Pensionary benefits of medically decategorised running staff opt for voluntary Retirement

Pensionary benefits of medically decategorised running staff opt for voluntary Retirement

Railway Board Circular on Pensionary benefits of medically decategorised running staff opt for voluntary Retirement Ministry of Railways has issued a Circular on Pensionary benefits of medically decategorised running staff opt for voluntary Retirement

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAILWAY BOARD)

RBE No. 137/2016

No. E(P&A)II-2004/RS-05

New Delhi, dated 29 .11.2016.

The General Managers(P)/CAOs, All Indian Railways & Prod. Units etc.

Sub: Pensionary benefits of medically decategorised running staff who opt for voluntary retirement. Ref: Board’s letter no. E(NG)I-2009/RE-3/9 dated 05-10-2011.

Vide DC/JCM item no. 25/2004, PNM/NFIR Item No. 8/2015 and PNM/AIRF Item No. 46/2012, recognised staff Federations have demanded that 55% of Pay Element be reckoned for computing retirement benefit for those running staff who have been medically decategorised and decide to take Voluntary Retirement instead of opting for redeployment in an alternative stationary post.

2. The issue has been examined in Board’s office, and it is observed that the issue is governed under the provisions contained in Board’s letter referred to above. To address the specific aspect brought out by Federations, it has been decided that whenever a medically decategorised running staff governed by RS(PR)1993. who has rendered the prescribed qualifying service opts for Voluntary Retirement either on his own or within a period of one month from the date of offer of the first alternative post, his pension may be computed with addition of 55% Pay Element. This 55% benefit will be reckoned after deducting the 30% Pay Element fixation benefit if granted already as per Board’s letter dated 05-10-2011 referred to above.

3. In case such staff does not give option of Voluntary Retirement within the outer limit period of one month specified herein above. it will be deemed that the staff has accepted the alternative appointment offered and in this case, retirement benefits will be governed by extant instruction on the issue whenever he superannuates or opts for Voluntary Retirement thereafter.

4. The period of one month to opt for Voluntary Retirement for those medically decategorised running staff, who have already been offered the alternative posts, will start from the date of issue of this letter.

5. The above clarification shall take effect from the date of issue of this letter.

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

7. Please acknowledge receipt.

(S. Balachandra Iyer)
Director/Pay Commission,
Railway Board.

Download RBE No. 137/2016 No. E(P&A)II-2004/RS-05, dated 29.11.2016.

Railway Board circular on HRA when not accepting or surrender of Railway Residential Accommodation

Railway Board circular on HRA when not accepting or surrender of Railway Residential Accommodation

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E(P&A)-II/2012/F.E.2/4.

The General Secretary,
NFIR,
3, Chelmsford Road,
New Delhi - 110 055.

New Delhi, dated 31/10/2016.

Sub.: Admissibility of House Rent Allowance in the event of non-acceptance or surrender of railway residential accommodation - reg.

Ref: 1. NFIR's letter No. 1/5(c )/Part I dated 22/02/2016.
2. NFIR’s letter No. 1/5(c )/Part I dated 25/04/2016.

I am directed to refer to your letters quoted above. The subject item (No. 40/2012) refers to admissibility of HRA in the event of non-acceptance or surrender of Railway residential accommodation. While this is governed by Railway Board’s letter No. E(P&A)-II/99/HRA-2 dated 16/03/2000; the Federation vide their letter No. 1/5(c) Pt. I dated 09/04/2012 had asked for review of the clause mentioned in Board’s letter ibid that HRA will not be admissible to railway employees for whom railway accommodation is specifically earmarked or to those employees, whose occupation of railway quarters is essential for easy accessibility during emergencies and efficient discharge of their duties etc. ("essential staff").

2. Subsequently, as recorded in the PNM meeting held on 30-31 January, 2014, it was explained to the Federation that wherever there is a house earmarked the employee cannot be allowed HRA. Federation contended that administration cannot deny HRA when earmarked quarters are not fit for occupation and wanted that a clarification be issued in the matter.

3. The item was further discussed by the Federation with the Board on 15/07/2015 and it was recorded as "As decided in the earlier meeting, a clarification after reviewing the matter is to be issued. Official Side stated that they propose to issue instructions in consultation with Civil Engineering Directorate. Federation stated that while they do not understand the need for a consultation with the Civil Engineering in this case, they requested the clarification be issued quickly. It was agreed to do so. The item to be closed thereafter" .

4. Accordingly, the matter had seen referred to Land & Amenities Dte. who confirmed that instructions were in place (issued vide RB/L&A No. 009/2011 dated 19/09/2011 to all Zonal Railway, PUs etc.) regarding dismantling of condemned/abandoned quarters, and that quarters declared condemned are not made available for allotment.

5. In line with the assurance recorded at para 3 above, letter No. E(P&A)- II/2012/F.E.2/4 dated 12/10/2015 was issued to all Zonal Railway and Production Units etc. that before allotment of Railway quarters, it should be ensured that such quarters are fit for occupation. Copy of this letter was also endorsed to the Federation.

6. It is, therefore, submitted that the letter dated 12/10/2015 referred to had already been issued by the time minutes of the discussions on the item held with NFIR on 8th and 9th October, 2015 were finalized/received and this was also explained in the meeting with NFIR in 18/01/2016. There has, therefore, been no deliberate violation of the assurance given to the Federation.

7. As, in terms of extant instructions, quarters unfit for occupation are not to be allotted, the question of allowing HRA against such allotment does not arise, in general. Any violation of the extant instructions can be taken up with the concerned field formation for appropriate remedial action.

Download Railway Board Circular No.E(P&A)- II/2012/F.E.2/4 dated 31.10.2016

Retention of Railway accommodation on medical grounds after retirement

Retention of Railway accommodation on medical grounds after retirement

RBE No.39 /2016.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR)

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAIL MANTRALAYA)

RAILWAY BOARD

NO.E(G)2012QR-I-7

New Delhi, Dated:25-04-2016

The General Managers,
All Indian Railways/Production Units,
(As per standard list).

Sub: Retention of Railway accommodation post retirement by Railway employees retired on grounds of total medical incapacitation.

The demand raised by AIRF in the PNM Forum (item No.29/2011) to allow post retirement retention of Railway accommodation for a period upto 2 years, to those Railway employees who are retired on ground of total medical incapacitation and in whose cases compassionate appointment of any of their family members is in process, had been under consideration of the Railway Board.

2. In this regard, Railway Board, in exercise of its powers to make reasonable relaxation in public interest in all or any of the existing provisions regarding allotment/retention of Railway accommodation and charging of rent therefor for a class/group of employees, in partial modification of provisions contained in Para 5 of Board’s letter No.E(G) 2000 QR I -23 dated 01.06.2001, have now decided that Railway employees who are retired on grounds of total medical incapacitation and in whose cases compassionate appointment of any of their family members is in process, may be allowed retention of Railway accommodation for the maximum period upto 2 years on normal rent from the date of retirement.

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

4. Please acknowledge receipt.

(Sanjay Gauri)

Dy. Dir./Estt.(Genl.)- II

Railway Board Circular dated 25.04.2016

Coverage of Railway Employees appointed prior to 01.01.2004 under liberalized pension Scheme

Coverage of Railway Employees appointed prior to 01.01.2004 under liberalized pension Scheme – Affected employees can always represent to the General Manager of the concerned Zonal Railways

Government Of India (Bharat Sarkar)

Ministry Of Railways (Rail Mantralaya)

(Railway Board)

No.2012/F(E)III/1(1)/4

New Delhi, dated 12.04.2016

The General secretary,
NFIR,
3, chelmsford Road,
New Delhi – 110 055.

Dear sir,

Sub: Coverage of Railway Employees appointed prior to 01.01.2004 under liberalized pension Scheme – reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to NFIR’s letter No.II/35 Part 12 dated 30.03.2016 on the above subject and to state that necessary instructions have already been issued vide this office letter No.F(E)III/2004/NPS/1 dated 27.3.2008 (Copy enclosed). As far as implementation of instructions dated 27.03.2008 is concerned, it is stated that affected employees can always represent to the General Manager of the concerned Zonal Railways. However, if they are not satisfied with the decision of the General Manager, they may represent to Railway Board.

Yours faithfully,

for Secretary/Railway Board.

R.B.E.No.47/2008

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR)

MINISTRY OF RAILWAY (RAIL MANTRALAYA)

(RAILWAY BOARD)

NO.F(E)III/2004/NPS/1

New Delhi Dated 27.03.2008

The GMs/FA & CAOs,
All Indian Railways/Production Units,
(As per Mailing List)

Sub: Applicability of Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 1993 in respect of those put on induction training prior to 1.1.2004 and were in receipt of stipend.

A copy of Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare (DOP&Pw)’s O.M.No.38/58/06-P&Pw(A) dated 5th March, 2008 is forwarded herewith for information and compliance. The orders contained therein apply mutatis mutandis on the Railways CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972 referred to in the said O.M.Corresponds to Railway Services (pension) Rules, 1993. DOP&PW’s O.M. of even number dated 11th October, 2006 quoted in the O.M.was circulated on the Railways vide Board’s letter of even number dated 14.11.2006.
2. Please acknowledge receipt.

(S.SREERAM)

Joint Director Finance (Estt.)

Railway Board.

No.38/58/06-P&Pw(A)

Government Of India

Ministry Of Personnel, P.G. & Pensions

Department of Pension & Pensioner’s welfare

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan

Khan Market, New Delhi – 10003

Dated 5th March, 2008

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Applicability of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 in respect of those pur on induction training prior to 1.1.04 and were in receipt of stipend.

The undersigned is directed to state that the existing CCs (Pension) Rules, 1972 are applicable to Government Servants appointed on or before 31st December 2003. Vide this Deportment’s OM of even No.dated 11th October 2006. It was clarified that the employees who were put on induction training prior to 1.1.2004 and were paid salary from that date would be covered under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972.

2. The staff side of the National council (JCM) has sought further clarification whether the cases of persons who are put on induction training prior to 1.1.2004 but were in receipt of stipend would be covered under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972.

