Press Statement by L Mony

PRESS RELEASE

TRAIN DRIVERS OBSERVE FAST ON 3RD AND 4TH MAY 2010, NATION WIDE:-

Urging to full- fill the assurances given to Loco Running Staff at various stage of agitation, the entire Loco Running Staff of Indian Railway observe Fast for two days on 3rd and 4th of May 2010. Its entire central committee members sit in Fast in front of parliament on 3rd and 4th may 2010, simultaneously along with 58,000 Loco Running Staff nationwide.

After the recommendation of VI CPC, the Loco Running staff demanded to raise the Grade Pay of Assistant Loco Pilots from Rs 1900 to Rs 2800, and rectify certain anomalies in allowing Grade Pay and Running Allowances to various grades of Drivers. At the peak of the agitation, when the suburban service at Bombay is getting paralyzed, then Union Minister for Railways Sri Lalu Prasad Yadav directed the Railway Board to settle the grievances amicably. The representative of Loco Running Staff met the Chairman, Railway Board, on the issue, in turn the Chairman conceded the demand and assured to redress the grievances.

It is our experience that the assurance given by Government in Parliament was not heeded by the Railway Board. On 13th August 1973, the Government gave assurance in Parliament that “Loco Running Staff need not work continuously more than10 hours”, though national and international norms on duty hours stands at 8 hours. Even after a lapse of 37 long years the Loco Running Staff are subjected to work continuously for more than 14 hours and extends up to 20 hours at a stretch, paving way for serious accidents that took many lives of innocent publics. Alas, still the babus of Railway bureaucrats never moved.

Taking stock of the resentment among Loco Running Staff, and the ongoing agitation at various part of the country, which paralysed the train services, the Railway Board though belated constituted a committee known as FAST TRACK COMMITTEE, to look into the grievances of Loco Running Staff on 15th February 2010 with a time frame of 2 months to give its recommendations.

Hoping a redressal of their grievances the Loco Running Staff kept under abeyance their agitation still 15th April 2010. But to our dismay the said Fast Track Committee did not submit its recommendation within the time frame, nor it held any discussion with the staff side that shows adamancy of Railway Board.

Loco Running Staff have serious exemption, the way the Railway Board deal with staff grievances. It is universally accepted principal that a dispute between the employer and employee usurped the dispute be invariably referred to an independent body or authority. But Railway Board preferred the dispute to an in house committee with its own subordinates as its members. The confidence of staff shattered, and resentment brewed to the extant that the train service may
2.


Come to a stop during the period of FAST on 3rd 4th May 2010. This Union request the media, Parliamentarians, Trade Unions and general public to persuade the Railway Ministry to settle the grievances of Loco Running Staff amicably to avoid serious inconvenience to travelling public.

With thanks

NEW DELHI, L . MONY
28-04-2010. Central President, AILRSA

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Fright Earnings

Indian Railways generated revenue earnings of Rs 57594.61 crore from freight traffic during the financial year 2009-10, which ended on March 31, as compared to Rs 53137.60 crore in the previous year, registering an increase of 8.39 per cent.
An official press release said the Railways carried 887.99 million tonnes of freight traffic in the year to March 2010 as compared to 833.31 million tonnes carried during the previous financial year, an increase of 6.56 per cent.
It said the net tonne kilometres (NTKM) went up from 538226 million during April 2008-March 2009 to 584760 million during April 2009-March 2010, showing an increase of 8.65 per cent.
According to the release, out of the total earnings from freight traffic during 2009-10, Rs. 22366.69 crore came from transportation of 396.10 million tonnes of coal, followed by Rs. 8350.77 crore from 132.72 million tonnes of iron ore for exports, steel plants and for other domestic user, Rs. 5282.55 crore from 93.15 million tonnes of cement, and Rs. 3972.39 crore from 37.52 million tonnes of foodgrains.
The Railways also earning Rs. 3319.63 crore from transportation of 39.49 million tonnes of petroleum oil and lubricant (POL), Rs. 3336.19 crore from 30.93 million tonnes of pig iron and finished steel from steel plants and other points, Rs. 3174.51 crore from 43.58 million tonnes of fertilizers, Rs. 2772.43 crore from 34.36 million tonnes by container service, Rs. 883.46 crore from 11.58 million tonnes of raw material for steel plants except iron ore, and Rs. 4135.99 crore from 68.56 million tonnes of other goods, the release added.

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Indian railways

INDIAN RAILWAYS

‘No one can safely say whether railways in this country will earn or not.’ Words of Lord Dalhousie while advocating the construction of railway in India in 1848.
The Indian Railway, the world’s largest employer, is celebrating the 55th Railway Week to commemorate the running of its first train from Bori Bunder to Thane on April 16, 1853, with a ‘Philately exhibition on wheels’ train that reached the city on Sunday. Dalhousie’s quote forms part of the many historic records displayed, along with an amazing collection of stamps connected with the history of railways.
The three-coach exhibition train of Southern Railway started its journey on April 13 from Chennai Central station. The over 3,000 stamps on display belong to the personal collection of Mohammad Mujibullah, Eastern Railway’s Heritage Assistant and an avid philatelist, whose rare collection has won him accolades in India and abroad.
The philatelic ride through the history of the most innovative mode of mass transportation is as amazing as a train journey through some exotic landscape. The first two coaches have stamps and first day covers of special occasions from various countries displayed in the alphabetical order of country names. From Afghanistan to Zanzibar, there are stamps issued from 150 countries. The third coach houses stamps and covers that portray the eventful history of the development of railways around the world, right from the primitive avatar of horse-drawn carriages to steam locomotives, diesel engines and super speed trains.
All these stamps are rare, but some are more rare than the others, and hence a tiny bit more dear to the owner. Says Mujibullah, ‘‘Due to shortage of coins in the US, postal currency stamps were issued there in 1886 which could double up as currency and stamp. I have with me the only known existing piece of the stamp in the world’’.
Among the other stamps Mujibullah considers special are a Siberian Railway stamp showing the longest railway line from Moscow to London and Eastern Indian Railway’s Queen Victoria stamps, which were the first to have perfin or the tiny holes seen on stamps today. ‘‘The railway used to buy stamps from the postal department and since all stamps looked alike, railway employees used to steal them for postal purposes. To stop this, railway introduced the perfin system on it’s official stamps’’.
The stamp issued on the 175th anniversary of British Railway shows the first train that ran from Stockton to Darlington in 1825. It did not have the benefit of signals and was preceded by a horse-mounted policeman. Later, the ‘International Union of Railways’ was introduced in 1922 which improved signaling and interlocking, the 50th anniversary of which was marked by India with a special stamp in 1972.
The exhibition also has thematic collections of photographs like ‘Rolling stock of yesteryears’, ‘Gandhiji and railways’, and ‘Masters and motivators’.
The train will reach Coimbatore, its last destination, on Wednesday.
‘‘The exhibition is soon to enter the Guinness Book as the first-ever philately exhibition on wheels,’’ says Mujibullah.
But the philatelist sounds more proud when he says, ‘‘if I get permission, I hope to run the exhibition all over India, the train will then have 10 coaches, with more stamps’’.
aswathy@expressbuzz.com

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Memorandum to CRB through GM on 21.04.10

To,
Chairman,
Railway Board
Rail Bhawan
New Delhi,

Through: General Manager,
…………………………

Reg: Fast Track Committee.

Sir,

The 6th CPC has done a great injustice to Loco Running Staff of Indian Railways in respect to GP, subsequently again the injustice has been done in respect to the rate of Kilometer allowance against which Loco Running Staff agitating since then.

We are thankfull that the Railway administration has constituted two committees to solve our grievances i.e. one is prioritize committee under notification No: ERB – 1/2009 / 23/1 of date: 09.01.2009 and another is Fast Track Committee under notification No: ERB / 1 / 2009 / 23 of date: 12/13.02.2010. We are also thankful to RLC (Central) who has taken pain to start conciliation. The both committees was given two months time to submit the report. Prioritize Committee had to submit the report by 9th March 2009 and Fast Track Committee’s report had to be submitted by 15th April 2010 but both the Committee as yet did not submit the report which now became the cause for resentment of staff.





The AILRSA therefore register their protest through this mass deputation and demands early publication of the reports, failing which the AILRSA has no other option but to go for a token Sit in Fast for two days starting from 12:30 hrs on 03.05.2010 by it CWC members at Jantar – Mantar New Delhi followed by all the Zones in protest for such delay in submitting the report of the Committees.

We therefore request for your kind intervention into the situation and see that the committees report is submitted on and before 30th of April 2010.



