Departmental Council JCM Meeting 2020 January 16th
Departmental Council JCM meeting held at Rail Bhavan, New Delhi on 16th January, 2020
Hon’ble Railway Minister Shri Piyush Goyal was present Shri Guman Singh, President/NFIR
NFIR
National Federation of India Railwaymen
3, Chelmsford Road, New Delhi – 110 055
President, NFIR welcomed the Minister of Railways Shri Piyush Goyal, CRB Shri V.K. Yadav, MS, Shri Rajesh Tiwari, leader Staff Side of NC/JCM Dr. M. Raghavaiah, all Members of Departmental Council and Officers. He thanked the Minister of Railways and admired for showing sensitivity towards feelings of staff in regard to present actions of Railway Ministry for transformation of Indian Railways by calling this meeting.
We the Staff Side are the well wishers of Indian Railways and contributed to continue the process of its development. All the staff side Members who are sitting in this meeting have experience of Railway working of different field of activities for three decades to six decades. The conclusions of Parivartan Sangoshthi held on 7th & 8th December 2019 and 100 days action plan created resentment amongst the Railwaymen.
In fact, the transformation of Indian Railways had been a continuous process from the time of its inception. It can be confirmed by comparing the IR of 1947 with today’s IR which has totally been changed. The transformation from Steam to Diesel Locomotives, Meter Gauge to Broad Gauge, Diesel Loco Motive to Electric Loco Motive, major change in freight movement policy etc. could smoothly achieved by our cooperation. The staff side always supported the transformation of Indian Railways for good.
Today nobody is clear whether the Indian Railways is a service organization i.e. to serve the citizen of this country or commercial organization to work with motive of profit earning. However we the NFIR know that the Railways do not work on the basis of profit or loss but work as a service organization and measure performance by operating ratio.
As CRB apprised that the IR is passing through a very critical phase in regard to financial position, this position is a deliberate creation because there is no control on cost escalation of items which are purchased by Railways from market and rise in price index which enhanced the payment of dearness allowance to railway employees. These factors increase the ordinary working expenses of IR. On the other side the Railway Board is helpless in upward revision of ticket fare and freight tariff. No organization can stand financially viable unless the rate of product is revised to commensurate with the production cost. Therefore, IR can come out from this situation only if the tariff is revised from time to time to meet with the operational costs which unavoidably rise due to cost escalation.
The NFIR affiliates have conducted Rail Bachao Sangohsthies at Divisional, Workshops and Zonal levels wherein the participants opined that the decision of unification of cadre is wrong. The Indian Railways is a different organization because the character and nature of formation of plans and policies are different than any other organization. Therefore the Railway Board was constituted with the members who were not only simple member but also experts of various essential functions of Indian Railways so that the plans and policies can be formulated while taking care of all technicalities. Such contribution cannot be possible from personnel having no background of specialized working of Indian Railways.
Resentment is prevailing amongst the railway employees against the National Pension System (NPS). This issue was discussed by NFIR time and again in the past when the Railway Ministry agreed to the version of NFIR that the working of railway employees is akin to Army. Therefore they should also be kept away from NPS like Army. The then Minister of Railways Sh. Mallikarjun Kharge agreed to the views of NFIR and sent proposals to the Government, but due to change of Government, no action could be taken. However, NFIR again discussed this issue with the next Hon’ble Minister of Railways Sh. Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu who also sent a proposal on the same lines, but it has not fetched any result. We expect from the Hon’ble MR to use his good offices to achieve the result for keeping the railways employees away from NPS.
Opening address of Dr M. Raghavaiah, General Secretary/NFIR:
At the outset, NFIR General Secretary M Raghavaiah thanked the Hon’ble Railway Minister Shri Piyush Goyal and Chairman Railway Board for taking initiative to convene this special DC/JCM meeting to discuss the important issues concerning the Railways and Railway employees. While taking note of the agenda of the meeting “Suggestions for Transformation of Indian Railways” and “pending DC/JCM items”, GS/NFIR placed his suggestions and views as below for proper appreciation of Railway Minister and positive action for the overall good of Indian Railways and its 1.3 million workforce.
