Running Staff

AIRF's forthcoming meetings:

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:02:00 +0000

Meeting for the Running Staff & joint committee on Trackman has been fixed on 15th Feb 2012. Meeting on the issue of Grant of MACP to Guard Category has been fixed on 13-02-2012.

Fixation of pay of medically de-categorised Running Staff while kept on supernumerary posts – Grant of benefits of Running Allowance

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:24:00 +0000

No.AIRF/55 Dated: February 1, 2012

The Secretary(E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Fixation of pay of medically de-categorised Running Staff while kept on supernumerary posts – Grant of benefits of Running Allowance

Ref: Railway Board’s letter No.E(NG)I-2009/RE-3/9 dated 5-10-2011(RBE NO.138/2011)

Railway Board vide their letter under reference have decided that the pay of medically de-categorised Running Staff while they are kept on supernumerary posts, i.e. from the date they are declared medically unfit till the date they are absorbed in suitable alternative posts, need to be suitably fixed by addition of Pay Element of Running Allowance as may be in force(at present 30%). Their pay during this period will be fixed, based on their pay in Pay Band and Grade Pay Plus Pay Element of Running Allowance as may be in force(at present 30%).

It is unfortunate, that, the Railway Board have decided to fix their pay adding 30% without absorbing them in alternative posts in any department.

On the basis of above cited orders of the Railway Board, Zonal Railways are fixing the pay on the date of medical de-categorisation by adding 30% Pay Element, and if the employee wants to leave Railway Service by tendering Voluntary Retirement, Railways are refusing to add 55% of Pay Element for the settlement benefits, as their pay is fixed by adding 30% by treating them as non-Running Staff since their pay was already fixed.

Above orders of the Railway Board have created a situation where Running Staff are deprived of addition of 55% Pay Element in settlement benefit since their pay was already fixed by adding 30% Pay Element, i.e. they are losing 25% of the Pay Element.

Previously Running Staff used to give Voluntary Retirement either due to medical de-categorisation or otherwise after completion of 20 years of service and they were eligible for settlement dues by adding 55% Pay Element as they are Running Staff.

As per Railway Board’s letter, now Zonal Railways after fixing their pay by adding 30% Pay Element on medical de-categorisation and treating them as non-Running Staff even though they are not joined in any post and tendered Voluntary Retirement.

Board are requested to communicate suitable instructions to all the Zonal Railways for adding 55% Pay Element to all the medically de-categorised Running Staff who want to give Voluntary Retirement without absorption in any alternative posts after medical de-categorisation.

Yours faithfully,

(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Copy to: General Secretaries, all affiliated zonal unions.

On February 28th 2012 over 100,000, 000 Indian workers will come out on strike

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:55:00 +0000

The world’s biggest ever strike, India,
28th February 2012

On February 28th 2012 over 100,000, 000
Indian workers will come out on strike.
Workers from many unions and sectors are
trying to gain improvements in areas such
as, pay, pensions, and employment rights.
The strike has been called because workers have
said 'enough is enough', after two years of the
government refusing to negotiate with unions on
any issue. Indian's are sick of the rich getting
richer, record economic growth, whilst 400
million people have not got a pot to piss in .
On February 28th 2012, an estimated one
hundred million Indian workers will all walk out
of work for twenty four hours in what is likely to
be the biggest strike in world history.
Over a dozen of India’s largest trade unions have
called for and signed up to the strike. The strike
will affect many sectors , including public sector
banks, ports and docks, railways, insurance, road
transport, energy workers, miners, and aviation
workers.
“Recent months have seen a mounting wave of
militant worker struggles in India, strikes for
union recognition in India’s expanding auto
sector, including a two-day occupation of a
Hyundai plant, a wildcat strike by Air India
personnel, and walkouts by telecom workers and
coal miners against the central government’s
privatization plans.”
The different unions have a variety of different
demands , they include gaining the same rights
and protection for temporary and contract
workers that permanent workers have, raising
and extending the minimum wage, resisting the
attacks on trade unions, stopping price rises, the
creation of a national social security fund,
increase in pensions, and combatting corruption.
Despite seeing growth of around 9% each year,
more than four hundred million Indians live in
absolute poverty . Only a handful of countries
enjoy similar growth, yet Indian workers have
not even been flicked so much as a crumb from
the bosses table. Working and living conditions
are equal to, and actually worse than some
African countries that are not experiencing the
same economic growth.
Indian workers are starting to switch on to the
fact that they ‘system’ only serves the wealthy
and the bosses.
The last few year has seen a dramatic rise in the
number off millionaires and billionaires, yet jobs
are lost, wages cut, and unions rights pushed
back. India’s richest fifty five people have 1/6 th
of all the country’s wealth.
Source : Ibcom.org

Feedback on the meeting between GS/AIRF Hon’ble MR, CRB and MS Railway Board

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:44:00 +0000

No.AIRF/24(C) Dated: February 1, 2012

The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions,

Dear Comrades,

Sub: Feedback on the meeting between GS/AIRF Hon’ble MR, CRB and MS Railway Board

Yesterday I met Hon’ble MR and once again handed-over him a copy of the memorandum, submitted to him during AIRF’s 87th Annual Convention held in Chennai on 14-16 November, 2011, along with copies of our letters written to him time and again on “Long Pending Demands of the Railwaymen” - payment of arrears of Running Allowance w.e.f. 1.1.2006, ALK and 25% and other issues relating to Running Staff, Cadre Restructuring, implementation on the unanimous recommendations of the Departmental Anomalies Committee, implementation of the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Package and Career Progression of the Trackmen, upgradation of apex level Group `C’ posts, absorption of the staff working in the quasiadministrative offices/organizations connected with the Railways, etc. etc. He has assured us for positive action on the long pending demands of the Federation(AIRF).

I also met the Chairman and Member Staff, Railway Board, and requested them to address long pending demands of the Railwaymen and also the memorandum submitted to Hon’ble MR. They have also assured us to look into the matter positively.

Yours Brotherly

ShivGopal Mishra
General Secretary

CRA reduces AMC by almost 20% and transaction charges by more than 16%

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:20:00 +0000

CRA reduces AMC by almost 20% and transaction
charges by more than 16%
CRA had reduced Annual Maintenance Charges
(AMC) from Rs. 350 to Rs. 280 and Transaction
Charges from Rs. 10 to Rs. 6 once the number of
accounts (PRANs) crossed 10 lakhs. It was committed
to reduce the charges once the number of accounts
reaches 30 lakhs. However, with commendable
increase in the number of subscribers in a short span
of one year, CRA has reduced the AMC by almost
20% to Rs. 225 and Transaction Charges by more
than 16% to Rs.5 even before reaching the
milestone.

1) Account opening Rs. 50/-

2) AMC Rs. 225/- (Old was Rs. 350/-)

3) Transactions (contribution, change in scheme preference, switch and withdrawal) Rs. 5/-
Redemption of units on a quarterly basis

NRMU: Observation of Protest week from 30Jan-3Feb for Long pending demands

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:08:00 +0000

Observation of Protest week All over C.Rly from 30Jan to 3Feb (wear black badges while onduty/ attend slogan shouting in front of Lobby) for LONG pending demands of RngStaff:-
1) Mileage & ALK as per TA from 1-1-2006 with arrears,
2) 25% increase wef1-1-11 onwards when DA exceeds 50%
3) Additional Allowance to all,
4) LI anomaly,
5) Pass/ Hospital facility to parents,
6) ALP fixation anomaly as per FTR table,
7) MACP anomaly
8) Filling of initial / Promotional vacancies etc.
9) Improvement in RngRoom/ RlyQtrs
10) NPS
11) 30% for AC Pass
12) RngStaff GrPay anomaly etc etc
NRMU4U

