Letter to Cabinet Secretary regarding recommendations of 6th Central Pay Commission.
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No.2008/FROA/17 24.10.08
1. Member Staff/Railway Board
2. Financial Commissioner/Railway Board New Delhi.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Sub: Entitlement for transportation of personal effects on transfer ? policy regarding.
The Ministry of Finance, Deptt. of Expenditure, vide their letter No. 19030/3/2008-E.IV dt. 23.09.2008 have notified entitlements for transportation of personal effects on transfer. Govt. employees have been permitted transportation of personal effects by road also for which rate per kilometer has been notified. Transportation of conveyance like car/motor cycle/scooter has been allowed in addition.
While framing the policy on the subject for Railways, Railway officers should also be permitted to transport their personal effects by road like officers of other central services as transportation by rail entails a huge cost on Railways and is often not convenient. There is difficulty in obtaining allotment of wagon/VPU. There is also the problem of multi point trans-shipment in transportation by rail there are following movements.
Loading from house to the truck
Unloading from truck at the railway siding/platform
Loading into the wagon/VPU
Unloading at the railway siding from wagon/VPU at the destination station
Loading in the truck from the railway siding at destination station
Unloading at the house
To compound the difficulties in big cities and metropolitan towns, there are restrictions on movements of trucks inside the city during 0800 am to 1000 PM. In transportation by road, there are only two movements indicated at 1 and 6 above.
Transportation of household effect by VP/wagon entails a huge cost of the railways in terms of movement of an extra vehicle in train, its shunting at two ends. Railways would thus be saving money by giving option of transportation of effects on transfer by road.
In view of the foregoing, it is requested that the existing rules in this regard may suitably be modified.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
(G.N.Asthana)
Copy to CRB
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FROA WISHES A VERY HAPPY DIWALI TO ALL OFFICERS
No.2008/FROA/18 24.10.08
1. Member Staff/Railway Board
2. Financial Commissioner/Railway Board, New Delhi.
Dear Sir/Madam,
The Sixth Central Pay Commission?s recommendations which have been accepted by the Central Government and circulated vide letter F.No. 19030/3/2008-E.IV dated 23.09.08 issued by Ministry of Finance, Deptt. of Expenditure (DOE) have now allowed hotel/guest house bill reimbursement of Rs. 1500 to Rs. 5000 per day (depending on grade pay) for officers. On Indian Railways, like in all other Govt. organisations the facility of rest house is provided but this should not disqualify us from the facility of hotel bill reimbursement for the following reasons:-
i) The total number of rooms in rest/guest houses is not sufficient and officers face grave inconvenience especially in metro cities.
ii) Railways alone are not having rest/guest houses. In other Central Government departments hotel bill reimbursement is allowed despite the fact that they also own circuit/guest houses/inspection bungalows. DOE in their letter No. F.NO.7(1)E.Coord.12008 dt. 1.10.08 have advised that Officers may preferably stay in Circuit Houses, Govt. Guest Houses, Inspection Bungalows, Messes etc., if they are available.? Similar instructions can be issued by the Railways also, but the option of hotel bill reimbursement should be kept available.
It is therefore, requested that railway officers may be permitted to stay in hotels in case rest house/guest house accommodation is not made available to them.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
(G.N.Asthana)
Copy to CRB
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No.2008/FROA/12. Date: 03/9/2008
To,
Shri Lalu Prashad Yadav,
Hon?ble Union Minister for Railways,
Govt. of India,
New Delhi.
Sub: Resolution on misbehaviour by Hon?ble M.P. Shri Sarvey Sathyanarayana against General Manager, South Central Railway and ADEN/HYB.
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FROA strongly condemns the incidence of verbal abuse and physical assault by Hon?ble M.P. Shri Sarvey Satyanarayana and Hon?ble M.L.A. Shri G. Sayanna on Shri P.V. Sudhakar, ADEN, South Central Railway during performance of his assigned official duties. Their subsequent misbehavior with the General Manager, South Central Railway and threatening him of dire consequences is shameful and strongly deplorable. Railway Offices? fraternity feels that exemplary action should be taken against the above-named Hon?ble Public Representatives, so that faith of Railway men in the system is restored and our officers discharge their official duties without the slightest of fear or apprehension.
(Ragini yechury)
Secy.Genl. FROA
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No.2008/FROA/13
Chairman Dated, 03.9.08
Railway Board.
Sir,
Following serious anomalies have emerged on the basis of Government resolution on 6th Central Pay Commission
1. Grades of General Managers/Additional Members
A new grade HAG + has been given for GMs & AMs. Through the same resolution Government have decided that DGP heading the police force in the states and Principal CCF of Forest Deptt. of each state would be in the apex scale i.e. 80,000/- fixed. Similarly, this grade has also been given to DGs of central police organizations. It may be noted that head of the police force & Forest Deptt. till 4th pay commission, were at a much lower level than GMs of the Railways. During the last 15 years they became equivalent to GMs & now would be in a grade higher than that of GM.
By not upgrading the post of GMs to apex level the railway services have been relegated to lower level. IPS & IFO
S which have much smaller cadre strength than railways would have about 30 Secretary level posts as against 7 posts available to 8 organised Gr. A Railway services.
Worth of charge posts in Principal CCF or DGP in smaller states is much less than that of GMs of IR. Therefore, assigning HAG + grade to GMs need immediate review.
2. Grade of Chairman, Railway Board.
The worth of charge of Chairman, Railway Board is in no way less than that of Chiefs of staff (Army, Navy, Air Force). However, the post of CRB has not been upgraded to the pay level of Rs. 90,000/-.
As per Government resolution certain issues are to be looked into separately by the Government e.g. corporatisation of railways. It is suggested that while these issues are looked into, Ministry of Railways may suggest the issues of upgradation of the posts of GMs to be fixed to Rs. 80,000 fixed and that of Chairman/Railway Board Rs. 90,000/ fixed should also be reviewed by the Government.
3. Position of TADK/Bungalow Peon
FROA would like to clarify that no domestic helps are being provided to railway officers. The peons attached to officers of IR are Telephone Attendants and Dak Khallasis, though sometimes they are called by some other designations. Therefore, pay commission observations regarding abolition of domestic help should not be valid for railways.
FROA shall be thankful if resentment among Railway officers on the above issues is brought to the notice of the Government and the above anomalies are rectified.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
(G.N.Asthana)
For kind information of Hon?ble MR,
MS, FC
GMs/Zonal Railways & PUs
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Sub: SALE & TRANSFER OF IRWO HOUSES
Further liberalization of sale and transfer of dwelling unit in respect of sale and transfer to other than members of IRWO has been approved by Governing Council of IRWO during the meeting held on 5th August, 2008.
RESOLUTION No.258
?It is resolved that in modification to Para 28.1 of IRWO General Rules, sale and transfer of dwelling units to other than members of IRWO may be permitted?
i) any time within 2 years prior to retirement, or
ii) 3 years after possession, or
iii) In case of allotment of dwelling unit after retirement, 3 years after possession, or
iv) Without any restrictions of time in case of demise of the allottee.?
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(Revision of 6th Pay Commission Recommendations.
The revision of the 6th Pay Commission Recommendations approved by the Union Cabinet has met with most concerns of Railway officers. It has partly met the demands of FROA submitted before the Committee of Secretaries. The following modifications are note-worthy.
Increase in the rate of increment from 2.5% to 3% will benefit the officers at all levels.
The decision to place Selection Grade officers in PB-4 will result in pay increase by more than Rs.12000/- vis-à-vis the original 6th CPC recommendation.
The officers of the rank of General Manager will be placed in a special scale to reach the apex pay of Rs.80,000/- in 2 years. Thus huge loss in pay and pension vis-à-vis the original 6th CPC recommendation will be avoided.
Doctors with 20 years of service will be promoted to SAG.
FROA congratulates the constituent Railway Officers Associations for the above success and thanks them for their pro-active support. FROA shall pursue the implementation of para 3.3.12 of the recommendations of the 6th CPC for granting higher pay scale to SAG and HAG on non-functional basis with a time gap of 2 years vis-à-vis the IAS. This assurance has been categorically given to FROA during a meeting held with Expenditure Secretary. FROA will also study the Cabinet decisions pertaining to Police, Forest and Defence services and make appropriate action plan to improve the service conditions of Railway Officers.
(G.N. Asthana)
President/FROA
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No.2008/FROA/Notice Dated, 16.7.2008
Deliberations of FROA with members of the committee of Secretaries are continuing w.r.t. certain serious anomalies in the recommendations of 6th Central Pay Commission. Final outcome would be advised as soon as possible.
(G.N. Asthana)
President/FROA
No. 2008/FROA/ GC/ Mtg. 16h July, 2008
Sub: Governing Council meeting on last Friday of every month.
It has been decided that meeting of the governing council of FROA would invariably be held on last Friday of each month during lunch hours.. All members of the governing council are requested to attend this meeting. Outstation members of governing council are also welcome to attend this meeting if they happen to be in Delhi or they can make it convenient to attend this meeting.
(Ragini Yechury)
Secretary General/FROA
All Office bearers concerned
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GOVERNMENTOF INDIA
MINISTRYOF RAILWAYS
RAILWAYBOARD
No. F(X)II-2006/PW/11 dated 28/05/2008
The General Managers,
All lndian RaIlways,
Including CLW,DLW, ICF, RCF & Rail Wheel Factory.
Metro RaIlway, Kolkata.
The General Manager (Const.), N.F. Rallway, Guwahati.
CAOs (Constn), All lndian Railways (except NF Rallway)
The Director General and Ex-Officio General Manager, RDSO, Lucknow.
The General Manager, CORE, Allahabad
CAO, MTP/ Mumbai, DLMW, Patiala and COFMOW, New Delhi
Sub: Delegation of powers to General managers - hiring of AC vehicles.
Ref: Board's letter No. F(X)II-2006/PW / 11 dated 7/ 15.5.2007.
******
In terms of Board's letter No. F(X)II-2006/PW / 11 dt. 7/ 15.5.2007,
SAG officers can be provided with non-AC vehicles for official use. On
receipt of a representation from the Federation of Railway Officers
Associations (FROA), the matter has been reviewed by Board and it has
been decided that where vehicles are hired for officers of the rank SAG
and above as per extant rules, the same may be Air-conditioned hired
vehicles also.
2. The other instructions of Board's letter under reference will remain
unchanged.
3. Please acknowledge receipt.
(A.K.Bhatia)
Jt. Director Finance(Exp.)
Railway Board.
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No.2008/FROA-GBM/10 7th May, 2008
The President/General Secretary,
All Federating Units of FROA
Sub:Election of Governing Council Members - Payment of Annual Fee Rs.2000/- each.
The GBM of FROA was held on 24th & 25th April, 2008 in the Conference Hall, Rail Bhavan. A list of members elected to the Governing Council is enclosed.
As you are aware that the annual fee of Rs.2000/- is to be sent to the FROA office, Railway Board in the form of cheque drawn in favour of the President/Secretary General at an early date.
Encl:As above (Ragini Yechury)
Secretary General/FROA
Secretary
Railway Officer?s Association,
All Zonal Railway & PUs.
Reg: Recommendations of 6th Central Pay Commission.
Meeting of governing council of FROA was held on 26.03.2008 in Railway Board in which Additional Members & Advisers of Railway Board also participated to discuss the recommendations made by 6th Central Pay Commission.
Following recommendations of Pay Commission were discussed:
i) Corporatization of Indian Railways
ii) Abolition of bungalow peons & similar posts
iii) Relatively low increase in salary of JA grade & Selection grade officers
iv) Issue of large disparity in promotions between IAS & Railway services not being addressed. In fact a further edge has been given to IAS by accelerated promotions and higher grades. The commission has also not recommended up gradation of post of GMs to the grade of Special Secretary/Secretary.
The general consensus during the meeting was that FOR A should strongly take up these issues with the Board as well as with MR to ensure that the adverse recommendations of Pay Commission are suitably rectified at the time of implementation. In cases your association has any views on the subject or has some other suggestions, the same may be forwarded at the earliest.
(G.N.Asthana)
Acting SecretarGeneral &
Adviser ME(W)
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No. FROA ? 2008-GBM March 24, 2008
The President/General Secretary,
All Federation Units of FROA.
Sub : General Body Meeting and elections to the Governing Council.
1. The General Body Meeting and elections to form new Governing Council of the Federation was scheduled to be held on 27th & 28th March 2008. References had been received from some of the federating units regarding difficulty in deputing representatives to New Delhi at the end of the month, due to year ending issues. In view of this, it has now been decided to postpone the subject meeting and hold the same on 24th & 25th April 2008 in Conference Hall, Rail Bhavan, New Delhi from 1100 Hrs.
2. The General Body of the Federation consists of the following members who are also eligible for participating in the election:
(i) Four representatives each from the zonal Railway officers Associations, Railway Board & RDSO.
(ii) Two representatives each from the Production Units/other Units officers Associations
(iii) Existing Members of the FROA Governing Council.
(iv) Former President and Secretary General of FROA Governing Council
3. Election for new Governing Council of FROA will be held for the following offices:
(i) President.
(i) Vice Presidents (six posts out of which three will be from outstation)
(ii) Secretary General
(iii) Treasurer.
(iv) Secretaries (six posts out of which 2 will be from out station)
(v) Joint Secretaries (five posts out of which 1 will be from out station)
4. All affiliated Associations are, therefore, requested for the following needful.
(i) Nominate their representatives as indicated above to attend the meeting
and participate in the elections.
(ii) Names of the above representatives may please be sent to FROA well in time to prepare the electoral list.
(iii) Nomination for the out stations posts of Governing Council.
5. Agenda items for discussion in the GBM which will form final agenda for next meeting with Railway Board may be sent in advance by 15th April 2008..
The required information and the nomination for the out stations posts of Governing Council may be furnished to the undersigned at an early date.
( G.N. Asthana )
Acting Secretary General (FROA)
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No.2008/FROA/5
To Dated 17.03.2008
Shri Lalu Prasad Yadav, Hon'ble Miiiistere for Railways, Rail Bhavan, New Delhi.
Sir,
Federation of Railway Officers Association would like to congratulate you for presenting yet another excellent budget which consolidates gains of past few years.
Besides your inspiring leadership, dedicated work and unstinted support of officers & staff of the railways in your endeavors has been the main factor in improvement of railways performance. We therefore, fully endorse your move to increase the allocation for the staff welfare by 10 times.
Officers are however, disheartened to note that nothing has been announced for them in an otherwise landmark railway budget. Expectations of officers are very simple and do not cost much. Important among these are listed below:
i) Hiring of air conditioned vehicles for senior officers (SAG & HAG) who have to perform their duties in extremely hot & dirty environment in great discomfort.
ii) Augmentation of inadequate rest house facilities in Metros which is causing great inconvenience to officers.
iii) Improvement in club and sports facilities in remote divisions and work centers.
iv) Sanction of an annual book allowance to all officers.
Providing above amenities to railway officers would not cost even 0.1% of the railways revenue but would greatly enthuse railway officers to carry out their duties with even greater vigor. Federation therefore, requests you to kindly announce sanction of above facilities to the officers at the earliest.
Thanking you,
Yours truly,
(G.N. Asthana)
Acting Secretary General
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No. FROA-2008?GBM February,26, 2008
The President/General Secretary,
All Federating Units of FROA
Sub: General Body Meeting and elections to the Governing Council
1. General Body Meeting and elections to form new Governing Council of the Federation will be held from 27th & 28thMarch, 2008 in the Conference Hall, Rail Bhavan, New Delhi from 11.00 hrs.
2. The General Body of the Federation consists of the following members who are also eligible for participating in the election:
(i) Four representatives each from the zonal Railway officers Associations, Railway Board & RDSO.
(ii) Two representatives each from the Production Units/other Units officers Associations
(iii) Existing Members of the FROA Governing Council.
(iv) Former President and Secretary General of FROA Governing Council
3. Election for new Governing Council of FROA will be held for the following offices:
(i) President
(ii) Vice Presidents (six posts out of which three will be from outstation)
(iii) Secretary General
(iv) Treasurer.
