NFIR – Revision of Kilometrage rates and other Allowances of Running Staff – Summary Record note
No.IV/RSAC/Conf./Part IX
Dated: 16-04-2018
Shri Ashwani Lohani,
Chairman,
Railway Board,
New Delhi.
Dear Sir,
Sub: Revision of Kilometrage rates and other Allowances of Running Staff – Summary Record note of discussions held on 04th and 05th January 2018 and meeting held between the Board (MS,FC,DG/P) and Federations on 10th March,2018.
Ref: (i) Railway Board’s file No.E(P&A) II/2013/Rs-14
(ii) NFIR’s letter No.IV/RSAC/Conf./Part IX dated 12-01-2018 & 07-02-2018 to Secretary, Railway Board, Copy endorsed to EDPC-I and ED (IR), Railway Board.
NFIR brings to your kind notice that the issue relating to upward revision of Kilometrage Allowance rates as well other related Allowance for Running Staff has been remitted to the Railway Ministry by the Finance Ministry to decide in consultation with the Federations and obtain concurrence of Ministry of Finance for implementation with retrospective effect.
Though meetings have been held between the Railway Board and Federations, there has been no finality with regard to revision of Kilometrage rates. In the meeting held by the Member Staff on 10th March, 2018 in which FC was also present, NFIR has explained the entire background of Kilometrage Allowance citing the reports of Ashruff Committee Bhalla Committee and also citing the revision of TA rates from time to time, justifying hike in the present rates of kilometrage. NFIR had also given detailed account and justification for revising the rates with retrospective effect vide Federation’s letter No.IV/RSAC/Conf./Part IX dated 07-02-2018 (Copy enclosed). NFIR General Secretary also held separate discussions with DG(Personnel) more than once and apprised logic/rationale for revision of rates particularly in the context of TA rates revision.
NFIR conveys that the delay in arriving at an acceptable proposition for revising rates of kilometrage Allowance and other related Allowance has been causing disappointment amon rank and file of Running Staff across Indian Railways. It is re-iterated that the Finance Ministry has empowered the Railway Ministry to consult Federations for revising the rates and implement with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance. It would therefore be appropriate that the Railway Board and Federations should jointly work towards reaching consensus for revising the rates. It seems, the railway Board has some reservation to agree with the reasoned proposal of NFIR for enhancing the rates of kilometrage Allowance inspite of the fact that our case stands on merits and in view of precedents.
NFIR, therefore requests the kind intervention of CRB so that an acceptable understanding is arrived at soon. NFIR also wants to meet CRB to discuss in detail the subject matter.
Yours faithfully,
(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary