As you are aware that; “International Women’s Day” – 8th March is a momentous day for the Women Transport Workers across the globe. On this day, we celebrate Women Transport Workers’ fighting to change transport globally for the benefit of all workers. The issues women are fighting for – “Equality, Rights, Safety, Democracy – affect every Transport Worker”. Women’s rights are not separate to Workers’ Rights. They are at the heart of the International Labour Movement…….

No.AIRF/IWD/2020 Dated: February 13, 2020

The General Secretaries,

All Affiliated Unions,

Dear Comrades,

Sub: Observance of the “International Women’s Day” – 8th March, 2020

As you are aware that; “International Women’s Day” – 8th March is a momentous day for the Women Transport Workers across the globe. On this day, we celebrate Women Transport Workers’ fighting to change transport globally for the benefit of all workers. The issues women are fighting for – “Equality, Rights, Safety, Democracy – affect every Transport Worker”. Women’s rights are not separate to Workers’ Rights. They are at the heart of the International Labour Movement.

Every year; “International Women’s Day” – 8th March is observed by the ITF and its affiliates globally. Accordingly, it has been decided by the AIRF to observe “International Women’s Day”, with the theme – “An Equal World is An Enabled World”, on 8th March, 2020 all over the Indian Railways.

All the affiliates of AIRF are requested to observe “International Women’s Day” on 8th March, 2020, with the theme – “An Equal World is An Enabled World”, in a befitting manner, and send reports, along with photographs, to AIRF Office, so as to enable us to transmit the same to the ITF.

This issue of closure of Railway Printing Presses was seriously taken-up by the Recognized Federations during the course of discussions in the Special DC/JCM Meeting, held on 16th January, 2020, whereupon Hon’ble Minister for Railways commented as under:-
“The issue of Printing Press will be internally assessed and thereafter further discussed with both the Federations before a decision is taken”……..

No.AIRF/174 Dated: February 15, 2020

The Chairman,
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Closure of Railway Printing Presses

This issue of closure of Railway Printing Presses was seriously taken-up by the Recognized Federations during the course of discussions in the Special DC/JCM Meeting, held on 16th January, 2020, whereupon Hon’ble Minister for Railways commented as under:-
“The issue of Printing Press will be internally assessed and thereafter further discussed with both the Federations before a decision is taken”.
Moreover, your goodself were also agreed to review the issue.

Because nothing has been done by the Railway Board up-till now on this particular issue, General Managers of different Railways, where Printing Presses are situated, are going ahead with the policy of closure of Printing Presses.

It is, therefore, requested that, the General Managers of Northern Railway, South Central Railway, Central Railway, Eastern Railway and Southern Railway should immediately be directed to hold earlier decision of the Board not to close remaining 05 Printing Presses, and a meeting with both the Recognized Federations should be called to review the decision for coming to a final conclusion on the above subject matter.

This may please be treated as “Most Urgent”.

√Copy to: General Manager, Northern Railway, New Delhi – for information and necessary action please.
√Copy to: General Manager, South Central Railway, Secunderabad – for information and necessary action please.
√Copy to: General Manager, Central Railway, Mumbai – for information and necessary action please.
√Copy to: General Manager, Eastern Railway, Kolkata – for information and necessary action please.
√Copy to: General Manager, Southern Railway, Chennai – for information and necessary action please.
√Copy to: General Secretaries, NRMU(NR), SCRMU, NRMU(CR), ERMU and SRMU – for information.

Ministry of Personnel & Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Personnel & Training(Government of India), which is the Nodal Ministry in respect of various Personnel Matters, has issued instructions in connection with payment of Cooking Allowance @ Rs.1,000/- per month, as per Cell R3H3 of Risk and Hardship Matrix to Asstt. Halwai-cum-Cook and Halwai-cum-Cook working in Non-Statutory Departmental Canteens functioning under Central Government Offices…….