(v) Secretaries (six posts out of which 2 will be from out station)
(vi) Joint Secretaries )five posts out of which 1 will be from out station)
4. All affiliated Associations are, therefore, requested for the following needful.
(i) Nominate their representatives as indicated above to attend the meeting and participate in the elections.
(ii) Names of the above representatives may please be sent to FROA well in time to prepare the electoral list.
(iii) Nomination for the out stations posts of Governing Council.
5. Agenda items for discussion in the GBM, which will form final agenda for next meeting with Railway Board, may be sent in advance by 15th March, 2008.
The required information and the nomination for the out stations posts of Governing Council may be furnished to the undersigned at an early date.
(G.N.Asthana)
Acting Secretary General(FROA)
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No.FROA - 2008? GBM December,12, 2007
The President/General Secretary,
All Federating Units of FROA
Sub: General Body Meeting and elections to the Governing Council.
1. As already intimated, the General Body Meeting and elections to form new Governing Council of the Federation will be held from 15th & 16thJanuary,2008 in the Conference Hall, Rail Bhavan, New Delhi from 11.00 hrs.
2. The General Body of the Federation consists of the following members who are also eligible for participating in the election:
(i) Four representatives each from the zonal Railway officers Associations, Railway Board & RDSO.
(ii) Two representatives each from the Production Units/other Units officers Associations
(iii) Existing Members of the FROA Governing Council.
(iv) Former President and Secretary General of FROA Governing Council
3. Election for new Governing Council of FROA will be held for the following offices:
(i) President
(ii) Vice Presidents (six posts out of which three will be from outstation)
(iii) Secretary General
(iv) Treasurer.
(v) Secretaries (six posts out of which 2 will be from out station)
(vi) Joint Secretaries )five posts out of which 1 will be from out station)
4. All affiliated Associations are, therefore, requested for the following needful.
(i) Nominate their representatives as indicated above to attend the meeting
and participate in the elections.
(ii) Names of the above representatives may please be sent to FROA well in
time to prepare the electoral list.
(iii) Nomination for the out stations posts of Governing Council may be sent in the enclosedPerforma,
(iv) Send items of agenda for discussion in the GBM which will form final agendafornextmeetingwithRailwayBoard.
(G.N.Asthana)
Secretary General
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No. 2007 ? FROA ? GBM October 17, 2007
The President/ General Secretary,
All Affiliated Units of FROA.
Sub: GBM and Elections.
Ref: FROA?s letters dated 20.08.2007 & 12.09.2007
Please refer to Federation?s above referred letters on the subject, wherein it was requested to furnish the list of their Executive Committees after holding AGM and elections wherever it happened to be due, to enable FROA finalise the date for holding GBM and elections. The same is, however, awaited from some of the units who are requested to send the same expeditiously.
(G.N.ASTHANA)
Acting Secretary General
No.FROA - 2007 ? GBM October 17, 2007
The President/General Secretary,
All Federating Units of FROA.
Sub: General Body Meeting and elections to the Governing Council
1. As already intimated, the General Body Meeting and elections to form new Governing Council of the Federation will be held on 23th November, 2007 (Friday) in the Conference Hall, Rail Bhavan, New Delhi from 11.00 hrs.
2. The General Body of the Federation consists of the following members who are also eligible for participating in the election:
(i) Four representatives each from the zonal Railway officers Associations, Railway Board & RDSO.(ii) Two representatives each from the Production Units/other Units officers Associations
(iii) Existing Members of the FROA Governing Council.
(iv) Former President and Secretary General of FROA Governing Council
3. Election for new Governing Council of FROA will be held for the following offices:
(i) President
(ii) Vice Presidents (six posts out of which three will be from outstation)
(iii) Secretary General
(iv) Treasurer.
(v) Secretaries (six posts out of which 2 will be from out station)
(vi) Joint Secretaries )five posts out of which 1 will be from out station)
4. All affiliated Associations are, therefore, requested for the following needfull:
(i) Nominate their representatives as indicated above to attend the meeting
and participate in the elections.
(ii) Names of the above representatives may please be sent to FROA well in
time to prepare the electoral list.
(iii) Nomination for the out stations posts of Governing Council may be sent in the enclosed Performa,
(iv) Send items of agenda for discussion in the GBM which will form final agenda for next meeting with Railway Board.
(G.N.ASTHANA)
Acting Secretary General
No.2007 ? FROA ? Secy. Genl. August 31, 2007
The President/General Secretary,
All Federating Units of FROA
This is to intimate that Shri Arun Arora, Secretary General, FROA has proceeded on deputation to DFCCIL and has handed over the charge of Secretary General/FROA to Shri G.N.Asthana, Vice President, FROA & EDME(W), Railway Board. This arrangement is an interim measure till holding of GBM and elections to constitute new FROA Governing Council, intimation for which have already been sent to all the Federating Units. The address and contact numbers of Shri G.N.Asthana are as follows:
Shri G.N.Asthana, Phones: Rly.(O) 43401 (R) 52360
Executive Director, ME(W), MTNL(O) 23382741(R) 24101009
Railway Board (Mobile) 9312063831
Room No 314, Rail Bhavan, New Delhi..
Shri Arun Arora, however, continues to be the member of the Governing Council as former Secretary General. He can be contacted on Mobile Phone No.9816819595.
(RAGINI YECHURY)
President
Copy to: E(GR)II Branch , Railway Board for information and necessary action
please.
No.2007 ? FROA ? Secy.Genl. August 24, 2007
The President/General Secretary,
All Federating Units of FROA
It is 24th of August 2007 and the moment to express my heartfelt regards and gratitude to the FROA family has arrived. Today, I proceed on deputation to DFCCIL and therefore I hand over the baton of enormous responsibility of representing all Group ?A? Rly. officers managing this unique organization IR to my successor. It is IR, which enables us to indulge our passion for travel, speed & turn economic necessities of bulk transportation into reality. It is a profound observation that smart, dynamic and innovative Group ?A? Rly. officers keep the country?s wheels of progress or engine of growth on the move round the clock 365 days a year and I consider it my proud privilege to have represented them.
My tenure as Secretary General/FROA spanned over 4 years. The responsibility initially came on my young shoulders during tense and trying times particularly for my predecessor and some other Governing Council members. It was threatening environment for this pluralistic body always in pursuit of unitarism. However, with close cooperation and matured contributions of my colleague Governing Council members and a no. of well meaning seniors including some Board members, Addl. members and GMs, we could pass through the trough and gradually traversed the crest. Since then, FROA did not look back.
FROA regained its lost glory by achieving significant success in a no. of demands made concerning welfare of Group ?A? officers, which interalia include- Restoring the normalcy of professional career to former secretary General/FROA & former General secretary/NROA ; accelerating cadre upgradations ; ensuring that widow of a Group?A? officer is permitted to remain in minimum Type IV/Type IV spl. on accepting compassionate appointment; compulsory foreign training; Delegation of powers to Divisional & Zonal medical officers to refer cases to private hospitals for specialized treatment; providing mobile phones; laptops, Broad Band connection ; independent vehicle for SAG officers, TA/DK for Directors in Rly Board, strongly taking up the issue of unreasonable & uncalled for arrest of a Rly. Officer by RPF resulting into issue of guidelines to RPF officials to take prior approval before resorting to arrest of officers- are success stories for which FROA governing council?s contribution stands out.
Another unique contribution of the present FROA Governing Council has been to successfully curb hawkish tendencies/sinister moves to create differentiation among various Group ?A? Rly services. These moves would have destroyed the base fabric of the prevailing harmony, cooperation & coordination among them. However, the unprecedented & stellar role played by some of the Board members, Addl. Members, OSD/MR, PHODs, various service associations, federating units office bearers and finally the unparalleled vision and matured leadership of Hon?ble MR rescued IR from the brink of disaster, which needs a special mention.
The undersigned along with other Governing Council members also made a detailed presentation to 6th pay commission recently regarding the fair & just aspirations of all Rly officers, it is a matter of pride that it was very much appreciated by the chairman & other members of the 6th Pay commission. It is expected that a no. of our proposals as included in the memorandum shall find their presence in the report to be submitted by the commission.
Well, the list is long and I do not wish to reproduce the same but it is important to recount some major success stories, which FROA family including the Federating units spread around the country can take pride in being the contributing members and cherish these memoirs for a long time. I firmly believe that it is FROA?s responsibility to represent Group ?A? Rly. officers in a forthright, pleasant, humble & firm manner and I state with conviction that the present FROA Governing Council succeeded in this daunting task unequivocally. However, still there are innumerable challenges confronting the Rly officers and I am confident that FROA family shall rise to the occasion and continue to address each one of them rationally.
Conflict of interests very often occur among departments/various stake holders of IR and should normally be resolved by honest and trustworthy negotiations. FROA should continue to play its stellar role as and when the need arises in this context. FROA including Federating units should continue to demand ethical conduct, impartiality and lack of bias together with reasonable and consistent behaviour by the apex management. In the absence of ethical conduct, he who wields the most power gets his own way ? whether good or bad for the organization in the long run. This also leads to breaking or circumventing rules/ well established procedures, corruption and parochial interests winning the day.
I may also point out that FROA office bearers should be prepared to represent the views of majority of Rly. Officers firmly i.e. opposing irrational policy decisions/unfair moves. However, this resistance may not be acceptable or liked by the reckless drivers behind them. Therefore, one should be prepared to pay some price while facing diverse forms of victimization/vindictive attitudes. Fortunately, it is also a fact that there exists an elite minority of well meaning, powerful and thoughtful gentlemen seniors cutting across cadres, who maintain a constant gaze on such vindictive/victimizing attitudes and intervene appropriately directly/indirectly at opportune moments to take care of the targeted office bearers.
At the end, once again I express my heartfelt gratitude to the President & Governing Council members of FROA & office bearers of all federating units for their explicit confidence, trust & cooperation extended during my tenure as Secretary General/FROA. As the country witnesses Rail renaissance, I am confident that FROA?s ever present drive to demand fair & just share of the economic value addition to the national wealth for its members shall continue unabated. I wish all success to the FROA family in their pursuit to improve the quality of professional/family life of all Group ?A? Rly. Officers.
With kind Regards,
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
No.2007 ? FROA ? GBM August 20, 2007
The President/General Secretary,
All Federating Units of FROA
Sub: GBM and Elections.
As per the constitution, FROA Governing Council should normally be reconstituted after every two years. Similarly, as per the constitution of various Federating Units, their Executive Bodies should also normally be reconstituted after every one year.
Therefore, the GBM and elections to constitute new FROA Governing Council are due. Similarly, by now, AGM and elections for new Executive Bodies of many Federating Units may also be due. All such Federating units are, therefore, requested to hold their AGM and conduct elections for electing new Executive Bodies expeditiously preferably within September, 2007 and furnish the details to FROA. After receiving the detailed list of Executive Bodies from all the Federating Units, FROA shall be holding GBM and conduct elections to constitute new FROA Governing Council.
All the Federating Units are, therefore, requested to initiate timely action at their end.
With regards,
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General.
FROA/Misc/07 May 15, 2007
Shri Lalu Prasad,
Hon?ble Minister for Railways,
Government of India,
New Delhi
Respected Sir,
This Federation, in letter of even number, dated January 04, 2007 had pointed out that the policies of the Railway Board were being violated while selecting Managing Directors of CRIS and IRCTC.
We are anguished to note that, instead of taking corrective action, the Railway Board has made certain unprecedented changes in the appointment rules for MD and one Director of CRIS, apparently to suit a certain individual.
First, a post of Director/PRS, which had been held in abeyance for over five years was suddenly revived and upgraded from SAG to HAG. This was done without the approval of CRIS? Governing Council. Then, for inexplicable reasons, the qualifying criterion was changed to include former railway officers absorbed in PSUs. Effectively, this amounted to opening the field to retired railway officers, even when a large pool of serving officers is available. Though a Director/PRS is yet to be appointed, we are reliably informed that the selection committee has recommended a retired railway officer for the post even though a large number of qualified serving officers had applied.
Recently Board has revised the qualifying criteria for appointment to the post of Managing Director. Here again, the major change is to make railway officers absorbed in PSUs eligible for the post. In fact, the rules are worded in a manner so as to give preference to a certain category of retired railway officer because:
For a serving officer to be eligible he has to be in HAG. For an absorbed officer the qualification is SAG.
Effectively, a serving officer would have put in over 30 years service while an absorbed officer needs 23 years.
A serving officer needs 3 years of residual service whereas an absorbed officer needs only 2 years.
Officers absorbed in PSUs are treated as internal candidates, and therefore get preference over railway officers, including those working as Directors in HAG in CRIS.
Railway officers absorbed in CRIS do not qualify though those absorbed in CONCOR, IRCTC etc. qualify.
As per existing norms, government officers absorbed in PSUs are treated as internal candidates of the same PSU in which they are absorbed. This is the first case where an officer absorbed in one PSU is being treated as an internal candidate of another autonomous organisation, which is not even a PSU!
Surely the dynamic and vibrant Indian Railways of today is not so bereft of talent that it has to search for top managerial material from amongst those who voluntarily quit the organisation for greener pastures in the public sector?
Another illogical change made is that while earlier MD and Directors of CRIS were taken on deputation from railways, now MD can be taken either on deputation or absorption while Director PRS can be taken only on absorption basis. Strangely enough, Director Operations and Director Finance are being still appointed only on deputation! Further these posts are not open to those absorbed in PSUs!
CRIS is a society registered under the Registration of Societies Act, 1860. As per the Rules and Regulations of the society, ?The appointment of Managing Director and Directors shall be made by invitation by the Governing Council with the approval of the Minister in charge of Railways?. The recruitment rules notified by the Railway Board do not recognise any role of CRIS? Governing Council in the selection or appointment process. This contradiction will make any such appointments bad in law.
What lies behind all these obviously illogical and inconsistent changes in the norms? A careful scrutiny of the relevant papers, and a comparison between the old norms and new norms, will show that there has been a systematic effort to modify the norms to suit an individual who resigned from the railways and took absorption in a PSU. It is one individual who benefits by all changes and that individual is poised to first become Director/PRS and then, Board willing, MD/CRIS.
Sir, in your budget speech you have stated that ?In the XI five year plan, investment in IT projects will be increased to several thousand crore rupees to harness the immense possibilities offered by IT in the interest of Indian Railways? and that ?For an integrated approach in IT, CRIS will be entrusted with coordination of all IT applications of the Railways and for development of a comprehensive vision on IT. CRIS will be developed as an autonomous and empowered organization, drawing officers from various Railways services?. To translate your vision into action it is imperative that the appointment rules for top posts in CRIS are designed to harness the best talents available rather than chart individual destinies.
The Federation is confident that now that the matter has been brought to your kind notice, immediate corrective action will ensue.
With kind regards,
Yours sincerely
(RAGINI YECHURY)
President
Copy to: CRB, FC, MT, MM, ME, MS, ML and Secretary, Railway Board
No.2007 ? FROA - 6th CPC April 4, 2007
The Chairman,
Railway Board,
Rail Bhavan,
New Delhi.
Sir,
Sub: Oral evidence before 6th CPC
FROA was called by Sixth Central Pay Commission for the oral evidence on April 2, 2007. The undersigned made a detailed presentation to the Pay Commission regarding the significant contribution made by the Railway officers in economic development of the country as well as in national integration . All the issues/proposals included in our memorandum were discussed in a thread bare manner with the Hon?ble Chairman and other members of the Pay Commission. It was heartening to note that they were interacting with FROA on most of the issues, which indicated their level of interest in the oral evidence by FROA. While concluding, Hon?ble Chairman and other Members appreciated FROA?s presentation. Hard copy of the presentation made to 6th Pay Commission is enclosed herewith for your kind perusal.
With kind regards,
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
Copy to: FC, MM, MT, MS, ME, ML & Secretary, Railway Board for kind information
No.2007 ? FROA - 6th CPC April 4, 2007
The President/General Secretary,
All Federating Units of FROA.