(1) Capital investment in Railways:
NFIR General Secretary expressed disappointment that decisions for capital investment, the advantages derived or going to be derived on such investments and whether such investments were warranted have neither been shared nor discussed with the Federations. In this context, General Secretary/NFIR invited the attention of Hon’ble MR to the decision taken by the Government of India and Ministry of Railways in the year 1995 to the effect that both the Federations would participate in Railways Management and play the role as co-partners of the Rail Industry. He however expressed his anguish against no prior consultation, non-sharing of information and no useful discussions on vital policy matters. Although the Federations have been working for the overall improvement of efficiency of Indian Railways, keeping Nation’s interest in mind, the Federations have been ignored and decisions taken arbitrarily, which situation has strained the industrial relations while discontentment has been growing among the Railway employees, which would force the Federation to agitate and resist such arbitrary decisions.
(2) Parivartan Sangoshthi:
NFIR General Secretary brought to the notice of the Hon’ble MR and CRB that Parivartan Sangoshthi was held on 7th & 8th December 2019 with the participation of only top Officers of I.R. without involving the Federations and employees. He said that field level employees and lower level Officers know much more about the systems working, deficiencies and this workforce can give valid inputs for toning up the efficiency levels of the IR. He expressed disappointment that without the participation of all stake holders, Parivartan Sangoshthi was held which was one-sided and biased. The Parivartan Sangoshthi did not throw light on realities in the field on the entire network. On the other hand, motivated and ill-conceived suggestions/ideas were projected which generated strong resentment among all sections of Railway employees. In this connection, Mr. Raghavaiah brought to Hon’ble MR’s notice that on 12lh & 13th July 2003, an all India Seminar was held at the instance of then Railway Minister and under his chairmanship, the leaders of Federations, selected employees of various categories besides full Board participated. After two days marathon deliberations, conclusions were arrived at, with active participation of NFIR, consequently Corporate Safety Plan and Corporate Welfare Plan was formulated and implemented satisfactorily. He requested the Hon’ble MR to have a glance at those proceedings. He further said that substantial results were achieved as a result of follow-up action on the conclusions of the seminar of the year 2003. General Secretary M. Raghavaiah further said that the so-called Parivartan Sangoshthi has not brought to light many important facts relating to Railways’ working and on the other hand negative suggestions were made which are far from reality. He urged upon the Hon’ble MR to kindly see that the suggestions emanated from Parivartan Sangoshthi are shelved and at the same time a purposeful Sangoshthi be organized with sole objective of improving efficiency levels of Indian Railways further. He took strong objection to certain Parivartan Sangoshthi suggestions, more particularly reduction of staff strength by 30%, while employees are already heavily overburdened. He said that Trade Union representative’s working and giving better output and strengthening systems, therefore the view came out in Parivartan Sangoshthi is not true.
NFIR General Secretary has brought to the notice of Hon’ble MR that NFIR Unions have conducted “Rail Bachao Sangoshthi” from 08th to 10th January, 2020 at Divisional, Workshops and Zonal levels with the participation of almost all sections of Railway employees. NFIR will be preparing a note on the suggestions emerged in the Sangoshthi, which will be given to Railway Ministry for consideration in order to improve Indian Railways performance and serve the customer more efficiently.
(3) Financial Health of Indian Railways:-
NFIR General Secretary while noting that operating ratio is alarming, special endeavor is needed for bringing down the expenditure and generating additional revenues for Indian Railways. He said that a glance at the new assets i.e. new lines etc., created would throw light that the rate of return in many cases is minus 15 to minus 20 or above. He expressed surprise as to why; the Government have spent money for building those assets. He also pointed out that certain lines were laid on public as well the demand of the State Governments. While Railways spent its own money and built assets, some state Governments have not paid the committed money to the Railways, consequently services on those lines have not been commissioned, resulting losses. Why at all Indian Railways spent money for building these assets when State Governments have not remitted the committed amount in advance? These aspects are required to be probed for preventing further loss to- the Indian Railways. He also mentioned that the percentage of occupation on certain trains seems to be below 25% of the capacity and while this is so, is it necessary to continue to run such trains? He requested Hon’ble MR and CRB to get these matters reviewed for saving the money which would ultimately result, earning the money for Railways. He also brought to the notice of Hon’ble MR that at one stage, Indian Railways had generated a surplus of about Rupees 20,000 crores, consequently all Group ‘C’ & ‘D’ Railway employees were paid cash award in appreciation of their role. It would therefore be necessary that all stake holders should work collectively with commitment to produce positive results.