No.AIRF/Sub-Committee 294 Dated: February 18, 2020

The Secretary(E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi
Dear Sir,

Sub: Cooking Allowance to Non-Statutory Departmental Canteen Employees functioning from Central
Government Offices consequent upon the recommendations of the VII Central Pay Commission –
Reg.
Ref.: Ministry of Personnel & Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Personnel & Training(Govt.
of India)’s O.M. No.3/5/2018-Dir.(C) dated 01.10.2019

Ministry of Personnel & Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Personnel & Training(Government of India), which is the Nodal Ministry in respect of various Personnel Matters, has issued instructions in connection with payment of Cooking Allowance @ Rs.1,000/- per month, as per Cell R3H3 of Risk and Hardship Matrix to Asstt. Halwai-cum-Cook and Halwai-cum-Cook working in Non-Statutory Departmental Canteens functioning under Central Government Offices. This decision has been taken by the Government on the recommendations of the 7th CPC relating to Canteen Staff in “List of Allowances and Recommendations” in para 8.10.16 of Chapter 8.1(S.No.39), that was notified vide Ministry of Finance’s Resolution No.11-1/2016-IC dated 06.07.2017.

The above-mentioned Cooking Allowance @ Rs.1,000/- per month, therefore, needs to be paid to Asstt. Halwai-cum-Cook and Halwai-cum-Cook working in Non-Statutory Departmental Canteens under Ministry of Railways also, but owing to non-circulation of the above Office Memorandum by the Railway Board, this Allowance is not being paid in case of Non-Statutory Departmental Canteens of the Indian Railways.

It is, therefore, requested that, Office Memorandum ibid of the DoP&T dated 01.10.2019 be circulated at an early date, so as to extend benefit of Cooking Allowance @ Rs.1,000/- per month, as per Cell R3H3 of the Risk and Hardship Matrix, to Asstt. Halwai-cum-Cook and Halwai-cum-Cook working in Non-Statutory Departmental Canteens functioning in the Indian Railways at an early date.

Copy to: GSs, all affiliated unions – for information.

After the sustained pressure of AIRF, Railway Board has decided to defer the closure of remaining 05 printing presses. Railway Board has issued orders in respect of this. Railway Board has deferred the decision of closure of printing presses for three months. But AIRF will continue to put pressure on Railway Board to defer the decision of closure of printing presses permanently. Order of the Railway Board has been uploaded below:-

RBE No.24/2020
Advance Correction Slip No.84

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E(W)2016/PS5-1/9                                       New Delhi, dated 21.02.2020
The General Managers (Personnel & Commercial)
All Zonal Railways &
Productions Units.
Sub: Amendment in the Railway Servants (Pass) Rules, 1986 (Second Edition-1993) [RSPR-1986] to provide for issuance of Passes/PTOs in digitized/electronic mode.

In order to enable issuance of all kinds of Passes/PTOs to Railway Servants as well as to non-Railway Servants (wherever applicable) in digitized/electronic mode, it has been decided with the approval of the Competent Authority to amend Rule 4 of the RSPR-1986.
Accordingly, Rule 4 ofRSPR-1986 is hereby substituted as per following:-
“4. Kinds of Passes:-
(1) A railway servant or the entitled members of his/her family and dependent relatives as defined in these Rules may be issued the following kinds of passes, namely:
(i) Duty Pass;
(ii) Privilege Pass including passes while on deputation;
(iii) School Pass;
(iv) Post-Retirement Complimentary Pass;
(v) Widow Pass;
(vi) Residential Card Pass; and
(vii) Special Pass.
(2) The Passes specified in sub-rule (1) and PTOs may be issued in the form of:-
i) Metal Pass; or
(ii) Card Pass; or
(iii) Cheque Pass; or
(iv) Electronic format as prescribed in relevant administrative instructions issued by Ministry of Railways (Railway Board).
(3) In case of passes (i.e. Complimentary etc.) being issued to non-Railway Servants, the form (i.e. Electronic/otherwise) shall be as prescribed in relevant administrative instructions issued by Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board).”
2. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

(V. Muralidharan)
Dy. Director Estt. (Welfare)-1
Railway Board
New Delhi, dated 2.1 .02.2020

Download Original Orders

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

S.No. PC-VII/153                                       RBE No. 26/2020

No. PC-V/2018/MACP/1(SM)                                         New Delhi, dated 2.502.2020
The General Managers (Personnel & Commercial)
All Zonal Railways &
Productions Units.