Sub: Oral evidence of FROA before 6th CPC
As you are aware FROA was called by Sixth Central Pay Commission for the oral evidence on April 2, 2007. The undersigned made a detailed presentation to the Pay Commission regarding the significant contribution made by the Railway officers in economic development of the country as well as in national integration . All the issues/proposals included in our memorandum were discussed in a thread bare manner with the Hon?ble Chairman and other members of the Pay Commission. It was heartening to note that they were interacting with FROA on most of the issues, which indicated their level of interest in the oral evidence by FROA. While concluding, Hon?ble Chairman and other Members appreciated FROA?s presentation. A brief summary of the thrust areas of the presentation is enclosed herewith for your information and dissemination among the members of your Federating Unit.
You are also requested to expedite your views on the following two important issues, as already intimated :
1. Performance Related Pay
2. Administrative Reforms- Civil Services Reforms
The PRP is a subject of the Pay Commission and views/proposals of FROA has to be communicated soon. This was also reminded by the Members of the Pay Commission during oral evidence. As regards ARC-CSR, FROA has to give oral evidence and presentation on April 17, 2007.
With regards,
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
* * *
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF FROA?S PRESENTATION TO
SIXTH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION on 2.4.2007
No. 2007 ? FROA ? 6th CPC March 22, 2007
The President/General Secretary,
All Federating Units of FROA
Sub: Oral evidence before 6th CPC.
This is to inform that Sixth Central Pay Commission have invited FROA for tendering oral evidence and hearing on April 2, 2007 with reference to Memorandum submitted. However, additional suggestions, recommendations, demands etc. from FROA can be placed before the commission during the course of oral evidence and hearing.
In this context, you may please refer to our letter dated January 3, 2007, intimating submission of the Memorandum and the text to be down loaded from FROA web site and widely circulated amongst the members. It is, however, felt that many officers in the field are still unaware of the memorandum submitted. In this regard the best course the Federating Units can do is to issue a general circular to all officers, intimating about FROA?s web-site on the Railnet (Ministry of Railways site) as well as on the Internet (Indian Railways site) and requesting them to go through the memorandum submitted. This will also keep them abreast of the various activities and developments.
Secondly, we had requested views of all the Federating units regarding i) Performance Related Pay (PRP) and ii) Administrative Reforms vis-à-vis Civil Services Reforms, vide our letters dated February 12, 2007 and March 6, 2007 respectively. Reply from some of the units are still awaited. The same may please be expedited for inclusion.
As the date of oral evidence is close by and opportunity being there for submission of additional memorandum during the course of oral evidence, all the Federating Units are requested to send their additional suggestions/demands after going through the memorandum already submitted for their inclusion in the oral evidence.
With regards,
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
Copy to: All General Managers and Divisional Railway Managers.-An executive summary of the various demands/suggestions regarding pay scales, promotions & perks etc.as included in the FROA memorandum is enclosed herewith for your kind perusal.
Address of FROA/Web site?Internet :
http://www.Indianrailways.gov.in/froa
Railnet :
http://10.1.10.21/froa
Download : Annexure
No.2007 ? FROA ? ARC March , 2007
The President/General Secretary,
All Federating Units of FROA &
All Office Bearers of FROA Gov.Council.
Sub: Administrative Reforms Commission ? Civil Services Reforms.
A reference has been received from Member Secretary,Administrative Reforms Commission, Govt. of India, indicating preparation of a blue print for revamping the public administration system and suggest measures to achieve a proactive, responsive, accountable, sustainable and efficient administration at all levels of the government. The Commission have requested FROA for views on Terms & References of the Commission as well as various issues of Civil Services Reforms, with a written submission as well as in person, during mid-April, 2007. A copy of the reference along with its enclosures is enclosed herewith for information, which is self explanatory.
As the above issue is important and concerns all Group?A? officers of IR, It is requested that the references may please be gone through meticulously, have it consulted and deliberated upon with other officers of your system , and the views communicated before March 20, 2007 positively. After receipt of the views the same will be discussed in the Governing Council meeting (being specially called for on March 23, 2007, tentatively) for drafting final views of FROA for presentation to the Commission.
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
Download : Annexure
No.2006 ? FROA ? Broadband February 13, 2007
The President/ General Secretary,
All Federating Units of FROA.
Sub: Provision of broadband connection at residence of officers.
You will be glad to know that the issue regarding facility of Broadband connection at residence of officers (JAG and above), which FROA had been pursuing vigorously at all levels, has since been agreed to by Railway Board vide letter No.2004/Tele/TN/3 dated 12.02.2007 (posted on FROA web-site).
In this connection please refer to FROA?s letter dated 12.4.2006 communicating the assurance from Board, in the formal meeting held on 5.4.2006, for the following facilities to officers.
1. Providing laptops to officers.
2. Facility of Broadband with Internet.
3. More liberal provision of mobile phones.
Therefore, with the approval of Broadband connection at residence, all the above three facilities are now available to the officers.
Please circulate the above information on your system. FROA Governing Council is confident that with your active cooperation and support, a number of other issues concerning the welfare and effectiveness of Group?A? officers shall be taken to their logical end.
With Regards
Encl: As above (ARUN ARORA) Secretary General
Copy to all Governing Council Members.
No.2007 ? FROA ? 6thPC February 12, 2007
The President/General Secretary,
All Federating Units of FROA.
Sub: Sixth Central Pay Commission-Performance Related Pay in Government.
The Sixth Central Pay Commission have asked IIM, Ahmedabad to conduct a study regarding ?Performance Related Pay (PRP) in Government?. The study includes formulating the concept, principles and parameters. In this connection IIM is conducting meetings with all Ministries of Govt. of India, Associations, Federations etc. Recently, a meeting was held with FROA Governing Council in Rail Bhavan in this regard. IIM team has sought our views on subject.
Since the issue is very important and concerns all Group?A? officers over IR, it is considered essential to have the views from the Federating Units before formulating the final views to be communicated to Sixth Central Pay Commission. The terms of reference of the proposed study by IIM has been put up on the FROA web-site (Railnet and internet). The same may please be down loaded and discussed and thereafter your views may be communicated by 28th February, 2007 positively.
Views of the Federating Units may either be faxed or sent by e-mail:
Fax No: 011- 23389155 or 011 ? 233043468 (Telefax)
E-mail: froa@rb.railnet.gov.in or froa_rail@yahoo.co.in
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
Note: All important issues and correspondence of FROA are being put up on
FROA web-site regularly. Please make use of it.
FROA/Misc./07 January 4, 2007
Shri Lalu Prasad
Hon?ble Minister for Railways,
Rail Bhawan, New Delhi
Sir,
Kindly find enclosed herewith a memorandum addressed to Shri Lalu Prasad, Hon?ble Minister for Railways in reference to the move to create 4 posts of DG (Traffic) by upgradation for IRTS cadre. In this context, Hon?ble MR was kind enough to grant a personal audience to FROA Governing Council on 4/1/07 at 2:30PM. During the meeting with Hon?ble MR in presence of the full Board the spirit and demand of the enclosed Memorandum was explained. In response, Hon?ble MR displayed his unparalleled vision & leadership by giving an assurance that the proposal to create 4 posts of DG (Traffic) shall be withdrawn and therefore officers belonging to various railway services should not agitate their minds any further. The Governing Council and all Federating Units spread across the country profusely thank Hon,ble MR and assure that there will not be any let up in the efforts of various departments of IR to scale new heights under his dynamic leadership.
(Arun Arora)
Secretary Genera
Copy to: 1. OSD to Hon?ble Minister for Railways for kind information of Hon?ble MR.
2. CRB, FC, ME, MT, MM, MS, ML.
3. President/General Secretary, all federating units of FROA.
FROA/Misc./07 January 4, 2007
Shri Lalu Prasad
Hon?ble Minister for Railways,
Rail Bhawan, New Delhi
Sir,
This is to bring it in your kind notice that the federation is disturbed by the flood of queries and extremely strong reactions from all Federating units & various Railway Service Associations regarding the surreptitious move made to create 4 regional posts of DG (Transportation) in the grade Rs 24050-26000 (GM?s grade) by upgradation in IRTS cadre only. It has come to the notice of the Federation that even the full Board was not taken in confidence while processing the above proposal for cabinet approval. Since, the implications of such a restructuring of a time tested hierarchy are far reaching, processing of this proposal required full Board?s approval in terms of Indian Railway Board Act 1905 and as per tradition.
Indian Railways is a multidisciplinary organization and different departments i.e. Civil, Mechanical, Signal, Electrical, Traffic, Stores, Accounts and Personnel etc. have to work in close coordination to run Railways and produce results. Presently all departments are working in harmony and as a result Railways is poised to achieve an unparalleled performance by generating a surplus of around Rs 20,000 crores approx. under your dynamic and visionary leadership.
However, the surreptitious and unjustified move to set up operational commands manned by only IRTS officers & that too in GM?s grade has sent a very wrong signal down the line, which has alienated IRTS cadre from other Railway services. Officers belonging to services other than IRTS are so agitated that unless an immediate announcement is made to withdraw this proposal, the ongoing turnaround of IR may get affected adversely resulting in serious embarrassment to Hon?ble MR besides the cabinet, who have been misled in approving the proposal. Once the rift gets created among IRTS and other cadres, it would be an impossible task to coordinate and synergise the working of different departments over IR.
The Federation have come to know that the illusionary and untenable stated purpose behind the above move is to create 4 Operational Commands on Indian Railways to improve coordination. The justification given to the cabinet in brief is that ?with increase in number of Zonal Railways from 9 to 16, the no. of Zonal interchange points has also increased from 94 to 178 making the task of monitoring and controlling the movement of Rolling Stock arduous. This has adversely affected the turnaround of wagons and optimum utilization of rolling stock.? In this context, it is pertinent to mention that when FROA had gone to the High Court to oppose setting up of new zonal railways, on the plea that increase in no. of zonal railways would increase day to day coordination problems. The Govt. (Ministry of Railways) had given an assurance to the Federation, High Court & the Parliament that with availability of modern communication means, this shall not happen.
addition, the very purpose for which the smaller zones were formed in the recent past, in order to delegate more powers and decentralized decision making at GM?s level would also get defeated with implementation of this proposal.
Since, the proposal to upgrade 4 HAG posts of IRTS cadre to GM level is unprecedented, it was expected to generate similar demands from all other cadres, who have equal stakes in managing day to day freight as well as passenger train operations, however it has come to the notice of the Federation that the Finance Minister and thereafter the cabinet has been misled by a false statement on record that it has been ascertained that there won?t be similar demands from other cadres. On the contrary, the proposal was not even discussed formally/informally in any Board meeting or with any of the other concerned members i.e. ME, MM & ML. Whether, the above mentioned facts were brought to kind notice of Hon?ble MR and the Cabinet while processing the above proposal for cabinet approval ? If it is not so, then it tantamounts to misleading Hon?ble MR & the cabinet, which is serious.
In the above backdrop, if the DG (traffic) post gets created, it will seriously disturb the harmony and prevailing cooperative environment. It will create an unhealthy rift between Traffic and other departments as presently the top management posts of GMs/DRMs are open to all services. Implementation of this proposal shall result in creating an avoidable conflict besides undermining the authority of the GM. This would also lead to serious discontentment among rest of the 7 services spread across the country that it may derail Hon?ble MR?s ambitious plans instead of the illusionary objective of enhancing the efficiency of operations through this sinister move.
It is also pertinent to point out the serious allegations of recent violatons of the laid down policy of the Board that all posts of MD?s of PSUs including CRIS and IRCTC are open to all Railway services. In the recent past, there have been unfair, illegal and unjust moves to reserve these posts as well as some other Board of Director level posts for IRTS cadre only for reasons best known to the concerned departmentally biased senior officers. This has also created unnecessary controversy and heart burning among officers belonging to other cadres.
The Federation requests you as the head of the Railway Family to kindly take the abovementioned facts seriously and ensure that this proposal to create DG (Traffic) posts is withdrawn forthwith to avoid any nation wide non cooperation/agitation by the other Railway services, which shall destroy the reputation of IR in the eyes of public and parliament besides causing serious embarrassment to your unparalleled leadership. Sir, we are confident that you will not allow this Golden era to end because of the irresponsible, unfair, illegal and cowardly act of some biased officers, who have succeeded in misleading the cabinet and your office.
(Arun Arora)
Secretary General
Note : The FROA Governing Council would also request you to grant us a personal audience, today preferably, to explain the sentiments, agony, discontent & frustration of the officers and thus the serious implications of the above proposal.
Copy to: General Managers (All Indian Railways) for kind information please.
No. 2006 ? FROA ? Retention November 24, 2006
1. The President/General Secretary,
All Affiliated Units of FROA.
2. All Governing Council Office Bearers
Sub: Retention of houses by the spouse/wards of bereaved officers, appointed on
compassionate grounds, in the officer?s colony.
It is matter of Pride for FROA Governing Council and the Federating Units to have succeeded in resolving the long pending request, for over three years, to permit spouses/wards of our bereaved officers, appointed on compassionate ground , to remain and reside in officers colony, which has since been agreed to by the Board. They will now be allotted either Type-IV or Type-IV spl. Houses in the officer?s colony.
Official notification for the above has been issued by Railway Board and a copy of which is enclosed herewith for information.
Please circulate the above letter on your system. FROA Governing Council is confident that with your active cooperation and support, a number of other issues concerning the welfare and effectiveness of Group ?A? officers shall be taken to their logical end.
With Regards.
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
No. 2006 ? FROA ? Facilities November 22, 2006
The Chairman,
Railway Board,
Rail Bhavan,
New Delhi.
Sir,
FROA is extremely grateful to the Board for sanction of laptops to all officers upto JAG and liberal provision of mobile phones to all officers & supervisors. It may please be recalled that, the facility of Broadband with Internet at the residence of officers (JAG and above) as already available to officers in Board?s office, was also agreed to in the formal meeting of Board with FROA (ref. minutes of the meeting). However, notification/instructions to zonal Railways have still not been issued.
Federation requests that formal sanction for the above facility may kindly issued expeditiously.
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
Copy to: Financial Commissioner (Railways) for kind information and necessary action please
No.2006 ? FROA ? DRM November 1, 2006
The Member(Staff),
Railway Board,
Rail Bhavan,
New Delhi
Sir,
Kindly refer to the discussion during the last PREM meeting regarding the proposal to lower the maximum age limit from 52 years to 50 years to be eligible for empanelment for the post of DRM.The Federation reiterates that Railway Board should honour their solemn assurance to consult FROA before any proposal is moved for change in the existing policies concerning service conditions/career progression of Group ?A?officers. It is further understood that Trg. dte has been directed to prepare a presentation on the abovementioned issue. FROA requests that the undersigned along with other Governing Council members may please be invited to attend the presentation.
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
No.2006 ? FROA - 6th PC October 18, 2006
The Secretary (Personnel),
Government of India,
New Delhi.
Sir,
Sub: Induction of Railway Officers in the Sixth Central Pay Commission.
Federation is extremely grateful to the Government of India for constituting the Sixth Central Pay Commission.
As you are aware, 50% of the workforce of the Central Government employees alone belongs to the Indian Railways. Railwaymen work 24 hours under different terrains to keep the wheels moving. The FROA is the apex body of all the Group ?A? officers associations of the zonal Railways, Production Units, Research, Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO), training Institutes and other attached offices. It represents more than 7000 officers belonging to 9 organised Group ?A? Central Services (IRTS, IRAS, IRPS, IRSME, IRSE, IRSEE, IRSSE, IRSS & IRMS) all giving managerial support to this vast extensive network. The Federation articulates the aspirations of the railwaymen who is a totally unique entity, constantly striving to give the country an efficient, reliable and total transportation package through the efforts of a dedicated lot of managers. It is, therefore, utmost imperative that senior Railway Officers, from the nine organized services manning the Indian Railways, should be inducted in the commission to portray the working conditions of Railwaymen, their requirements, service conditions etc. in the right perspective.
In the above back drop, Federation requests for induction of at least 2 SAG and 2 Director Level Group ?A? Railway Officers (one SAG & one Director from Technical and one SAG & one Director from non-Technical services) in the Commission.