Indian Railway Finance Corporation Limited Offers Tax Free Bonds

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:33:00 +0000

Ministry of Railways
Indian Railway Finance Corporation Limited Offers
Tax Free Bonds Tranche-I to Raise upto Rs. 6,300 Crore
Public Issue to Open Tomorrow
Indian Railway Finance Corporation Limited (IRFC), the
financing arm of Indian Railways, is proposing to issue Tax
Free, Secured, Redeemable, Non-Convertible Bonds of face
value of Rs. 1, 000 each in the nature of Debentures, having
benefits under Section 10(15 )(iv) (h ) of the Income Tax Act,
1961, as amended (‘Bonds’) aggregating to Rs.3 ,000 crore
with an option to retain oversubscription of upto the shelf
limit of` Rs. 6, 300 crore (‘Issue’).
The application for subscription of Bonds should be for a
minimum of 10 Bonds and in multiples of 5 Bonds
thereafter. The Issue will open for subscription on January
27, 2012, and close on February 10, 2012, or earlier
(subject to the Issue being open for a minimum period of 3
days), or extension by such period, upto a period of 30 days
from the date of opening of the Issue, as may be decided by
the Board of Directors or by a duly constituted committee of
the Company. The Bonds shall carry a coupon rate of 8. 00%
p.a for 10 years (Series I) and 8. 10% p. a for 15 years
(Series II). An additional coupon rate of 0. 15% p. a. and
0.20 % p. a. on series 1 and series 2 respectively shall be
available to Resident Indian individuals, Hindu Undivided
Families through the Karta and Non Resident Indians on
repatriation as well as non- repatriation basis, applying for
an amount aggregating upto and including Rs.5 lakhs across
all Series in the tranche (available only to the original
allottees). The Bonds are proposed to be listed on NSE and
BSE.
The Bonds have been rated ‘CRISIL AAA/Stable’ by
CRISIL, ‘[ICRA] AAA’ by ICRA and ‘CARE AAA’ by CARE,
indicating highest degree of safety for timely servicing of
financial obligations.
Investors will have an option to hold the bonds either
in physical or in demat form. The Bonds will be secured by
way of a pari passu charge on the movable assets of the
Company comprising of rolling stock such as wagons,
locomotives and coaches.
SBI Capital Markets Limited, A. K. Capital Services
Limited and ICICI Securities Limited are the Lead Managers
to the Issue. Indian Bank shall be the Trustee to the Issue.
The Company intends to utilize the Issue proceeds for
financing the acquisition of rolling stock and financing the
capacity enhancement works in the Indian Railways.
All investors proposing to participate in the Issue should
invest only on the basis of the information contained in the
Shelf Prospectus and the Prospectus Tranche-1 , both dated
January 19, 2012.
The Shelf Prospectus and the Prospectus Tranche 1 are
available on the website of the NSE and BSE at
www.nseindia .com and www.bseindia .com , the website of
SEBI at www.sebi .gov.in, the website of the Company at
www.irfc. nic.in and the respective websites of the Lead
Managers at www.sbicaps. com, www.akcapindia .com and
www.icicisecurities. com.
IRFC is the financing arm of the Indian Railways.
100% shareholding in IRFC is held by the President of India
acting through Ministry of Railways. The Company has been
notified as a Public Financial Institution under Section 4A of
the Companies Act, 1956 and registered as a Non-Banking
Finance Company without accepting public deposits
(Infrastructure Finance Company) with the Reserve Bank of
India. The Company’s principal business is borrowing funds
from the commercial markets to finance the acquisition of
new rolling stock which is then leased to the Indian
Railways. IRFC is a consistently profit making Public Sector
Undertaking that has funded rolling stock of book value of
Rs.69, 843 crore (5, 567 locomotives, 33,856 passenger
coaches, 14,90 ,300 freight wagons and 85 cranes and track
machines) for Indian Railways (as on 30.09 .2011) . Net
worth of IRFC as on 30. 09.2011 stood at approximately
Rs.4, 487.50 crores with Nil Non-Performing Assets. The
Company recorded a net profit after tax of Rs.485. 20 crore
for year ended 31.03 .2011 compared to Rs. 442.69 crore
for year ended 31. 03.2010 .
PIB

Mediclaim Policy: Save upto Rs.40,000/- u/s 80D addition to 1Lac

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:39:00 +0000

DEDUCTION U/S 80D MEDICLAIM POLICY
Deduction under section 80D is available for medical claim policy By individual for
family and HUF for their members . Other details regarding 80D and medical
insurance there under is given below
1. Addition to section 80 C:Section 80D is available other than 100000 deduction
available under 80C for life insurance,ppf,gpf ,tuition fee,ULIP,House loan
repayment etc.
2. Insurer covered: This deduction is available for medical claim policy which
should be framed in this behalf by
by GIC(General insurance Corporation) or by
any other insurer but approved by IRDA(Insurance Regulatory
Development authority)
3. Available to :Deduction is available to
Individual (resident or non resident ,Indian Citizen or foreign
citizen)
HUF(Hindu undivided Family may be resident or non resident)
4. Mode of payment: Insurance Premium should be paid by any mode other than
by Cash .Means if insurance premium is paid by cash then no deduction is
available.Before Assessment year 2008-09 ,only payment by cheque was allowed
under this section but from Ay 2008-09 onwards the deduction is allowed by
other mode also like online payment which is now a days is very popular or by
credit card is also allowed.
5. Out of Income : The amount should be paid out of the income chargeable to tax.
6. Proposer of the policy is not must: The premium is to be paid to effect or keep
inforce insurance policy ,there is no condition that assessee should be the
proposer of the policy ,
7. Partly contribution : Assessee can partly contribute the premium amount but
amount should be paid directly to insurance company and paid through mode
other than by cash (see example)
8. Insurance cover on?: First deduction given below :Insurance Premium may be
paid for medical claim insurance policy for assessee himself or spouse or
dependent children or any combination of three.
9. Addition for parents: Second deduction given below:Insurance premium may
be paid for medical claim insurance for assessee parents (father or mother or
for both)
10. Deduction upto 40000: Theoretically ,maximum deduction can be claimed for Rs
40000.(detail as given below)
Amount Of deduction : Two type of Deductions are available to Individuals under
this section from Assessment year 2009-10
1. Deduction on Medical insurance premium paid for himself,spouse ,dependent
children =Rs 15000 maximum.
2. Deduction on Medical insurance premium paid for parents ,whether
dependent on assesee or not =Rs 15000 maximum
Deduction to HUF: Deduction to HUF is available on insurance premium paid for
policy taken for of any member of the HUF
Addition deduction for Resident Senior Citizen: In addition to two point above,
additional deduction of Rs 5000 is available where assessee or his spouse (wife or
husband) or dependent parents or any member of the family in case one and
father or mother is a resident in India and a senior citizen in case two.And same
in the case of HUF assessee if policy has been taken on member which is senior
citizen than additional Rs 5000/- deduction is available also to HUF.
Senior citizen means who is at least of 65 year of age or more at any time during
the previous year.
Example : An individual assessee pays (through any mode other than by cash)
during the previous year medical insurance premium as under
1. Rs 12000/- to keep in force an insurance policy on his health and on his wife
and dependent children
2. Rs 17000/- to keep in force an insurance policy on the health of his parents.
According to above provisions he will be allowed of Rs 27000/- (12000/ - +15000/- ) if
neither of his parents is senior citizen .however if any of his parent is a resident
senior citizen ,he will be allowed a deduction of 29000(12000 +17000) .whether the
parents is dependent or not is not a consideration for deciding the deduction
under section 80D(from assessment year 2009-10 )(previous year 2008-09)
Further, in the above example ,if cost of insurance on the health of the parents is
30000/- out of which Rs 17000/- is paid (by any non cash mode) by the son and rs
13000/- by the father (who is senior citizen), out of their respective taxable
income ,the son get the deduction of Rs 17000/- (in addition to deduction of Rs
12000/- for the medical insurance on self and family) and the father will get
deduction under section Rs 13000/-
(Example as given in Finance Act 2008)
Hope it will be now easy to understand the section 80D deduction.
Source: www.simpletaxindia.net

Expecting Dopt order regarding the issue of ‘Date of Next Increment’ – NAC agenda item No. 5( v)