Mr. Raghavaiah specifically brought to the notice of Hon’ble Railway Minister that millions of people are travelling by bus paying the charges demanded by bus operators (Road Transport Corporations, Private Bus Operators etc.). He said Indian Railways is collecting Ticket Fare at 40% of the Bus Charge, consequently the I.R. is foregoing nearly rupees thirty eight thousand crores per annum. He requested Railway Minister to see that appropriate strategies are evolved, thereby the public would come forward to pay Ticket Fare equivalent to Bus Fare and at the same time their comfort be taken care of by I.R. He felt that Railway Ministry should work with wisdom in order to attract more public i.e. ordinary citizens to prefer Rail journey by willingly paying the fare at par with Bus rates.
(4) Closure of Printing Presses, Workshops and other establishments:-
General Secretary, NFIR explained the role played by Railway Printing Presses and their necessity to continue in the interest of Railways. He said that when the Railway Ministry wanted to close down the Railway Printing Presses, discussions had taken place at highest level with the Federations, consequently it was agreed that eight (08) Railway Printing Presses will be continued while the remaining ones would be closed and accordingly these Printing Presses were modernized. He said that out of eight Printing Presses, three have been closed without even consultations with the Federation. He further said that as far as the remaining five Printing Presses are concerned, the Railway Ministry wanted to close down by 31 March, 2020 despite the fact that these Printing Presses are essentially required in Railways interest in order to prevent frauds, manipulations etc. He brought to the notice of Hon’ble MR that NFIR gave detailed note to the CRB, explaining the real need to continue five Printing Presses (example- Railway Printing Press Secunderabad). Even the General Manager, South Central Railway has sent full facts for continuation of Printing Press/ Secunderabad. But unfortunately no review has been done despite the fact that justification exists for continuance of this Printing Press and other four Printing Presses. He requested the Hon’ble MR to immediately intervene and see that Board’s decision is reviewed and five Printing Presses are continued. He also assured that Federation will work towards making these presses more efficient and to take up the load of outside organizations also if administration wishes.
With regard to performance of Workshops, Mr. Raghavaiah said that many Workshops are heavily understaffed, while targets are revised upwardly. In case of some Workshops, the RITES, an outside agency conducted study and gave its report with regard to manpower requirement, but unfortunately staff have not been provided as per study report. He requested the Hon’ble MR to visit Tirupati Carriage Repair Shop and see for himself, how the workers are working and giving targeted outturn, shouldering additional burden in the wake of heavy shortage of staff. He specially requested the Hon’ble MR that Railway Board should hold discussions with the Federations before taking view about the fate of Workshops etc., and in this context, he cited the example of Parel Workshop of Central Railway which has great potential. He emphasized that Parel Workshop needs to be continued.
Mr. Raghavaiah also brought to the notice of Hon’ble MR that the Railway Production Units have been doing exceedingly well and maintaining standards while at the same time cost- wise, the Rolling Stock produced by the Production Units are cheaper and qualitatively equal to the world standards. Therefore, the Government should not think of corporatizing the Production Units. General Secretary, NFIR at the same time said further strategies need to be worked out for exporting Locomotives, Coaches etc., to other countries for earning foreign exchange and towards this, NFIR will be willing to motivate all sections of employees for achieving better results. He cited the best performance of CLW also in this connection as example and said that the Railway Ministry should complement the Workers of the Production Unit and motivate for higher production.