3. The matter has been further examined and it is now clarified that the employees who were required to undergo departmental training relating to jobs prior to 1.01.04 before they were put on regular employment and were in receipt of stipend during such training would also be covered under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 provided the period spent on such training was eligible for being counted as qualifying service under the CCS (Pension) Rules 1972.

4. Hindi version will follow.

(M.P.Singh)

Director

Tel.24624802

Source : NFIR

Allotment of Revised Pay Structure for Official Language Staff

Allotment of Revised Pay Structure for Official Language Staff

Railway Board letter to NFIR regarding Allotment of revised pay structure for Official Language Staff in Indian Railways

Ministry of Railways has sent a letter to Secretary regarding grant of revised pay structure for Official Language Staff in Indian Railways

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. PC-VI/2015/IR-N/1

New Delhi Dated: 18/02/2016

The General Secretary,
NFIR,
3, Chelmsford Road,
New Delhi – 110055

Sub: Allotment of revised pay structure for Official Language Staff on Indian Railways – reg.
Ref: NFIR’s letter No. IV/NFIR/Vlth CPC/Part 11 dated 02/02/2016.

Dear Sir,
    Undersigned is directed to refer to NFIR’ s letter under cited subject. In this context, copy of Ministry of Finance’s O.M  No.6(1)/E.III(B)/2011 dated 01.08.2012 is enclosed for ready reference.

DA:- As above

Yours faithfully,
For Secretary Railway Board

Download Railway Board letter No. PC-VI/2015/IR-N/1 dated 18.02.201

No.36(1)/E.III(B)/2011
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure

***

New Delhi, dated the lst August 2012

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : Allotment of revised pay structure for Official Language staff of Indian Railways.

The undersigned is directed to refer to Ministry of Railways, Railway Board’s OM No.PC Vl/2008/1/5/2 dated 26.04.2012 on the subject mentioned above,

2. The matter has been examined. It has been agreed to upgrade the Grade Pay of Rajbhasha Sahayak Gr.II .from Rs.28,.00 in PB-1 to that of Grade pay of Rs.4200 in PB-2· and its merger with Rajbhasha Sahayak Gr.I and bringing the Rajbhasha Staff of Zonal Railways at par with their counterpart in CSOLS subject to the following conditions:

i) The future recruitment in the grade of Rajbhasha Sahayak would be made through 100% by direct recruitment

ii) The educational qualification of the entry Grade (Rajbhasha Sahayak) may be kept as Master’s Degree at par with Jr. Hindi Translator of CSOLS.

iii) The necessary amendments may be made in-the RRs and all future recruitment would be done based on such amended RRs.

iv) The grade of Rajbhasha Sahayak Gr.II would be phased out by placing the existing incumbents who possess the prescribed educational qualification in the higher grade and for those who do not possess the requisite qualification be placed in the higher grade only on completion of 6 years of regular service in the lower grade.

v) The benefit may ,be extended on prospective basis.

vi) Ministry of Railways satisfying itself that this will not have repercussions on any other categories or personnel.

3. This issues with the approval of JS (Pers.).

(Sunita Bansal)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Family Identity Cards for retired railway employees

Family Identity Cards for retired railway employees

The Family Identity Cards for Retiring / Retired Railway Employees will be issued by the office from where the employees retired. The identity card should be carried by the spouse/dependent children during journey and produced on demand by the Ticket Checking Staff

Railway Board Order on issue of Family Identity Cards for retiring / retired railway employees with – life time validity – ID Cards with 7 years validity already issued can be replaced with this new ID Card

RBE No.12/2016
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No.E(W)2003/PS 5-8/1

New Delhi, Dated 29.01.2016

The General Managers(P)
The General Managers(Commercial),
All Indian Railways.

Sub: Family Identity Cards to retiring/retired railway employees.
Ref: Board’s letter of even No.dated 16.03.2015.

In terms of Board’s letter cited under reference, Family Identity Cards (FICs) are to be issued to retiring/retired railway employees and the Widows of railway employees with life time validity.

2. The issue of simplification of FICs, presently in the form of a booklet, was considered and with the approval of Board, it has been decided that individual FICs should be issued to the retiring/retired railway officials and the Widows of railway employees in the form of computer printed and laminated cards on the model enclosed as Annexure-I. As it is stipulated in the Pass Rules that the Railway Administration should issue FIC, for the first time simplified FICs may be issued free of cost. However, issue of duplicate FICs should be on receipt of a written request, accompanied by a copy of FIR filed on loss of the card and payment @ Rs.25/- per card.

3. The Railways should commence issue of individual FICs within 2 months from the date of issue of these instructions. It has also been decided that in order to avoid any rush, FICs in the booklet form issued till March 2015 with 7 years validity may be replaced free of cost with individual FICs as and when they become due for renewal. However, if any retired official requests for individual FICs in lieu of old FTC before the expiry of validity, such requests may not be denied and individual FICs should be issued free of cost treating it as renewal. In case of officials who retired after April 2015 and got an FIC with life time validity, they may be allowed to get it replaced with individual FICs, free of cost, as per their convenience. FICs in the booklet form will, however, continue as a valid identity proof for travel on PRCP till its replacement with individual FICs in due course so that pensioners do not face any problem while travelling. Individual FICs for travel on Widow Passes may also be issued on the same model.