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:16:00 +0000

Employees whose DNI falls between 1st February to 1st
June (Pre Revised Scale) issue…
National Anomaly Committee – Agenda item No.5( v) –
‘Date of Next Increment’
The above said point regarding the anomaly relating to Rule
9 of the CCS (RP) Rules 2008, some of our readers were
confused pertaining a news which came recently from our
staff side members of National Anomaly Committee. The
news was that, the decision of the recently concluded in
fourth National Anomaly Committee (NAC Meeting)
regarding the anomaly in annual increment arising due to
the implementation of 6th Central Pay Commission
Recommendations.
The decision is that before the implementation of 6th CPC,
those employees whose yearly increment falls between
February to June are eligible to get one increment in the pre-
revised scale from 1.1 .2006 as one time measure. In other
words, “Annual increment falls between 1st February 2006
and 1stJune 2006, first increment will be granted on January
2006 on V CPC rates and the second will be granted on July
2006 on VI CPC rates as one time measure”.
The only particular group of employees are eligible to get
the increment as one time measure, everyone should know
that this decision do not have any effect on other
employees.
“Qualifying period for earning an increment is 6 months
on 1st July”.
As per Rule 10 of CCS(RP) Rules, 2008 there will be one
uniform date of annual increment, viz. 1st July of every
year. Government servants completing 6 months and above
in the revised pay structure as on 1st of July will be eligible
to be granted the increment. Accordingly, all Government
servants who earned their last increment between
02.01 .2005 and 01.01 .2006 would get their next increment
on 01. 07.2006 .
For those employees whose date of next increment falls on
01.01 .2006, the instructions already provide for granting an
increment in the pre- revised pay scale as on 01. 01.2006
and then fixing their pay in the revised pay scales. Such
Government servants would also get their next increment on
01.07 .2006.
Due to implementation of the above said rule, concerning
the anomaly has been discussed in every meeting of
National Anomaly Committee and finally a decision was
taken. Now, we are expecting a Government order regarding
the issue through Dopt, which may help to calculate the pay
fixation and arrears exactly.

Revised charge structure for Points of Presence in National Pension System (NPS)

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:26:00 +0000

PFRDA has announced changes in the charge structure for
the Points of Presence (POP) for Private Sector subscribers
under National Pension System (NPS).
PENSION FUND REGULATORY AND DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
16TH January’ 2012
PRESS RELEASE
Initiating the implementation of the recommendations of
the Bajpai Committee to Review
Implementation of National Pension System (NPS) in the
Private (Non-Government ) Sector, Pension Fund Regulatory
and Development Authority (PFRDA) has announced
changes in the charge structure for the Points of Presence
(POP) for Private Sector subscribers under National Pension
System (NPS) .
At present, the Points of Presence charge a flat rate of Rs.
20 for the initial subscriber registration and Rs. 20 per
transaction for any contribution upload. The Bajpai
Committee had observed that a flat rate structure amounts
to the poor subsidizing the rich, and a more equitable
structure would be charging of fees as an ad- valorem basis.
Based on these recommendations and the comments
received from various stakeholders, PFRDA has now
announced the following charge structure with immediate
effect:
1. An Initial subscriber registration charge of Rs.100/ - and
an ad valorem transaction charge of 0. 25% of the initial
contribution amount from subscriber subject to a minimum
of Rs.20 and a maximum of Rs. 25,000 /-.
2. Any subsequent transaction involving contribution
upload – 0. 25% of the amount subscribed by the NPS
subscriber, subject to minimum of Rs.20/ - and a maximum
of Rs. 25000/- .
3. Any other transaction not involving a contribution from
subscriber – Rs 20/-
The above structure is applicable to both individuals and
corporates in the Private (Non-Government ) Sector, and is
expected to sufficiently incentivise the PoPs to actively
participate in the opening of NPS accounts and also provide
improved services to account holders. The PoPs have the
option to negotiate on the above charges with the
subscribers, but within the prescribed charge structure.
Source: PFRDA
[http:/ /pfrda.org .in/writereaddata/linkimages /Enhancement
%20of %20Charge%20 Structure%20for
%20PoPs9204748236 .pdf]

AIRF raised pending issues RngStaff LP Grade Pay, LI anomaly & other issues

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:48:00 +0000

No.AIRF/24(C) Dated: January 19, 2012

The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions,

Dear Coms.,

Sub: Long pending demands of the Railwaymen

On 18th, while discussing the issue of Cadre Restructuring with the Addl. Member(Staff), Railway Board, which remained inconclusive because of the discrepancies pointed out by the Staff Side in calculation, it was agreed that after revising the calculation, they will hold meeting with the Federations after 10 days.

It has come to our notice that because of our pressure, Full Board has discussed the issues relating to Running Staff and Supervisors in its meeting, wherein they have almost agreed to give benefit of 25% to Running Staff from the date the benefit has given to other categories. They have also discussed to provide GP Rs.4600 to Mail/Express Loco Pilots and provision of GP Rs.4800 to the Supervisors of apex grade. Besides, they have discussed that 30% posts of Group `B’ category should be filled without Selection, based on “Benchmark” and 70% posts by holding “Selection” at par with Limited Departmental Examination. They have also discussed the issue of upgradation of 15% posts of GP Rs.4600 in Group `B’ Gazetted Cadre.

All the above are in-house discussion of the Full Board, and for change in Grade Pay etc., if Railway Board agree, the case will be sent to MoF/DoP&T.

Since we have got this information, it is for your information, and it should not be presumed that the above has been done, until and unless orders are issued to this effect.

I also discussed the issue of implementation of recommendations of the Committee on Package to Trackmen(Gangmen) with the Member Staff, Railway Board, who had sent back the case to the Financial Commissioner (Railways), after that I meet the Chairman, Railway Board and requested him for early implementation of the same.
This is for your information.

Comradely yours

(Shiv Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

All India General Strike proposed on 28 Feb 2011

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:47:00 +0000

MOBILIZE ALL CG EMPLOYEES IN 28TH
FEBRUARY STRIKE TO ACHIEVE VICTORY
AGAINST THE ATTACKS OF LIBERALISATION

HISTORICAL STRIKE CALL BY THE
UNITED INDIAN WORKING CLASS

FEDERATION CALLS UPON TO MAKE 28 th
FEBRUARY 2012 STRIKE A GRAND SUCCESS

28 th FEBRUARY STRIKE IS THE EVER LARGEST
UNITED STRIKE ORGANIZED BY THE INDIAN
WORKING CLASS
ALL ELEVEN TRADE UNION CENTRES VIZ., BMS -
INTUC - AITUC - HMS (AIRF) - CITU -AIUTUC -
AICCTU - UTUC - TUCC - LPF - SEWA – and
several Public Sector Organizations including
the employees of Banks, Insurance,
Telecommunications, State Government
Employees, Teachers Organisations and
Central Government Employees under the
leadership of Confederation and Defense
employees led by the AIDEF are unitedly
organising this historical strike against the
policies of retrograde liberalization that are
attacking the interests of workers and
employees.

Running staff & other safety categories issues raised by Com. Shiv Gopal Mishra, General Secretary at GM's conference

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:57:00 +0000

No.AIRF/GMs’ Conference Dated: January 12, 2012

The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions,

Dear Coms.,
Sub: Feedback on General Managers’ Conference held on 11-12 January, 2012

General Managers’ Conference was held in Rail Bhawan, New Delhi on 11-12 January, 2012, in the backdrop of accident of Brahamputra Mail that took place at Karonpuroto Station in Barharwa-Sahebgunj Section of Eastern Railway, wherein four passengers were dead while nine were injured. A goods train had also derailed at Khagaria(East Central Railway) just before this accident.

The conference started with the address of the Hon’ble Minister for Railways who, in his speech, express serious anguish on such avoidable accidents and asked to go into the root cause of the same as well as to discuss safety issues on top priority to find a solution for avoiding such accidents in future. He, however, appreciated the work being done by the Railwaymen and stated that the Indian Railways is the most robust, cheapest and the best transport system in the world. He further added that we have best industrial relations, but such accidents reveal that the basic field work is not being done properly and there is no accountability for such accidents. The Hon’ble Minister for Railways opined that problem can be at any level, but its solution must be there and further stated that the training system definitely seems to be faulty. He stated that he does not want to demoralize the system and this is high time to wake-up. The Hon’ble Minister for Railways stressed that the Indian economy cannot grow without the Indian Railways and for that Indian Railways have to develop. He further stated that this conference must have a brainstorming session to find out a solution for safe running of the trains.