(5) Trains to Private Operators:
General Secretary, NFIR said that Railwaymen are capable to run all types of services. He said that the decision for handing over of trains to private operators has given discouraging signal among rank & file of Railway employees. This has also resulted in strained industrial relations. He said that while private operators are allowed to collect charges from the travelling public, why not similar charges are not being levied by Indian Railways?
He suggested that there should be a separate meeting on these issues to enable the Federation to place its valid views for reaching consensus. He also pointed out that such arbitrary decisions would vitiate industrial peace and the Federations will be compelled to go to the streets against arbitrary actions. He specially requested Hon’ble MR to direct the Railway Board to send all proposals to the Federations for holding further discussions on these matters with an intention to resolve them in the overall interest of Nation and Railway employees. Mr. Raghavaiah also brought to the notice of Hon’ble MR, the discussions held in his chamber on 09th October, 2019 at 21:30 hrs. Wherein after discussions the Hon’ble MR said that proposals of Railway Ministry will be sent to the Federation and prior consultations will be held before taking decisions. He further said that although more than three months passed, neither proposal sent to the Federations nor formal meetings held till date. He specially urged the Hon’ble MR to take ‘necessary action for ensuring prior consultations on all vital matters for continuing healthy industrial atmosphere in the Railways. NFIR General Secretary also mentioned that Hon’ble MR advised Railway Board on 09/10/2019 to conduct Secret Ballot Elections, but however there has been no further progress.
(6) Outsourcing – Contractorization:
NFIR General Secretary brought to the notice of Hon’ble MR that outsourcing of activities which are directly connected with the train operations and safety would cause safety hazards in course of time; therefore, such adventurous actions are required to be stopped. He also mentioned that the quality of work done through outsourcing/contract was of sub-standard, while Railways resources are drained out. He said that he will collect more facts and place before the Hon’ble MR and Railway Board to impress that these actions are detrimental to the health of Railways and would contribute for continued financial losses, hi this context, NFIR General Secretary cited an example as below:-
- Every Division on Zonal Railway is divided into ADSTE sub-Divisions. (Say five such sub-Divisions on one Division). Contract awarded to carry out certain works relating to maintenance of signalling assets for a period of twelve months.
- Presently value of the contract of each ADSTE of sub-Division is Rs. 1, 3,46,553/- while most of these works i.e. 80% are being done by Departmental employees under pressure. While these works are done by Departmental employees, they can be rewarded adequately; thereby the 80% amount can be saved. At this rate if the expenditure incurred being calculated for the entire I.R., it would run into hundreds of crores.
He said that with prudent strategy, our administration can bring down these expenditures while motivating the staff with incentives. He also said that he will give separate paper with some more valid points for the purpose of improving efficiency and Railways revenues.
(7) Other important issues:-
NFIR General Secretary brought to the kind notice of Hon’ble MR that:-
(i) Agreements reached with the Federations on staff matters are yet to be implemented despite several years lapsed. Tins situation has been causing disappointment and resentment among Railway employees in general.
(ii) Railways being unique and role of Railway employees is complex and hazardous akin to the Defence Forces, two Cabinet Ministers have sent proposals to the Government to exempt Railways from NPS. Continuance of NPS in Railways is causing serious disappointment among the Railway employees. This issue needs to be dealt on priority.
(iii) 7th CPC issues up gradation of apex Group ‘C’ staff etc., are yet to be settled on account of unending correspondence between Railway Ministry and Ministry of Finance/ DoP&T. He said that Railway Board is aware of the position on each issue and requested for expeditious action for generating confidence among Railway employees.
(iv) Non-filling of vacancies in Safety and other than safety categories, causing additional burden on the staff.
Before concluding his address, NFIR General Secretary Mr. M. Raghavaiah thanked the Hon’ble MR for listening to him with patience. He also thanked the CRB for taking initiative for convening this meeting and reiterated his request to see that Railway Ministry ensures prior consultations, continuous dialogue on all matters including the issues pointed out in the DC/JCM meeting. He said that NFIR is keen to maintain healthy industrial relations and ensure peaceful working on Railways. He said that the Railway Ministry should reciprocate as the field situation is tense because of various decisions taken without consultations. He further said that in the 2nd session of the meeting, other important issues including the pending issues concerning staff will be highlighted when CRB will be present.