4. The following instructions issued vide Board’s letter of even no. dated 04.06.2003 would continue to be in force:-

(i) The identity card should be carried by the spouse/dependent children during journey and produced on demand by the Ticket Checking Staff.

(ii) The FICs, will be issued by the office from where the employees retired.

(iii) In case of retired employees/Widows drawing Post-retirement Complimentary Pass/Widow Pass from an office other than the office where the original FIC was issued, the renewal of the FIC shall be done by the authority who is issuing the pass to the applicant. For the purpose of renewal, the applicant shall submit the old FIC based on which renewal will be done.

(iv) Any addition in the FIC shall be done only by the office who issued the FIC for the first time. Renewing authorities shall have no power to carry out any addition in FIC. However, deletion of eligible member in FIC on account of death. marriage of daughter, etc. may be allowed on request.

5. Aadhaar No., if available may be incorporated in the FICs an indicated in the format. Necessary action may be taken by the Railways accordingly.

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

(Sunil Kumar)
Director Establishment (welfare)
Railway Board

Download Railway Board Circular RBE No.12/2016 No.E(W)2003/PS 5-8/1, Dated 29.01.2016

Higher Grade Pay for Railway Commercial clerk, Reservation Clerk and ticket checking staff

7th CPC has recommended that Posts of Railway Commercial Clerks, Enquiry Cum Reservation Clerks (ECRCs) and Ticket Checking staff (TTEs and TCs) are merged as Commercial and Ticketing Staff and then placed in the appropriate level in the new pay matrix


7th CPC recommends higher grade pay for Railway Commercial clerk, Reservation Clerk and ticket checking staff- Three categories to be merged and then placed in the appropriate level in the new pay matrix


7th Pay Commission proposes that all these cadres are to be merged and called as Railwy Commercial ant Ticketing Staff.  50% posts which require class XII qualification will have to selected and like wise 50% of posts for which graduation will be eligibility will be selected through RRB.  Both these posts will be upgraded to Grade Pay of Rs 2000 and Rs. 2800 respectively prior fixation of new pay under 7CPC.  The remaining post after selection through RRB will have to be filled through promotion



Commercial Staff

There are three categories of Commercial Staff–Commercial Clerks, Enquiry Cum Reservation Clerks (ECRCs) and Ticket Checking staff (TTEs and TCs). They are responsible for commercial duties like issuing of tickets–unreserved as well as reserved, handling enquiries, checking of tickets on board trains, etc. Their present structure, along with the employee strength in each GP is as follows:

Grade Pay	Commercial Clerks	ECRCs	Ticket Checking Staff	% of Total Strength
4600	5975	2320	7021	20.28
4200	13648	5800	16072	47.03
2800	6572	2425		11.91
2400			7723	10.23
2000	3679			4.87
1900			4287	5.68

For Commercial Clerks, the minimum educational qualification stipulated is Class X.  Entry into the cadre is only at GP 2000 – 50 percent direct recruitment through RRB; 33 1/3% through LDCE from eligible erstwhile Gr.D staff of Traffic and Commercial Departments with three years of continuous service; 16 2/3% through promotion of matriculate employees in GP 1800 from eligible categories.

For ECRCs, graduation is the minimum requirement, with entry GP2800.

Entry in Ticket Checking staff is at GP 1900–50% direct recruitment by RRB with the minimum educational qualification of Class X and the remaining 50 percent filled by promotion–33.33% by General Selection and 16.66 percent by LDCE with minimum qualification of Class X.

All the three categories have demanded improvement in their pay structure. Representations have also been received to upgrade the entry level qualification of Commercial Clerks and Ticket Checking staff from the current level of Class X to graduation. It has also been stated that with the proliferation of technology for booking unreserved and reserved tickets, the requirement of Commercial Clerks and ECRCs is going down. At the same time, with an increase in the number of trains, the need for Ticket Checking staff is on the rise. Hence, it has been suggested that these three cadres should be merged.

Analysis and Recommendations

The Commission analysed the year-wise data pertaining to the percentage of reserved tickets booked at the counters vis-à-vis those booked through the internet:

Reservations on Indian Railways

A clear trend towards increase in internet booking is visible, so much so that internet booking has now exceeded the counter booking. With the introduction of innovative technological solutions for the unreserved sector, like the recently launched mobile application, the counter sales of unreserved tickets are also likely to go down.

Hence, the Commission finds merit in the argument that the three categories of Commercial staff should be unified into a single cadre. Accordingly, it is recommended that they should be consolidated into one cadre called Commercial and Ticketing Staff. The cadre will have the following structure after merger:

Grade Pay	Level	% Distribution of Posts
4600	7	20
4200	6	47
2800	5	22
2000	3	11

Employees in GP 1900 should be upgraded to GP 2000; those in GP 2400 should be upgraded to GP 2800 and then placed in the appropriate level in the new pay matrix. The inter-se seniority will be as per normal rules of seniority. Proper training will have to be imparted to the employees as per the requirements. The recruitment in the cadre should be at two levels:

a.   At Level 3: 50% from open market through RRB, with minimum qualification of Class XII, 33 1/3 % through General Selection from Traffic and Commercial staff in GP 1800 fulfilling the eligibility criterion, and 16 2/3% through LDCE.

b.   At Level 5: 50%from open market through RRB, with minimum qualification of Graduation, and 50% through promotion.