Shri K.H. Munniyappa, Hon’ble Minister of State for Railways, also addressed the conference and stated that there is pressing need for decentralization and delegation of powers down the line because the powers being centralized at the higher level, every important decision is unnecessary delayed and the system suffers a lot on this account including preventive maintenance. He further stated that the quality of work cannot improve till we will remain in the habit of accepting lower standard.

Member Mechanical, Railway Board, opined that there is some dilution in the training of the Loco Crew. He stated that there can be rail fracture because of bad condition of rolling stock also. He was of the firm opinion that the IRCA, a natural organization, must be re-organized properly to ensure safe rail operation

Member Staff, Railway Board, stated that he is ready to amend/modify the recruitment and training policy to suit the organization.

Member Engineering, Railway Board, stated that out of 105 reported train accidents, 25 are on engineering account, out of which 45% are due to rail/weld facture. He, therefore, opined that there is an absolutely urgent need of cold weather patrolling, night inspections by the officers and supervisors. He further opined that overloading must be checked, which is also one of the cause of rail facture. He also stated that monthly route-wise plan must be prioritized for maintenance.

Member Electrical and Member Traffic, Railway Board, also talked about improvement in safety, audit and maintenance and operations.

Financial Commissioner(Railways) was critic of bad financial condition of the Railways.

Chairman, Railway Board, mentioned that proper procedures of operation and maintenance are not being followed and safety meetings at the DRMs level are not being done. Of late, inspection and training are also being diluted.

General Secretary AIRF Speaking on the occasion, I once again touched all the points, which I presented before the High Level Safety Review Committee, and some of the points raised are appended below for your better appreciation.
1) Large number of vacancies - more than 1,50,000 - in safety categories belonging to Running, Operating and Maintenance Cadre. Even Leave Reserve, Rest Giver and Trainee Reserves are not available.
2) Infrastructure is being developed and new trains being introduced, without additional proper manpower.
3) Indiscriminate surrender of posts on thumb-rule principle is counter-productive for an organization like Railways.
4) Inadequacy of funds for replacement/renewal and maintenance of rolling stock, track and signalling.
5) Inadequate facilities of training and that too without motivation to the trainees as well as trainers.
6) New technology is being adopted without any arrangement for proper training of the staff.
7) There are inadequate research facilities.
8) Material/equipment failure is attributed to Human Failure – life cycle principle has not been fixed. The process of procurement being age old and traditional, the material input, even for safety components, is delayed inordinately as also quality of procurement is not maintained because of lowest rate concept of the tenders.
9) Running Staff must be provided with electronic safety backup, so that in case of any failure, trains may stop to avert accidents
10) Excessive stress on Railway employees on account of overburdening of workload.
11) Long duty hours of the staff, particularly Running Staff, Trains Controllers, S&T Staff, Track Maintenance Staff, Elect. And Mechanical, Shed and open line staff, Traffic and Operation Staff etc.
12) Breach of rest of the Running Staff due to
(i) shortage of manpower and,
(ii) Inadequate Running Rooms facilities.
13) Inadequate blocks for track maintenance due to over capacity utilization of routes.
14) Fear psychosis – Minimum punishment, removal from service, particularly in case of signal passing at danger(SPAD).
15) Long pendency of Discipline & Appeal cases also cause stress.
16) Manning of unmanned level crossing.
17) Assault on the Railwaymen, particularly on manned level crossings & Running staff also.
18) Dying of staff on duty, particularly running-over of thousands of Trackmen.
19) Recruitment of wards of the Railwaymen(recommendations of many Safety Committees and Commission’s reports).
20) Unauthorized encroachment on railway land near railway tracks.
21) The condition of the Railway quarters and colonies is not conducive for proper rest in case of Running Staff and the staff engaged in maintenance of rolling stock, tracks and signalling.
22) No proper counseling and inspection.
23) Decision making process being extremely slow, sometimes it becomes irrelevant and out of context.
24) Lack of proper mechanism for timely redressing staff grievances even at the lowest level adds to working with strain and stress, particularly by the staff of safety categories.
25) No proper mechanism for motivation of railway staff and inadequate promotional prospects.
Apart from the above, I further mentioned that the Railway employees are feeling de-motivated and demoralized because of their long pending demands not being met. Report of the Joint Committee on Trackmen is wandering in the corridor of the Rail Bhawan without its implementation even after than 10 months of its submission. Similarly, unanimous recommendations of the Departmental Anomaly Committee are not being implemented, with the result that Running Staff are not getting Additional Pay, arrears of Running Allowance w.e.f. 1.1.2006, improved ALK(25%) and also their grade pay has not been changed. Supervisors of apex group `C’ are not getting GP of Rs.4800, ASMs are not getting GP Rs.4200, Cadre Restructuring Exercise has come to standstill, New Pension Scheme is creating lot of problems among the staff recruited on or after 1.1.2004. Non-filling up of more than 2.5 lakh vacancies is a potential danger for the safety of the Railways because the staff is over-burdened and over-stressed. The conditions of the Running Rooms are very bad, neither the staff are getting proper rest in the Running Rooms nor at home. Though in the LARSGESS, educational qualification has been relaxed and PET has been removed, but still written examinations has not been dispensed with. The condition of the Railway Colonies is very bad, Erroneous orders for the recruitment of Substitutes have not been withdrawn and nothing is being done for the recruitment of the wards of the Railway employees as Substitute. Due to financial crisis, development of infrastructure has come to a standstill. Participative discussions through POM/DOM, meetings of the Safety and Running Rooms Committees, MPP, Training Manager’s, Labour Advisory Committee have come to a grinding halt.
All the pronouncements made by the then Hon’ble Minister for Railways, Ms Mamata Banerjee, in her Rail Budget, viz. opening of Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, Nursing Colleges, Medical Colleges, Engineering Colleges, ITIs/Polytechnics, “House for All”, Mobile Medical Vans, are unaddressed. We are quite concerned for the passengers dying during the course of accident, but we are equally concerned over the staff dying on duty. Hundreds of Trackmen, Cabinmen, Shunting Staff, Loco & Traffic Running Staff have lost their lives throughout the year and we are unable to protect them. With all these problems, we are the part of the Railways and still every Railwaymen wish that there should not be any accident and the Railways should run safely. We are extending fullest cooperation in running the Railway System smoothly, but at the same time also hope a fair-deal to the Railwaymen, so that they should stand motivated.

Comradely Yours,

(Shiv Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Problems of Track Machine Staff

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:01:00 +0000

D.O.No.AIRF/52(ii) Dated: December 28, 2011

Shri A. P. Mishra,
Member Engineering,
Railway Board, New Delhi

Dear Shri Mishra Ji,
Sub: Problems of Track Machine Staff

You may recall that an All India Safety Seminar-Cum-Conference of Track Machine Staff was held in T.N. Bajpai Memorial Hall, Chelmsford Road, New Delhi, which was inaugurated by your good-self. It may also be appreciated that the Track Machine Organization is growing fast, nevertheless the things have not so for been systemized despite lapse of several years, because of which a number of long pending grievances of these staff still remain unresolved.

I would, therefore, like to draw your kind attention towards a few being appended below:-

1. Classification of Track Machine Staff as Safety Category Staff The staff working in different grades with GP Rs.1800, 1900, 2400, 2800 and 4200, deployed on Track Machines, have not unfortunately been classified as Safety Staff while they undertake the most safety related works of track renewal and maintenance with Track Machines and other tools and plants. AIRF has repeatedly raised this issue at different levels, but the Railway Board are yet to issue instructions in this regard, on account of which these staff, who are totally involved in railway safety, are deprived of the associated benefits of the staff categorized as Safety Staff. I would, therefore, seek your personal intervention for early settlement of this issue.