Hon’ble Railway Minister’s reply:
The Hon’ble Railway Minister thanked the Federations for highlighting various points. He has been categorical in making announcement that Indian Railways will not be privatized under any circumstances. He also clarified that the proposals of Niti Ayog are not the decisions and ultimately the Government will decide on such policy proposals. Commenting on the information printed in the news media, the Railway Minister said that Railwaymen need not get agitated on such news as the intention of the Government is to strengthen the Indian Railways, therefore no need for apprehension that Railways will be privatized.
On the issue of closure of Railway Printing Presses, he assured that the issue will be reviewed and further meetings will be held with the Federations before taking final decision. The Railway Minister also clarified that the points emerged in the Parivartan Sangoshthi were only suggestions, therefore, the employees need not have any confusion. He assured that on all matters, mutual consultations with the Federations will be held. While making further observations, the Railway Minister said that he is far junior to all the leaders who are participating in the discussions. He said that he is learning through interactions and discussions on Railways and further assured that without prior consultations on vital matters, no decision will be taken.
The Railway Minister also said that the Government intends to invest Rs. 50 lakh crore in the next 10-12 years period to make the Railways a vibrant transportation infrastructure of world standard for meeting the demands of common citizens. The Minister said that the Railways network has to improve substantially for meeting public demand as millions of public are not able to avail the Rail facility due to inadequacy of train operations. He also said that the working expenses are high and the pension bill is also very high.
On certain points raised by General Secretary/NFIR, the Railway Minister suggested to NFIR General Secretary to give a separate note to his office to enable him to take necessary action.
With regard to certain suggestions/views emanated in the Parivartan Sangoshthi on 07th /08th December, 2019, the Hon’ble Railway Minister said that the Federations and employees need not get agitated as they are “suggestions” and decisions on these matters are to be taken by the Railway Ministry with due consultations.
2nd session of DC/JCM meeting at 15/20 Hrs on 16/01/2020 – CRB was present.
General Secretary/NFIR has brought the following issues to the notice of CRB and requested to see that the Railway Board takes positive action soon:-
(i) Railway Printing Presses:
In the wake of Hon’ble MR’s assurance in the morning session of DC/JCM meeting to review Board’s decision for closure, CRB may kindly see that instructions are issued soon to keep in abeyance the earlier decision for closure of Railway Printing Presses.
(ii) LARSGESS – Appointment of wards of Safety Staff:
The General Secretary/NFIR brought to the notice of CRB that except three Zonal Railways, on remaining Zones there has been no progress for granting appointment to the wards found medically fit prior to 27/10/2017. He requested CRB to intervene.
(iii) Stepping up of pay of Chief Loco Inspectors appointed prior to 01/01/2006:
The GS/NFIR brought to the notice of CRB that in the DC/JCM meeting held on 26/12/2019, the Member Staff during his opening address stated that letter will be issued to the Zonal Railways by 31st December, 2019, but however the same has not been issued so far. GS/NFIR requested CRB to kindly see that letter is issued immediately.
(iv) Absorption of Quasi Administrative Units Staff:
GS/NFIR requested to take necessary action for communicating approval.
(v) Abolition of GP 1800/Level-l and its merger with GP 1900/Level-2:
The General Secretary explained the need for merger of GP 1800/Level-l with GP 1900/Level-2 in the wake of enhanced entry qualification and requested the CRB to expedite action.
(vi) Act Apprentices:
GS/NFIR requested the CRB to delegate powers to General Managers to fill 20% quota vacancies reserved for Act Apprentices on Railways in Level-1 duly delinking from RRCs.
(vii) Merger of GP 4600/Level-7 with GP 4800/Level-8:
Abnormal delay in implementing the decision has been causing disappointment among various categories of employees. General Secretary/NFIR requested the CRB that atleast 75% upgradation already agreed upon and proposal pending with Finance Ministry may be got cleared without further loss of time.