With thanks,



Your’s sincerely


M. N. Prasad
Secretary General AILRSA

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Absence from Head quarters

Government of India-Ministry of Railways-New Delhi
No.E(LL) 2009/HER/ I
RBE no. 37/2010.Dated.26.02.10

To
The General Managers
All Indian Railways

Sub : PNMAIRF itemNo 20/2009 Absence of Running Staff from Head quarters

Attention is drawn to Boards letter no. E(LL)97/HER/II dated 30.09.1998 wherein the Railways were asked to keep a close watch at the divisional level and also periodically at the Zonal level to reduce the period of absence of Running Staff from Head quarters.
…

Board desire that all cases of absence of more than 36 hours should be monitored closely with a view to restrict such absence within reasonable limit.

Sd/
AD Ramachandran
Director Esst (LL)

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PROTEST AGAINST REMOVAL OF LOCO PILOT AND ASSISTANT LOCO PILOT of KURDA ROAD

PROTEST AGAINST REMOVAL OF LOCO PILOT AND ASSISTANT LOCO PILOT of KURDA ROAD.


Sri PK Sahoo, Loco Pilot Mail and Sri KCH Pandey Sr Assistant Loco Pilot,at KURDA ROAD were Removed from service for demanding 3 hours extra rest before their second night duty and due to the Prolonged power failure at a temperature of around 49 degree at Kharagpur Running Room.


Sri AZ Khan LP Goods, KURDA ROAD is removed from service for expressing his unwillingness to work longer hours after completing 13 hours duty.


Sri KS Ramarao II and Sri SN Sahoo, both Assistant Loco Pilots were removed from service for demanding to maintain status co for coupling and uncoupling at Visakapatanam Railway Station.


The all above cases are clear proof for the INHUMAN treatment towards Loco Pilots by the Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer of Kurda Road who is lightly imposing the ultimate penalty without considering the actual facts.


AILRSA central committee directed all the Branches to Protest against the Injustice by organizing Gate meetings on 09.04. 10


AILRSA Bangalore division conducted a Mass Gate Meeting in front of Crew Booking Lobby, Plat form I, Bangalore City Railway Station on 09.04.10. The Gate Meeting was welcomed by Sri Jayachandran, Central Organising committee member AILRSA and was Addressed by Sri C. Sunish, General Secretary,AILRSA and Sri R Surendran, Divisional Secretary, AILRSA.

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Memorandum submitted to RLC

BEFORE THE HON’BLE REGIONAL LABOUR COMMISSIONER (CENTRAL) 4TH FLOOR, JEEVAN DEEPO BUILDING, PARLIAMENT STREET, NEW DELHI – 110001
All India Loco Running Staff
Association (AILRSA) : Workmen
Vs
Railway Board : Opposite Party


Sir,

In the matter of “Sit in Fast” programme at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on 25th / 26th November 2009 by the Members of the AILRSA


The all India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA) is in receipt of a copy of the letter bearing No. E (LR) II / 2009 / STI – 7 dated: 25.03.2010 submitted by Dy. Director, Estt. (LR) III addressed to Sri B. B. Bhatnagar, Regional Labour Commissioner (Central), New Delhi – 110001. The said communication dated: 25.03.2010 by the Railway Board is with reference to the proceedings held by the esteemed RLC (C) on 15.03.2010 in the matter of the demands raised by the Association (AILRSA) during the “Sit in Fast” programme proposed on 25th / 26th November 2009.
In the communication dated 25.03.2010 abovementioned, the Railway Board has referred to the existence of the permanent negotiating machinery, departmental council under JCM etc. It is humbly submitted that the existence of these bodies intended for peaceful settlement of the grievances of the employees in the open line but have always not been to the satisfaction of the various categories working in the open line like the Loco Running Staff for example. At any case, the rights conferred upon the AILRSA to raise the genuine grievances as per the provisions contained in the Trade Union Act 1926, the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 etc. have not been taken away or annulled on account of the existence of formation of negotiating machineries in the Railway Organization. More-over, it will not be out of place to mention that the recognized Unions in the Railway has not occupied the position of sole bargaining against of Railway workers too. Therefore, the demands raised by the organization and the conciliation initiated by the esteemed RLC (C), New Delhi – 110001 is well in conformity with the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and, therefore, cannot be questioned by the Railway management. The demands raised by the Association is under the consideration of the Railway Board and the same are at various levels of discussion before the different bodies including JCM as mentioned by the Railway Board, but it is again not mention specifically about the time limit of concluding the discussion and come out with a decision and at the same time the Railway Board has constituted the Fast Track Committee to consider the same, report of the Committee should be submitted with a time frame of two months i.e. within 15.04.2010 vide letter ERB – 1/2010/23/of dated: 12/13.02.2010, which in-fact Railway has not brought in to the knowledge of Hon’ble RLC (C) New Delhi through their reply of dated: 25.03.2010. It is pertinent to mention that since last one and half year we have been raising our grievances through different way and means. However, which remains as yet unsettled. However now the Railway Board is requested through your honour to come out with a decision on our grievances within the time schedule which has been given to Fast Track Committee i.e. by 15.04.2010. Sir, it is an appropriate to mention here that Prior to that a prioritize committee had been constituted under notification No: ERB – 1/2009/23/1 dated: 09.01.2009 to examine the question of horizontal / vertical relativities of pay within two months i.e. on and before 10th of March 2009. Had this Committee examined the question of relativity (Horizontal and vertical of ALP / LP (Loco Running Staff) with other category adequately / properly as represented by the Association, a major portion of the demands of Pay / GP would have been solved. However, this report has also not come out although one year has passed. A true copy of the said order dated: 12.02.10 / 15.02.10 and dated: 09.01.2009 respectively issued by the Railway Board are enclosed herewith for the immediate reference of the esteemed RLC (C). The anomalies Committee which has been mentioned by the Railway Board stands irrelevant in this case if its terms and reference is taken into the consideration.



Sir, the submission of the Railway management that the issue of Grade Pay is beyond the competence of Railway Board Can’t be agreed. The Railway Board itself constitute Fast Track Committee with Railway Officials to consider all these issues raised by the Association including the GP which itself indicate their competence to decide the issue of GP. In-addition the Railway Ministry is an immediate and principle employer of ours and it is their concern to consult the competent authorities to solve the issue of GP. It will not be out of place here to mention that prior to 26.03.2010, they never raised the issue of their competency rather on the other hand on 13.03.10they have submitted that some issues are considered and others are under active consideration. In view of the above fact the management version on the issue of GP can’t be agreed. It is only urged upon to see that the report of Fast Track Committee should be submitted as scheduled and our grievances are solved favourably and adequately.
All these facts indicate that the opposite party management has no case that the demands raised by the workmen Association (AILRSA) are untenable and on the other hand it is their case that the issue is under consideration at various levels, suggesting thereby that a result is likely to come forth within a short span of time {as indicated in the order dated 12.02.2010/15.02.2010 ( ibid)}. In the circumstances, noticing the reply filed by the Railway dated d25.03.2010 and also the order dated 12.02.2010/15.02.2010 constituting Fast Track Committee, further discussion in the matter can be kept in abeyance for the time being with a direction to the opposite party Railways to finalize the process of discussion and to arrive at a just decision settling the grievances raised by the AILRSA within a time limit as set for Fast Track Committee i.e. 15.04.2004.
It is also prayed that the management to be directed to give an opportunity to representatives of the Association to have their say before a final decision is taken by the Railway Board on the different issue as raised by the Association.
We also pray that appropriate order be passed as submitted above giving liberty to the Association to revive the demands if so warranted at a latter stage, in case a decision of the Railway Board is not satisfactory.


Yours’ faithfully

( M. N. PRASAD)
SECY. GENERAL
AILRSA

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Protest on 09.04.10

PROTEST AGAINST REMOVAL OF LOCO PILOT AND ASSISTANT LOCO PILOT of KURDA ROAD.