Yours faithfully,
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
Copy to: CRB and all Board Members ? with a request to follow up the issue of induction of Railway Officers in the Commission at appropriate level.
No.2006 ? FROA ? PC October 18, 2006
The President/General Secretary
All Federating Units of FROA
Sub: 1.FROA?s achievement- 2.Sixth Central Pay Commission-
3.Formal meeting with Railway Board.
You will be glad to know that with unstinted support of the federating units and after prolonged persuasion and regular follow up by Governing Council for over three years, the long pending request of FROA to permit spouses/wards of our bereaved officers, appointed on compassionate ground to remain and reside in officers colony, has since been agreed to by the Board. They will now be allotted either Type-IV or Type-IV Spl. Houses in the officers colony.
2. As you are aware the Sixth Central Pay Commission has since been constituted vide Gazette notification dated October 5, 2006 ( copy enclosed). The terms of reference of the Commission have been indicated in the notification. FROA has, therefore, a challenging task ahead to present well perceived suggestions to the Commission. FROA will have to interact and coordinate with the Commission which generally includes reply to questionnaire from the Commission, timely submission of memorandum, oral evidence, presentation etc.. It will, therefore, be in the interest of Railway Officers fraternity that FROA is well prepared to depose before the commission as and when called for. All the Federating Units are, therefore, requested to deliberate on the terms of reference of the commission and also for the memorandum to be submitted, send their views & suggestions, as early as possible( preferably by end of Nov,06). The memorandum shall broadly bring out the following aspects:
?About IR, Cadres, Comparison with other services, Erosion in rupee value, Recommendations-payscales, Allowances and other benefits, Income Tax, Time bound promotion, Terminal benefits etc.?
3. Since the first formal meeting with Railway Board for the current year was held in April, 2006 (provision for two meetings in a year). It has been decided to request Board for holding the second formal meeting during last week of November, 2006. All the Federating units are, therefore, requested to also send their agenda items for this meeting, by end of Oct, 06, as the consolidated agenda is required to be submitted to Board well in time..
Wishing all the members and their families a very happy Dipawali.
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
No. 2006 ? FROA ? Mobile June 16, 2006
The President/General Secretary
All Federating Units of FROA
Sub: 1. Provision of Mobile Phones to officers and supervisors.
2. Permission to retain Railway accommodation at the previous place of posting in favour of officers posted to New Zones/Divisions.
Ref: Agenda items of FROA discussed in the formal meeting with Railway Board held on 5.4.2006
As you are aware that the issue of provision of mobile phone to all officers & Supervisors taken up by FROA in the formal meeting held with Railway Board had been agreed to. You will be glad to know thatthe notification has been issued vide Board?s letter No.2004/Tele/TN/3 dated 7.6.06. A copy of this letter is enclosed herewith.
2. Also, the issue regarding extension of permission to retain Railway accommodation at the previous place of posting in favour of Officers posted to New Zones/Divisions beyond 31.3.2006 taken up during the above meeting has been agreed to. The retention permission has been extended upto 31.3.2007 vide Board?s letter No.E(G)2003 QR 1-6 dated 12.6.2006 (Copy enclosed).
Please circulate these letters on your system. FROA Governing Council is confident that with your active cooperation and support, a number of other issues concerning the welfare and effectiveness of Group?A? officers shall be taken to their logical end.
With Regards
Encl: As above (ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
RBE No.75/2006
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)
No.E(G)2003 QR 1-6 New Delhi Dated 12.06.2006
The General Managers
All Indian Railways and
Production Units (Others as per standard list)
Sub: Retention of Railway accommodation at the Previous place of posting in favour of Officers/staff posted to new zones.
Permission to retain Railway accommodation at the previous place of posting in favour of Railway Officers/Staff posted to New Zones/Divisions was extended till 31.3.2006 in terms of Railway Board?s letter of even number dated 24.03.2005.
On representation from New Zones about acute shortage of accommodation and the need for extension of the period of retention, the matter has been reviewed by Railway Board. In exercise of the powers vested in Board as per Railway Board?s letter No.E(G)99 QR1-16 dated 16/3/2004, the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) have decided to relax the rules/instructions and extend the permission for retention of railway accommodation at the previous place of posting in favour of Railway Officers/Staff posted to New Zones/Divisions for a further period of one year from 1.4.2006 to 31.3.2007.
The New Zones/Divisions should make all possible efforts to complete construction of railway accommodation for their officers and staff by 31.3.2007. E.C.Railway and N.W.Railway, who have not made adequate progress in this direction, are directed to make special efforts for completing the construction of Railway accommodation by the above period.
This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.
Please acknowledge receipt.
Sd/-
(M.D.PILLAI)
JOINT DIRECTOR ESTT. (GENL.)
No.2006 ? FROA ? Laptop September 22, 2006
The President/ General Secretary,
All Federating Units of FROA.
Sub: Provision of laptops to officers.
Please refer to FROA?s letter dated 12.4.2006 indicating a very positive and encouraging deliberations during the formal meeting of FROA with Railway Board held on 5.4.2006, with an assurance for the following facilities in the light of pressing demand for ? incentive in lieu of bonus to Group ?A? officers?:
1. Providing laptops to officers.
2. Facility of Broadband with Internet.
3. More liberal provision of mobile phones.
You will be glad to know that Railway Board have since issued the notification sanctioning laptops to all officers in JAG and above, with an option to either have a laptop or a desktop in the office . The laptops, if issued, will remain with the officers even on transfer. A copy of Board?s letter in this connection is enclosed herewith. As regards facility of Broadband with Internet, the same is under active consideration and being followed up vigorously.
Please circulate the above letter on your system. FROA Governing Council is confident that with your active cooperation and support, a number of other issues concerning the welfare and effectiveness of Group?A? officers shall be taken to their logical end.
With Regards
Encl: As above (ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
Copy to all Governing Council Members.
Provision of Laptops to officers in lieu of Desktops. (Click here to open)
Minutes of the Meeting of Federation of Railway Officers? Associations (FROA)
with Board held on 05.04.2006.
1. Participants- List of participants is annexed.
2. Member (Staff) welcomed the Chairman, Railway Board, other Members of the Board and representatives of the Federation of Railway Officers? Associations (FROA) on the first formal Meeting of this year with the Board. He expressed the hope that deliberations will be cordial and fruitful.
3. Opening remarks of Chairman, Railway Board.
3.1 The Chairman, Railway Board extended a warm welcome to the President, the Secretary General and other representatives of the Federation as also to the Board Members and participants from the official side.
The year that gone by i.e. 2005-06 has been a very successful year for the Indian Railways. The results speak for themselves. The gross revenues have gone by over 16% while the expenditure has gone up by only 8%. The final figures are yet to come by. The actual results would be better than these figures. The operating ratio has been 86.6% approximately. We made some changes in the accounting practices whereby only the interest re-payment was treated as expenditure and not capital components of the refund that we have to give to IRFC. With this accounting change the final operating ratio comes out to 83.7% approximately. For these wonderful results our team of Officers, Supervisors & staff in the field in all the Units, Zonal Railways, Production Units, Research Organization, RE Organization, Training Institutions every wherelse have put in lot of hard work and the results are indication of that. The Chairman congratulated all the team of Officers who were present and through them he conveyed his congratulations to the team of all officers and staff in the field for the good work done.
CRB further stated that in the area of freight, our Tenth Plan target for the final year was 624 million tonnes whereas for 2005-06 we kept the target of 635 million tonnes. We may end up with about 667 million tonnes, an increase of about 10%. On the Passenger side the growth has been about 7% with 4% in the suburban traffic and about 9% in non-suburban traffic.
CRB expressed that accidents are an area which are uppermost in our mind at all times. Last year, there were 234 accidents. This year, i.e. 2005-06 also we had 234. The number of Collisions and derailments have come down while accidents at level crossings, fire accidents and miscellaneous accidents have gone up. The accidents due to failure of Railway staff has come down. Manned level crossing accidents were more- 10 against 5 the year before. Fire accidents were more, 15 against 10 in the year before. These are the area of concern. Some of the other areas of concern in case of safety were fire in the locomotives. 4 Gatemen were held responsible as against one in the previous year, Signal passing at danger is another area causing concern. This year there were 12 cases of SPAP as against 7 of previous year.
CRB mentionedDuring the year Thar Express, was introduced, thereby establishing one more another link between India and Pakistan. Another fast train between Delhi and Agra with maximum speed of 150 KMPH was introduced Private participants for Container movement has been encouraged and very good offers have been received. 14 Parties have applied. All these parties have been given in principle approval and very soon contracts will also be signed.
CRB said that during the year carrying capacity of wagons on identified routes was enhanced. Railways were thus able to carry more iron ore & coal which improveproductivity of the assets. The emphasis during the year was on Traffic facility works, full rake handling works, Crew management, common lobbies , carriage and wagon examination practices as also up-gradation of carriage and wagon facilities etc. SRSF works were given considerable importance.
Railways have to speed up the SRSF Works in S&T area. Wagon turn-round during the year improved considerably. During 2006-07, major thrust has been laid on the improvement of infrastructure. The Rail share of traffic, which is hovering around 34% has to be increased. We are already on high growth path . Freight traffic has increased by over 10% during 2005-06 and there is no reason why we should not be able to capture additional traffic. Passenger growth in non-suburban traffic last year was 9% and more growth is expected this year in the non ?suburban traffic. Railways have to be ready to carry this traffic. Hon?ble Minister has already given a call for carrying out 800 millions of traffic. The outlay during 2006-07 has been increased by 32% over previous year and is roughly Rs. 23,475 crores. This level of jump in investment has not been seen earlier. The need now will be to ensure that this outlay gets converted into physical assets so that the real share improves. The operating ratio for 2006-07 has been pegged at 84.3%. The Budget allocation under all heads has been increased. In staff amenities, the allocation has been increased by 44% and for Staff Quarters by 43%. Our Minister has given a call for service to the Passenger with a smile. This is the area which will be the focus area during the current year. Accordingly, the allocations for passenger Amenities Works have been increased. DRMs have been empowered. DRMs can now sanction works upto Rs. 30 lakhs in this area so that we can see some improvement during the current year itself. Public can feel the difference and we need to bring about a change for better in the image of the Railways.
CRB further mentioned that, Railways have announced construction of dedicated freight corridor. Approximately 2,700 Kms of corridor is proposed to be built on the Eastern and Western routes. It will involve about 5,000 KMs of up-gradation of feeder routes. The corridor will be built to a level that can carry 30 tonne per axle load. Formation for bridges, will be designed accordingly. In the transition face, we plan to carry 25 tonne per axle load wagon. It will involve defining new maximum moving dimension. The work is on for standardizing this. We have also identified two iron ore carrying routes for similar movement. During the current year we hope to introduce 25 tonne axle load wagon on. Delhi Rajhara - Bhilai and Banswani ? Daitari.
On the 23rd of last month Hon?ble Minister also inaugurated the first double stack Container Train at Jaipur. Railways have committed to complete all throughput enhancement works within the next 3 years. These are being closely monitored. Locomotive production has been jacked. During the current year. It is plabnned to produce 150 Diesel and 150 Electric Locomotives with a greater share of ABB and GM Locomotives. Next year Railways have plans to go in for production of 200 locomotives each. The Wagon Industry is full of orders. A record of over 30,000 wagons are proposed to be manufactured during the current year. Railways have planned to manufacture over 2,800 Coaches at ICF and RCF. This will take care of growth of passenger traffic. Railways will be running more of 24 Coach Trains. It has been planned to run about 190 Trains with 24 Coaches besides introduction of Garib Rath Expresses this year. All A,B,C,D and some the E class stations will be provided with UTS facilities. SLRs will be modified to increase the sitting space for passengers in such of the Passenger trains where we have not been able to lease them out for carrying Parcels.
On the Software side, Railways have introduced Dynamic pricing Policy for freight as well as for Passenger Traffic. The highest freight classification have been reduced from 240 to 220. We will be bringing down the freight rates even further in the coming years with a view to attract more traffic.
A number of concessions during non-peak period in the empty flow direction, facility for long term and loyalty discounts have also been announced. A number of improvements have also been made on passenger ticketing system.. Season tickets are being issued well in advance, fares of AC First Class & II AC have been brought down, upgrading of passengers has been introduced in all type of trains.
Member Staff must have already elaborated on the considerable work done to watch interest of the officers. Cadre restructuring of all the organized Railway services has been taken up. Cadre review of only IRPS is pending and is expected to be finalised shortly. Promotion prospects in most of the Grades are now being watched and monitored and the difference betweenSAG or JAG of between services is not more than 2 to 3 years. In respect of Group ?B? also, arrears have been pulled up. For Mechanical and Traffic Departments, Proposals have been prepared for years 2005-06 and 2006-07. Cadre proposals for Civil Engineering Department for the year 2004-05 and is expected to be cleared soon. For S&T Department the delay is due to a few Court Cases.
The Chairman, Railway Board mentioned that he had a meeting with CVC & Cabinet Secretary regarding problem being faced in promoting officersd who have received counseling/warning. Cabinet Secretary has also taken up this issue at the ACC level. CVC has assured that he will personally write on this matter and accordingly the details have been given to CVC . This issue is specifically to the Railways and not to any other Services. Hopefully this issue will get finally resolved. Hon?ble M.R has directed that in so far as deputations are concerned, extension as a normal course beyond authorized period will not be given So officers are being withdrawn on completion of their normal tenure unless there are compelling circumstances. Some of the other areas where officers have shown concern pertain to Mobile Phones for officers.. We are working towards permitting liberal use of mobile phones. Efforts are being made to frame expenditure - neutral proposals. Proposal for further delegation of Powers is being actively considered.
There has also been increased demand for issue of Lap-Top computers. We are going ahead for computerization in a big way during the current year. Almost 45% increased allocation has been given under the head ? Computerization?. Most of the Branch Officers and above have been given PCs. Railways are working towards a system whereby Officers will have a choice of deciding whether they would like to use PCs or Lap-top. A suitable policy with facility of Internet/Broad Band connection would be pronounced in this regard. Considerable improvement in the area of medical facilities has already been made. Instructions have been issued that honorary Specialists will be replaced by honorary visiting Consultants. Earlier, the honorary visiting Consultants used to come and visit for two days in a week . Honorary visiting Specialists will now be available for all the six days in a week. Their remuneration has been increased from Rs. 5, 000 to Rs. 20,000/-. Central Hospitals of old Zones will have 15 such visiting Specialists. New Zones will have 10, Divisions 4 and Sub-Divisional Hospitals 3. In 350 Health Units, which are more than 75Kms away from the Central Hospital, the Doctors have been empowered to get all the tests done by giving them suitable monetary powers. Hospital In-charges have also been authorized to have a pool of Consultants, specialist Doctors who can be drawn upon in emergency for operation or consultation. This will be beyond the honorary visiting Specialists should the need so arise.
Railways are introducing system of tele-medicines to cover far- flung areas so that the help of specialists can be obtained. Each Railway has been asked to cover 4-5 such areas in the first phase and gradually this will be expanded.
The Remuneration of CMPs have been increased. It is hoped now that CMPs will not vanish the way they used to vanish earlier. Earlier Group ?C? Technical Staff posts could be filled up through RRB. But now GMs have been empowered to fill up these posts. This will help in improving testing facilities etc.
SPEECH BY PRESIDENT FROA
At the outset, he congratulated the Board and put on record the FROA?s deep appreciation of this sterling performance of the Indian Railways in the recent past. He said that Indian Railways have surpassed all previous records, be it freight, passenger traffic or operating ratio or generation of surpluses. This has been achieved by the concerted efforts of all Railway men and under the dynamic leadership of Board and Hon?ble MR. He assure that they will steer us to attain even loftier goals in the times to come. He mentioned just a few issues which would go a long way in motivating the officers to put in their best:-
(i) Retention of Quarters for officers posted in New Zones for a fixed period of 2-3 years at the stretch it would help the officers in proper planning of the stay of their families and would ease a lot of tension in their minds on this account.
(ii) Provision of Electronic Items would substantially enhance their efficiency and would also help in better implementation of computerized management information systems. Some of these have already been covered by Hon?ble C.R.B.