Shri R.P. Bhatnagar, Working President/NFIR:
There has been alround dissatisfaction and discontentment against Parivartan Sanghosthi held on 7th and 8th December’ 2019 by the Railway Ministry. The employees’ representatives were not invited to the Sanghosthi and their views were not taken, probably felt not necessary. The Indian Railways has been serving the Nation since the last 160 years, while harmonious and peaceful industrial relations maintained for decades. The Railways working has been successful with good operating ratio every year in the past.
Since the last 2-3 years it is observed by the Government that Railways has been incurring losses and to remedy this situation, the Government has chosen to privatize the system. It is sad that various concessions granted and Ticket Fare collected far less than the Bus Fare, has been resulting in losses to the tune of Rs. 30,000 crores p.a.
Railways is also an organization carrying social responsibility, therefore, the Government should realize its responsibilities towards the people of the Country.
The Railway employees have vast experience, having acquired skills for running the Railways and while this is so, any new policy should first be discussed with the representatives of employees who have vast knowledge and working experience instead hastily taking decisions. The notion expressed in the Parivartan Sangoshthi that Union workers are not working is absolutely incorrect. Union Office Bearers are also like other workers and they never shirked performing their duties efficiently.
In spite of heavy vacancy position, the Railway employees are carrying out their responsibilities and shouldering extra burden of workload. It is feared that the Government is trying to cause damage to the well established Indian Railways by taking decisions which may ultimately harm the nation. The Railwaymen/Women are true Nationalists of Bharat Maata and they are very much concerned over recent decisions and actions of the Government to disturb the Railways.
It is urged that any changes in Railways policies should first be discussed through formal meetings with the employees representatives.
On Indian Railways funds are allotted to all Departments with maximum portion to Engineering Department. These funds are utilized down the line at the level of SSEs and ADENs level. While this allotment includes amount for plantation of trees/plants and generation of greenery, it is not understood that how these funds are utilized every year when availability of land for the purpose remains the same. This needs to be reviewed.
Due to large scale contractorization on IR, there is at present tendering system in vogue of various levels. Since there is no transparency, wrongs take place. This practice leads to substandard work/and poor quality of output, particularly when rates are higher, but quality of material is lower. An example of paint ‘used for painting of train coaches is cited’. This item has not been purchased from standard companies with the result it gets fainted after short period. Similarly, the Railways have been procuring Diesel Oil which is supplied to road side/small places in trucks where there is sufficient room for malpractices.
Rupees 15 crore lying with CONCOR and no action has been taken by Railways to collect money.
Condition of Railway Quarters in Railway Colonies on all Zones etc., is very unsatisfactory and most of the quarters are unfit for living. While Railway authorities have failed to undertake repairs, Railway Board have issued orders for enhancing rent substantially at regular intervals.
While most of the Branch, Officers in the Divisions have Railway vehicles, yet they are hiring private vehicles in the name of transportation of crews.
Wasteful Expenditure by the Construction Department: Railway Construction Department is functioning at Jammu since 2012, in a rented “Satyam Office Building” on a rent of Rs. 6 lakhs per month i.e. 72 lakhs of Rupees. In a year, while there is a sufficient vacant land of Railways available. The Construction department could not construct its own office building, but spent Railways Funds of Rs. 5.67 crores so far. It is a sheer wastage of funds. In addition to this, there are some other rented buildings, which are functioning as Camp Offices of the Construction organization such as (i) Transit accommodation of Chief Engineers, rent 1 lakh rupees per month, (ii) Transit accommodation of Dy. Chief Engineer Rs. 80000/- per month (iii) Camp Office at K. Gate No. 1 of USBRL Construction Branch (iv) Camp Office at K. Gate No. 2 of USBRL Camp Office, (v) Camp Office at K. Gate No. 3 of USBRL Camp Office, (vi) Camp Office at K. Gate No. 4 of Chief Electrical Engineer Camp Office (vii) Dy. Chief Engineer Head Office at BHANAL (Jammu), (viii) Dy. Chief Engineer Head Office at Reassi (Jammu).