Sub:- Grant of financial upgradation under MACPS to Station Masters

Arising out of the decision to upgrade Assistant Station Masters in GP 2800 to GP 4200 and merge them with the post of Station Masters in GP 4200 communicated vide Note 2 of Annexure B of Board’s letter dated 02.08.2016(RBE No. 93/2016), the issue of ignoring promotion from ASM (GP 2800) to SM (GP 4200) for the purpose of MACPS has been under Board’s consideration. This issue has also been raised by AIRF in PNM Forum as item no. 5/2018…..

RBE No. 27/2020

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No.E(NG)I/2020/PM 1/2                  New Delhi, dated February 26th, 2020
The General Managers,
All Zonal Railways &
Production Units.
(as per standard mailing list)

Sub: Discontinuance of Direct Recruitment to the posts of Senior Section Engineers (SSEs)- clarification reg.
As per extant provisions, SSE posts are fllled up partly by DR (20%) and partly by promotion (80%)
2. Instructions issued vide Board’s letter No.E(NG)II/2018/RR/1-31 dated 25.10.2018 provisionally discontinued direct recruitment in the posts of SSEs, initially for a period of one year, and also provided that all direct recruitment in all technical supervisory categories should be done only in the post of JEs by adding the DR vacancies of SSEs to those of JEs for the purpose of Direct Recruitment till the period of discontinuance of DR in SSE. The provisional discontinuation of DR of SSE has further been extended for a period of one year beyond 24.10.2019 vide Board’s letter No.E(NG)II/2018/RR/1-31 dated 02.09.2019.
3. The transfer of the DR intake for SSEs into the lower grade of JE has resulted in increase in strength of the JE cadre with a corresponding decrease in SSEs. To offset this as well as to protect the promotional interest of JEs, the matter has been examined in consultation with both the staff Federations i.e. AIRF and NFIR. It has been decided that henceforth the 20% DR quota of SSE may be transferred to the Promotional Quota (from JE to SSE) until the prohibition of DR intake into SSE continues. In other words, SSE posts may now be fllled up 100% through promotion from JE as long as the DR intake into SSE is kept on hold. Adequate cushion may however be factored in for accommodating any pending inter Railway transfer requests or any compassionate appointment cases in SSE that may have been approved.

Jt. Director/Estt.(N)
Railway Board

Download Original orders

Coverage under Central Civil Services(Pension) Rules,1972, in place of National Pension System, of those Central Government Employees whose selection for appointment was finalized before 01.01.2004, but who joined Government Service on or after 01.01.2004…..

No.AIRF/24(C) Dated: February 26, 2020

The Secretary(E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Coverage under Central Civil Services(Pension) Rules,1972, in place of National Pension System, of those Central Government Employees whose selection for appointment was finalized before 01.01.2004, but who joined Government Service on or after 01.01.2004

Ref.: DoP&PW(Government of India)’s O.M. No.57/04/2019-P&PW(B) dated 17.02.2020

Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare(Government of India) vide their Office Memorandum referred to above have issued instructions in regard to coverage of the Central Government Employees whose selection for appointment was finalized before 01.01.2004, but who joined Government Services on or after 01.01.2004 under Central Civil Services(Pension) Rules, 1972 in place of National Pension System(NPS).

Since these instructions of the DoP&PW are mutatis-mutandis applicable in case of Railway Employees also, the same may be circulated to all concerned at an early date, so that, benefit under these instructions is extended to such employees selection for appointment of whom was finalized before 01.01.2004, but joined service on or after 01.01.2004.

An early action in the matter is solicited.

Railway Board vide their letter dated 20.02.2020, under reference at S.N.(i), have taken a decision to defer closure of remaining five Printing Presses, viz. Byculla(Central Railway), Howrah(Eastern Railway), Shakurbasti, Delhi(Northern Railway), Royapuram,  Chennai (Southern Railway) and…..