Sri PK Sahoo, LP Mail and Sri KCH Pandey Sr ALP were Removed from service for demanding 3 hours extra rest before their second night duty and due to the power failure at a temperature of around 49 degree at Kharagpur.
Sri AZ Khan LP Goods is removed from service for expressing his unwillingness to work longer hours after completing 13 hours duty.
Sri KS Ramarao II and Sri SN Sahoo were removed from service for Coupling case.
AILRSA central committee directed all the Branches to Protest against the Injustice by organizing Gate meetings on 09.04. 10

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Dharna at Hubli

ALL INDIA LOCO RUNNING STAFF ASSOCIATION Hubli Divisional committee Conducted MASS DHARNA On 08.04.10 in front of DRM office Hubli, The demonstration started from Crew Booking Lobby to DRM office @10.30 hrs , The Dharna was welcome by Com. K.NISHAD, Divisional Secretary AILRSA and Inaugurated by Com. C. SUNISH, General Secretary AILRSA ,S.W Rly. Com. SSV.RAMPRASAD, Zonal Joint Secretary, Com. T.SABU, Zonal Vice President, Com. A.K.DIXIT, Branch Secretary were addressed the huge gathering. A delegation comprising of Com. K.NISHAD, Com. T.SABU, Com. BAMK NAIDU, Com.A.K. DIXIT ,Com. K.RIJITH KUMAR met ADRM Hubli Sri. PREM CHAND and submitted the detailed memorandum. While the discussion the ADRM assured to solve the grievances as earlier very seriously

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Conciliation on 25.03.10

Out come of conciliation on 25.03.10
Railway has submitted their comments on our demand
Item no.1. Improvement of GP to ALP : Ministry of Railways is not
competent to accept the demand for any up gradation in Grade pay
beyond the accepted recommendation of 6th CPC. Forther an Anomaly
committee is existing.
Item no 2.Kilometreage allowance to be improved based on RAC 1981
formula- this is a subject in Agenda of Departmental Council under the
Joint Consultative Machinery(DC JCM)
Item No 3. ODS Allowance for all Running Staff- Is a subject in PNM of AIRF
This is the reply given by Sri John Ekka, Dy Director Pay commission
to RLC /NDLS
Next sitting 12.04.10

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Subsidesed Meals

Running Room Subsidised Meals for Loco & Traffic Running staff
Rates enhanced from Rs. 18 to Rs.27 per meal. Tea/Coffee and breakfast will also served. Total 3 Meals will be provided in 24 Hrs.
------------------------
RBE No. 35 / 2010
Government of India
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)
No.2006/M(L}/467/2 New Delhi dated :- 24.02.2010
General Managers,
All Indian Railways.
Sub:- Provision of subsidized meal/food to the running staff in the Running Room.
Ref.:- Board's letter of even number datedG7.03.2007.
Consequent to the Budget announcement regarding serving of food at nominal rates to the running staff in the running room, Board vide letter under reference had nominated an ED's Committee and had circulated guidelines for above. Zonal Railways had sought a few clarifications in this regard and had also requested for a review of the rates of subsidy.
Accordingly, the policy was reviewed and Board have now decided to introduce the following changes in the policy:
(i) The no. of subsidized meals to be provided to running staff should be decided at the divisional level with the personal approval of the DRM. However, there should be a ceiling that not more than 3 (three) subsidized meals shall be permitted in a 24 hour period of stay in the running room.
(ii) All types of meals viz. breakfast, lunch and dinner may qualify for the proposed subsidy
(iii) Running staff, if so desired by-them, should be given one packed meal for consumption en route. This meal will be in addition to the ceiling recommended in (i) above.
(iv) Tea/coffee is already forming part of the subsidized meal. Any additional requirement should be made available to the running staff at a rate fixed by the division. This additional beverage would not be subsidized.
(v) Keeping in view the escalation in prices of provisions and food items taken place in the last two years, it has been decided to upwardly revise the subsidy from the existing limit of Rs. 18 to Rs. 27 per meal.
The revised cost of meal would be Rs. 30 of which Rs. 27 would be the subsidy and the balance Rs.3 shall be paid by the running staff.
(vi) There should be a regular system of quarterly inspection of the quality of food being served under the scheme by a committee of three officers constituting Sr.DME. Sr.DEE and Sr:DOM at the divisional level irrespective of the department controlling the running room.
All other conditions pertaining to implementation of this scheme shall remain the same as issued vide Board letter under reference.
This issue with the concurrence of the Finance Dte. of Ministry of Railways.
Hindi version will follow.
(Shubhranshu)
Exe. Dir. Mech.Engg. (Traction)
Railway Board.

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Conciliation With Railway in presence of RLC/NDLS

Conciliation talk between AILRSA and Railways which was slated on 15.03.10 was attended by Com.MN Prasad, Com. NB Dutta, Com. JS Tank at New Delhi. Railway oficial submits that they have done some thing and still trying to redress the grievances.And request RLC for time to submit written statement. Next sitting fixed on 26.03.10

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DA-8%

Cabinet approves 8% DA to central Government Employees with effect from 01.01.2010. Now total DA amounts to 35%

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Memorandum Submitted to Fast Track Committee

ALL INDIA LOCO RUNNING STAFF ASSOCIATION
Regd. No. 17903 H/Q. Aravindapally, Lower Beniasol, Post –Adra. Dist –Purulia. Pin. No.723121(WB)
Central Office : AILRSA BHAWAN, H.No. 333, Bhoor Bharat Nagar, Ghaziabad – 201001.
Tel. No. : 0120-2740025
L. Mony M.N.Prasad
Central President SecretaryGeneral,
‘Devi Nilayam’, Kadavil Road, At:Aravindapally, Post:-Adra,
P.O. Vyttila – 682 019, Kochi, Kerala. Dist:-Purulia(WB)
Phone: 09446207312 Phone:09434008950 E-mail mn.prasad@rediffmail.com
Ref: ……………… Date: 11.03.2010



MEMORANDUM BERORE THE FAST TRACK COMMITTEE


To,
The Convener,
Fast Track Committee,
(Executive director / PC 1,)
Railway Board,
New Delhi.

Respected Sir,

Sub: Submission of memorandum.
Ref: No, ERB-1/2010/23/7, dated 15th Feb 2010.


This Association earnestly submits this memorandum before the Honorable committee for its consideration.

In various point of time on behalf of Loco Running Staff, we had submitted several memorandums explaining our grievances. The last memorandum addressed to chairman, Railway Board dated 15.7.2009 is exhaustive; therefore the same is attached here with as a part of this memorandum.

At the outset we fully appreciate the eagerness shown to look into the grievances of Loco Running Staff by the Railway Board. And hope that sincere effort will be taken to redress the same.

The terms of reference given to the FTC is to look into the issue raised by various Federations/Unions and Associations, but confined regarding the issues set forth in the order dated 15.02.2010. Therefore we too limit our issues accordingly.


1. GRADE PAY OF LOCO RUNNING STAFF.
1.1 ASSISTANT LOCO PILOTS AND THEIR PAY PACKET :-

The recruitment cadre to Loco Running Staff category is Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP). The recruitment qualification is matriculation plus ITI, preferably Diploma in Engineering. After recruitment through Railway Recruitment Board, they have to undergo a thorough and stringent medical examination in the medical standard of “Aye One” which is to be maintained through out the service as Running Staff.

There after they must undergo a 9 months stringent initial training on induction as Assistant Loco Pilot in which they have to undergo training in safety related Rules, regulation and instruction in Mechanism and Operations of various types of Locomotives in service including quick trouble-shooting, safety equipments on them, relevant aspects of various coaches/ wagons and problems on run, Fire fighting, Function of shed / Crew Lobby, Control Office, familiar with the section of Rail track, location of innumerable signals, Boards, Station lay outs, up and down gradients etc. the responsibility to ensure safety of the Passenger which is same as stringent as Airline Pilots. In case, if any thing goes wrong during the period of working shares equal responsibility and bears equal punishment as like as Loco Pilot and so, in-fact now they have occupied the position of as like as Co-Pilot.

The lowest Pay of Central Government worker is in Pay Band I (Rs. 5200 – 20200)+Grade Pay of Rs.1800/-. Without considering the highest standard of Medical fitness, stringent training , high responsibility and skill required to perform duty as Assistant Loco Pilot the same Pay Band has been allotted with a Grade Pay of Rs. 1900/- , just Rs. 100/- more than the lowest post in the Government Service.

Enhancing a mere Rs. 100/- in Grade Pay alone than the lowest post in Government service to this vital and crucial category, i.e., the Assistant Loco Pilot shocks the mind of all. Seeing merit on our demands for enhancing Grade Pay of Assistant Loco Pilots, the then Hon’ble Minister for Railways Sri. Lalu Prasad Yadav directed the Railway Board on 31.12.2008 to redress the grievances in their pay grades. The Railway Board too agreed in this point. We had the pleasure to meet the Member Staff on 19th November 2008, and the Chairman, Railway Board on 6th February 2009. Both were agreed that the grade pay allowed to the ALP is not commensurate to the work done by them and the Railway Board is intended to rectify the anomaly and a committee is appointed to examine the issue. In fact a Committee was constituted on 09.01.2009 to prioritize the issue pertaining to replace the Pay structure and also to examine the horizontal and vertical relativity in pay of different category among Railway employees. The Committee was to give its report by 9th March 2008 but unfortunately the report is yet to come.

It may be noted that the vertical and horizontal relativity of Pay of ALP with the Guards that were existed from 1st CPC has been completely shattered. The following position shows the correct picture.