(a) Provision of PCs with broad-band connection at the residence of all officers and laptop to Officers in JA Grade & above.
(b) Provision of Mobile Phones to all officers and even supervisors.
(iii) Training of officers abroad to keep abreast with the latest technical and managerial techniques. It is imperative to expose all officer to training in the top training institutes of the world. We appreciate the action already taken by the Board for training of DRMs and senior officers. Our request to extend this to cover all officers till Junior Scale. In fact, even the probationers may also be given a few days exposure abroad to motivate them to bring Indian Railways at par with the best Railways in the World.
(iv) Dearth of Rest House Accommodation at Delhi for officers coming from outside especially those coming from the new Zones. Either the facilities at the Rail Nivas may be extended or permission may be granted for availing hotel accommodation.
(v) A proposal has been moved to grant Book allowance to all officers. It is understood that the proposal has found favour with the Board and needs to be taken forward to its finality. We solicit Board?s blessings for the same.
He also drew attention towards the D.O. letter by Hon?ble M.R to all the GMs to start thinking big. He said that if the above requests were acceded to, the same can be achieved easily.
SPEECH BY SECRERARY GENERAL, FROA:
He stated that under the dynamic leadership of Hon?ble M.R & Board, we are on the path to build Indian Railways a Premier Railway of the world. The historic record breaking incremental loading of 111 million tonnes just in two years is 133% more than the incremental loading during the entire 9th Five Year Plan. This is a historic, record breaking achievement and needs to be appreciated at all levels. He also congratulated Hon?ble M.R & Board for presenting a visionary, growth-oriented and progressive Budget. In this Budget, due care has been taken to prepare the Indian Railways for the uncertain tomorrow. Secy. General FROA also stated the following :-
?It is our proud privilege to have visionary top management. Having felicitated you all, we would like to point out certain hard realities/challenges being faced by the IR management:-
1. How to sustain this level of performance and growth? During formulation of Xth plan, the estimated GDP elasticity of Rail Transportation demand was around 0.3, whereas it is more than 1.0 now. Therefore, we have to accept that Newtonian perception of reality in which change appears linear and continuous is now a myth. We have to realize that future will be different from the past. Success strategies of yesterday may be the failures of tomorrow.
2. There is a need to bring about a change in organizational culture as well organizational structure. There is a need to lower the inter-departmental barriers and create an environment of collaboration. Lowering barriers between different departments shall result in free flow of knowledge, information and skills. We have to identify incentives, which modify organisational behaviour so that respective departments pursue organisational goals.
3. In every multidisciplinary organization, different departments / groups compete for scarce resources, are subjected to fixed pie error and each department aims for centrality and task independence. These result in conflicts, which some time turn dysfunctional impacting productivity and efficiency.
4. Sir, it is a fact that team with complementary skills is always a winner; therefore the top management has to encourage team building. Top management has to leverage comparative advantage of each cadre to achieve performance excellence through collaboration. Every officer should take pride in being a Railway Officer than as a member of a particular cadre.
5. Reduce bureaucratic delays at all levels. Encourage concurrent decision making & avoid sequential decision making. This minimises transaction costs and ensure quick decision making.
6. We have to maximize on our organizational intellect to sustain our competitive advantage.
The President had mentioned about sustaining the motivation level, which is a very important point. Once we have achieved this kind of record breaking performance, it is going to very difficult to sustain it in the times to come unless the motivation and energy level of IR executives is kept up. We must leverage information technology and communication technology in this digital age and invest in it liberally.
7. Every organization takes its cue from the person at the top. Therefore, Sir, you / Board should set the tone for IR. IR faces the above mentioned challenges under your leadership. To sustain the current motivation level in the long run is possible, if and only if, we invest in areas, which directly influence the work and welfare of Railway Officers . There are few issues, which are not there in the agenda but we would request that Board must address them at the earliest:-
(i)
Any officer who applies for deputation must know about his status of deputation, whether his application has been forwarded or not, it must be available on WEB.
(ii) The DPC has immense powers. They review 5 years ACRs, even if, somebody is having 25 points they can always say that his ACRs have not been written properly. We don?t rate him as outstanding. We rate him as good. And at the same time, the DPC can evaluate 5 years ACRs and if they find certain aberrations i.e. they may observe that the officer has been graded as outstanding for 20 years and then suddenly his grading in ACRs for the last 2-3 years have become good /average/ below average. DPC can always pin point these aberrations and can clear the officer for further career progression. This is the rational discretion with the DPC and we would request that instead of just accepting the mathematical model of 20 / 22 points, DPC should apply its mind and review the whole career and then only decide whether the officer is fit /unfit for further career progression.
(iii) The officers, whose children are studying in 10th, 11th and 12th class should not be normally shifted. However, in administrative interest, if they are being shifted, they should be a allowed to retain the house for that particular period.
(iv) There used to be a norm that in case a person is being posted as DRM and he finds that this one particular year is very crucial for him and he would prefer to forgo his chance for posting as DRM this time, he used to be de-barred for one year only. This period of debarment was changed to two years some time back. It is causing lot of problems to a number of officers. We would request you to review the norm and make it only one year.
(v) Time is precious. Do we believe that our Senior Officer?s time is not precious? If we believe so, then we do not have to say anything. But if we consider that our senior officers? time is precious then why should we have any kind of reservation / constraint in not allowing them to travel by Air, if they are permitted elsewhere in Government of India. If a PHOD / SAG officer has to go to Chennai from Delhi and has to come back, he wastes 4 days in traveling for a one day meeting. Why should we not allow him Air travel both ways? In some Zones they force him to go by Air and come back by train or go by Train and come back by Air. We should be liberal in this. It is not an expenditure, which is infructuous. This is the expenditure, which saves time.
(vi) We have already made Safety Department multi-disciplinary. At the same time we have given a commitment to Parliament in pursuance of RSRC recommendation to make CRS Organization also multi-disciplinary. The same should be implemented expeditiously. ?
Remarks of Member Staff:
The performance of Indian Railways in sports has been excellent as you are aware and in the 18th Commonwealth Games has it was held recently at Melbourne, although the Indian contingent was consisting of 44 Members only 22 were from Railways which was less than 10% of the entire Candidates gone from India. We have won out 20% of the medals. Smt. Anjana Jung, of Western Railway has won Gold Medal and the Silver medal in shooting. Shri Akhil Kumar, of Northern Railway has won the Gold Medal in Boxing., Shri Vijendra from NWR has won the Silver Medal in Boxing Shri Harpreet Singh of Northern Railway has won silver in Boxing. Mr. Arun from ICF, has won Silver medal in Weightlifting. Miss Pinki Pramanik of Eastern Railway and Miss Sarthi Geeta from SER, won the silver medal in Weightlifting. In the women Hockey team out of 16 Players, 14 were from the Railways and they have won the Silver medal.
About the Railway Recruitment Boards, this year they have put in extraordinary performance. Although for the last 10 years we were able to recruit about 8900 persons by Railway Recruitment Boards, this year it has been 33,000, almost 4 times. We have conducted on-line examination at Chennai and Bangalore. This will be introduced in other Railway Recruitment Boards. In Group ?D? it was done by Railway Recruitment Boards. We have issued Central Notification of 17,000 vacancies in the year 2003 and by the end of March, 2006 we have recruited more than 13,500. For the remaining there are Court cases and I understand that the Court cases are also now cleared. So you can say that in the last two years we have been able to give the complete panel of 17,000 for recruitment. There has been some problem in recruitment of Group ?D? by the Northern Railway and I think we have to do some Brain storming on how to do this because in Group D Recruitment, Northern Railway got about 20 lakh Applications. Western Railway also got about more than 10 lakh Applications. So there is going to be a problem. So how really this can be done we are thinking about. But this is very important.
We were not getting clearance from the Cabinet Secretary for the indent of Group ?A? Officers and that is why whatever indents we are sending to UPSC, they were being cut by 1/3rd and we got 52 in the year 2002, 50 in 2003 and 51 in 2004. This year fortunately we have been able to comply with whatever requirement was there with the Cabinet Secretary. He has permitted an indent of 555 officers, which 255 Group ?A? organized services, 250 Doctors and 50 for other Services. So the indent of 555 has been accepted by the Cabinet Secretary and is being set to UPSC. So I am sure from this year onwards we will be in a position to recruit our Group A Services. Now this has created some problem because as per our ADRP (Annual Direct Recruitment Plan ) some surrenders were to be made, although we have been surrendering manpower right from 1990. But in 2000 DOPT issued certain instructions that you cannot fill posts more 1/3rd of your annual arising vacancies or one particular cadre. That means you could not recruit more than 14,000 persons in a year. That was the total. Since were not in a position to comply with these instructions, we were somehow not getting clearance from the Cabinet Secretary and that is why this Group A Recruitment was drastically curtailed. This year we have prepared that how much is to be surrendered from 2001 and it came out to me that we were to surrender 72,402 posts by the end of March, 2006. We sent instructions to all General Managers to surrender these posts in two phases. Somehow surrenders could not take place and at the last minute we did make some pressure on General Managers and this somehow got to the Union and Federations and both were quite upset about the position. Last two days we had held meetings with them and they did show some resentment about our decision and then CRB and myself in a separate meeting we had tried to explain them and I am holding a separate meeting with them.
We have been having vacancy of about 2 lakh right from 2001. What we are surrendering is from the vacancies and not out of our existing strength. We have today is 14.21 lakhs men on roll whereas our sanctioned strength is 16 lakhs. We have asked to surrender out of 1.8 lakh vacancies from 16 lakhs posts. This year this surrender is creating some upset in their promotional posts. Somewhere the General Manages have surrendered the Safety Posts also. It was not our intention while asking them to surrender. But this has been done. There was a problem in creation of the post, We had to surrender two to get one. That was till now the position. Board has taken a Policy decision of this fact and now we have issued instruction that equal one to one. Just surrender one identified posts and in lieu of that you can create one another posts. That type of instructions have been issued and I am sure that the situation should improve. And as far as the organized services are concerned, from this year onward we will be in a position to get more numbers.
Some representatives from Zonal Railways
Sh. V.K. Dutt ? representative from Zonal Railway:
For Northern Railway he requested for improvement in maintenance of officers colonies and condition of Rest Houses in Delhi area. But in other Divisional areas and Divisional Headquarters and other places he requested for more funds and induction of allotment of more Group A Officers in Northern Railway. He thanked about this observation about the integration of RPF with other services and request for speedy implementation of this.
AGENDA ITEMS:
em No. 1: Recruitment of Group ?A? officers.
It was advised in the meeting that the position has substantially been improved as indents for sufficient number of posts for 2006 has been placed on UPSC.
Item No. 2: Inter cadre disparity.
Secretary General FROA pointed out that this particular item is being taken up by the Federation for decades. If you take out the minutes of the various formal meetings with the Board for the last 20 years, this item is being raised consistently.
As per Board?s guideline, the disparity should not be more than two years. This guideline was amended some time back. For other levels it remained two years but for HAG it became 3 years without consulting us. We expressed our protest in the last formal Meeting with the Board also. Our coordinates get fixed as soon as we join Indian Railways Service from the date of entry into the Service. And therefore when you meet your colleague, the first thing if he does not know you, he asks ? Which Batch? ? That decides the tone of the interaction between you and the officer you are meeting for the first time. You cannot promote everyone at the same time, there will always be some kind of lead/lag. So we expect that that guideline of not more than two years for inter cadre disparity should be followed rigidly. When it exceeds beyond two years, it is not acceptable.
Last time also, we discussed the issue in detail. Then Chairman, in his opening remarks stated that obviously we cannot give away 100% of the general posts to any particular cadre for cadre balancing. We were disappointed and in response we mentioned to him that if you are not thinking about allocating 100% of general posts for cadre balancing then at least give upto 37.5% of the general posts at all levels to the cadres lagging behind. However, then it would not be termed as cadre balancing as senior and suitable person irrespective of the cadre has the first right to get promoted.
The remarks on this item do not bring out clearly the present level of cadre disparity between different cadres at different levels. Further, there should have been an attempt to indicate what action has been taken and what future action will be taken to minimize it. But nothing of that sort has been explained. Today the condition is that Electrical Cadre is the worst hit in SAG grade as their 1983 Batch panel is still under formation, whereas there are many cadres where you see 1985 Exam Batch has been cleared for SAG. It is causing lot of heart burning. So we would request that two year guideline should be followed by suitably enhancing the allocation of general posts to cadres lagging behind.
CRB mentioned that in all services it is 1984 batch except IRTS and IRAS, where it is 1985 batch. In case of IRAS, it is 1985 batch without any officer being in the general post, whereas in Traffic services, officers will be in general post. So, by and large parity is being maintained. However, the disparity will be monitored more closely.
The matter was discussed at length and all the Board Members expressed their views/opinions in the matter. CRB at last assured that all efforts would be made to ensure that inter-cadre disparity is minimized.
Item No.3 : Amendment to RPF Rules.
The Federation raised the issue that RPF cadre should be fully integrated in the Railways at par with other Gr. ?A? services. RPF was created initially because the philosophy at that time was totally different. Earlier the law & order situation was excellent. So, RPF was not required in dealing any law & order issue. Today the Law & order position has deteriorated. Everyday there is Rail Roko, Dharna etc. DRMs and GMs need full assistance to run the Railways and they cannot function unless they get assistance from their own internal force. RPF role in the present day juncture has entirely changed because we hardly get any assistance from State Government Police.
Board (MS) stated that this issue has been deliberated. There were two Committees appointed one was to suggest amendment to RPF Rules. Another Committee was appointed after the Vadodara incident. I have asked DG/RPF to integrate both the these reports because the last report is talking about the integration. The previous report was not talking about it because this was not the terms of reference there. Now once this is integrated, efforts will be made to amend the RPF Rules. The later report which was earlier not signed by the third Member has now been signed. This issue will be resolved shortly.
Secretary General, FROA requested that the integration of RPF may be done within a fixed time frame.
Member Staff assured that it would be expedited.
Item No. 4: Policy for allotment of suitable Railway accommodation for compassionate appointees.
AM(Staff) advised that the request from the Federation side is that the compassionate appointees should be given permission to continue in those types of accommodation in which the particular employee had started his career. That should be the minimum level if demise takes place.
AM(staff) further mentioned that after the death of the employee the present Rule permit the family to remain in the house in which he was living for 2 years. That provides enough stability. We have to follow up this matter with the Ministry of Urban Development. If we adopt all these things, it is going to have repercussion on the non-gazetted side also.
Secretary General/FROA said that when a group A officer dies, it is a great loss for the family. In State services, the widow of an IAS officer is given Group ?B? appointment or a Petrol Pump/gas agency etc. in a number of cases. It is our moral duty for our unfortunate colleagues, who have left us in between to ensure that we do not enhance the trauma to the unfortunate families by changing their social environment. So minimum type ?IV accommodation should be permitted to the compassionate appointee in case of the death of a Group ?A? officer.
Member (Traffic) and FC said that there should be all-out effort to give Group B Service to the wife of the deceased. If she is Graduate, we should try to fix up in Group B if not graduate then highest scale in Group ?C?. MT also quoted some cases, where it was done in Eastern and South Eastern Railways. He mentioned that the demand of the federation is genuine and reasonable and the case should be quickly put up to the Board for taking the decision.
CRB said that we have discussed at length and Board Members have listened to the views of the Federation. The issue will be discussed in the Board meeting .
Item No. 5: Travel by Ist AC of Rajdhani Express:
All the officers who are allowed to travel by 1st AC should be allowed to travel by 1st AC when they are on leave/Privilege pass by paying 1/3rd of the difference. At present GM/AGMs are eligible. This facility has been extended upto HAG in February-2004. Member (Staff) said that it is to be done gradually. MT said that this proposal has got financial implication and that is why it was not allowed earlier. For SAG, let it be studied further because the number is very high.
Item No. 6: Mobile phones to all Officers and Senior Supervisors.
The Federation raised the issue that different systems are being followed in different Railways/Units. Disparity in the Zonal Railways should be made uniform. All officers and supervisors must get mobile phones. The Federation was apprised that the above issue is under active consideration of the Board.