No.AIRF/174                                                                            Dated: February 27, 2020

The Member(Materials Management),

Railway Board,

New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub:   Closure of remaining five Printing Presses

Ref.(i) Railway Board’s letter No.2017/RS/Ptg.&Sty./AP/PP/IR dated 20.02.2020

      (ii) No.2018/RS/Ptg.&Sty./AP/PP/IR dated 04.06.2019

 Railway Board vide their letter dated 20.02.2020, under reference at S.N.(i), have taken a decision to defer closure of remaining five Printing Presses, viz. Byculla(Central Railway), Howrah(Eastern Railway), Shakurbasti, Delhi(Northern Railway), Royapuram,  Chennai (Southern Railway) and Secunderabad (South Central Railway), up to 30^th June, 2020, on the persistent demand of AIRF.

Reportedly, a committee is being formed to review the issue. As there is no expert from printing in the said committee, it would be highly appreciated if Shri Kannan, Manager(Printing and Stationery), Printing Press, Secunderabad(South Central Railway), is also involved in the committee, so as to discuss the minutes and intricacies of printing technology and printing process in this committee.

RBE No. 28/2020

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR)
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAIL MANTRALAYA)
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. D-43/12/2018-F(E)III                                   New Delhi, Dated : 03.03.2020
The GMs/Principal Financial Advisors,
All Zonal Railways/Production Units,
(As per mailing list)

Subject: Coverage under Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 1993, in place of National Pension System, of those Railway employees whose selection for appointment was finalized before 01.01.2004 but who joined Railway service on or after 01.01.2004.

**********

A copy of Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DOP&PW’s) O.M. No. 57/04/2019-P&PW(B) dated 171 h February, 2020 is enclosed herewith for compliance and guidance. These instructions shall apply mutatis mutandis on the Railways also. Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 correspond to the Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 1993.
The Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance’s Notification No. 5n/2003-ECB &PR dated 22.12.2003, mentioned in the DOP&PW’s O.M. dated 17.02.2020, has been circulated on Railways vide this office’s letter No. F(E)III/2003/PN 1/24 dated 31.12.2003.
2. Similar to the amendments made in the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972
and other connected rules, as mentioned in para 1 of the DOP&PW’s O.M. dated 17.02.2020, the Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 1993 and other connected rules were also amended vide Notification No. F(E)III/2003/PN1/38 dated 30.12.2003.
3. Further, separate instructions with respect to para 9 of the DOP&PW’s O.M. dated
17.02.2020 will be issued by the Accounts Directorate for accountal of the corpus available in
the NPS account of the railway servant.
D.A.: as above

(G. Priya Sudarsani)
Director, Finance (Estt.),
Railway Board

Download Original Orders of Railway Board

Pursuant to recommendation of the Railway Safety Review Committee, set up under the Chairmanship of Justice H.R. Khanna, a Retired Supreme Court Judge, in the year 1998, to prove into train accident of Golden Temple Mail, a decision was taken that; Trackman above 45 years of age would be laterally inducted in the category of Pointsman to the extent of 10%……..

No.AIRF/78 Dated: February 26, 2020

The Member(Staff),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Advance prospects for Track Maintainers

Pursuant to recommendation of the Railway Safety Review Committee, set up under the Chairmanship of Justice H.R. Khanna, a Retired Supreme Court Judge, in the year 1998, to prove into train accident of Golden Temple Mail, a decision was taken that; Trackman above 45 years of age would be laterally inducted in the category of Pointsman to the extent of 10%. The said age limit was further relaxed from 45 years to 38 years in erstwhile Grade Pay Rs.1800, i.e. Level-1 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix.

In the wake of implementation of four-grade structure, in the ratio of 10:20:20:50, any Trackman above the age of 38 years would hardly be available in the initial Grade Pay of Rs.1800, i.e. Level-1 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, for lateral induction to the tune of 10% in the category of Pointsman.

AIRF, therefore, urges upon the Railway Board to look into the matter in the above context, and minimum age bar for lateral induction, as mentioned above, should be removed to facilitate smooth flow from the category of Track Maintainer to Pointsman Category and other categories.

An early action in the matter shall be highly appreciated.

As you are aware that, the World Health Organisation(WHO) has declared Corona Virus(COVID-19) Outbreak as “Global Health Emergency”. Owing to this, all precautionary measures are being taken on most of the airports of our country…..

No.AIRF/24(C) Dated: March 4, 2020

The D.G.(RHS),

Railway Board,

Pragaiti Maidan,

New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Outbreak of Corona Virus(COVID-19) in most of the countries

As you are aware that, the World Health Organisation(WHO) has declared Corona Virus(COVID-19) Outbreak as “Global Health Emergency”. Owing to this, all precautionary measures are being taken on most of the airports of our country.