2. Administrative control of Track Machine Staff It is though very clearly laid down in the Indian Railway Track Machine Manual that the control of the staff working on Track Machines on zonal railways should be centrally controlled on zonal basis as a separate Track Machine Organization. But it is noticed that on some of the zonal railways, these staff have been de-centralized on divisional basis. It is pertinent to mention here that the Track Machines of different categories keep on shifting from one division to another for undertaking the work of track renewal/maintenance on need basis, with the result, that the staff deployed on these machines also keep on moving from one division to another on zonal railway basis. Therefore, in case, the staff is kept divisionally controlled, a lot of problems crop up, viz. maintenance of their service record, leave account, PF etc. unnecessarily and sometimes difficulties are faced while arranging payment of settlement dues on superannuation/pre-mature demise.
Keeping this aspect in view, Railway Board should issue instructions to all the zonal railways to follow uniform policy of centrally controlled system as a separate organization for Track Machine Staff on all zonal railways

3. Implementation of 21 days duty and 7 days rest in a month duty roster for Track Machine Organization Staff A High Power Committee, constituted by the Railway Board to study the various problems of the Track Machine Organization and to suggest remedial measures thereof, had recommended 21 days duty, followed by 7 days rest in a month for the staff of Track Machine Organization so as to facilitate them to meet their family and social obligations because they often remain away from their residences. While some of the zonal railways have taken initiatives to implement this roster, which is quite convenient both for the administration and the staff, however, a number of zonal railways are still dragging their feet in implementing the same, which is quite unfortunate. It has also been laid down in the recommendations of the said committee to create 25% additional posts of different categories in Track Machine Organization to effectively implement this roster, the zonal railways have been facing lot of difficulties in creation of these additional posts due to embargo of matching surrender. I would, therefore, request you to kindly get the creation of 25% additional posts required for implementing 21 days duty roster, de-link from matching surrender process and issue instructions to all the zonal railways to implement above mentioned roster on all the zonal railways uniformly.

4. Deployment of Driver/Pilot on Track Machine At present, the SSEs/JEs(Track Machine) have been entrusted multiple duties, which include supervision of works, driving of Track Machines at a speed of 60 kmph as permitted by RDSO, operation of machines, store management and maintenance of machines etc. there have been a number of occasions when these SSEs/JEs have been penalized with stiff Major Penalty on committing error/omission while driving Track Machines from one station to another because of lack of GSR and STR Rules of the concerned section. Cases have also occurred where some of them have lost their lives too. Since Track Machines keep on shifting from one station to another and one division to another in a zonal railway, and there is no provision of route learning for them unlike Loco Pilots, as also they are not provided with any Pilot, Driver etc. while driving machines on some known sections, there are ample chances of committing mistake leading to accident. I would, therefore, request you to either deploy some Loco Pilots to drive Track Machine or OHE/TRD pattern should also be adopted in Track Machine Organization also.

5. Provision of special incentive for Track Machine staff Earlier, we had raised the demand for provision of Running Allowance to Track Machine Staff, which was not exceeded to, and instead a committee of 3 SAG officers was constituted to examine the probability of some special incentive for them. This issue is, however, hanging fire for quite some time and creating discontentment among the staff of Track Machine Organization. You are, therefore, requested to get this case expedited so that the staff could get some monetary benefits in the name of Special Incentive.

6. Provision of proper camp coaches and resting facilities to Track Machine Staff While there is an established provision in the IRTMM of a well furnished camp coach having adequate facilities as per RDSO’s guidelines with the Track Machines, but practically it is seen that the camp coaches provided with the machines are in a very critical condition being age old and some of them have already expired their codal life, as such the same are neither suitable for proper resting facilities nor safe in operation. Likewise, proper rest houses have also not been provided at the identified camping stations for the Track Machine Staff, with the result that, they do not get proper rest after performing their duties because of being away from their Headquarters and residence.
Necessary steps are, therefore, required to be taken to ensure provision of properly furnished and safe camp coaches as well as rest houses at identified camping stations so as to facilitate proper rest to these staff.

7. Provision of Cook in PB-I GP Rs.1900 on camp coaches of Track Machines Railway Board have already sanctioned ex-cadre post of Cook in erstwhile grade Rs.800-1150 for camp coaches of Track Machines on the Indian Railways basis to provide cooking facilities for the staff deployed on Track Machines. Since the Cook in Catering services are already placed in PB-I with GP Rs.1900, as such the Cooks working on ex-cadre posts on the camp coaches of the Track Machines may also be given Grade Pay of Rs.1900 uniformly as an incentive and motivation to work on these Track Machines.

8. Provision of uniform to Track Machine Staff While Trackmen and other allied staff of Engineering Department is entitled for steel toe shoes, fluorescent jacket, gloves, protective clothing and proper uniform, however, the staff working on Track Machines are not extended this facility. It would, therefore, be quite appropriate that the staff of Track Machines are also provided with proper uniform, steel toe shoes, fluorescent jacket, hand gloves, protective clothing, air protector and helmet etc. keeping in view their hazardous nature of duty.

9. Provision of shelter and proper siding for placement of Track Machines and camp coaches The Track Machines and camp coaches are often placed not only on improper locations but some times these machines and camp coaches are placed on such a place which lacks basic facilities of drinking water, lighting etc. and at times placed in between two running lines, which result in avoidable accidents etc. leading to loss of their lives.
I would, therefore, request that proper nominated non-OHE sidings be allotted for stabling Track Machines and camp coaches with provision of shelters for the safety of costly Track Machines.

I would be highly thankful if you may kindly take early steps for resolving above problems of the Track Machines Staff who are rendering valuable services in track maintenance over the Indian Railways.
With kind regards!.

(Shiv Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary
AIRF

Problems of Track Machine Staff

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:01:00 +0000

Non settlement of long pending demands of Railwaymen

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:46:00 +0000

No.AIRF/24(C) Dated: December 28, 2011

The Chairman,
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Non-settlement of long pending of the Railwaymen

The inordinate delay in resolving the undernoted long pending major demands of the Railwaymen, deep sense of frustration is generating among them.

(i) Grievances of the Running Staff-
Issues relating to Running Staff, i.e. payment of arrears of Running Allowance w.e.f. 1.1.2006, improvement in the rate of Mileage/ALK, 25% increase in the rate of Mileage due to enhancement in DA(beyond 50%), Additional Allowance, etc. etc. are not being resolved despite sustained persuasions by the AIRF.
(ii) Removal of Departmental Anomalies– Departmental Anomalies were unanimously agreed by the Railway Board, and the same were referred to the MoF by the Railway Ministry, but unfortunately the same are still hanging fire without any fruitful outcome, as such need to be addressed early.

(iii) Recruitment of Substitutes in the Railways– One of the long pending demands of AIRF is that, the wards of the Railwaymen should be recruited as “Substitutes” in the Railways. Unfortunately, orders to this effect issued by the Railway Board were so complicated that the same could not be implemented by the General Managers of the Indian Railways and could not get real shape, on the contrary invited certain litigations as well. It is requested that the said orders issued by the Railway Board should be suitably amended so that wards of the Railwaymen are given priority while recruiting “Substitute” in the Railways.

(iv) Absorption of quasi-administrative offices staff in the Railways- The issue of absorption of quasi-administrative offices staff in the Railways was raised by the AIRF several times in various negotiating Fora with the Railway Board but unfortunately nothing has been done in the matter. If these staff are absorbed in the Railways, this will enable the Railways in having trained manpower.

(v) Implementation of various Welfare Schemes announced by earlier Hon’ble MR in her Rail Budget– Ms Mamata Banerjee, Ex. Hon’ble Minister for Railways, in her last Rail Budget had announced various Welfare Schemes for Railway employees and their wards, such as opening of Nursing Schools, Medical Colleges, Engineering Colleges, Polytechnics, Kendriya Vidyalas, houses for all the Railway employees, extension of medical facilities to both dependent father and mother of railway employees, setting up of a Railway Vidyalaya Prabandhan Board to improve the quality of education to children studying in Railway Schools. The progress on these Welfare Scheme is very tardy and to create confidence among the Railwaymen, the process of implementation of such welfare schemes should be accelerated

vi) Provision of Privilege Pass facility for the parents of Railway employees– At present, Indian Railways give Privilege Pass facility only to the widow mother of the Railway employees. This facility should be extended to the parents of Railway employees in line with PSUs, such as Air India, who offers this facility even to blood relations of the employees.