Item No. 7 : Non-availability of ORH at Delhi.
The Federation was informed that some new constructions are in progress. The Federation pointed out that in Delhi area, there are only 116 officers rest houses available for 16 Railways and 5 Units. Every Railway and Unit gets 4 rooms. One is reserved for the General Manager. What the Officers get is hardly 2-3. People coming from Other Railway request for ORH and we cannot provide them the Room.
Member (Engg.) said that serious distortions are there. Even if more Zones have been created, the number of officers has not increased. The problem which was there even three years ago is still there. This is for your information also that 65 to 68 % houses in Delhi are being retained by such officers who have either gone on deputation, new Zones & central deputation etc. Therefore, the officers coming on posting to Delhi occupy Rest Houses. Therefore, availability of Rest Houses for genuine persons coming on duty in Delhi is very few. There is no reason why ORH should be in a bad shape. As GM/NR, he had tried to see as to why rest house cannot be maintained to a particular standard. Those people who have taken interest, have been able to improve. Outsourcing can help. We have not been able to outsource Rail Niwas whereas Yamuna Rest House has been outsourced and is much better. Railway Board can do pretty less to improve the condition of the Rest Houses. It is the General Managers and the DRM etc. to see that its condition is improved. Money is not the constraint.
The first thing is that we build mixture of transit houses as well as well rest houses. Under the Corporate Welfare Plan itself the proposal can be moved and we can give you some Rest Houses.
The CRB mentioned that Northern Railway will be asked to take up this work and to let each Railway contribute in their own rooms and the work be done.
Secretary General, FROA said that where the officer should go if he is not provided accommodation in officers rest house. He may be permitted to go to Rail Yatri Nivas/ retiring room on payment and take re-imbursement. Some solution has to be found. Board (FC) mentioned that it would be looked into with an open mind.
Item No. 8: Incentive in lieu of Bonus:
Secretary General, FROA requested that something must be announced.
CRB advised the Federation that their suggestions for lap-top, mobile phone, internet connection/ broad band connectivity are the areas in which we are already working on.You will get instructions soon. Secretary General, FROA thanked for the same.
Item No. 9: New Zones- Increase in the lease amount.
Secretary General thanked the Board for doing the needful.
Mr. Deepak Nath from ECR raised the issue that the construction of Railway accommodation is lagging behind in ECR.
Member (Engg.) informed that the detailed estimate has been approved and sanctioned. CRB stressed that Officers Association should also generate internal pressure on the GMs for expeditious construction of accommodation in the new Zones.
Item No. 10: Rebate of 2.5% in the interest rate of HBA:
The Federation raised the issue that in case of officers getting HBA for IRWO flats, IRWO does not give the original possession letter required for mortgaging the flat. In the absence of mortgage deed of the flats, they are not given the rebate in the interest of HBA. An officer should not be penalized for buying an IRWO house.
This will be carried forward in the next meeting.
Item No. 11: Corporate Welfare Plan:
AM (Staff) advised that the demand is that the Corporate Welfare Plan should include Railway Officers Services Institute, up gradation of Railway colony, etc.
CRB said that immediate thrust is needed at New Zones and Divisions because they have no structure. The officers? institutes, staff institutes, community halls have to come up in the new establishment first, followed by improvement in the existing ones on the old Zones.
Member (Engg.) said upgradation of the colonies is already in the Corporate Welfare Plan .We have asked all the Railways to work out their Plans. I would request that on your own Railway, you should take up this matter. We will provide them money.
Board (FC) said that the proposal to develop RSOI (Railway Service officers institute) on the lines of DSOI will be looked into with an open mind..
Item No. 12: Up-gradation of medical facilities :
CRB has already mentioned earlier in this regard amply. Federation requested that powers for Lab investigation from outside, superspeciality treatment from renowned hospitals etc. may be delegated to CMS and DRMs, the 75 KM restriction should be removed. The Federation was advised that delegation of more power to medical officers is under active consideration..
Item No. 13 : Independent transport facility.
The Federation requested that vehicle for SAG officers are given in a pool of 2-3 officers. They further said that in study of a Railway, it is found that for 1 Km we were spending over almost Rs.129/- from purchasing of vehicle, maintenance and payment to the staff and driver also. It requires immediate solution. The vehicles are not available particularly in the evening and morning.
CRB mentioned that he has asked IRCTC to draw out a business Plan. It is an organization which should take care of tourist Traffic as well as transport requirement of the Railways. This is being successfully done on the German Railways. We are working on the plan. We will discuss it further.
Item No. 14: Clerical assistance to the Medical Officers:
Federation was advised that one letter has been issued recently for one post. The General Managers are to take a view in this regard. Secretary General thanked the Board and other officers.
In the end, EDE(GC) thanked all the Board Members and other participants coming from the Railways for having taken part in the meeting which was held in a cordial atmosphere and a large number of issues were discussed and resolved.
*****
No. 2006 ? FROA ? Mobile June 16, 2006
The President/General Secretary
All Federating Units of FROA
Sub: 1. Provision of Mobile Phones to officers and supervisors.
2. Permission to retain Railway accommodation at the previous place of posting
in favour of officers posted to New Zones/Divisions.
Ref: Agenda items of FROA discussed in the formal meeting with Railway Board held on
5.4.2006.
As you are aware that the issue of provision of mobile phone to all officers & Supervisors taken up by FROA in the formal meeting held with Railway Board had been agreed to. You will be glad to know thatthe notification has been issued vide Board?s letter No.2004/Tele/TN/3 dated 7.6.06. A copy of this letter is enclosed herewith.
2. Also, the issue regarding extension of permission to retain Railway accommodation at the previous place of posting in favour of Officers posted to New Zones/Divisions beyond 31.3.2006 taken up during the above meeting has been agreed to. The retention permission has been extended upto 31.3.2007 vide Board?s letter No.EG)2003 QR 1-6 dated 12.6.2006 (Copy enclosed).
Please circulate these letters on your system. FROA Governing Council is confident that with your active cooperation and support, a number of other issues concerning the welfare and effectiveness of Group?A? officers shall be taken to their logical end.
With Regards
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
Encl: As above
RBE No.75/2006
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)
No.E(G)2003 QR 1-6 New Delhi Dated 12.06.2006
The General Managers
All Indian Railways and
Production Units (Others as per standard list)
Sub: Retention of Railway accommodation at the Previous place of posting in favour
of Officers/staff posted to new zones.
Permission to retain Railway accommodation at the previous place of posting in favour of Railway Officers/Staff posted to New Zones/Divisions was extended till 31.3.2006 in terms of Railway Board?s letter of even number dated 24.03.2005.
On representation from New Zones about acute shortage of accommodation and the need for extension of the period of retention, the matter has been reviewed by Railway Board. In exercise of the powers vested in Board as per Railway Board?s letter No.EG)99 QR1-16 dated 16/3/2004, the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) have decided to relax the rules/instructions and extend the permission for retention of railway accommodation at the previous place of posting in favour of Railway Officers/Staff posted to New Zones/Divisions for a further period of one year from 1.4.2006 to 31.3.2007.
The New Zones/Divisions should make all possible efforts to complete construction of railway accommodation for their officers and staff by 31.3.2007. E.C.Railway and N.W.Railway, who have not made adequate progress in this direction, are directed to make special efforts for completing the construction of Railway accommodation by the above period.
This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.
Please acknowledge receipt.
Sd/-
(M.D.PILLAI)
JOINT DIRECTOR ESTT. (GENL.)
No. 2006 ? FROA ? Apptt. April 20, 2006
Shri Lalu Prasad,
Hon?ble Minister for Railways,
Government of India,
New Delhi.
Sir,
FROA Governing Council wishes to seek an urgent appointment with Hon?ble Minister for Railways regarding the recent disturbing incident at Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala.
With Kind regards,
(Ragini Yechury)
President
No. 2006 ? FROA ? Mtg. April 12, 2006
The President/General Secretary,
All Federating Units of FROA
Sub: Outcome of the formal meeting of the Federation With Railway Board.
You will be glad to know that formal meeting of the Federation with Railway Board was held on April 5, 2006 in a very cordial manner and the deliberations were positive & encouraging. All agenda items were discussed in detail. Board gave a patient hearing and promised to consider most of the items favourably with an open mind. During the course of discussion Federation categorically impressed upon the long outstanding issue of ?incentive in lieu of bonus? to Group ?A? officers. Board (CRB) indicated that the following facilities in lieu are under active consideration:
1. Providing Laptops to officers upto JAG level,
2. Facility of Broadband with Internet for officers upto JAG level.
3. More liberal provision of Mobile phones to officers and Supervisors.
Notifications conveying sanction of above facilities are expected in near future. FROA Governing Council is confident that these facilities would enhance the effectiveness of officers in general.
A copy of the official minutes reflecting the deliberations in the above meeting, as and when issued by Board, will be sent to all the Federating Units and will also be put up on FROA website.
The above may please be brought to the notice of all members of your Federating units
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
No. 2006 ? FROA ? GC Mtg. March 20, 2006
The President/General Secretary,
All Federating Units of FROA
Sub: Re-scheduling of formal meeting of the Federation with
Railway Board and extended Governing Council meeting.
Ref: 1. FROA?s letters dated 22.3.2006 and 8.3.2006
2. Board?s letter No.2005/E(GR)II/11/1 dt. 3.3.2006.
Please refer to Federation?s letters on the subject. Railway Board have intimated that the formal meeting with the federation has been re-scheduled, and will now be held on 5th April, 2006 instead of 28th March, 2006 in the Conference Hall Rail Bhavan, New Delhi.. Accordingly, it has been decided to postpone the extended Governing Council meeting of the Federation, which will now be held on 4th April, 2006 instead of 27th March, 2006 in the Committee Room, Rail Bhavan, New Delhi from 10.30 hrs. onwards
Amendment to Board?s letter dated 3.3.2006, according sanction for special casual leave and passes for the participants to attend the above meetings, for the revised dates is being issued shortly and a copy of the same will be faxed/sent to all the Federating Units.
All Federating Units are, therefore, requested to please note the above changes and advice their nominated representative attending the above meetings to revise the travel plans accordingly.
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
No. 2006 ?FROA ? Retention February 23, 2006
The Chairman,
Railway Board,
New Delhi.
Sub: Permission for retention of Railway accommodation at previous
place on posting to new zones.
Ref: Board?s letter No.E(G)/2003QR1-6 dated 24.3.2005
In terms of Board?s letter ibid, the permission to retain Railway accommodation at previous place on posting to new zones is only up to 31st March, 2006. However, the present position regarding construction and availability of Railway houses in the new zones is far from satisfactory. So far, only 10-15% officers have been provided with residential accommodation in most of the new zones. Thus, officers are compelled to keep their families at the previous place of posting. It is requested that permission to retain Railway houses at the previous place of their posting should be extended for another two years till the Zonal Railway is able to allot them proper accommodation, whichever is earlier. This shall avoid issue of eviction notices from time to time due to delay in extending the permission on a year to year basis.
In the above back drop Federation requests that instructions for extending the retention provision for another 2 years should be issued well before 31st March, 2006.
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
No. 2006 ?FROA ? TKDK February 24, 2006
CIRCULAR
As you are aware that FROA had taken up the issue of provision of TADK to the Directors/Joint Directors posted in the Railway Board at par with the facilities being enjoyed up to ED level during formal meeting with the Board in October, 2003. Thereafter, the demand was followed up persistently through a number of letters as well as during informal meetings of Governing Council members with the Board (MS, FC & CRB) from time to time.
You will be glad to know that finally the demand for providing TADK to Directors posted in Railway Board has been accepted and a notification is under issue.
FROA Governing Council is confident that the provision of this facility shall facilitate the Directors to shoulder their official responsibilities more efficiently and effectively.
With best wishes.
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
To all Directors in Board?s office
No. 2006 ? FROA ? Misc February 7, 2006
The Chairman,
Railway Board,
New Delhi.
Sub: Security Department to be administered at par with other
Departments over zonal Railways.
Please refer to FROA?s letter dated 01.03.2005 on the above subject requesting security department to be administered at par with other functional departments in Division/Zones/Railway Board. It is understood that the Committee set up for recommending amendments to RPF rules submitted a joint report during the last week of December, 2005. It is therefore, requested that Committee?s recommendations may please be accepted and implemented expeditiously. This shall avoid dysfunctional conflict among RPF and other departments in the day to day functioning of the Railways. Needless to mention that it would also avoid recurrence of the recent unpleasant incident involving RPF and Commercial Department over BRC division of Western Railway.
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
Copy to: All Board Members for kind information.
No.2006 ? FROA ? Incentive February 7, 2006
The Financial Commissioner (Rlys.),
Railway Board,
Rail Bhavan,
New Delhi.
Sub: Internet connectivity through Broadband.
Ref: Telephonic discussion on 03.02.2006.
Sir,
The Federation is extremely grateful to you and Board for enhancing the ceiling limits for Internet through Broadband from Rs.1500/- to Rs.3000/- per annum per user, on IR. In this context, kindly refer to the discussion held in your chamber a few days back. It was unequivocally mentioned that this facility is being provided uniformly over IR i.e. the eligible user shall be able to avail the same at his residence for discharging his official duties efficiently after office hours as has been permitted already in Board?s office. However, the Federation is receiving a number of representations from zonal Railways in reference to the notification issued in this context. Since, the notification issued is silent whether the officer can avail this facility at his residence, associate Finance is not concurring the proposals moved. May I request you to kindly direct the Finance/C&IS Directorate to issue clarification that this facility can be availed at residence/office as per the choice of the user.
Further it may be mentioned that the ceiling limit for the similar facility for officers in Board?s office has been fixed at Rs.479/- per month or Rs.5748/- per annum ( a copy of circular attached). In this regard it is brought to your notice that no package for Internet through Broadband is available through any service provider within the ceiling limit of Rs.3000/- per annum. The actual minimum charges for the same at present are Rs.5748/- approx. (Rs.399/- p.m. + Rs.80/- as fixed charges p.m.)
In the above backdrop, Federation also requests that a uniform ceiling limit of Rs.5748/- for the above service may be made applicable over IR as sanctioned for the Board?s office.
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
No. 2006 ? FROA ? News. February 2, 2006
The President/General Secretary,
All Affiliated Units of FROA
Sub: Important Issues/News .
The following issues are brought to the notice of all affiliated units of FROA for disseminating the same among their members:
1. The formal meeting of FROA with Railway Board is likely to be held during the last week of February. This time also, one representative each from some of the Federating units, who had not represented in the last meeting, are being included in the list of participants.
2. FROA had been constantly pursuing the issue regarding enhancement of ceiling limit of Rs.1500/- per annum for Internet through Broadband. You will be glad to know that Board have since enhanced the ceiling limit of Rs.1500/- to Rs. 3000/- per annum vide letter No.2000/Tele/TW/1/Railnet Works dated 24.01.2006 (copy enclosed).
3. The issue regarding purchase of books (book allowance)/incentive for officers who are not getting bonus is being chased and pursued vigorously at higher levels. A recent meeting was held with FC in this regard. You will be glad to know that a proposal to grant suitable award for excellent performance of IR to all officers is under active consideration of the Board.
4. It is informed that that FROA?s website is being updated regularly. It is requested that all officers in the Hd. Qrs. and Divisions may be apprised of the same so that they are able to know about the latest vacancy circulars/posting & transfer orders/other important circulars. The Website address is
(i) On the Railnet ? http://rbspps/FROA or http://10.1.2.21/FROA
(ii) On the Internet- http://www.indianrailways.gov.in. On the index select IR Personnel and click FROA
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
No.2006 ? FROA ? Incentive January 20, 2006
The Member Staff,
Railway Board,
New Delhi.
Sir,
You are well aware that all Railway officers are eagerly looking forward for grant of re-imbursement for book purchase since last six months. In this context, Federation requests that the same may kindly be approved as a New Year gift to all officers for the excellent performance that IR has registered for the year 2004-05 when it crossed the barrier of 600 MT for the first time since its inception. This shall motivate all Railway officers spread over the length & breadth of the country to sustain their tireless efforts in scaling newer heights in the years to come. Further it will be a strategic HR initiative, which shall assist in upgrading the knowledge of IR managers and thus would improve their effectiveness.