It may also be appreciated that; Indian Railways is a major transport system which carries around 2.5 crore population every day. There is, therefore, every likelihood that the Frontline Railway Employees who come under direct contact of the rail users may also be affected by this chronic disease. Unfortunately, Indian Railways is not taking any preventive measure in this regard.

AIRF, therefore, desires that the Frontline Staff, viz. Ticket Checking Staff, Station Staff, Loco Pilots, Guards, Booking Clerks, Parcel Clerks, EC&RC, who come in the direct contact with the rail users, should be provided with N-75 Masks as well as Alcohol Based Sanitizer as a measure of protection. Onboard Staff should also be provided with same kind of protection.

Apart from the above, World Health Organization has also issued advisory that close contact of the people should be avoided as the coronavirus spread very fast through cold and cough etc and enters into human body through mucous membrane areas. Staff where the Biometric attendance is in vogue comes in close contact with each other in Biometric Attendance area, Biometric machines even have become unsafe because touch of infected person may spread the virus to a healthy person. It would not be possible to sanitize Biometric Attendance areas and machines after every touch. Union therefore demands that Biometric Attendance system may be discontinued at once to save the workers from deadly coronavirus.

Apart from the above, Medical Department of all the Zonal Railways etc. needs to launch Awareness Campaign to educate Railway employees in this regard.

This may please be treated as “Most Urgent”.

Office Order No. 17 of 2020

Government of India
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)
*****

Sub.: Exemption from marking of attendance through Biometric System

In view of the rapid spread of COVlD-2019 (Corona Virus) in New Delhi and other cities in India, it has been decided to exempt employees from marking of attendance through biometric attendance system in Board’s Office till 31st March, 2020.
2. In view of above, during the exemption period of biometric attendance system in Board’s Office, all employees are required to mark their attendance in Attendance Register (as done prior to launch of biometric system) on Excelsheets to be generated by Branches as per the format attached.
3. This issues with the approval of Competent Authority.
No. 2016/0&M/9/1 Date: 06.03.2020

(Manoj Kumar)
Director (GA)
Railway Board

Download Original Order 1

Download Original Order 2

As Railway Board are aware that; the 7th CPC had recommended to bring Railway Servants also under the purview of LTC. Consequently, DoP&T, in consultation with Ministry of Railways, issued Office Memorandum, referred to above at S.No.(i), allowing Railway Servants to avail this facility with the condition that; Railway Employees who intend to avail LTC facility shall have to surrender Privilege Passes admissible to them in the current year in which they wish to avail this facility……

No.AIRF/24(C) Dated: March 16, 2020

The Secretary(E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Scheme of optional “All India Travel Concession facility, once in a block of 4 years(i.e. 2018-2021 onwards) on surrender of Privilege Passes

Ref.: (i) DoP&T’s O.M. No.31011/15/2017-Estt.A-IV dated 27.03.2018
(ii) Railway Board’s letter No.E(W)2017/PS5-1/3 dated 10.09.2018(RBE No.130/2018)

As Railway Board are aware that; the 7th CPC had recommended to bring Railway Servants also under the purview of LTC. Consequently, DoP&T, in consultation with Ministry of Railways, issued Office Memorandum, referred to above at S.No.(i), allowing Railway Servants to avail this facility with the condition that; Railway Employees who intend to avail LTC facility shall have to surrender Privilege Passes admissible to them in the current year in which they wish to avail this facility.

As Railway Board are aware that, pursuant to recommendations of the 7th CPC, DoP&T has communicated government’s decision, vide their Office Memorandum referred to above, to allow the Railway Employees to avail All India LTC in accordance with the Central Civil Services (Leave Travel Concession) Rules, 1988, i.e. CCS(LTC) Rules. The said O.M. was issued by the DoP&T in consultation with the Ministry of Railways, and certain conditions enumerated in that (from (i) to (viii)) were also laid down therein, explaining the entire procedure.