Period ALP / First Fireman Guard Asst. Guard
1st CPC Rs. 75-105 Rs. 60-170
3rd CPC Rs. 290-350 Rs. 290-400 Rs. 225-270
Cadre restructuring of 1983 Rs. 290-350 Rs. 330-500 Rs. 225-270
4th CPC Rs. 950-1500 Rs. 1200-2040 Rs. 950-1400
5th CPC Rs. 3050-4590 Rs. 4500-7000 Rs. 3050-4590
6th CPC Grade Pay 1900 Grade Pay 2800 Grade Pay 1900

From the table it is seen that during 1st CPC the Guard Pay was much lesser than ALP. The Guard’s Pay was raised and made equal at 3rd CPC. The Pay of Guard surpassed the ALP in the year 1983 by way of cadre restructuring by the Railway Board. 5th CPC further raised the Pay of Guard much above the ALP. 6th CPC followed suit. Now the ALP is at Grade Pay Rs. 1900/- and Guard is fitted at a Grade Pay of Rs. 2800/-. The Asst. Guards are with the Grade Pay of Rs. 1900/- but the responsibility attached to the post of ALP and Asst. Guards differ widely, not only that but the post of Assistant Guard are being abolished which itself reflect the role and importance of Asst. Guard in a train working and train is running without Asst. Guard, so the pay packet for ALPs need to be improved.

The duties of ALP have a sea change from 1st CPC to 6th CPC, responsibility increased, higher skills required, and educational qualification made higher, stringent induction training; whereas responsibilities and medical standard of Guards stand as it is from 1st CPC to 6th CPC.
We therefore request to reconsider the case of Asst. Loco Pilot of Indian Railways and to allow a Grade Pay of Rs. 2800/- which is justified in all respects.

1.2 LOCO PILOTS AND THEIR PAY PACKET:-

The 6th CPC merged the scales of Rs. 5000 – 8000, 5500 - 9000 and 6500 – 10500 to one Pay band of Rs. 9300 – 34800 with a Grade Pay of Rs. 4200/-. Where as the Post which had a scale of 6500 – 10500 were upgraded to a distinct Grade Pay of Rs.4600. So in fact two grades of Rs. 5000 – 8000 and 5500 – 9000 were merged into one.

The recommendation of the Commission on merger of these scales was that “it should first be seen, if the Post in the three scales can be merged without any functional difference”. If there are functional differences, it need not be merged. In the case of Loco Running staff post of Sr. Loco Pilot (Shunting), Loco Pilot (Goods), Loco Pilot (Passenger) and Loco Pilot (Mail) there are functional difference exist in performing duties and responsibility, therefore allowing same Grade Pay of Rs. 4200/- to all these posts need to be reviewed. A distinct Grade Pay of Rs. 4200, 4600, 4800 and 5400/-be allowed to each Sr. Loco Pilot (Shunting), Loco Pilot (Goods), Loco Pilot (Passenger) and Loco Pilot (Mail) respectively.

The Staff Nurse in the scale of Rs. 5000 – 8000 and Nursing Sister in scale of 5500 – 9000 and Nursing Superintendent in scale of Rs.6500 – 10500 were allowed with a Grade Pay of Rs. 4600, 4800 and 5400 respectively even though there is no functional difference in their duty. Added to that the direct recruited Guard, TXR, SM, TTE and a host of categories placed in the Grade Pay of Rs. 4600, 4800, 5400 on completion of 10, 20 and 30 year under MACPS. No such chances do exist for Loco Pilots to reach this Grade Pay under MACP scheme.

It may be appreciated that the job attributes, responsibility, medical standard attached to the post of a Loco Pilot differ much with Guards. It is everybody’s knowledge that Loco pilot cannot be equated with Guard in performing duty attached with them. The Loco Pilot was at higher level and they were paid a higher Pay packet than the Guard. After implementation of 6th CPC both were treated as equal and equal Pay was allowed and on implementation of MACP, the Pay of a Guard goes more than LP and thus the retiring benefit too thus position is being reversed. This discrimination caused to Loco Pilot, be rectified.

In summary we request to allow Grade Pay as follows: –

Second Fireman - Rs. 2400
Asst. Loco Pilot / 1st Fireman - Rs. 2800
Loco Pilot (Shunting) - Rs. 4200
Loco Pilot (Goods) - Rs. 4600
Loco Pilot (Passenger) - Rs. 4800
Loco Pilot (Mail) - Rs. 5400


2. ALLOWANCE OF LOCO RUNNING STAFF AS PER THE RECOMMENDATION OF VI CPC.

An additional allowance of Rs. 500 / Rs. 1000 was allowed to Loco Pilot (Passenger) and Loco Pilot (Mail) considering the onerous nature of duty. Restricting this additional allowance to these two categories only, is not correct. The entire categories of Loco Running staff are facing the same onerous duty. Therefore this allowance to be extended to entire categories of Loco Running staff too and the same should be treated as Pay for the purpose of HRA, Running allowance and retirement benefit.

3. APPLICABILITY OF RUNNING ALLOWANCE.
The Committee constituted to decide the quantum of Pay element and Running allowance rate, has submitted its recommendation on 25.11.2008. On the recommendations of the Committee, the Railway Board decided that the existing quantum of Pay element shall continue but Running allowance rate of LP / ALP shall be Rs. 169 / 120, abolishing the system of determining the rate of kilometerage on a long established formula accepted by the Government of India.

We are constrained to say that the whole concept of introduction of running allowance scheme by the Railway is not fully understood by the Committee. After all the Running staff should be paid the pay element according to the Basic Pay (Pay Band + Grade Pay) of the individual employee and TA / DA according to TA / DA Rules. This is the minimum concept and is in accordance with basic rules.


Instead of straight away giving it, this has been paid through the scheme of Running allowance. The RAC - 1980 dealt the subject well. They recommended taking the mean of the scale as a compromise formula, otherwise different and distinct rate has to be derived to different stage in Pay scale as the individual employee is entitled for pay element according to his Basic Pay. Deriving different rate for different stage in Basic Pay is cumbersome and impractical. It may also be noted that while taking mean of the Basic Pay in fact, those who are in higher basic pay will loose and those in lower pay benefited. If the minimum of pay scale is taken to arrive at the rate, the individual employee who draws higher pay will not get the actual amount of pay element which is statutory in nature. If the maximum of Basic Pay is taken to arrive the rate, then unintended benefit will accrue to those who are in lower level in the scale. That is why the RAC 1980 recommended to take the mean pay to arrive at the rate. It was equitable decision. And staff not protested even though there was a loss for those who draw higher pay in the scale.

The present recommendation to take the minimum of pay band be seen in this perception. Those who draw higher pay in the Pay Band will get a lesser amount of pay element, that too a very drastic loss. Pay of many running staff had been fixed in the band above Rs. 22,000/- and none draws at Rs. 9300/- at present.

It may be specifically noted that, the recommendation to take minimum of pay band to calculate Running Allowance rate is creating an anomalous situation. When working trains the workers will get a corresponding amount as pay element based on Rs 9300+4200, i.e. 13500X30/100=Rs 4050 as pay element in a month through running allowance as recommended.

Where as an LP, who draws a pay in pay band at 20,000/- will get pay element of Rs 7260 ((20000+4200)30/100) in a month, if he proceed on leave or on non running duty for a month.

Running allowance scheme was introduced to motivate Running staff to work more and run trains more kilometers. Now this becomes demotivation by the present application.

The observations made by the 6th CPC to pay allowances with reference to minimum of pay in the pay band in para 7.36.97 of its report were in the nature of suggestion / illustration and this has modified through an errata and held that the administrative ministry concerned will need to take a final view thereon.

Therefore the Railway Board orders may be amended and Running Allowance may be refixed taking mean of the Pay Band and Grade Pay.

The Committee assumed the TA / DA rate at Rs. 210/-, but subsequently order of Railway Board on TA / DA has been released fixing Rs. 340/- for the grade pay of Rs. 4200/-. So instead of Rs. 210 an amount of Rs. 340 should be taken as TA for fixing the running allowance rate. Therefore the recommendation of the committee on Running Allowance to double the rate w.e.f 01.09.2009 has to be rejected.

20 days TA / DA in the formulae may be revised at least to 25 days considering the present Crew links / pattern of working.

According to the finding of the Committee on benchmarking, the national average kilometerage of Passenger crew links were 4700 km for LP(P) and 3725 km for ALP. Therefore the average kilometer of Loco Pilot (Passenger) may be taken at 4700 km and Assistant Loco Pilot be taken as 3725 km to arrive at the Running Allowance rate.

It may be appreciated that prior to 6th CPC for arriving the Running allowance rate the mean of Loco Pilot (Pass) scale of Rs. 5500 – 9000 was taken. We agree with the version of the Running Allowance Committee-2008 that the present Pay Band is an amalgamation of several scales of pay. It is also agreed, taking the minimum of Pay Band is not correct. Therefore we suggest that at least the Pay in the Pay Band corresponding to mean of Rs. 5500 – 9000/- may be taken to arrive at the rate of Running Allowance.

TA of Loco Pilots of Rs.105 was raised to Rs. 340 with an increase of 3.25 times. In the case of Assistant Loco Pilots the increase in TA rates is from Rs. 55 to Rs. 210. i.e, 3.81 times. Therefore the recommendation of the committee to just double the rate of running allowance w.e.f 01.09.2008 has to be reviewed.