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
No.2006 ? FROA ? Incentive January 20, 2006
The Financial Commissioner (Rlys.),
Railway Board,
New Delhi.
Sir,
You are well aware that all Railway officers are eagerly looking forward for grant of re-imbursement for book purchase since last six months. In this context, you may kindly recall the discussions held in your chamber when AM(Budget) also happened to be present. It was discussed and felt that the issue could be resolved as an incentive for superlative performance on year to year basis. Federation requests that the same may kindly be approved as a New Year gift to all officers for the excellent performance that IR has registered for the year 2004-05 when it crossed the barrier of 600 MT for the first time since its inception. This shall motivate all Railway officers spread over length & breadth of the country to sustain their tireless efforts in scaling newer heights in the years to come. Further it will be a strategic HR initiative, which shall assist in upgrading the knowledge of IR managers and thus would improve their effectiveness.
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
No.2006 ? FROA ? Incentive January 5, 2006
The Addl. Member (Budget),
Railway Board,
New Delhi.
Sir,
Kindly recall the discussion regarding grant of book allowance to Railway officers ( as an incentive for superlative performance). All officers are eagerly looking forward for grant of the same since last six months. In this context, you may kindly refer to the discussion held in FC?s chamber also. Federation requests that grant of book allowance may kindly be approved as a New Year gift to all officers for the excellent performance that IR has registered for the year 2004-05 when it crossed the barrier of 600 MT for the first time since its inception. This shall motivate the officers to sustain their tireless efforts in scaling newer heights in the years to come. Further it will be a strategic HR initiative, which shall assist in upgrading the knowledge of IR managers and thus would improve their effectiveness.
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
No.2005 ? FROA ? Misc. October 7, 2005
Hon?ble Minister for Railways,
Government of India,
Rail Bhavan
New Delhi.
Sub: Revised Policy for retention/allotment of railway
Accommodation for compassionate appointees.
Sir,
Kindly refer to our letter on subject dated July 20, 2005. We understand that the proposal for revising the policy of house allotment to compassionate appointees has been marked for discussion in the Board meeting in terms of your directions. Federation is extremely grateful for your sympathetic consideration in this context. The Federation requests that allotment of minimum Type-IV house for spouses of deceased Group?A? & ?B? officers, and minimum Type-II house for spouses of deceased Group?C? officials, who get appointment on compassionate grounds, shall be appropriate and rational. However, the existing policy is yet to be revised.
At present the following four cases are awaiting alternative allotment. However, since the policy decision is yet to be effected, some the families have been served with eviction notices, which is causing a serious trauma for the already aggrieved families :
1. Smt. Meera Singh, appointed on Eastern Railway.
2. Smt. Bhawna Pandey, appointed on Northern Railway.
3. Smt. Seth, appointed on Northern Railway.
4. Smt. Pankaj Gupta appointed on Northern Railway
In view of above, Federation requests your kind intervention so that the above issue gets discussed in a Board meeting on priority as revision of existing policy is essential to enable allotment of Type-IV houses to the spouses of deceased Group ?A? and ?B? officers and Type-II to the spouses of deceased Group ?C? officials who get appointed on IR on compassionate grounds . Further we request that eviction notices already served to compassionate appointees may be withdrawn/ kept in abeyance till the policy gets revised.
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
No.2005/FROA/incentive August 12, 2005
The President/General Secretary,
All Federating Units.
Sub: Incentive in lieu of bonus to officers.
As you are aware, FROA Governing Council had taken up the issue of grant of incentive in lieu of bonus to officers and had suggested grant of book allowance. The above proposal was being followed up closely and a number of meetings as various levels including MS, FC and CRB have finally yielded an encouraging response. You will be glad to know that the proposal has since been approved by the Board and is now awaiting Hon?ble MR?s approval.
This is for information please.
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
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No.2005/FROA/Misc. May 27, 2005
The General Manager,
South Central Railway,
Secunderabad.
The General Manager
Integral Coach Factory,
Chennai.
Sub.: Zero tolerance for violence/indiscipline in office premises.
Ref.: ICF Railway Officers? Association resolution (copy enclosed).
Perhaps you are already aware of the unfortunate incident, which occurred on 23.5.05 at ICF. The FROA governing council expresses serious concern and condemn the gherao of CME, CWE, other officers and senior supervisors of Shell Division on 23.5.05 by an unruly mob instigated by Shri G. Sridhar staff council member of ICF. The FROA governing council demands an exemplary D&AR action against Shri G. Sridhar and for initiating suitable criminal proceedings against the outsiders who indulged in this condemnable uncalled for act. This shall convey in unequivocal terms that railway administration has zero tolerance for any violence/indiscipline in office premises. Further, suitable administrative mechanism should be put in place specifying the security drill to be followed by RPF in coordination with State police in such cases where unruly mob led by deviant employees/outsiders enter the railway premises and disrupt the administrative functioning.
Any delay in initiating exemplary D&AR action in response to this incident shall have serious consequences in terms of affecting the morale of not only the ICF officers but IR officers? community as a whole. The governing council expects an immediate feedback from your end regarding the action taken as well as the steps being taken to avoid such an incident in future.
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
Copy to : 1) CRB & all Board Members ? for information please.
2) All federating units of FROA.
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No.2005/FROA/Misc. May 27, 2005
The General Manager
South Central Railway,
Secunderabad.
The General Manager
Integral Coach Factory,
Chennai.
Sub.: Zero tolerance for violence/indiscipline in office premises.
Ref.: ICF Railway Officers? Association resolution (copy enclosed).
Perhaps you are already aware of the unfortunate incident, which occurred on 23.5.05 at ICF. The FROA governing council expresses serious concern and condemn the gherao of CME, CWE, other officers and senior supervisors of Shell Division on 23.5.05 by an unruly mob instigated by Shri G. Sridhar staff council member of ICF. The FROA governing council demands an exemplary D&AR action against Shri G. Sridhar and for initiating suitable criminal proceedings against the outsiders who indulged in this condemnable uncalled for act. This shall convey in unequivocal terms that railway administration has zero tolerance for any violence/indiscipline in office premises. Further, suitable administrative mechanism should be put in place specifying the security drill to be followed by RPF in coordination with State police in such cases where unruly mob led by deviant employees/outsiders enter the railway premises and disrupt the administrative functioning.
Any delay in initiating exemplary D&AR action in response to this incident shall have serious consequences in terms of affecting the morale of not only the ICF officers but IR officers? community as a whole. The governing council expects an immediate feedback from your end regarding the action taken as well as the steps being taken to avoid such an incident in future.
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
Copy to : 1) CRB & all Board Members ? for information please.
2) All federating units of FROA.
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No.2005 ? FROA ?Misc March 3, 2005
The President/General Secretary,
All Affiliated Units of FROA
Sub: Administrative directions issued by DG/RPF.
Ref: Unjust and Unfortunate arrest of Sr.DCM/BRC by RPF.
Please refer to FROA?s letter No.2205-FROA-Misc. dated 1.3.2005 addressed to CRB with a copy to all Board Members, DG/RPF, Secretary/RB, OSD/MR, MSR(V) & MSR(N) regarding unjust arrest of a senior Railway officer by RPF without seeking prior sanction of DRM/GM and also without obtaining arrest warrant from the court. It is brought to your notice that Federation followed up the demands made in the above letter with Hon?ble MSR(N), MR, CRB and DG/RPF again on 2.3.2005.
You will be glad to know that as a first step towards administrative reforms to avoid such unwarranted incidents in future, DG/RPF has issued unequivocal directions to all CSC?s vide Message No.2005/Sec.(Crime)/45/10 dated 2.3.2005 stating:
?that cases where involvement of officers of the IR transpires or is suspected the officer may not be called to RPF post but rather the IO may visit the officer after prior intimation for interrogation and CSC?s should be apprised of the minute to minute developments. Further, before taking any precipitate action such as taking an officer into custody, prior sanction of the controlling officer and/or DRM/GM should be obtained and as far as possible prescribed judicial procedure may be followed before effecting the arrest of such senior officers?.
It is pertinent to mention that other necessary actions as demanded have also been initiated to send the right signal down the line. The above has been possible due to your unstinted support and Federation?s reasonable & just stand.
A copy of the above message/direction is enclosed herewith, which may be circulated among all officers for future reference.
(Arun Arora)
Secretary General
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No.2005/FROA/Misc. March 23, 2005
The Chairman Railway Board,
Ministry of Railways,
(Railway Board)
New Delhi
Sir,
Please refer to Item No.5- ?compassionate appointments? of the agenda of the meeting of FROA with the Railway Board held on 22.10.03. The federation had demanded that the policy should be framed for continuation in the same category of accommodation/minimum type IV house in case of appointment of the spouse of the deceased Group ?A? railway officer. It was informed during the meeting that the matter will be looked into.
2. Consequently, during the next meeting of FROA with Railway Board on 24.9.04 the above issue was again discussed in detail. It was also pointed out during the meeting that FROA?s demand is not for a particular individual but it seeks policy directives for treating the spouses of all deceased Group ?A? railway officers appointed on compassionate ground as a class and be permitted to either continue in the same accommodation/minimum type IV accommodation. This is very much required so that the trauma of shifting in a different type of social environment is not faced by the families of the deceased Group ?A? railway officer.
3. In this context, a resolution passed by the Northern Railway Officers? Association is also enclosed herewith, which demands that all compassionate appointees may be treated as a class and thus be entitled to allotment of a house of minimum type, which the deceased employee would have been eligible depending upon whether he was in Group ?A?, ?B?, ?C? & ?D? category at the time of his demise. For example, in case of Group ?A? & ?B? railway officers, the compassionate ground appointee would be eligible for not below type IV accommodation and for Group ?C? employees not below type II accommodation.
4. It is requested that necessary action may please be taken expeditiously to address this long pending demand of FROA.
(Arun Arora)
Secretary General
Copy to : Member Staff ? for information please.
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No.2005/FROA/Misc. March 1, 2005
The Chairman Railway Board,
Ministry of Railways,
(Railway Board)
New Delhi.
Sub.: Unjust and Unfortunate arrest of Shri R.D. Meena, Sr. DCM/Baroda by RP
Please refer to our discussion on subject yesterday. It is brought on record that misuse of powers granted to RPF under RP(UP) Act and RPF Act has led to such an unfortunate, arbitrary, unjust and high handed action on part of certain RPF officials. The arrest of Shri R.D. Meena, Sr. DCM/Baroda has caused extreme anguish and resentment among the railway officers fraternity spread over IR. In this context, the resolution passed by WROA is pertinent, which highlights the seriousness of the situation. Therefore, any delay in initiating the corrective measures to avoid such instances in future may result in adversely affecting the operational efficiency of IR. The Federation has started receiving a number of telephonic representations and resolutions are now being passed by various federating units over IR condemning the high handed and unjust act of the concerned RPF officials. In view of the serious situation prevailing in the field, Federation demands the following immediate administrative actions:
Immediate release of Shri R.D. Meena, Sr. DCM/Baroda from RPF custody.
Serious administrative action against the concerned RPF officials, who have displayed extremely biased, unjust and high handed attitude leading to arrest of Shri R.D. Meena without even informally consulting DRM/Baroda OR GM/WR (leave aside seeking their approval). To fix the responsibility for the misuse of the powers by certain RPF officials posing a serious risk to the disruption of railway services, a high level Committee should be constituted. In any case, Shri Atar Singh, IPF may be placed under suspension and an exemplary disciplinary action should be initiated based on the enquiry report.
Establishing the chain of command and control of RPF organisation in line with the existing system for rest of the departments i.e. ensuring complete administrative control including posting and transfer of all RPF officials within the competence of the zonal railways and divisional headquarters as is existing in case of other departments. In case, there is a need to amend RPF Act, the same should be amended.
The amendment brought in the RPF Act about 6-7 years back granting powers to arrest a railway employee without the administrative approval of the controlling officer is a draconian rule, which needs to be withdrawn/scrapped immediately. As far as any railway servant is concerned, RPF shall not be empowered to arrest him/her without seeking prior written approval of the controlling officer OR without getting the arrest warrant issued from the competent judicial authority.
Any inordinate delay in initiating the above mentioned measures may lead to further resentment/agitation by one and all, which may affect the train running over Indian Railways leading to public/customer inconvenience.
(Arun Arora)
Secretary General
Copy to : All Board Members & DG/RPF
Secretary/Railway Board,
OSD/MR,
PS/MSR(V) & PS/MSR(N)?for kind information of Hon?ble MR, MSR(V) & MSR(N)
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FROA ? 2005 ? Misc. February 2, 2005
The President/General Secretary,
All Federating Units.
Sub: 1. Minutes of the formal meeting of FROA with Railway Board held on 24.9.2004.
2. Service record of Group?A? officers.
The minutes of the formal meeting of FROA with Railway Board held on 24.9.2004 have since been issued. A copy of the same is enclosed herewith for information of all officers.
2. As you are aware, recently FROA had taken up the issue of periodic reconcilliation of the service record and issue of copy to all officers for their personal record vide our letter dated 28.12.2004. A copy of the reply received from Railway Board alongwith instructions issued to FA&CAO?s of all zonal Railways, Production Units etc. is enclosed for perusal. The federating units are requested to take up this issue with their FA&CAO?s for compliance of these instructions
(Arun Arora)
Secretary General
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The Financial Commissioner (Rlys.),
Railway Board,
New Delhi.
Madam,
Sub: Service Record of Gazetted Officers.
This is to draw your kind attention to Para: 1318 of IRAC Part-I and Para 1204 (Chapter-XII) of IRAF, which stipulates that copy of the service record of officers should be given to them for verification and acceptance obtained once every 5 years with a copy to be retained by the officers . This, however, is not being followed uniformly on IR.
The above procedure is laid down to avoid missing entries, if any, in the service cards of officers who undergo a number of cross country transfers during their entire service spanning around 36-38 years. Thus, any missing entry creates last minute problem for the Accounts office at the time of superannuation. Photo-copies of the relevant portion of the code(s) are enclosed for perusal please.
The Federation requests that concrete steps be taken so that the above procedure gets implemented in terms of IRAC-Part-I Para No.1318 and IRAF Para No.1204 (Chapter-XII) on IR for the benefit of all officers as well as for streamlining the functioning of concerned branch of Accounts Department, which is the custodian of the service records of all gazetted officers.
Yours sincerely
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General.
Copy to : Member Staff, Railway Board for kind information.
Copy to All Federating units.
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No. 2004 ? FROA ? Agenda December 16, 2004
The Financial Commissioner (Railways),
Railway Board
Rail Bhavan,
New Delhi.
Madam,
Sub: Incentives in lieu of bonus to Gr.?A? Officers.
Ref : Formal meeting of the Federation with Board held on 24.9.2004.
Please refer to the discussion on the Agenda item No.8 ? Bonus to Gr.?A? officers during the above meeting, wherein Board (FC) had suggested that the Federation should come up with some other proposals for motivational incentive to the Group ?A? officers in lieu of bonus. In view of above, the issue has been discussed with all the federating units of FROA, who have sent a number of diverse suggestions. Many of these are reasonable. List of these suggestions is enclosed. These suggestions were deliberated at length by Governing Council. Based on the deliberations, the Governing Council have shortlisted the following proposals for Board?s consideration for grant of incentive to the Group ?A? officers who do not get bonus:
1. One air-journey for the family per annum by surrendering two IA privilege passes.
2. Once in a year, IA privilege pass holder to travel with family in IAC without paying 1/3rd difference subject to availability of berths.
3. Once in a year, inclusion of parents in IA privilege pass.
4. Grant of book allowance at the rate of Rs.3000/- per annum for professional growth.
5. Personal computer with internet connection at residence replaceable after every four years.
It is requested that Board may consider the above mentioned proposals and select any one of them. This would ensure officers who do not get Bonus may also get a commensurate reasonable incentive.