Railway Board, vide their letter, referred to above at S.No.(ii), issued instructions in regard to the above, in pursuance of DoP&T’s Office Memorandum cited above at S.No.(i), however, in the summarized position, given under Para 7 of the said RBE No.130/2018, it has been mentioned that, in Level 6 to 8, air travel entitlement, stipulated in MoF’s O.M. No.19030/1/2017-E.IV dated 13.07.2017, is not admissible for LTC, which is highly unfair and unjustified, because neither MoF’s O.M. dated 13.07.2017 nor the O.M. issued by the DoP&T dated 27.03.2018, referred to above at S.No.(i), which was issued in consultation with the Ministry of Railways, anywhere stipulates such type of condition, debarring Railway Employees, in Level 6-8 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, from air travel entitlement.

AIRF, therefore, desires that, the aforementioned condition, not allowing Railway Employees, in Level 6-8 air travel entitlement, should be withdrawn for justice and parity, and they should also be allowed similar entitlement, as stipulated in the Office Memorandum No.19030/1/2017-E.IV dated 10.07.2017 of the MoF (Deptt. of Expenditure) and O.M. No.31011/15/2017-Estt.A-IV dated 27.03.2018 of the DoP&T, so that, Railway employees, who intend to avail All India LTC facility can avail the same in a hassle-free manner.

Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs – Dopt

F.No. 11013/9/2014 – Estt (A-III)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi
Dated 25.03.2020

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Preventive measures to contain the spread of COVIDI9

Guidelines have been issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs pursuant to a decision to impose a complete lock-down in view of the threat posed by the spread of COVID 19. Certain Offices have been given exemption from the lock-down. Keeping in view the exigencies that have arisen in various Departments not exempted under the guidelines, and in partial modification of this Department OM of even no. 22nd March, 2020, the following instructions are issued:

(i) Heads of Department may draw up a list of staff that are absolutely necessary to carry out additional essential services within the Department.
(ii) The list of such employees may be communicated by email to Sh Eish Singal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), New Delhi District at the following mail id dcp.ndAdelhipolice.gov.in
dcp-newdelhi-dl(a~nic. in
(iii) Authorization letter will be issued by the DCP by return mail.
(iv) Print-out of this authorization letter should be made available to the staff concerned.
(v) The staff should be instructed to carry a copy of this print-out along with their official ID Cards while coming to the Office.
(vi) The remaining staff should be asked to work from home.
(vii) These instructions shall be applicable with immediate effect.

(R.Jaya)
Joint Secretary to the Government of India

Signed Copy

Yesternight the Hon’ble Prime Minister through a broadcast has appealed to the whole of our countrymen to remain in house for the next 21 days. We extend our whole hearted support to the decision for the food of whole countrymen of ours. As decided in Indian Railways Goods service will run for carrying essential commodities…..

AIRF/ March 25, 2020

To
The Chairman
Railway Board
Rail Bhawan
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Lock down of the whole country for next 21 days in view of Corona Virus.

Yesternight the Hon’ble Prime Minister through a broadcast has appealed to the whole of our countrymen to remain in house for the next 21 days. We extend our whole hearted support to the decision for the food of whole countrymen of ours. As decided in Indian Railways Goods service will run for carrying essential commodities.

You are requested to draw out a detail plan for successful observance of the call of the Hon’ble Prime Minister. In this regard a few suggestion are cited below:

i) To draw out Time Table for Goods trains.

ii) Take steps for cleaning and fogging of the Railway colonies, including road side stations and colonies.

iii) Railwaymen of all the departments should be allowed to remain in House with their family members to keep the moral of the family members and self.

iv) Draw out roster for skeleton essential staff to run the Goods services.

v) Health Safety Equipments like Mask, Sanitize etc. should be supplied to such staff who are booked to perform duty.

vi) The Railwaymen so deputed for the limited purpose should be encouraged through print and electronic media.

(Similar action may be taken by the AIRF leadership and Leadership of Zonal Unions)

Signed Copy

GOVERNMENT OF INDlA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No.2016/M(L)/467/1 New Delhi, Dated 27.03 .2020
General Managers,
All Zonal Railways.
Sub: Breath analyser (BA) test and Bio-metric verification of Running staff during
signing On/Off.
Ref: This office letter dated 20.03.2020 on the subject.