Accordingly it will be just on our part to demand that the kilometerage rate of running staff be raised as follows:-

Application of RAC-1980 formula with 20 days TA and 4700 / 3725 km for LP / ALP, the rate from 01.01.2006 to 31.08.2008. and w.e.f 01.09.2008


LOCO PILOT ASST. LOCO PILOT
Basic Pay (9300 + 34800) / 2 + 4200 * ( 5830 +20200) / 2 + 1900
Mean Pay 26250 14915
30% of Pay element 7875 4475
Old TA rates 105 55
National average km 4700 3725
Mileage rate with old TA rate w.e.f 01.01.2006 (7875 +(105 X 20)) /4700 ) 100 = 212.23 (4475 + (55 X 20)) / 3725 ) 100 = 149.66
New TA rates 340 210
Mileage rate with new TA w.e.f 01.09.2008 (7875 +(340 X 20) / 4700 ) X 100 = 312.23 (4475 + (210 X 20) / 3725 )X 100= 232.89

• Entry pay for Asst. Loco Pilot.
In the light of the above facts, the Railway Board decision on Running Allowance rates need to be modified duly considering our demand for increasing the pay.


4. COMPUTING RUNNING ALLOWANCE IN SUBURBAN SECTION.
Suburban working in Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai is unique one. When the Railway started suburban services it was only from Mumbai to Bandra (15km). Now in Mumbai (CR and WR) alone almost 2300 trains are running per day. In view of single man operation and increased traffic density, their service should be properly evaluated so as to fix higher Pay and Allowances. At present they too are allotted mere pay in the Pay Band 2 + 4200 GP. In suburban services the computation of mileage should be based on trip system with a minimum of 160 km per hour and the longer distance trip should be minimum three times the actual distance. The waiting duty should be 40 kms per hour.

5.PROVIDE CO-DRIVER IN SUPERFAST TRAINS AS EXISTED EARLIER:-

Already many trains such as Rajadhani, Shatabdi Express were provided with Co Pilot instead of Assistant Loco Pilot, considering the arduousness of duty, high speed and related safety. The Running Allowance Committee – 2002 recommended that trains which run at a speed above 105kmph should be provided with Co-Pilot instead of Assistant Loco Pilot. This recommendation be implemented considering the safety aspect of high speed trains constant working in long distance train should not be more that 2/2:30 hrs at a stretch. It should have a stoppage after 2 or 2:30 to meet the natural necessity for a Crew, in the interest of safe working of a train.

6. HOER should be reviewed by a Judiciary Committee as agreed by the Government.

We hope that the matter may be sympathetically viewed and conceded.



Thanking you,

Yours faithfully


M. N. PRASAD
Secretary General
. AILRSA

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Proceedings of CWC

To
The Chairman,
Railway Board,
Rail Bhavan,
New Delhi.

Respected Sir,

Sub:- Proceedings of Central Working Committee meeting of All India Loco Running Staff Association., held at Visakhapatnam, East Coast Railway on 11th and 12th March 2010.

Extended Central Working Committee meeting of All India Loco Running Staff Association was held at VMC Hall, Visakhapatnam of East Coast Railway on 11th and 12th March 2010. The Meeting was presided by a presidium consisted of Com L.Mony Central President and Com N.Sarkar Working President, meeting was attended by representatives from all the 16 zones. The meeting adopted the following resolutions for necessary action from appropriate authorities.

RESOLUTIONS:

ON FAST TRACK COMMITTEE

The CWC meeting of AILRSA held at VSKP on 11th and 12th of March welcome the decision of Railway board to constitute the Fast Track Committee to redress the grievances of loco running staff in a war footing. This meeting urges the committee to consider the memorandum submitted by AILRSA dispassionately and do injustice with in the time frame to this most important category of workers. We also request the committee to give an opportunity to meet the representatives of this association to give evidence in support of the demands.

ON CONCILIATION PROCEDURE

The Labour ministry has decided to intervene and mediate in settling the grievances of Loco Running Staff arose out of 6th Central pay revision and inhuman application of outdated rules on working conditions in railways. This meeting express gratitude to the Central Labour Commissioner who initiated for bilateral talks to find a mutually agreeable solution for the grievances, at the same time we request the Labour Ministry to take due care to arrive at a decision at the earliest possible and there by ensure harmonious industrial relation .

INHUMAN TREATMENT ENSUED AGAINST LOCO RUNNING STAFF OF KURDHA ROAD

The Sr.DME/KUR ordered dismissal to a Sr. Loco Pilot/Mail Sri P.K.Sahoo and Sr. Asst Loco Pilot Sri K.C.H.Panda for demanding just 3 hrs sleep before his second night duty. On the ilfateful day they had to take rest in a asbestos roofed room where a total power failure, the temperature was 49 degrees at kharaghpur. It was impossible to take proper rest. The fact was substantiated by their own action itself as the next day itself 16 pedestal fans were provided arrangements of external electrical supply is erode etc. Despite of the fact the controlling officer behaved merciless to dismiss both poor and dedicated employees only to hide his failure to ensure proper facilities in running room.
It is shameful for any civilized and democratic society that a loco pilot who is shouldering the burden of railway safety get dismissed for expressing inability to maintain his concentration and alertness demanded by his duties after a spell of 12 hrs and 25 minutes of tideous duty. This action of Sr.DME/KUR is shocking the conscious of every body.
Two Sr. Asst Loco Pilots viz. Sri S.N.Sahoo and K.S.Rao II are dismissed for making a remark on the call book served to them at VSKP is nothing but clear violation of DAR powers with a sole motive to wreck vengeance. The very purpose of disciplinary rules and powers vested with officers is to correct the erring employees. But here is as usual a fatal weapon. Sri J.P.Dandapath LP/G/CTC also being under suspension for a long time.
Many loco pilots and Assistant Loco Pilots are transferred to far of places violating all norms to terrorise staff. Large number of major penalty and minor penalty charge sheet are also issued in this division.
This association wish to point out that KUR division is running with the worst vacancy position as 22 % posts vacant and there is an increase of 26% in traffic. Altogether the division is running with a shortage of 48% staff and entire staff is at the verge of a break down.
So this CWC demand the General Manager E.Co.Rly to intervene immediately to instruct the Appellate Authorities to cancel the inhuman punishments imposed and to reverse revengeful orders of transfers and penal actions

Yours Sincerely,


(M.N.Prasad)

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Program of Action -CWC VSKP

PROGRAM OF ACTION ADOPTED IN THE CWC MEETING OF AILRSA HELD AT VSKP ON 11TH AND 12TH MARCH, 2010

1) Inland letter to Convener FTC expressing thanks for forming the committee and individual support to the demands placed by AILRSA. This is intended to register the eagerness of loco running staff over the decision of FTC, in the Attached format.
2) Central committee shall print posters demanding FTC to concede the demands duly reiterating the demands.
3) A Seven member committee consisting of Com.L. Mony, Com M.N. Prasad, Com Jit Singh Tank, Com.N.B.Dutta, Com.Mrinal Seal , Com.Sanat Sen, and Com.K.C.James is entrusted to monitor the developments of FTC, conciliation and organizational actions according to the following guidelines. The organization to be kept ready for immediate action in all levels.
4) Immediate protest should be organized all over India along with demonstration, rally wearing black badges etc. if the FTC Suggestions go against us.
5) The FTC is supposed to submit its report by 15th April 2010. In case the report is delayed or report going against, organize mass demonstration on 21st April before all GM’s office.
6) Hunger fast by central committee members from 3rd May starting from 12.30hrs at Jantar Mantar/New Delhi followed by a mobilization of the workers by the neighboring railway, Selected from other railways. The branches/Division/Zones will also organize the supporting actions in different forms. The period of hunger fast will be decided by the core committee of our organization. May Day will be celebrated as usual on 1st May.
7) Com. D.S.Koparkar and Com. Srivastava and Com. M.N.Prasad are entrusted to communicate our decision to JAF of WR and CR, In order to continue the agitation hand in hand.
8) All the possibilities to gather support to our agitation through media, sister trade unions, political leaders, people’s representatives and passenger associations to be resorted at all levels.
9) The central working committee members present at Delhi from 3rd may will decide the future course of action.






ORGANISATIONAL DECISIONS:

1). Membership statement and quota for the year 2009 to be submitted to treasurer at the earliest not later than 30th March 2010 to facilitate renewal of trade union registration. General Secretaries of SCR, NWR, WCR, NR and NFR to take extra care as no membership is submitted.

2). Zonal Secretary should tour over their respective Zone to revitalize the organization at all levels and should call all the divisional meeting and explain the position before 15th April, it is further advised to report back, the execution of programs.

3) Extend solidarity actions through fax messages to GM/East Coast Railway on 9th April in support of the protest day by East coast railway comrades against the vindictive attitude of Divisional authorities of KURDHA ROAD division by zonal and divisional secretaries.