Yours sincerely,
(Arun Arora)
Secretary General
Copy to: Member Staff, Railway Board for kind information
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No. 2004 ? FROA ? Retention. December 9, 2004
The Member Staff,
Railway Board,
New Delhi.
Sir,
Sub: Retention of Railway accommodation at previous Place of posting.
Officers associations on the new zones have represented regarding the undue hardship being faced by the officers due to non availability of proper accommodation in the new zones. The main grievance is maintenance of two establishments, as the officers can not shift their families. Further, officers are also not in a position to go in for leased accommodation at many places as the lease charges are much higher than the permitted ceiling
The permission granted by the Board for retaining Railway accommodation at the previous place of posting has expired in September, 2004.
In view of above, FROA requests that the issue regarding provision of proper residential accommodation in the new zones should be given utmost priority. It is also requested to extend the validity of the permission by another 2 years.
Yours sincerely,
(Arun Arora)
Secretary General
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No.2004/FROA/Misc. November 30, 2004
The Member (Staff)
Ministry of Railways,
(Railway Board),
New Delhi.
Sir,
Please refer to Item No. 5 -?Compassionate appointments?-- of the agenda of the meeting of FROA with the Railway Board held on 22.10.03. As per this item, the Federation demanded that the policy should be framed for continuation in the same category of accommodation/higher type of accommodation (minimum Type IV) in cases of appointment of spouse of the deceased Group ?A? railway officer in Group ?C?. It was informed during the meeting that the matter will be looked into.
2. Consequently, during the meeting of FROA with Railway board held on 24.9.04, this issue was again discussed in detail. It was mentioned during the meeting that the based on the demand of FROA if the spouses of deceased Group ?A? railway officers are treated as a class they would be permitted to either continue in the same accommodation/higher accommodation (minimum Type IV) with prospective effect. In response, FROA demanded that at least this policy should be adopted (w.e.f. 24.9.04) so that the trauma of shifting into a different kind of social environment is not faced by the family of the deceased Group ?A? railway officers in future (in case the spouse takes up compassionate appointment.
3. In view of above it is requested that formal notification laying down this policy w.e.f. 24.9.04 may please be issued at the earliest.
4. In addition, it is also suggested that the present limit of permitting retention of the railway accommodation for a period of 2 years after the death of railway employee may please be enhanced to 4 years so that distressed family get adequate time to settle the children.
(Arun Arora)
Secretary General
Copy to : Secretary/Railway Board - for information and necessary action.
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No. 2004 ? FROA ? Units November 23, 2004
The President/General Secretary
All Affiliated Units of FROA
Sub: Incentive in lieu of bonus for Group ?A? officers .
Bonus for Group ?A? officers , a long standing demand of FROA, was included in the agenda of the last formal meeting of the Federation with Board held on 24.9.2004. The same was discussed at length but could not find favour. One of the prime reason being that railway officers are not isolated from other officers of Govt. of India. However, the Board was favourably inclined to examine any other form of incentive to railway officers in lieu of Bonus, and wanted FROA to give suggestions.
In the above backdrop, all the Federating Units are requested to discuss the matter amongst their members and send the proposals/suggestions at the earliest. This issue has been listed for discussion and finalisation during the next Governing Council meeting, tentatively scheduled to be held on 3.12.2004.
(Arun Arora)
Secretary General
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No.2004/FROA/Cab. October 27, 2004
The Cabinet Secretary
Cabinet Secretariat,
Rastrapati Bhavan,
New Delhi.
This is to bring into your kind notice that the cadre review of the various organised Group ?A? railway services was last carried out in mid 80s. In spite of the existing guidelines for conducting the cadre review after every 5 years, a combined proposal for 8 organised Group ?A? railway services was submitted to DoPT during August 2001 (after 15 years). However, in terms of their directions to submit separate proposal for each organised Group ?A? railway service, the same were submitted during 2001-02. It is a matter of serious concern that out of the 8 Group ?A? railway services, the cadre review proposals for only 2 of them have been approved by the Cabinet till date (even after a lapse of 3 years). The rest of the cadre review proposals for IRSSE, IRSS, IRAS, IRPS, IRSE, IRTS & IRMS are still under examination with DoPT. You may kindly appreciate that this issue of inordinate delay in processing all these proposals by the DoPT is agitating the minds of all Group ?A? railway officers and is, therefore, becoming a cause of frustration and demoralization. The Federation seeks your kind intervention for expediting the processing of the cadre review proposals pending with DoPT for the railway services indicated above. The Federation would also request you to kindly spare few minutes from your extremely busy schedule to hear the grievance of the railway officers regarding the inordinate delay in processing of the cadre review proposals in DoPT.
(Arun Arora)
Secretary General
Copy to : 1. Chairman, Railway Board - for kind information.
2. All Board Members - for kind information.
3. Secretary/Personnel - for kind information.
4. Principal Secretary to PM - for kind information.
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No.FROA-Misc September 28, 2004
Shri R.K.Singh,
Chairman,
Railway Board,
New Delhi
Sir,
Sub: Admissibility of HRA in new zones.
Kindly refer to the discussion on the above-mentioned agenda item during the formal meeting between the Railway Board and FROA on 24.9.04. It is brought to your notice that railway officers posted at the new zones have been permitted to retain the railway accommodation at the previous place of posting as well as are permitted to occupy ORH in the new zone. This facility has been granted as a special dispensation. However, railway officers occupying private accommodation at the previous place of posting are being denied HRA in the new zones. The Federation requests that the special dispensation should be uniformly granted to both the categories to remove the prevailing anamoly. Thus as a special dispensation, officers occupying private accommodation at the previous place of posting may be permitted to draw HRA if they opt for ORH in the new zones. This facility should be extended till the special dispensation for retaining the railway accommodation at the previous place of postng for officers posted to the new zones remains current.
(Arun Arora)
Secretary General
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No.2004-FROA-Civil Services Reforms May 6, 2004
The President/General Secretary,
Zonal Railway Officers? Association/
Production Unit Officers? Associatio
Sub.: Civil Services Reforms.
It is informed that Government of India has constituted a Committee to examine the whole gamut of Civil Services Reforms covering All India Services and the organised Group ?A? Services. Ministry of Railways have sought FROA?s suggestions in this regard for onward transmission to the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. A copy of the notification indicating the terms of reference of the Committee is enclosed herewith.
2. It may be noted that out of 11 members of the Committee, 7 of them are retired IAS officers. On the other hand, not even a single retired Board Member/CRB has been included in this Committee to represent the 9 organised Group ?A? railway services having more than 7,500 serving officers.
3. This issue has been taken up separately with the Cabinet Secretary, Minister for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension, Deputy Prime Minister and Prime Minister. However, the federating units of FROA are requested to mull over various terms of reference of this Committee and send their recommendations to the undersigned at the earliest. It is proposed to consolidate these recommendations/suggestions and thereafter send our final views to the Committee for favourable consideration
(Arun Arora)
Secretary General
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No.2004-FROA-Civil Services Reforms May 6, 2004
1. Hon?ble Prime Minister of India, 5. Secretary Personnel
2. Hon?ble Dy. Prime Minister of India 6. Addl. Secretary, D/O AR & PG
3. Hon?ble Minister for Personnel, PG & P, 7. Chairman, CSR Committee
4. Cabinet Secretary
Sub.: Inclusion of Chairman Railway Board / Board Member and one retired CRB/Board Member in the Committee for Civil Service Reforms.
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At the outset, our federation representing 9 organised Group ?A? railway
services having more than 7,500 serving members appreciates the decision of the Government of India to constitute a Committee to examine the whole gamut of Civil Services Reforms. At the same time it is embarrassing to point out the skewed composition of this Committee wherein out of 11 members 7 are retired IAS officers. On the other hand, we do not find even one serving/retired eminent railwayman (retired Board Member/serving Board Member/retired CRB/serving CRB) in this Committee. We presume that the Committee is expected to scan the internal and external professional environment of All India Services and other organised Group ?A? services and would make recommendations to make them more responsive, citizen friendly, transparent, accountable and ethical. Therefore, representation of most of the organised Group ?A? services (particularly Railways) is a must.
2. It is brought to your kind attention that Members of the 9 organised Group ?A? Railway services constitute the apex management of the Indian railways, which provide the principal, preferred and economic mode of bulk and mass transportation in our country. During the last 150 years, Indian Railways has proved that it is the lifeline of the nation and backbone of the Indian economy. Members of the organised Group ?A? railway services manage around 15 lakhs of railway employees, coordinate with Central/State Govt. authorities and interact with MLAs and MPs and thus face a number of challenges and field level adversities in accomplishing the daunting task of transporting more than 12 million passengers and 1.5 million tonnes of freight per day. Therefore, representation of minimum two eminent railwaymen (one retired Board member/CRB and serving CRB/Board Member) is a must on this Committee. The Federation of Railway officers Association is confident that necessary action shall be taken to amend composition of this Committee. This would ensure that the recommendations/suggestions made by the Committee would be rational/objective and would also address specific areas/problems associated with Group ?A? Railway Services.
(Arun Arora)
Secretary General
Copy for kind information to:
CRB, FC, ML, ME, MM, MS, MT & Secretary/Railway Board -
with a request that this issue must also be taken up officially by Ministry of Railways with Cabinet Secretariat & DOP&T.
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FROA ? 2004 ? RB April 16, 2004
The Member Staff,
Railway Board,
New Delhi.
Sir,
Sub: Complementary First Class Suburban Pass for retired Officers and their families in Mumbai area.
Railway officers while posted in Mumbai are allowed the use of their metal passes in suburban section, when not on duty also. The officers families are provided with Complimentary First Class Card Passes, which are valid on both Western and Central Railway Suburban sections. However, after retirement, this facility is not available, causing a lot of inconvenience and embarrassment to the officers and their families who settles down in Mumbai.
As a goodwill gesture FROA suggests that the above facility could be extended to the officers after retirement also, either on a complimentary basis or on payment of one time lump sum charge. The beneficieries on this account would be very limited as the number of officers settling down in Mumbai are very less and the travel would also be very limited in view of the extreme congestion in suburban trains.
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
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No.2003-FROA-Misc. February 12, 2004
Shri R.K. Singh
Chairman Railway Board
Ministry of Railways
NEW DELHI.
Sir,
Sub:- Superfluous information being furnished for Central Staffing Scheme.
I have been inundated with a number of representations against the Confidential Cell?s irrational practice of furnishing superfluous information regarding the applicants for Central Staffing Scheme. The information required by DoPT as per the prescribed performa (Column 7) seeks "whether any disciplinary proceedings were initiated against the officer any time during his career and if so, the details thereof". It is noticed that while forwarding the proforma, the information furnished by Vigilance Dte., which inter alia include the cases wherein the officers have been finally ?counselled? is also being reflected in this column. This is highly inappropriate as it diminishes the chances of the concerned officer for empanelment in the Central Staffing Scheme. Further, it demoralizes the officer who has committed a procedural lapse without any malafide intention. Needless to mention that each one of us can make a mistake while executing a project/handling the assigned workcharge and learn from it. The purpose of differentiating counseling from other minor and major penalties itself gets defeated, if one adopts the practice being followed by Confidential Cell. If we do not differentiate counselling from other penalties, then we are sending a wrong signal down the line that first ensure that you do not make a mistake ever, which is only possible if one avoids taking decisions/responsibility.
2. In this context, it may be noted that Column 7 specifically seeks information whether any disciplinary proceedings has been initiated against the officer any time in his career. The definition of the disciplinary proceedings is given in the D&A Rules 1969 (copy enclosed). As per para 8 (1) (b), the President or any other authority empowered by him, by general or special order, may direct a disciplinary authority to institute disciplinary proceedings against any Railway servant on whom that disciplinary authority is competent to impose, under these rules, any of the penalties specified in Rule 6. Rule 6 of D&AR specifies the penalties as minor penalty and major penalty imposed on Railway servants on Vigilance or non-Vigilance cases and the minimum penalty starts from censure. The counselling or warning are not considered as penalties under the definition and therefore do not fall within the ambit of disciplinary proceedings.
3. In addition, as per Office Order No.31 of 1999 (copy enclosed), the guidelines for information to be furnished in regard to officers applying for deputation are:
i) all current vigilance cases under investigation or in which disciplinary proceedings are pending.
ii) All substantiated vigilance case (s) finalized during the last 3 years.
iii) Information about any other Vigilance case, which resulted in a major penalty in the career of the officer where he was not exonerated.
iv) Cases where the officer is currently undergoing punishment.
While the vigilance clearance should initially be obtained at the stage of forwarding names for deputation, it should again be taken before issuing the release order if the intervening period is more than a week and for lesser period it may be got checked on telephone.
4. In view of above, it is requested that the Confidential Cell may please be directed OR ?counselled? to follow above mentioned rules and guidelines while furnishing the information in the proforma being forwarded to DOP&T for Central Staffing Scheme.
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
Copy to- MS, FC, MM, MT, ML & ME -for kind information please.
Secretary - for kind information & necessary action please.
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No.2003 ? FROA ? Bg.Mtg. November 6, 2003
Shri S.M.Singla,
Member Staff,
Railway Board,
New Delhi.
Sir, Sub: Travel by AC-I in Rajdhani Trains on Privilege Pass.
The proposal for extending the benefit of AC-I travel by Rajdhani Trains was discussed as item No.8 of the FROA meeting held with the Board on 22/10/2003. During the course of discussion Board (MS) had desired that FROA may give its proposal in the form of a separate letter which would be suitably considered. Accordingly the following is submitted for consideration by the Board
As per current rules, an Officer is entitled to get either 4 berths in AC-III or 2 berths in AC-II in Rajdhani trains on a I-A privilege pass. The contention of FROA is that this facility may be extended further to give one berth in AC-I also. The logic behind this request is that AC-II and AC-III in Rajdhani Trains are much higher in demand as compared to AC-I which remains unoccupied quite frequently. This would release the pressure on revenue generating AC-II and AC-III berths and would simultaneously increase occupancy of AC-I in Rajdhani Trains. Even in monitory terms it would be beneficial for the administration to consider this request favourably as can be seen from the following comparison
Fares for Rajdhani Trains from NDLS to BC
AC-I
AC-II
AC-III
Rs. 4135 x 1 berth
= Rs. 4135
Rs. 2210 x 2 berths
= 4420
Rs. 1485 x 4 berths
= 5940
As can be seen from the above, there would be a net saving of Rs. 1805 with reference to AC-III and Rs. 285 with reference to AC-II.
It is also worth mentioning that as per the entitlement of LTC, all government employees drawing more than Rs. 16,400 as basic pay are entitled to travel in AC-I in Rajdhani and Executive Class in Shatabdi Trains for the whole family (copy enclosed for ready reference). In fact employees drawing Rs. 18,400 and above can travel by Air (economy class) also. It looks ironical that Railway Officers are not entitled for AC-I travel despite being in the Railways whereas their counterparts in other Ministries are getting it
It is therefore, humbly requested that Board may consider allowing those officers who are entitled to AC-I on duty, the privilege of getting either one berth in AC-I or two berths in AC-II or 4 berths in AC-III in Rajdhani Trains on privilege pass. Similar provision may be made for Shatabdi and other than Rajdhani trains also.
Yours sincerely,
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General
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No.2003/GS(FROA)/Misc. July 25, 2003
The Member (Staff)
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)
Rail Bhavan,
New Delhi - 110 001.
Sir,
It is brought to your kind notice that at present IA privilege pass holders (drawing basic pay of Rs.14,300/- or above) are entitled for 4 berths in AC-3 tier and 2 berths in AC-II of Rajdhani Express. However, it is pointed out that both AC-II and AC-3 tier are revenue earning coaching stock as compared to AC-I where the occupancy is normally much lower. Therefore, it is suggested that if AC-I pass holder is entitled for having one berth in AC-I, there may be many officers who would like to consume 2 privilege passes for travelling in AC-I of Rajdhani Express with their spouse, which consequently, would ease the pressure on AC-II/AC-III tier accommodation. This would be in administrative interest and would also provide flexibility to IA pass holders. In view of above, the proposal may please be considered favourably.
(ARUN ARORA)
Secretary General |