The number of Railway Officers is increasing day by day, but the number of staff in other categories has decreased. There should be a job analysis on work load of Railway Officers. Working expenses of staff and Gazetted cadre be calculated separately.
Shri R.P. Singh, Joint General Secretary/NFIR:
Federation requested to finalize dates for holding Secret Ballot Elections for recognition of Unions on Zonal Railways. The Hon’ble MR during the meeting directed the CRB and MS to hold Secret Ballot Elections for recognition of Union in Zonal Railways. Requested CRB to atleast decide the dates of Secret Ballot Elections today.
Unbooked parcels are regularly loaded in the VPUs freely without any monitoring/ mechanism/checking etc., at Chennai Central/Chennai Egmore and also other locations, resulting excess load in the parcel van consequently trains detained number of times enroute. Due to the above, properly booked parcels are unable to be loaded for want of space.
Inordinate delay in granting incentive increment for 48 Sports Medal winners of Southern Railway. Many Sports personnel had brought laurels and medals in different sports activities like Kabbadi, Basket Ball (Women), Athletics, Volley Ball (Men & Women), Aquatics, Body Building, Cricket (Women), etc., during the past two decades. Though at the time of achievements, the incentive increments announced, but the same have not been implemented even after two decades on Southern Railway. It was also discussed in the Railway Board PNM meeting on NFIR/PNM Sub. No. 57/2018 and it was agreed by Board that this will be finalized within two months. Unfortunately so far no improvement.
Huge leakage of revenue due to unauthorized persons occupied the Railway quarters/buildings. For example at JTJ, AJJ etc., of Southern Railway.
Supply of Safety device “Rakshak” to Track Maintainers: Track Maintainers while working on the Tracks are being hit by train and killed on the spot. Many are injured on duty as their concentration is pre-occupied on their job. Though Railway Board had issued letter dated 05/02/2018, the same has not been implemented by Southern Railway.
Change of designation of Guard as Train Manager – NFIR/PNM discussion in April, 2019. Issue still pending.
Shri Munindra Saikia, Assistant General Secretary/NFIR:
The goods trains after arriving at the destination are returning empty which involves cost of running the trains. To avoid this, Railway can introduce subsidized return tariff which will attract customers and increase earnings.
Technical scholarship for B.Sc Bio-Technology are given. But M.Sc Bio-Technology and Molecular Biology are not given.
Technical scholarship for 5 years BALLB and 3 years LLB and LLM should be introduced.
Till such time Type-I quarters are not merged to Type-II, the staff working in Level-1 should be allotted Type-II quarters without imposing any condition.
Shri Ashok Sharma, Assistant General Secretary/NFIR:
After Welcoming CRB, MS and Officers, the following points were raised:-
1. Due to circulation of “Parivartan Sangoshthi” suggestions in print media/social media the Rail Parivar in general and Railway employees in particular felt humiliated and they are demoralized.
Requested to kindly withdraw the suggestion/Minutes of “Parivartan Sangoshthi” and hold another Sangoshthi with various categories of Railway employees.
2. Bio-Toilet System is failed in Coaches – specially employees are suffering to maintain these toilets due to heavy night soil getting stuck.
3. Due to reduction of maintenance schedules of Wagon, Coaches and Electric Loco/Diesel Loco the safety norms infringed. Needs review.
4. Safety of train operation is in jeopardy due o reduction of training period of safety staff like ALP, LP, ASM, SE, Technician etc. Needs thorough review.
5. Diesel Loco maintenance staff are doing maintenance of AC Locos without proper training.
6. ALPs are not being counseled/monitored due to no yardstick of CLIs. The Committee was formed at Board’s level to consider but no result even after IZi year.
7. Headquarters rest rules are not implemented on Zonal Railways and links not prepared.
8. No periodic rest is being given to SSEs, JEs, ESMs in S&T. “Night failure Gang” should be formed to attend signal failures.
9. Running Staff should not be allowed to work more than 12 hours.
10. Track Maintainers should immediately be given “Rakshak Type Protection System” to prevent run-over cases.
sd/-
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary
Source: NFIR