With this merger, employees in GP 1900 and GP 2400 will get the benefit of upgradation. At the same time, the job content of all three categories will be enriched, as they will be able to join any of the three streams. Organizational flexibility will be enhanced as the department will have a larger pool of employees for optimal utilization, as per the requirement.

7th Pay Commission has recommended higher grade pay for Asst Station Master after upgradation as Station Master.

7th Pay Commission has recommended higher grade pay for Asst Station Master after upgradation as Station Master.

Station Masters

The cadre of Station Masters, nearly 39,000 strong, is one of the visible faces of Indian Railways. They are connected with working of traffic, commercial duties like issue of tickets, goods handling, parcel handling, accounting of station earnings. They are also responsible for proper co-ordination between personnel of different departments posted at the station. Theirs is presently a three-tier structure:

Category	Grade Pay
Station Superintendent (SS)	4600
Station Master (SM)	4200
Assistant Station Master (ASM)	2800

Some major stations have posts of Station Superintendent (Gazetted).


Presently the mode of recruitment is as follows:

• SS–100 percent promotional
• SM–10 percent through  Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE), from serving non-ministerial graduates of Commercial and Traffic Departments; 15 percent+Shortfall against LDCE through Direct Recruitment from the open market; 75 percent through promotions from ASM
• ASM–25 percent through General Selection from specified serving matriculates in GP 1800, 1900, 2400 and 2800; 15 percent+Shortfall against General Selection through LDCE (from employees of specified categories of Commercial and Traffic Departments with qualification of graduation and a minimum service of 5 years for Group D staff); 60 percent+Shortfall against LDCE through Direct Recruitment from the open market.

There is a demand to upgrade ASMs from GP 2800 to GP 4200.

Analysis and Recommendations

The Commission notes that 7 percent of the entire cadre is presently in GP 2800, 53 percent in GP 4200 and 40 percent in GP 4600. Keeping in mind the identical educational qualifications required for the posts of ASM and SM, with practically no difference in the functions performed by them, and the historical importance of the post, it is recommended that the ASMs in GP 2800 should first be upgraded to GP 4200 and then fitted in the revised Pay Matrix. The cadre will then have 60 percent posts in Level 6 and 40 percent in Level 7.  The designation of ASM may be abolished. Separate recommendations have been made regarding Dress Allowance to Station Masters. Other demands like grant of Safety and Punctuality Allowance, Outturn Allowance are not justified.

Amendment of provisions relating to Railway Staff Benefit Fund

Amendment of provisions relating to Railway Staff Benefit Fund – Chapter 8 of the Indian Railway Establishment Code Volume I, 1985 Edition (Second Reprint Edition – 2003).

Railway Board has amended the Railway Staff Benefit Fund – Chapter 8 of the Indian Railway Establishment Code Volume I, 1985 Edition (Second Reprint Edition – 2003).

RBE No.125/2015

ACS No.127

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

RAILWAY BOARD

No. E(W) 2010/FU-1/4

New Delhi, dated 12.10.201

The General Managers,

All Zonal Railways and Production Units etc.

Sub: Amendment of provisions relating to Railway Staff Benefit Fund – Chapter 8 of the Indian Railway Establishment Code Volume I, 1985 Edition (Second Reprint Edition – 2003).

In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution, the President is pleased to direct that Rules 805 (1) and 805 (2) of the Indian Railway Establishment Code, Volume-I 1985 Edition be amended as per enclosed Advance Correction Slip No. 127.

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

3. Hindi version is enclosed.

4. Please acknowledge receipt.

Encl: Advance Correction Slip.

(Debasis Mazumdar)

Director Establishment (Welfare)

Railway Board

5. Recreation other than sports 32 Recreational facilities, purchase of gym equipments, employees’/wards’ holiday camps, study tours. 6. Recreational facilities at institutes and Clubs etc. 36 7. Promotion of Cultural Activities 16 Organizing cultural programmes in residential colonies, Divisions and schools and purchase/maintenance of instruments etc. 8. Relief of distress, sickness, etc for staff in grade pay up to Rs.4600/ 120 To grant higher amount of relief to employees in need such as immediate financial assistance to railway employees in accidents and for employees who are long sick and hospitalized for a long period and are on leave without pay: no leave (LAP or LHAP) is in his credit. Funeral charges for death of Railway employees be given at 10,000/- in each case. 9. Sports activities 30 Encouraging sports by giving latest sports equipment and imparting training at schools, institutes and clubs 10. Scouts & Guides activities 22 Augmentation of training facility all over railways 11. Indigenous system of medicine including Homoeopathy 36 12. Immediate relief in times of crisis arising out of floods, famines, landslides, fire or any other
calamity 24 13. Developing occupational .skills of physically/mentally challenged railway employees and their wards including purchase of wheel chairs, other aids, special software etc. and organising workshops, seminars, camps etc. 50 Assistance to employees/wards in need of special equipments etc 14. Miscellaneous 80 Support for improvement in holiday homes, rest houses, entertainment/ information facility Viz colour TV; electrical appliances/maintenance fund for recurring expenses on such facilities. Total 800/- - See more at: http://www.centralgovernmentnews.com/amendment-of-provisions-relating-to-railway-staff-benefit-fund/#sthash.dlIwfvZr.dpuf