(vii) Implementation of recommendations of Group `D’ Staff Promotion Committee

(viii) Addition in Safety Categories for the purpose of LARSGESS

(ix) Extension of the scope of the LARSGESS to higher grade Safety Category posts and other categories

(x) Upgradation of 15% apex level group `C’ posts to group `B’ posts

(xi) Daily Allowance to Staff Car Drivers

(xii) Payment of Washing Allowance to all those staff who are getting uniforms

(xiii) Transport Allowance to the staff of Rayanapadu and Jamalpur Workshops

(xiv) Reimbursement of medical expenses and Children Education Allowance/Hostel Subsidy etc. and Transport Allowance.

(xv) Maintenance of Railway colonies and quarters.

(xvi) Improvement in the condition of Running Rooms

(xvii) 30% Training Allowance to the Trainers/Instructors

(xviii) Repatriation and Cadre Restructuring of the staff who are on deemed deputation in IRCTC to Railway Catering Units

(xix) Regularization of Casual Labours waiting in the Live Register

(xx) Splitting of grade pay for the purpose of cadre restructuring

It appears that there is no proper seriousness in the Railway Board on these long pending major issues. AIRF, therefore, feels that it will be quite appropriate, if these issues raised by the Staff Side are resolved within a reasonable time frame, else inordinate delay on these issues shall result in avoidable discontentment and frustration among the Railwaymen. It is hoped that the patience of the Staff Side and the sentiments shall be duly acknowledged by the Official Side(Railway Board) and a proper methodology shall be evolved to resolve these issues at the earliest to avoid unnecessary confrontation and industrial unrest.
We hope, this will be taken in right perspective and needful shall be done as early as possible. With kind regards!

Yours faithfully,
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Copy to: Member Staff, Railway Board, New Delhi – for necessary action please.
Copy to: Addl. Member Staff, Railway Board, New Delhi – for necessary action please.
Copy to: Adviser(IR), Railway Board, New Delhi – for necessary action please.
Copy to: EDPC-I, Railway Board, New Delhi – for necessary action please.
Copy to: GSs, all affiliated unions – for information

Expected DA from Jan 2012 is 66% ie 7% hike or more

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:23:00 +0000

Expected DA from Jan 2012 :
Expected Dearness allowance from January 2011
In coming months the trend of the dearness allowance
certainly will go up.
We have made some calculation sheet to bring the
percentage of dearness allowance on the end of December
and the AICPIN is used in the calculation an average rates of
197, 198, 199, 200 and 201 for the balance of three
months.
The expected DA will be minimum of 7% to increase from
January 2011. There will be remote chance to increase in DA
above 7%. If the AICPIN will increase above the average of
200, the DA will be go up to 66%.

Dearness Allowance to all categories of Central Government
employees is being sanctioned by the Government twice in a
year, on 1st January and 1st July based on the increase in
the average monthly All India consumer price index and it is
granted to compensate the price hike above 536 points
(Base Year 1982= 100) 115.76 Points (Base Year
2001= 100). The average increase is calculated up to
December for grant of DA from 1st January and up to June
for grant of DA from 1st July.
DA is calculated on the basic pay (plus NPA and stagnation
increment). Special Pay, Personal Pay etc. are not taken into
account for this purpose.
Dearness allowance calculation is based on AICPIN (IW). The
statistics has been published by Labour Bureau in the last
date of every month for subsequet months. The authentic
department of Labour Bureau under Ministry of Labour &
Employment computing the Consumer Price Index Numbers
for Industrial Workers on base 2001= 100, for this
calculation, more than 80 selcted places in over all India and
an average monthly consumer prices of 24 essential
commodities are taken for the finalise the index.
We are all know that the DA is announcing once in six
months i.e. , January and July of every year. The index has
been taken for the calculation of DA from January to Jnue
and July to December. The first instalment was announced in
march and the second instalment on September, the next
instalment for the year 2012 will be announced by March.
For exact calculation of additional Dearness allowance, the
AICPIN-IW received only for two months of July and August.
After knowing the index value for remaining four months
only, we can compute exact the percentage of additional
Dearness allowance from Jan, 2012, even though we can
predict with reasonably by our expreience in this field, it
may be enhanced minimum of six percent.

CBI arrested CRMS Leader Rammani Tripathi & Balaji S. Patil

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:37:00 +0000

CBI arrested Railway trade union leader

Source : PTI

CBI arrests senior railway official,

tout in job racket

New Delhi, Jan 2 (PTI) CBI in Mumbai has arrested a senior Railway official and a tout for allegedly getting aspirants jobs in the country's largest government undertaking in lieu of hefty bribes arranged through political connections. The arrested officer has been identified by the agency as Rammani Tripathi, senior Technician in Central Railway and Assistant Secretary in Central Railway Mazdoor Sangh (CRMS) and the alleged middleman as Balaji Shelke Patil. The duo was produced before a court in Mumbai and were remanded in police custody till January 13. "Two cases were registered (by the agency in Mumbai) against Tripathi for demanding bribes of Rs five lakh each from two complainants for allegedly arranging them the job of Ticket Collector in the Railways from VIP quota through some senior Railway officers/politician at New Delhi. "CBI laid a trap and Tripathi was caught while demanding and accepting bribes of Rs 2 lakh each from the complainants as a part payment," a CBI spokesperson said here. According to CBI, during initial investigation, Tripathi disclosed the name of a middleman for arranging jobs in the Railways and the bribe amount had to be delivered to him.

The middleman, identified as Patil, was also apprehended while accepting the amount from the accused, the spokesperson said. CBI claimed that Patil allegedly had links with some persons in Delhi with whom he had tie-ups for arranging such jobs after heavy amounts as bribe. "It is also alleged that touts are operating at Railway Ministry who promise jobs at Railway for a price," the spokesperson added. Further probe is on in the case, the spokesperson added.

Increment between Feb to June 2006

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:15:00 +0000

Increment between Feb and June :
Govt. agreed as one time measure.

The meeting of the National Anomaly committee was held on 05/01/2012 as scheduled. 28 items were subjected to discussions. The next meeting of the Anomaly Committee will finalize the left out items.
Government has agreed in the Anomaly Committee meeting to grant one increment on 1.1.2006 in the pre-revised scale of pay for all those whose increment falls between 1 st Feb and 30 th June 2006.
This is applicable only for those who were in service as on 1.1 .2006. They will draw their next increment in the new Pay Band on 1st July 2006.

NAC meeting Feedback: pending items

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:02:00 +0000

Feedback of NAC meeting.
Due to paucity of time, rest items could not be discussed, and the same will be discussed in the next meeting.

Besides the above, issues relating to removal of GP Rs.2000 while granting MACP, GP Rs.4800 to apex level supervisors, implementation of unanimous recommendations of Departmental Anomalies Committees (Railways) (pending with MoF(Deptt. of Exp.), benefit of increment on promotion to the staff promoted in the same grade pay, particularly the issues relating to Running Staff, promotion from MCM to JE, Goods Pilot to Passenger and Mail/ Express, Goods Guard to Passenger and Mail/Express, as well as other categories where promotion in the same grade pay, MACP to Pharmacist, merger of Technician II with I, etc.etc. were also raised by us and demanded immediate solution of the same.

Your money in Employees Provident Fund may be in trouble!!

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:11:00 +0000

Your money in Employees Provident Fund may be in trouble!!