Fax No of GM East Coast Raiway: 0679-2300196


















From

Name:________________________
Desig:________________________
Depo:________________________
Divn:________________________
Zone:________________________

To
The Convener,
Fast Track Committee,
Railway Board
New Delhi.

Respected Sir,
I belong to the loco running cadre at the outset I appreciate the eagerness shown to resolve the grievances of Loco Running Staff by the railway board and the opportunity to represent individually.
In the process of expressing our grievances the All India Loco Running Staff Association submitted detailed memorandam before the Honourable Committee. I endorse with the subject matter of the memorandum fully.
I humbly request before your good office to concede our demand and I hope that this Committee will redress the grievances and would do justice.



Place:
Date:
Yours faithfully,

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CWC

AILRSA Extended Central Working Committee meeting will be Held at VMC Hall(Vishakapattanam Municipal Corporation Hall) , Dondabarthy,Vishakapattanam on 11 and 12 of March, 2010 to discus the stock of situation. The memorandum to be submitted to the Fast Track Committee and next course of action to be taken by the association will also discuss in detail.Comrades can contact Com. SK Choubey mob:09441340617 or Com. MN Prasad Mob: 09434008950--

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Summer Special Trains by SCR

PRESS RELEASE
SCR TO RUN 300 SUMMER SPECIAL TRAINS BETWEEN VARIOUS DESTINATIONS
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE, SECUNDERABAD - 500 071
In order to clear the extra rush of passenger traffic during summer season, South Central Railway will run 300 special trains between various destinations up to 30th June, 2010, as per the following schedule:-
1. TRAIN NO.0703/0704 KACHEGUDA – BANGALORE – KACHEGUDA WEEKLY SPECIAL TRAINS (22 services)
Train No.0703 Kacheguda-Bangalore Special Train will depart Kacheguda on Sundays i.e. 18th, 25th April, 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th May, 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th June, 2010 at 21 55 hrs and arrive Bangalore at 11 55 hrs on the next day. In the return direction, Train No. 0704 Bangalore-Kacheguda Special Train will depart Bangalore on Mondays, ie, 19th, 26th April, 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st May, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th June, 2010 at 13 05 hrs and arrive Kacheguda at 04 00 hrs on the next day.
Enroute the special trains will stop at Shadnagar, Mahbubnagar, Gadwal, Kurnool Town, Dhone, Guntakal, Gooty, Anantapur, Dharmavaram, Penukonda, Hindupur, Gauribidannur, Dodballapur, Yelahanka and Bangalore Cantonment in both the directions.
These special trains will comprise of two AC 2 Tier, one AC 3 Tier, twelve Sleeper Class, three General Second Class and two Second Class Luggage cum Brake Van Coaches totaling to twenty.
2. TRAIN NO.0701/0700 SECUNDERABAD – KAKINADA TOWN – SECUNDERABAD BI-WEEKLY SPECIAL TRAINS (44 services)
Train No. 0701 Secunderabad – Kakinada Town Special train will depart Secunderabad on Saturdays and Mondays i.e. 17th, 19th, 24th, 26thApril, 1st, 3rd, 8th, 10th, 15th, 17th, 22nd, 24th, 29th, 31st May, 5th, 7th, 12th, 14th, 19th, 21st, 26th and 28th June, 2010 at 23.00 hrs, and arrive Kakinada Town at 08.50 hrs on the next day. In the return direction, Train No.0700 Kakinada Town – Secunderabad Special train will depart Kakinada Town on Fridays and Sundays i.e. 16th, 18th, 23rd, 25th, 30th, April, 2nd, 7th, 9th, 14th, 16th, 21st, 23rd, 28th, 30th May, 4th, 6th, 11th, 13th, 18th, 20th, 25th and 27th June, 2010 at 21.00 hrs and arrive Secunderabad at 08.00 hrs the next day.
Enroute, these special trains will stop at Kazipet, Warangal, Khammam, Madhira, Vijayawada, Eluru, Tadepalligudem, Nidadavolu, Rajahmundry, Anaparti, and Samalkot in both the directions.
These Special trains will comprise of one AC 2 Tier, one AC 3 Tier, ten Sleeper Class, two General Second Class and two Second Class Luggage cum Brake Van Coaches totaling to sixteen. 3. TRAIN NO.0748/0747 HYDERABAD – VISAKHAPATNAM – HYDERABAD WEEKLY SPECIAL TRAINS (22 services)
Train No. 0748 Hyderabad – Visakhapatnam Special train will depart Hyderabad on Fridays i.e. 16th, 23rd, 30th April, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th May, 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th June, 2010 at 19.30 hrs, depart Secunderabad at 20.00 hrs and arrive Visakhapatnam at 08.30 hrs on the next day. In the return direction, Train No.0747 Visakhapatnam – Hyderabad Special train will depart Visakhapatnam on Saturdays i.e. 17th, 24th April, 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th May, 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th June, 2010 at 19.10 hrs, arrive Secunderabad at 08.15 hrs and arrive Hyderabad at 08.50 hrs on the next day
Enroute, these special trains will also stop at Kazipet,Warangal, Khammam, Madhira, Vijayawada, Eluru, Tadepalligudem, Rajahmundry, Samalkot, Annavaram, Tuni, Anakapalli and Duvvada in both the directions.
These Special trains will comprise of one AC 2 Tier, one AC 3 Tier, ten Sleeper Class, two General Second Class and two Second Class Luggage cum Brake Van Coaches totaling to sixteen.
4. TRAIN NO.0746/0745 HYDERABAD – SANTRAGACHI (KOLKATA) – HYDERABAD WEEKLY SPECIAL TRAINS (22 services)
Train No. 0746 Hyderabad – Santragachi (Kolkata) Special train will depart Hyderabad on Mondays i.e. 12th, 19th, 26thApril, 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th May, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th June, 2010 at 21.50 hrs, depart Secunderabad at 22.15 hrs and arrive Santragachi (Kolkata) at 03.10 hrs on the second day. In the return direction, Train No.0745 Santragachi (Kolkata) – Hyderabad Special train will depart Santragachi (Kolkata) on Wednesdays i.e. 14th, 21st, 28th April, 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th May, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th June, 2010 at 16.10 hrs, arrive Secunderabad at 21.00 hrs. and arrive Hyderabad at 21.45 hrs on the next day
Enroute, these special trains will also stop at Kazipet,Warangal, Khammam, Madhira, Vijayawada, Eluru, Tadepalligudem, Rajahmundry, Samalkot, Annavaram, Tuni, Anakapalle, Visakhapatnam, Vijayanagaram, Srikakulam, Palasa, Brahmapur, Khurda Road, Bhubaneshwar, Cuttack, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, Bhadrak, Balasore and Kharagpur in both the directions.
These Special trains will comprise of one AC 2 Tier, one AC 3 Tier, ten Sleeper Class, two General Second Class and two Second Class Luggage cum Brake Van Coaches totaling to sixteen.
5. TRAIN NO. 0732/0731 HYDERABAD – DADAR – HYDERABAD WEEKLY SPECIAL TRAINS (22 Services)
Train No 0732 Hyderabad – Dadar Special train will depart Hyderabad on Saturdays i.e. 17th, 24th April, 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th May, 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th June, 2010 at 22.00 hours and arrive Dadar at 15.30 hours on the next day. In the return direction, Train No. 0731 Dadar – Hyderabad Special train will depart Dadar on Sundays i.e. 18th, 25th April, 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th May, 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th June, 2010 at 16.50 hours and arrive Hyderabad at 10.00 hours on the next day.
Enroute, these Special trains will stop at Begumpet, Lingampalli, Vikarabad, Tandur, Seram, Malkhaid Road, Chittapur, Wadi, Sholapur, Daund, Pune, Lonavala and Kalyan in both the directions.
These Special trains will consist of one AC 2 Tier, one AC 3 Tier, ten Sleeper Class, two General Second Class and two Second Class Luggage cum brake van coaches totaling to sixteen.
6. TRAIN NO. 0778/0779 HYDERABAD – AJMER – HYDERABAD WEEKLY SPECIAL TRAINS (20 services) (Via, Akola, Bhusawal, Khandwa, Bhopal, Ujjain, Nagda and Kota)
Train No. 0778 Hyderabad–Ajmer Special train will depart Hyderabad on Tuesdays i.e. 13th 20th, 27th April, 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th May, 1st, 8th and 15th June, 2010, at 22.00 hrs, Secunderabad at 22 25 hrs and arrive Ajmer at 12 20 hrs on the second day. In the return direction, Train No. 0779 Ajmer-Hyderabad weekly special train will depart Ajmer on Thursdays i.e. 15th, 22nd, 29th April, 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th May, 3rd, 10th and 27th June, 2010 at 22.45 hrs, arrive Secunderabad at 12 10 hrs and Hyderabad at 13 00 hrs on the second day.