5.	Recreation other than sports	32	Recreational facilities, purchase of gym equipments, employees’/wards’ holiday camps, study tours.
6.	Recreational facilities at institutes and Clubs etc.	36
7.	Promotion of Cultural Activities	16	Organizing cultural programmes in residential colonies, Divisions and schools and purchase/maintenance of instruments etc.
8.	Relief of distress, sickness, etc for staff in grade pay up to Rs.4600/	120	To grant higher amount of relief to employees in need such as immediate financial assistance to railway employees in accidents and for employees who are long sick and hospitalized for a long period and are on leave without pay: no leave (LAP or LHAP) is in his credit. Funeral charges for death of Railway employees be given at 10,000/- in each case.
9.	Sports activities	30	Encouraging sports by giving latest sports equipment and imparting training at schools, institutes and clubs
10.	Scouts & Guides activities	22	Augmentation of training facility all over railways
11.	Indigenous system of medicine including Homoeopathy	36
12.	Immediate relief in times of crisis arising out of floods, famines, landslides, fire or any other calamity	24
13.	Developing occupational .skills of physically/mentally challenged railway employees and their wards including purchase of wheel chairs, other aids, special software etc. and organising workshops, seminars, camps etc.	50	Assistance to employees/wards in need of special equipments etc
14.	Miscellaneous	80	Support for improvement in holiday homes, rest houses, entertainment/ information facility Viz colour TV; electrical appliances/maintenance fund for recurring expenses on such facilities.
	Total	800/-

Note: –(1) Allocation provided against Head/Activity at S.No.(1) (2) and (3) will also be utilized for financing the scheme of Cash award for wards of Railway employees for outstanding contribution in Academics & Sports as stipulated vide Annexure-I to Board’s letter No.E(W)2014/FU-1/1 dated 01-06-2015 (RBE No.54/2015.

(2) Note 3 below Clause (2) of Rule 805 may be substituted by the following:

Based on the overall per capita contribution of Rs.30/- for sports activities, sports allotments shall continue to be made by the Ministry of Railways in consultation with the Railway Sports Promotion Board, to the Zonal Railways/Production Units.

Allotment of Rs. 22/- for scouting activities will also be made by the Ministry of Railways. Rs. 24/- per capita allotted for “Immediate relief in times of crisis arising out of natural calamities” will be made from the “SBF Calamity Relief Fund” at the level of the Ministry of Railways. Therefore, allotment for Rs.76/- will be authorized centrally by Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) from sanctioned Budget allotments.

(Authority: Board’s letter No. E(W)2014/FU-l/1 dated 30.07.2014, 08.12.2014 and 01.06.2015)

INDIAN RAILWAY ESTABLISHMENT CODE VOLUME-I, 1985 EDITION

(Second Reprint Edition-2003)

CHAPTER-8

Railway Staff Benefit Fund

Advance Correction Slip No.127.

0) Clause (1) of Rule 805 may be substituted by the following:

In addition to the credits to the Fund detailed in Rule 804, there shall be credited to the fund on the 1st April of each financial year an annual grant from the revenues of the Railway at a per capita rate of Rs.800/- based on the sanctioned strength of non-gazetted Railway employees, permanent and temporary, as on the 31st March, posts charged to capital being excluded. The Fund shall be credited provisionally on the 1st April each year with an amount equal to the contribution for the previous year, the necessary adjustment being made as soon as the correct amount of the contribution has been determined. The distribution of Rs.800/- among different activities will be as under:

S. No	Head/activity	Allocation(in Rs)	Scope
1.	Education- Scholarship for Higher Technical/Professional education for wards of staff in grade pay of above Rs.2400/- and up to Rs.4200/- @ Rs. 1500/- pm.	116	For railway wards of employees in grade pay of above Rs.2400/- and upto Rs.4200/- pursuing higher technical/professional education.
2.	Scholarship for higher technical/professional education of Girl children of staff in grade pay up to Rs.2,400/-@ Rs.1500/- pm	28	Scholarship for pursuing technical/ professional diploma/degree for girl children of railway employees up to Rs.2400/- in grade pay
3.	Scholarship for higher technical/professional education of  Male children of staff in grade pay up to Rs.2,400/- @ Rs.1500/- pm	100	Scholarship for pursuing technical professional diploma/degree for male children of railway employees in grade pay up to Rs.2400/-
4.	Women empowerment activities including seminar, training programmes camps, and gender sensitization camps etc.	28	Giving support to creches, arrangements for safety of women railway employees & other initiatives taken by Railways.

Download Railway Board RBE No.125/2015 ACS No.127 No. E(W) 2010/FU-1/4 dated 12.10.201

5. Recreation other than sports 32 Recreational facilities, purchase of gym equipments, employees’/wards’ holiday camps, study tours. 6. Recreational facilities at institutes and Clubs etc. 36 7. Promotion of Cultural Activities 16 Organizing cultural programmes in residential colonies, Divisions and schools and purchase/maintenance of instruments etc. 8. Relief of distress, sickness, etc for staff in grade pay up to Rs.4600/ 120 To grant higher amount of relief to employees in need such as immediate financial assistance to railway employees in accidents and for employees who are long sick and hospitalized for a long period and are on leave without pay: no leave (LAP or LHAP) is in his credit. Funeral charges for death of Railway employees be given at 10,000/- in each case. 9. Sports activities 30 Encouraging sports by giving latest sports equipment and imparting training at schools, institutes and clubs 10. Scouts & Guides activities 22 Augmentation of training facility all over railways 11. Indigenous system of medicine including Homoeopathy 36 12. Immediate relief in times of crisis arising out of floods, famines, landslides, fire or any other
calamity 24 13. Developing occupational .skills of physically/mentally challenged railway employees and their wards including purchase of wheel chairs, other aids, special software etc. and organising workshops, seminars, camps etc. 50 Assistance to employees/wards in need of special equipments etc 14. Miscellaneous 80 Support for improvement in holiday homes, rest houses, entertainment/ information facility Viz colour TV; electrical appliances/maintenance fund for recurring expenses on such facilities. Total 800/- - See more at: http://www.centralgovernmentnews.com/amendment-of-provisions-relating-to-railway-staff-benefit-fund/#sthash.dlIwfvZr.dpuf

Grant of Dearness Relief to Railway pensioners/family pensioners at Revised rate effective from 01.07.2015.

Grant of Dearness Relief to Railway pensioners/family pensioners at Revised rate effective from 01.07.2015.

Railway Board has granted Dearness Relief to the Pensioners / family pensioners at the revised rate with effect from 01.07.2015
S.No. PC-VI/357

RBE NO. 128/2015

Government of India

Ministry of Railways

(Railway Board)

No. PC-Vl/2008/1/7/2/2
The GMs/CAO(R).
All Zonal Railways & Production Units.
(as per mailing list)

New Delhi, dated 14.10.2015

Sub: Grant of Dearness Relief to Railway pensioners/family pensioners – Revised rate effective from 01.07.2015.

A copy of Office Memorandum No.42/10/2014-P&PW (G) dated 28.09.2015 of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions (Department of Pension and Pensioners· Welfare) on the above subject is enclosed for your information and necessary action. These orders will apply mutatis mutandis on the Railways also.

2. A concordance or DOP&PW’s instructions referred to in the enclosed Office Memorandum and Railway Board’s corresponding instructions are given below:-

S.No	Para . No.	No. & date of Deptt, of Pensions & Pensioners’ Welfare’s O.M.	No. & date of corresponding orders issued by Railway Board.
1.	1.	O.M.No.42/10/2014 P&PW dated 27.04.2015.	PC-VI/2008/1/7/2/2 dated 01.05.2015
2.	2.	( i) O.M. No. 23/1 /97- P&PW (B) dated 23.02.1998 (ii) O.M. No. 23/3/2008- P&PW (B) dated l 5.09.2008	N.A.
3.	3.	( i) O.M. No. 4/59/97- P&PW (D) dated 14.07.1998 (ii) O.M. No. 4/29/99- P&PW (D)dated 12.07.2000	(i) F(E)III/96/PNI/9 dated 18.08.1998 (ii) F(E)III/96/PNI/9 dated 02.08.2000
4.	5.	(i) O.M. No. 45/73/97- P&PW (G) dated 02.07.1999(ii) O.M. No. 38/88/2008-P&PW (G) dated 09.07.2009	(i) F(E)III/99/PNI/21 dated  05.08.1999(ii) E)III/2008/PNI/13 dated  20.07.2009

3. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.
DA: As above

(M.K.Panda)

Jt. Director, Pay Commission

Railway Board.

F. No. 42/10/2014-P&PW(G)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,

Khan Market, New Delhi – 110003

D a t e : 26th Sept, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : Grant of Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners/family pensioners – Revised rate effective from 1. 7 .2015.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s OM No. 42/10/2014- P&PW(G) dated 27’h April, 2015 on the subject mentioned above and to state that the President is pleased to decide that the Dearness Relief (DR) payable to Central Government pensioners/family pensioners shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 113% to 119% w.e.f. 1st July, 2015.

2. These orders apply to (i) All Civilian Central Government Pensioners/Family Pensioners (ii) The Armed Forces Pensioners, Civilian Pensioners paid out of the Defence Service Estimates, (iii) All India Service Pensioners (iv) Railway Pensioners and (v) The Burma Civilian pensioners/family pensioners and pensioners/families of displaced Government pensioners from Pakistan, who are Indian Nationals but receiving pension on behalf of Government of Pakistan and are in receipt of ad-hoc ex-gratia allowance of Rs. 3500/- p.m. in terms of this Department’s OM No. 23/1197-P&PW(B) dated 23.2.1998 read with this Department’s OM No. 23/3/2008- P&PW(B) dated 15.9.2008.

