eastern Railway’s letter No.E.77/o/Vol.VIII, dated 06.03.2011.

With reference to Eastern Railway’s letter under reference, it is stated that the matter has seen considered in Board’s office and it has been observed that on the identical issue a clarification already stands issued to Southern Railway vide Board’s letter No.E(P&A)II-2002/HRA-2 dt. 19.02.2002 (copy enclosed) clarifying that the period of 120 days mentioned in Board’s letter no.E(P&A)II-82/HRA-2 dated 04.02.1982 had been revised to 180 days in terms of the amendment carried out to Rule 1707 of IREC-II vide Board’s letter no.E(P&A)/89/HRA-48 dt. 07.08.1992. It was further stated the letter dt. 19.02.2002 that the employees proceeding on study leave are entitled to House Rent Allowance and Compensatory (City) Allowance for first 180 days of the study leave and continuation of these allowances beyond 180 days is stabject to the production of certificates prescribed in Para 1707(iii) of indian Railway Establishment Code, Volume-Il, 1987 Edition. It may however, be noted that CCA has already been abolished vide Board’s letter no. E(P&A)II-2008/HRA-10 dt. 12.09.2008 (RBE No.110/2008).

2. Thus, necessary action on the above lines may be ensured.

DA: As above.

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

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

Recommendations in respect of some important allowances paid to Indian Railways

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Recommendations in respect of some important allowances paid to Indian Railways

i. Rates of Additional Allowance have been increased from ₹500 / 1000 per month to ₹1125 / 2250 per month. This has also been extended to Loco Pilot Goods and Senior Passenger Guards also @₹750 per month.

ii. In view of strenuous nature of the job, new Allowance namely Special Train Controller’s Allowance @5000 per month for Train Controllers of Railways has been introduced.

9. Recommendations in respect of some important allowances paid to Nurses & Ministerial Staffs of Hospital

i. Existing rate of Nursing Allowance has been increased from ₹4800 per month to ₹7200 per month.

ii. Rate of Operation Theatre Allowance has been increased from ₹360 per month to ₹540 per month.

iii. Rates of Hospital Patient Care Allowance / Patient Care Allowance have been increased from ₹2070 – ₹2100 per month to ₹4100 – ₹5300 per month. 7th CPC recommendations modified to the extent that it will be granted to Ministerial staff also.

7th CPC Allowances : Recommendations in respect of some important allowances paid to Indian Railways

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Recommendations in respect of some important allowances paid to Indian Railways

i. Rates of Additional Allowance have been increased from ₹500 / 1000 per month to ₹1125 / 2250 per month. This has also been extended to Loco Pilot Goods and Senior Passenger Guards also @₹750 per month.

ii. In view of strenuous nature of the job, new Allowance namely Special Train Controller’s Allowance @5000 per month for Train Controllers of Railways has been introduced.