Enroute, these special trains will also stop at Malkajgiri, Medchal, Kamareddi, Nizamabad, Basar, Dharmabad, Mudkhed, Nanded, Purna, Basmat, Hingoli, Washim, Akola, Bhusawal, Khandwa, Itarsi, Bhopal, Sehore, Shujalpur, Berchha, Ujjain, Nagda, Kota, Chanderia, Bhilwara, Bijaynagar and Nasirabad in both the directions.
These special trains will comprise of two AC 2 Tier, one AC 3 Tier, ten Sleeper Class, five General Second Class and two Second Class Luggage cum Brake van coaches totaling to twenty.
7. TRAIN NO.0778A / 0779A HYDERABAD – AJMER - HYDERABAD WEEKLY SPECIAL TRAINS (20 services) (Via Manmad, Bhusawal, Khandwa, Bhopal, Ujjain, Nagda and Kota)
Train No. 0778A Hyderabad-Ajmer Special train will depart Hyderabad on Wednesdays i.e. 14th, 21st, 28th April, 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th May, 2nd, 9th and 16th June, 2010 at 21.35 hrs, Secunderabad at 22 05 hrs and arrive Ajmer at 12 20 hrs on the second day. In the return direction, Train No. 0779A Ajmer-Hyderabad special train will depart Ajmer on Fridays i.e. 16th, 23rd, 30th April, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th May, 4th, 11th and 18th June, 2010 at 22 45 hrs, arrive Secunderabad at 13 00 hrs and Hyderabad at 14 00 hrs on the second day.
Enroute, these special trains will also stop at Malkajgiri, Medchal, Kamareddi, Nizamabad, Basar, Dharmabad, Mudkhed, Nanded, Purna, Parbhani, Jalna, Aurangabad, Manmad, Bhusawal, Khandwa, Itarsi, Bhopal, Sehore, Shujalpur, Berchha, Ujjain, Nagda, Kota, Chanderia, Bhilwara, Bijaynagar and Nasirabad in both the directions.
These trains will have two AC 2 Tier, one AC 3 Tier, ten Sleeper Class, five General Second Class and two Second Class Luggage cum Brake van coaches totaling to twenty.
8. TRAIN NO.0719/0720 SECUNDERABAD – BIKANER – SECUNDERABAD WEEKLY SPECIAL TRAINS (22 Services)
Train No 0719 Secunderabad - Bikaner Special train will depart Secunderabad on Wednesdays i.e. 14th, 21st, 28th April, 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th May, 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd June, 2010 at 23.00 hours and arrive Bikaner at 17.10 hours on the second day. In the return direction Train No. 0720 Bikaner - Secunderabad Special train will depart Bikaner on Sundays i.e. 18th, 25th April, 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th May, 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th June, 2010 at 15.00 hours and arrive Secunderabad at 08.50 hours on the second day.
Enroute, these Special trains will stop at Kazipet, Balharshah, Wardha, Akola, Bhusaval, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Palanpur Jn, Abu Road, Falna, Marwar Jn, Pali Marwar, Luni, Jodhpur, Mertha Road and Nokha in both the directions.
These Special trains will consist of one AC 2 Tier, one AC 3 tier, ten Sleeper Class, two General Second Class and two Second Class Luggage cum brake van coaches totaling to sixteen.
9. TRAIN NO. 0995/0996 SECUNDERABAD – JAIPUR – SECUNDERABAD WEEKLY SPECIAL TRAINS (26 Services)
Train No 0995 Secunderabad – Jaipur Special Train will depart Secunderabad on Mondays i.e. 5th, 12th, 19th, 26thApril, 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st May, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th June, 2010 at 23.35 hours and arrive Jaipur at 08.20 hours on the second day. In the return direction Train No. 0996 Jaipur – Secunderabad Special Train will depart Jaipur on Saturdays i.e. 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th April, 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th May, 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th June, 2010 at 21.15 hours and arrive Secunderabad at 03.55 hours the second day.
Enroute, these Special trains will stop at Kazipet, Ramagundam, Mancheriyal, Bellampalli, Sirpurkagaznagar, Balharshah, Nagpur, Itarsi, Bhopal, Sehore, Shujalpur, Ujjain, Nagda, Kota, Sawaimadhopur, Banasthaliniwai and Durgapura in both the directions.
These Special trains will consist of one First AC-cum- AC 2 Tier, one AC 2 Tier, four AC 3 tier, ten Sleeper Class, two General Second Class and two Second Class Luggage cum brake van coaches totaling to twenty.
10. TRAIN NO.0735/0736 NANDED-DADAR WEEKLY SPECIAL TRAINS (22 services)
Train No. 0735 Nanded – Dadar Special Train will depart Nanded on Tuesdays i.e. 13th, 20th, 27th April, 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th May, 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd June, 2010 at 23.20 hrs and arrive Dadar at 13.15 hrs on the next day. In the return direction, Train No. 0736 Dadar – Nanded Special Train will depart Dadar on Wednesdays i.e. 14th, 21st, 28th, April, 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th May, 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd June, 2010 at 23.00 hrs and arrive Nanded at 11 20 hrs on the next day.
Enroute the specials trains will stop at Purna, Parbhani, Selu, Partur, Jalna, Aurangabad, Lasur, Rotegaon, Manmad, Nasik Road, Igatpuri and Kalyan in both the directions.
These special trains will comprise of one AC 2 Tier, one AC 3 Tier, five Sleeper Class, two General Second Class and Two Second Class Luggage cum Brake Van Coaches totaling eleven.
11. TRAIN NO.0760 /0759 AKOLA – TIRUPATI – AKOLA SPECIAL TRAINS (24 services)
Train No. 0760 Akola – Tirupati Special train will depart Akola on 3rd, 13th, 21st March, 1st, 12th , 20th April, 1st, 20th, 30th May, 10th, 18th and 28th June, 2010 at 05.45 hrs., and arrive Tirupati at 06.30 hrs the next day. In the return direction, Train No. 0759 Tirupati – Akola Special train will depart Tirupati on 4th, 14th, 22nd March, 2nd, 13th, 21st April, 2nd, 21st, 31st May, 11th, 19th and 29th June, 2010 at 09.00 hrs and arrive Akola at 09.30 hrs the next day.
Enroute these Special Trains will stop at Washim, Hingoli, Basmeth, Purna, Nanded, Mudkhed, Dharmabad, Basar, Nizamabad, Kamareddi, Bolarum, Secunderabad, Kazipet, Warangal, Khammam, Vijayawada, Tenali, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur and Renigunta in both the directions.
These Special trains will comprise of six Sleeper Class, ten General Second Class and two Second Class Luggage cum Brake Van Coaches totaling to eighteen.
12. TRAIN NO.0725 /0726 NAGARSOL – TIRUPATI – NAGARSOL SPECIAL TRAINS (22 services)
Train No. 0725 Nagarsol – Tirupati Special train will depart Nagarsol on 27th February, 7th, 17th, 28th March, 5th, 16th, 27th April, 16th May, 3rd , 14th, 24th June, 2010 at 04.15 hrs., and arrive Tirupati at 06.30 hrs the next day. In the return direction, Train No. 0726 Tirupati – Nagarsol Special train will depart Tirupati on 28th February, 8th, 18th, 29th March, 6th, 17th, 28th April, 17th May, 4th, 15th and 25th June, 2010 at 09.00 hrs and arrive Nagarsol at 12.00 hrs the next day.
Enroute these Special Trains will stop at Aurangabad, Jalna, Partur, Selu, Parbhani, Purna, Nanded, Mudkhed, Dharmabad, Basar, Nizamabad, Kamareddi, Bolarum, Secunderabad, Kazipet, Warangal, Khammam, Vijayawada, Tenali, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur and Renigunta in both the directions.
These Special trains will comprise of six Sleeper Class, ten General Second Class and two Second Class Luggage cum Brake Van Coaches totaling to eighteen.
13. TRAIN NO.0737/0738 NANDED – PANDHARPUR – NANDED SPECIAL TRAINS (12 services)
Train No. 0737 Nanded – Pandharpur Special train will depart Nanded on 9th, 24th April, 9th, 23rd May, 7th and 21st June, 2010 at 21.30 hrs and arrive Pandharpur at 08.00 hrs on the next day. In the return direction, Train No.0738 Pandharpur – Nanded Special Train will depart Pandharpur on 10th, 25th April, 10th, 24th May, 8th and 22nd June, 2010 at 21.15 hrs and arrive Nanded at 09.00 hrs on the next day.
Enroute, these special trains will stop at Purna, Parbhani, Gangakher, Parlivaijanath, Latur Road, Latur, Usmanabad, Barsi Town and Kurduwadi in both the directions.
These special trains will comprise of ten General Second Class, six Sleeper class and two Second Class Luggage cum Brake Van Coaches totaling to eighteen.