For the first time in 60 years the Provident Fund (PF) office may miss its deadline for presenting its accounts to the Parliament. This predicament is due to violation of accounting standards by the EPFO’s book-keeping system and thereby not conforming to the format specified by the Government which in turn has delayed clearing of PF office’s accounts by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. In the recent past the PF office discovered a surplus of 1,733 crore and recommended a 9.5% PF rate. The Finance Ministry agreed to the 9.5% rate on the condition that the PF office updates all the member accounts within six months and ensure there is no shortfall in income. On both the counts, the EPFO has failed to deliver. Moreover, nearly 4.85 crore accounts were still to be updated on November 22, 2011, as per EPFO's submissions to its board's finance committee last week. More critical is the admission that it had made a huge 5.7% error in its income estimates for 2010-11 that led to an eventual income shortfall of 854 crore. Given that it now manages a corpus of 4,66,000 crore, an error of this magnitude is alarming. With interest payments promised at 9.5%, the PF office ended up with a 510 crore deficit on its 2010-11 operations - which it will now be forced to fund from its income for 2011-12. This accounting fiasco may have forced EPFO to recommend a 1.25% cut in the EPF rate so that it doesn't end up with more contingent liabilities. But there are other pressure points which will make it hard to explain when the Finance Minister reviews its state of affairs and the minutes of the EPFO board's finance committee. EPFO officials had hoped to boost income for 2011-12 with a decision to stop interest credits from April 2011 on old inoperative accounts, where no fresh contributions have come for three years or more. They had hoped to use the savings from these accounts to fund a higher EPF rate for the year.In our opinion the EPFO should be strictly held accountable in mis-handling employees provident fund accounts. There needs to be more governance and untimely rate hikes should not be allowed as they turn out to be just a gimmick, and when interest rates are reduced have a detrimental impact on retirement savings. Management of such crucial funds should be done with utmost care take into account the interests’ of several people, and Government should step-in in such dire times.

Your money in Employees Provident Fund may be in trouble!!

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:11:00 +0000

Increment between Feb and June 2006 : may be settled soon

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:36:00 +0000

It is learnt from sources that Govt. may decide to clear the increment issue between June and February as an one time measure in the meeting of the Anomaly Committee scheduled on 5th January 2012. This has been a long standing demand of the employees who lost one increment as a result of implementation of uniform increment date of 1st July after the sixth C.P.C.

Item No.

Subject Status till date

(after three meetings of NAC)

Item No.11
Grant Revised Allowances with effect from 1.1.2006.

This was discussed in the 3rd meeting of NAC where the Staff Side stated that allowances formed part of wages AND THUS should be revised with effect from the same date from which Revised Pay Scales have been implemented i.e. 1.1.2006. The Official Side stated that the allowances, other than Dearness Allowance (DA), have been revised from 1.9.2008 on the basis of specific recommendation of the 6th CPC. It was reiterated that even after the 5th CPC similar practice was followed. Therefore, there was no anomaly as such. The Staff Side stated there are certain statutory allowances which need to be revised w.e.f.1.1.2006. The Staff Side was asked to forward such a list of statutory allowances for further examination of the Department of Expenditure.

Item No.12
Item No.13

Transport Allowance
Increase of TA (Transport Allowance) at par with PB-3

The items 12 & 13 were clubbed and were discussed in the 3rd meeting of NAC where the Staff Side raised the following issues with respect to the revision of the Transport Allowance (TA) were raised.
(i) Employees with higher pay have been given rates of TA in comparison to low paid employees.
(ii) Uniform Multiplication factor has not been used for revision of TA of employees in various pay bands.
(iii) CCA has now been subsumed in TA, Therefore, a portion of TA should be used as a component for the purpose of computing Overtime Allowance.
(iv) Employees who remain on long tour duties are not getting any Transport Allowance while on tour for more than a month/several months losing even that part of Transport Allowance which represents CCA.
The Official Side stated that the multiplication factor used for revision of TA was actually skewed in favour of the low paid employees and there was no anomaly in the matter. The Staff Side pointed out that in order to have a realistic picture, the multiplication factor in respect to the revised TA rates vis-a-vis the earlier TA rates plus CCA should be examined.
The Staff Side was asked to forward the required calculations to the Department of Expenditure for examination.
Regarding reckoning a portion of the TA for computation of the Overtime Allowance (OTA), the Official Side stated that the 6th CPC has in fact recommended for substitution of OTA with Performance Related incentive Scheme (PRIS), Therefore, the whole issue was not relevant now.
The Staff Side was asked to forward specific details of the matter to the Department of Expenditure for examination.
With respect to employees loosing the part of TA representing CCA while on tour for more than 15 days, the Official Side stated that the 6th CPC has given a specific recommendation to merge the CCA with TA and therefore, this could not be construed as an anomaly.

Item No.29
Item No.30
Revision of Base Index for DA
Bench Mark in AICPI Scheme for grant of DA / DR w.e.f. 1.1.2006 on CPC VI Level pay / Pension Restructuring.

The items 29 & 30 were clubbed and were discussed in the 3rd meeting of the NAC where the Staff Side pointed out some anomalies in decimal increases in percentage not being considered for sanction of DA/DR.
The Official Side stated there was no anomaly in the matter and that the fraction which was ignored earlier was taken into account while calculating the next DA instalment. Further fixation of the base has been done in the manner followed after previous Pay Commissions and there was no anomaly. Therefore, there was no question of any loss to the employees because of this.
The Staff Side would give detailed calculations in the matter to the Department of Expenditure for examination.

Item No.38
Item No.39

Anomaly in fixing Grade Pay
Anomaly due to not applying informally the multiplication factor of 1.86 in fixing the minimum pay in all the revised pay bands applying different.

The items 38 & 39 were clubbed and were discussed in the 3rd meeting of the NAC where the Staff Side stated that the general recommendation of the 6th CPC was that the grade pay will be 40% of the maximum of the pre-revised pay scales. However, at the time of implementation of the recommendations of the 6th CPC, Government has given more than 40% as grade pay to certain categories of the employees in PB-3 and PB-4. Therefore, it was an anomaly and demanded that everyone should be given grade pay of at least 50% of the maximum of the pre-revised pay scales.
The Official Side stated that the 6th CPC itself recommended grade pay in excess of 40$ of the maximum of the pre-revised pay scales in respect of certain employees. Further, in Para 2.2.21 the report of the 6th CPC, it has been clearly stated that in some cases, the amount of the grade pay has been adjusted so as to maintain a clear differential between successive grades pay. Thereafter, the government implemented the recommendations of the 6th CPC with certain conscious modifications in the Grade Pay in some cases. Moreover, the erstwhile Group D employees have also been granted grade pay exceeding 40% of the maximum of the pre-revised pay scales. Therefore, there is no anomaly in the matter.
It was decided that the Staff Side would revisit the issue and revert on whether they wish to pursue the matter.

Item No.44
Anomaly in the Pay Scale / Pay Band and Grade Pay of Library Information assistants

This was discussed in the 3rd meeting of the NAC where the Official Side stated that through a specific and conscious recommendation of Sixth pay Commission, the pay scales of Trained Graduate Teachers (TGTs) have been upgraded and placed in PB-II with grade pay of Rs.4600. In this context, the Pay Commission has also clarified that on account of conscious upgradation, no other cadre can demand or can be granted higher pay scales. Therefore, Library Information Assistants cannot claim parity with TGTs.
The Staff Side stated that the School Librarians have also been placed in PB-II with the grade pay of Rs.4600 at par with the TGTs although there is no specific recommendation of the 6th CPC in this regard. The Library Information Assistants, who have the same qualifications as that of school librarians, have however been placed in PB-II with grade pay of Rs.4200. Thus, their is an anomaly with respect to grade pay of the Library Information Assistants.
The Official Side stated that the factual position was not known to them and therefore the Staff Side was called upon to apprise the Official Side of such Instances specifically.

Item No.45
Anomaly in Pension of those in receipt of stagnation increments in pre-revised pay scale.

This was discussed in the 3rd meeting of the NAC where the Official Side stated that this issue is somewhat related to the issue of granting one time increment to employees having their date of next increment between February 2006 to June 2006 under agenda item 5 (V), Accordingly, it was decided that the matter may be clubbed with agenda item 5(V) and the Staff Side was asked to confirm that their request for grant of an Increment in the pre-revised scale would not have repercussions on any other category and not lead to any further demands.

