Career Progression of the staff working in GP Rs.1800(Level 1 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix)

Sub: Career Progression of the staff working in GP Rs.1800(Level 1 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix)

Your kind attention is invited towards my earlier D.O. letters of even number dated 2nd March, 2019 and 22nd May, 2019, addressed to Member Staff, Railway Board, with a copy to your goodself, on the above subject matter, wherein it was represented that, there is urgent need to upgrade at least 50% of the posts in erstwhile Group `D’ categories having GP Rs.1800 (Level 1 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix) in all the Engineering Disciplines of the Indian Railways……

No.AIRF/24(C) Dated: July 30, 2019

The Director General(Pers.),

Railway Board,

New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Career Progression of the staff working in GP Rs.1800(Level 1 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix)

Your kind attention is invited towards my earlier D.O. letters of even number dated 2nd March, 2019 and 22nd May, 2019, addressed to Member Staff, Railway Board, with a copy to your goodself, on the above subject matter, wherein it was represented that, there is urgent need to upgrade at least 50% of the posts in erstwhile Group `D’ categories having GP Rs.1800 (Level 1 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix) in all the Engineering Disciplines of the Indian Railways.

In this connection, it may be appreciated that, particularly in all the Engineering Disciplines of the Indian Railways we are adopting day-to-day development in technology in all the spheres of the Engineering, for which there is grave need to have Skilled and Highly-Skilled manpower at all levels. It may further be appreciated that, although, the staff of all the Engineering Disciplines, viz. Electrical, Mechanical, S&T and Civil Engineering, are initially placed in the lowest level of pay-scales, however, in majority of cases they have to undertake independent responsibility of maintenance of the assets, rolling stock, tracks, signaling etc. over the Indian Railways. However, you may further appreciate that, a major chunk of this category remains stagnated in the initial grade, although shouldering multiple higher responsibilities without any hurdle.

It is worth to mention here that, thousands of staff, who are in possession of higher qualifications, including ITI, PG Diploma and other higher academic qualifications, who were initially recruited in the initial grade, i.e. erstwhile GP Rs.1800(Level-1 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix), having bleak career and working in the same grade without any promotion for the last 10-15 years. Further, it would not be out of context to point out here that, with the increase of open market recruitment quota in the category of Technician, the situation has further aggravated in Technician Category. So far as non-technical categories are concerned, prospects of promotion have reduced tremendously over the period of time, as such they are also suffering the same plight. It is worthwhile to mention here that, a large-number of posts in erstwhile GP Rs.1900(Level 2 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix) have also been surrendered in the process of Cadre Restructuring/Upgradation for financial neutrality, which has further aggravated the situation since Promotee Quota posts have also reduced proportionately owing to this fact.

AIRF has, therefore, rightly and advisably demands that, apart from normal prospects of advancement; Ministry of Railways should take a decision to outrightly upgrade at least 50% of posts of initial grade, i.e. GP Rs.1800(Level 1 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix) to erstwhile GP Rs.1900(Level 2 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix), keeping in view the aforementioned multiple aspects, coupled with what we have already explained in our D.O. letter referred to above.

We earnestly hope that, your goodself would definitely consider this demand of AIRF with all seriousness and an early decision will be taken thereon in the larger interest of not only the workforce, but also the Railway Industry.

Copy to: General Secretaries, all affiliated unions – for information.