3. Central Government Employees who had drawn lump sum amount on absorption in a PSU/Autonomous body and have become eligible to restoration of 113rct commuted portion of pension as well as revision of the restored amount in terms of this Department’s OM No. 4/59/97- P&PW (D) dated 14.07.1998 will also be entitled to the payment of DR@ 119% w.e.f. 1.7.2015 on full pension i.e., the revised pension which the absorbed employee would have received on the date of restoration had he not drawn lump sum payment on absorption and Dearness Pension subject to fulfillment of the conditions laid down in para 5 of the O.M. dated 14.07.98. In this connection, instructions contained in this Department’s OM No.4/29/99-P&PW (D) dated 12.7.2000 refer.

4. Payment of DR involving a fraction of a rupee shall be rounded off to the next higher rupee.

5. Other provisions governing grant of DR in respect of employed family pensioners and re-employed Central Government Pensioners will be regulated in accordance with the provisions contained in this Department’s OM No. 45/73/97-P&PW (G) dated 2. 7 .1999 as amended vide this Department’s OM No. F. No. 38/88/2008-P&PW(G) dated 9th July, 2009. The provisions relating to regulation of DR where a pensioner is in receipt of more than one pension will remain unchanged.

6. In the case of retired Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, necessary orders will be issued by the Department of Justice separately.

7. It will be the responsibility of the pension disbursing authorities, including the nationalized banks, etc. to calculate the quantum of DR payable in each individual case.

8. The offices of Accountant General and authorised Pension Disbursing Banks are requested to arrange payment of relief to pensioners etc. on the basis of these instructions without waiting for any further instructions from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and the Reserve Bank of India in view of letter No. 528-TA, 11/34-80-11 dated 23/04/1981 of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India addressed to all Accountant Generals and Reserve Bank of India Circular No. GANS No. 2958/GA-64 (ii) (C53L)/81 dated the 2151 May, 1981 addressed to State Bank of India and its subsidiaries and all Nationalised Banks

9. In their application to the pensioners/family pensioners belonging to Indian Audit and Accounts Department, these orders issue after consultation with the C&AG.

10. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide their OM No. 1/3/2015-E.ll(B) dated 23rd September, 2015.

11. Hindi version will follow.

(Charanjit Taneja)

Under Secretary to the Government of India

Please visit this Department’s website http://pensionersportal.gov.infor the orders on pension matters including above orders.

Download Railway Board letter S.No. PC-VI/357 RBE NO. 128/2015 dated 14.10.2015

Recognition of qualification acquired through distance learning mode from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi Diploma/Degrees -Acceptance for purpose of employment on the railways

Recognition of BCA degree acquired through distance learning mode of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) for Junior Engineer Recruitment in Railways – RBE 67/2015

Railway Board has accepted the IGNOU diploma/degree for the purpose of employment in Railways.  Ministry Railways issue communication to all recruitment heads of Railways confirming Recognition of qualification acquired through distance learning mode from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

Government of India (Bharat Sarkar)
Ministry of Railways (Rail Mantralaya)
(Railway Board)

RBE No. 67/2015
No. E (NG)-11/201 0/RR-1 /17
New Delhi, dated: 16.06.2015
The General Manager (P),
All Zonal Railways/Production Units, CORE/Allahabad,
MTP/Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai,
CAO (R), DMW/Patiala, COFMOW/New Delhi,
Director General, RDSO/Lucknow & NAIRNadodra,
Director, IRISET/Secundrabad, IRICEN/Pune, IRIEEN/Nasik &
IRIM&EE/Jamalpur and Chairmen/Railway Recruitment Boards.

Sub: Recognition of qualification acquired through distance learning mode from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi Diploma/Degrees -Acceptance for purpose of employment on the railways.

Ref: Letter No. 2002/AC-II(CC)/37/8 dated 17/11/2004 and No. 2002/ACII(CC)/37/8(Vol.l) dated 24/9/2012.

***

Minimum educational qualification for open market recruitment to the category of Junior Engineer (Information Technology), has been prescribed in terms of instructions referred to above.

An issue has been raised by one of Railway Recruitment Boards whether qualification of Bachelor in Computer Application (BCA) obtained from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) New Delhi through distance learning mode is acceptable for employment on the railways, in lieu of qualification prescribed for the post of Junior Engineer (IT) vide letters ibid.

The issue has been examined in consultation with Accounts and C&IS Directorates of this Ministry. It has been decided by the Board that Qualification of BCA obtained through distance mode cannot be accepted in lieu of the minimum qualification prescribed for the post of Junior Engineer (II).
Please acknowledge receipt.

(This disposes of RRB/Kolkata’s letter No.RRB/KOL/JAA/SRC/ECRC/16/Pt.I. 19/12/2014)

-sd-
(Lily Pandeya)
Director Estt. (N)-11
Railway Board

Download Railway Board RBE No.67/2015 No. E (NG)-11/201 0/RR-1 /17 dated 16.06.2015