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Train Engine Catch FIRE

Train Engine Catches Fire

Vadodara (Guj): Rail traffic between Mumbai and Delhi was affected tonight as a goods train was stranded following a fire in its engine on the Golden Bridge across Narmada river at Bharuch, about 90 km from here. Several trains, including the Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani and the August Kranti Express, were halted at various stations after the train remained stranded on the over hundred-year-old bridge following the fire around 8.15 pm, a spokesperson of the Vadodara division of Western Railway said.
The engine fire destroyed the electric wires and replacement work was going on, he said, adding that the goods train has now been brought to a place nearby the railway station at Bharuch. Efforts are on to restore rail traffic on the down line. Traffic on the up line, which was stopped for more than two-and-half hours due to the incident, has been restored, he said. Nobody was injured in the incident. The goods train carrying fertilisers was on its way to Bhusaval from Gandhidham.

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Railway Budget 2010

For Press Release.

Comment on Railway Budget -2010

Railway Minister Hon. Mamata Banerjee has submitted her Railway Budget in Parliament on 24.02.10.

The budget clearly indicates that her eyes are targeted to the Chief Minister Post of West Bengal. It is a Popularity based Budget. But Railway required a proper vision for future development like more kilometer of New track, Gauge Conversion, Doubling, Electrification
And filling up of existing vacancies.

In this budget Minister announced
10 Durantos
101 Suburban Trains for Mumbai,
54 New trains.

But where is the infrastructure and staff?

At present track capacity is saturated in different sections, and hence the punctuality of trains is very badly affected. So present double line sections to change to automatic signaling and Quadruple (4lines, like Chennai-Arakkonam) modernization of signaling and replacing aged bridges and tracks also important. The major thing is alarming vacancy position in general and safety category in particular. As per the knowledge 1, 72,749 vacancies are available in Railways out of that around 12,000 posts of Loco Pilots and Assistant Loco Pilots are existing. Last month Mumbai Motorman agitated demanding filling up of vacancies and pay hike and trains service were paralised.

In Bangalore Division also so many old proposals are kept in cold storage.
Bangalore –Mysore Doubling and Electrification,
Bangarpet –Marikuppam electrification,
Tumkur- Arsikere Doubling,
Bangalore- Guntakkal doubling and electrification,
Chick banavar – Sravanabelegola line
etc are to be given top priority.

The tourist trains presently running in Karnataka(Golden Chariot) is in huge loss, again operating such service will not be viable.
So before announcing any more trains the infrastructure to be developed and staff to be recruited.

Up to 2002 there were only 9 railway zones. But later due to different political and Administrative reasons new zones and divisions formed and as on date there are 16 Railway Zones. In 2000 total number of Officers in Indian Railways was around 6000; and the other Employees was around 17, 00,000. But as on 01.04.2009 the number of Officers is tripled (17680-White Paper) and other Staff reduced to 13, 72,003(white Paper).
In South Western Railway 565 posts of Loco Pilots assistant Loco Pilots are vacant.
Mamata expects more investment through PPP, which is handing over Public Property to the Private.

C. Sunish,
General Secretary,
AILRSA, SWR.

THE HINDU
Thursday, February 25, 2010, Bangalore
‘Where is the infrastructure for new trains?’
Staff Reporter
BANGALORE: Even as Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa termed the Railway Budget 2010-11 as encouraging, many pending projects and proposals from the State have not been given due consideration in the budget.
Union Minister for Railways Mamata Banerjee’s gesture in announcing 54 new trains has come under severe criticism from within the Railway fraternity on the grounds of inadequate infrastructure and manpower.
General Secretary of All India Loco Running Staff Association, South Western Railway, C. Sunish, said many old proposals in Bangalore division, including Bangalore–Mysore line doubling and electrification; Bangarpet–Marikuppam electrification; Tumkur-Arsikere line doubling; Bangalore- Guntakkal line doubling and electrification, and Chikkabanavar–Shravanabelegola new line have been kept in cold storage.
Mr. Sunish said, at present, track capacity was saturated in different sections as a result of which punctuality of trains had severely been affected. Ms. Banerjee should also have focussed on filling up over 1.7 lakh vacancies, of which nearly 12,000 are that of loco pilots. He said the Railways has utterly failed in manpower management. The numbers had dwindled from 17 lakh employees as against 6,000 officers in the year 2000 to 13.7 lakh employees and 17,680 officers in 2009. Kannada Development Authority Chairperson Mukhyamantri Chandru hailed Ms. Banerjee’s decision to conduct recruitment tests simultaneously across the country and in regional languages. Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee Working President D.K. Shivakumar lauded the efforts of Minister of State for Railways K.H. Muniyappa in getting many projects for the State. Bangalore South Lok Sabha member Ananth Kumar said Karnataka is the only State which has continuously contributed and committed a major portion of funds for new rail projects.

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Fast Track Committee

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA / MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(RAILWAY BOARD)

Rail Bhavan, New Delhi, 110001, dated 15.2.2010

No. ERB-I/2010/23/7

ORDER

Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) have decided to constitute a Fast Track Committee to look into the issues of Loco Running Staff including Motormen

raised in different fora consisting of the following:-

i) Executive Director/PC-I, Railway Board – Convenor

ii) Executive Director/PC-II, Railway Board – Member

iii) Executive Director/Finance(E), Railway Board – Member

iv) Adviser/Elect(RS), Railway Board – Member

v) Executive Director/ME(Tr), Railway Board – Member

vi) Executive Director (Chg.), Railway Board – Member

2. The terms of reference of the Committee will be as under:-

The Committee will look into the issues raised by various Federations/Unions/Associations and will also seek views from Federations, Associations, Unions and employees as considered appropriate regarding:

a) Grade Pay and fixation of pay on promotion vis-a-vis direct recruitment;

b) Allowances to Loco Running Staff as per the recommendation of Sixth Pay Commission;

c) Applicability of running allowances with effect from 01.01.2006 based on revised rate of running allowance and related demands;

d) Computed running allowance in suburban sections; and

e) Any other issue/demand which is referred to the Committee.

3. The Committee will submit its report within a period of two months from the date of its constitution.

4. The headquarter of the Committee will be at New Delhi.

5. The Convener and Members of the Committee will be eligible to draw TA/DA as per extant rules.

(J.M.S. Rawat)

Under Secretary (Estt)

Railway Board

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Lady Assistant Loco Pilot working train in Bangalore.

Lady ALP at Bangalore.
So far in many divisions Lady assistant Loco Pilots were working.But in Bangalore today is the first day that one Lady Assistant LocoPilot is working in Passenger Train operation. The credit goes toMiss. Alok Nanda, Lady Assistant Loco Pilot recently completedtraining and inducted to service. She is from Orissa. Today she isworking the Passenger train from Bangalore to Tumkur and back . Trainnumbers 221, 222, 225 and 224. Morning 9.20 hours leaving frombangalore reaching Tumkur at 11.05 ,again leaving Tumkur at 11.20arriving 13.20 at Bangalore. Leaving Bangalore at 13.40 and arrivingTumkur at 15.25, Leaving Tumkur at15.50 and arriving bangalore at17.40 hours. She is working with Loco Pilot Pasenger Sri G Narayana.

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Conciliation talk with RLC

Conviliation talk between Railway Board and AILRSA held at RLC/NDLS on 19.02.2010. From Railway Board 3 officers attended, and from AILRSA, Com. MN Prasad, Com. L Mony , Com. NB Dutta and Com. Jeet Singh Tank attended.
Railway Board officers requested for some more time since Railway Budget is shortly coming.
RLC ask railways to submit their comment on our demands within 15th March 2010.Next sitting on 15.03.2010.

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Flash news

8% DA with effect from 01.01.2010
Transportation allowance will also increase by 8%

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Notice for CWC

Notice for Extended CWC meeting


I hereby call an extended CWC meeting up to Divisional Secretary’s on 11th, 12th march 2010 starting from 10:00 hrs on 11th march, will be concluded latest by 20:00 hrs on 12th March 2010 to enable to catch the convenient train to return your Head Quarter. To-wards HWH you may avail 2842 (Coromandal Exp) dept at VSKP 22:10 from VSKP, to-wards Chennai 2841 dept 4:40 on 13.03.2010, for NGP/Delhi by 8518 / 2409 i.e. by 8518 to R and then from R to NGP, and Delhi by 2409 for Mumbai (CSTM) 1020 is available.

Agenda to be discussed

1. Organizational position
2. Our future task in post conclusion of RLC conciliation on 19th Feb 2010
3. Member ship position
4. Any other subject with the permission of chair

All the CWC members / Zonal / Divisional Secretarys must come having a discussion on future task in post RLC conciliation based on actual mental preparation of our workers. They also requested to come in time so meeting will start in time.

Divisional Secretary / WAT and Zonal Secretary / E. Co. Railway will see that all arrangement is done for meeting.

With greeting,

Yours’ comradely




(M. N. Prasad)
Secy. General

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