Board had reiterated vide letter under reference to continue with the BA test and
Biometric for running staff. Subsequently a complete lock down has been imposed in the country and running of passenger trains has been completely suspended by IR till 14.04.2020.
2. Many ZRs have communicated to Railway Board officials at various levels the
apprehensions of the running staff about perceived possibility of contracting COVID-19 infections through either BA test or Biometric verification. This issue was examined earlier also by Railway Board duly consulting the health directorate and it was concluded that such possibilities can be eliminated with adequate precautions as already conveyed during VC of CRB with GMs.
3. However, in view of continued apprehensions being conveyed by ZRs, Board has relooked at the issue and decided that ZRs can locally issue relaxations for BA test and / or Biometric verification valid till 14.04.2020 or till the end date of complete lockdown, whichever is earlier, subject to the following:
i. The relaxation for BA test to be done only for crew operating freight trains in sections where no other passenger trains are running / anticipated at any given point of time in either directions.
ii. The crew with known history of alcoholism are not to be allowed this relaxation.
iii. A declaration in lieu of BA test is to be taken from each crew member at the time of signing on / off
iv. Manual signing in lieu of biometric verification is to be used as was done prior to
introduction of Biometric verification.
v. Manual entry in Crew Management System (CMS) must be ensured in lieu of BA test
/ Biometric verification to ensure that records are created in CMS for billing etc.
vi . The Loco Inspectors should make surprise checks for such crew who have not been
subjected to BA test.
The above relaxation is being permitted as a very special case considering the critical
situation prevailing and is not be used I quoted for any other situation in future. (

This issues with the approval of Board (MTR & MT).

(Manish Jain)
EDME(Traction)

भारत सरकार (GOVERNMENT OF INDIA)
रेल मंत्रालय (MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS)
रेलवे बोर्ड (RAILWAY BOARD)
*****

No. 2020/E(LL)/PMNRF/1 New Delhi, Dated 27.03.2020
General Managers
All Zonal Railways, PUs etc
including Metro Railway,
Kolkata
Sub.: Contribution to Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund(PMNRF) : COVID-19 Epidemic.
…..
As you are aware, our country is threatened with the spread of COVID-19 epidemic which has already been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. This is one of the worst and most unprecedented disaster faced by our nation. Resultantly, a National Disaster has been declared leading to invocation of statutory provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005 which has already been conveyed by Railway Board’s two letters issued vide No. 2020/Safety(DM)/6/14 dated 25.03.2020.
2. Board has taken note of the fact that the likely intensity and spread of disease necessitate mobilization of all possible help and contribution from every source. Therefore, those of us who are more fortunately placed have a very special responsibility in this hour of gravest crisis. Railwaymen has always stood up and extended their helping hand in such hour of distress. In the past also, Railwaymen had shown their solidarity and generosity by contributing a day’s basic pay to provide support to needy people.
3. Therefore, Board desires that an appeal should be made to each one of Railway Servants to generously contribute to PMNRF by donating at least one day’s basic pay towards this cause. In order to facilitate voluntary contribution to PMNRF, it is suggested that one day’s basic pay should be deducted from salary of all willing Railway Servants except those who give a specific declaration either (a) for nondeduction ; or (b) for deduction of an amount less than one day’s basic pay, on this account. As you are aware, contributions to the PMNRF are notified for 100% deduction from taxable income under Section 80(C) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 for eligible taxpayers willing to avail such tax deduction benefit.
4. Therefore, it is directed to arrange to send an appeal, as per aforesaid, to all the Railway Servants under your control through letters, SMS and other electronic means of communication duly involving recognized Trade Unions etc. The Zonal Railways/PUs/Other administrative Units should transfer the consolidated amount towards contribution to PMNRF to Railway Board so that a single cheque on behalf
of all Railwaymen can be handed over to the Prime Minister’s Office.

(Alok Kumar)
Executive Director Estt(IR)
Railway Board

Signed Letter of Railway Board

The Director general CGHS has issued an OM No.Z 15025/12/2020/DIR/CGHS Dated the 27th March 2020 regarding Special Sanction for Reimbursement of OPD Medicines in view of COVID-19

Reimbursement of OPD Medicines: Special Sanction in view of COVID-19