Item No.46
Item No.49
Disparity in Pay scales and status :Officers in stenographers cadre.
Anomalies in the matter of pay scales of Stenographers

The items 46 & 49 were clubbed and were discussed in the 3rd meeting of the NAC where the Official Side stated that in para 3.1.14 of the 6th CPC's Report a specific recommendation for PS/Sr. PS. In non-secretariat organizations has been made and the same has been accepted and notified by the Government. Further, posts that were existing in the pre-revised pay scale of Rs.6500-10500 before 1.1.2006, including that of PS in field offices, have been upgraded to the pre-revised scale of Rs.7450-11500 w.e.f. 1.1.2206 vide Department of Expenditure's O.M. No.1/1/2008-IC dated 13.11.2009. Therefore, suitable action has already been taken in the matter.
The Staff Side while agreeing with the Official Side stated they would check the position and revert back to the Official Side in case they feel that there were still any problems/difficulties in the matter.

Item No.50
Anomalies in the Pay scales of official Language Staff

This was discussed in the 3rd meeting of the NAC where the representative of the Department of Expenditure stated that orders were issued in November, 2008 regarding parity in the pay scales of OL posts in field officers and CSOLS and the matter has already been clarified by them on various references received in this regard from several administrative Ministries/Departments.
The Staff Side requested that the reference forwarded in this matter by the Ministry of Railways may be examined by the Department of Expenditure on a priority basis. This was agreed to by the Official Side. The Staff Side also mentioned that the parity in the pay scales in field and HQ is still to be granted in many offices including Ministry of Railways.
The Official Side requested the Staff Side to convey the names of such offices so that they could be called upon to take similar action in the matter.

जबर्दस्त तनाव में आया सर्वोदय एक्सप्रेस का चालक बाबरपुर स्टेशन के पास चलती ट्रेन से कूद पड़ा

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:21:00 +0000

चलती ट्रेन से कूदा चालक
पानीपत, जागरण संवाद केंद्र : लगातार गलतियों से

जबर्दस्त तनाव में आया सर्वोदय एक्सप्रेस का चालक बाबरपुर स्टेशन के पास चलती ट्रेन से कूद पड़ा। पुल के पिलर से टकराने से उसकी मौत हो गई। रेलवे मुख्यालय के अधिकारियों ने जांच शुरू कर दी है। फौरी तौर पर स्टेशन मास्टर रमेश कुमार गौतम व ट्रेन के गार्ड एचके मिश्रा को सस्पेंड कर दिया गया है। अहमदाबाद से जम्मूतवी के बीच चलने वाली 12473 अप सर्वोदय एक्सप्रेस रविवार सुबह 6.53 बजे पानीपत स्टेशन पहुंची। प्लेटफार्म पर रुकने के बजाय ट्रेन रफ्तार में सिग्नल को पार कर गई। ध्यान आने पर ड्राइवर तेजा सिंह ने इमरजेंसी ब्रेक लगाकर ट्रेन को असंध रोड रेलवे ओवरब्रिज के पास रोक दिया। एएसएम से बातचीत के बाद ट्रेन को प्लेटफार्म नंबर तीन पर वापस लाया गया। लगभग सात-आठ मिनट बाद ड्राइवर ट्रेन को लेकर फिर अंबाला के लिए रवाना हुआ।

इसी बीच गार्ड ने लाल सिग्नल पार करने की सूचना कंट्रोलर को दी। कंट्रोलर ने ट्रेन के चालक से फोन पर बातचीत की। बाद में बाबरपुर स्टेशन से पहले चालक चलती ट्रेन से नाले के पुल की तरफ कूद गया। पुल के पिलर से सिर टकरा जाने से उसकी मौके पर मौत हो गई। सहायक चालक ने इमरजेंसी ब्रेक लगाकर ट्रेन को बाबरपुर स्टेशन पर रोका। आनन-फानन में दूसरे गार्ड व चालक को भेजकर ट्रेन को साढ़े आठ बजे जम्मू तवी के लिए रवाना किया गया। जांच में जुटे आला अधिकारी सूचना मिलने पर रेलवे मुख्यालय के सीनियर डीईई पंकज शर्मा घटनास्थल के पहुंचे और मौके का मुआयना किया। दोपहर साढ़े 12 बजे सीनियर डीएसओ विपिन पाल सिंह भी पानीपत पहुंचे। पंकज शर्मा का कहना था कि जांच के बाद ही पता चल सकेगा कि यह घटना कैसे हुई।

who is responsible for this????? May have he jumped out from running train to suicide, by instructing ALP to stop train after he jumped-out. because he may have frustration due to SPAD case D&A action of Dismissal from service for single silly mistake which doesn't involve any loss. M I right guys??????? So such killing D&A rules to be changed!!!

CENTRAL TRADE UNIONS DECIDE FOR COUNTRYWIDE GENERAL STRIKE ON 28.02.2012

noreply@blogger.com (S M Lokhande) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:00:00 +0000

STATEMENT dated 2.12.2011

CENTRAL TRADE UNIONS DECIDE FOR

COUNTRYWIDE GENERAL STRIKE ON 28.02.2012

The Central Trade Unions, in a meeting congratulated the mass at the working people for their massive response to the programme of countrywide Jail Bharo (Satyagraha) of 8* November 2011 jointly organized by Central and other Trade Unions of India.

The Central Trade Unions also convey their appreciation to the- independent All India Federations of the employees and workers for their active wholehearted Support to the call of countrywide Satyagraha/Jail Bharo.

The Central Trade Unions noted with serious concern that despite several rounds of united protests by the entire trade union movement of the country, the Govt has remained totally unresponsive to major concerns of the working people Rather anti-people moves are being taken to further aggravate the rise in prices through frequent hike in power tariff, urea etc., besides complete decontrol of petrol prices. Existing labour rights including right to form union are sought to be curbed and social security and pension are under attack through various legislative and administrative moves. Mass scale contractorisation of the regular work Is continuing in all the workplaces inducing in PSUs and Govt. establishments, Contract workers are not being paid in most of the places even the statutory minimum wages Disinvestment of shares of Public Sector Units Is being actively pushed through by the Govt. to facilitate phased privatization of the highly profit-making PSUs .

The Central Trade Unions also expressed serious concern over the flaring up of the rampant corruption all around and huge black-money-generation in the economy resulting In widespread popular discontent and disgust over the Issue of corruption. The CTUOs demand concrete legislative and administrative measures and change in the economic policy regime to eradicate and prevent corruption and bring back the black money stashed abroad.

The Central Trade Unions reiterate the most pressing demands of the workers highlighted by the Jail Bharo/Stayagraha agitation on 8th November 2011:

While reiterating the five point demands formulated jointly by the Central Trade Unions and Federations for

1) concrete measures to contain price rise

2) concrete measures for linkage of employment protection with the concession/incentive package offered to the entrepreneurs,

3) Strict enforcement of all basic labour laws without any exception or exemption and stringent punitive measures for violation of labour laws.

4) universal social security cover for the unorganized sector workers without any restriction and

5)Creation of a National Social Security Fund with adequate resources in line with the recommendation, of NCEUS and Parliamentary Standing Committees on Labour, Stoppage of disinvestment in Central and State PSUs,

The Central Trade Unions also demand immediate action by the Govt. of India to ensure:-

1) No Contractorisatlon of work of permanent/perennial nature and payment of wages and benefits to the contract workers at the same rate as available to the regular workers of the Industry/establishment

2) Amendment of Minimum Wages Act to ensure universal coverage irrespective of the schedules and fixation of statutory minimum wage at not less than Rs 10,000/-,

3) Remove the ceilings on payment and eligibility of Bonus, Provident Fund; Increase the quantum of gratuity.

4) Assured Pension for all.

5) Compulsory registration of trade unions within a period of 45 days and immediate ratification of ILO conventions 67 and 96.

To press for the above demands, the Central Trade Unions decided to observe countrywide genera! strike on 28th February, 2012

The Central Trade Unions also urge upon their state committees and all the trade unions irrespective of affiliations to hold state wise and Industry wise conventions and launch immediately other forms of joint campaigns to make the countrywide general strike on 28th February, 2012 a total success.

The Centraf Trade Unions call upon rnass of toiling people end their organizations irrespective of affiliations to join the call for general strike enmasse throughout the country.

SD/- By

BMS INTUC AITUC HMS CITU AIUTUC AICCTU UTUC TUCC LPF SEWA