Review of policy on creation of posts – airf’s reference to railway board

No.AIRF/MPP Dated: December 4, 2020
The Chairman-Cum-CEO,
Railway Board,
New Delhi
Dear Sir,
Sub: Review of policy on creation of posts
Ref.: Railway Board’s letters No.E(MPP)2018/1/1 dated 02.07.2020 and 24.11.2020
This issue was discussed many a times with your goodself wherein I had requested that, blanket orders issued by the Railway Board for surrender of 50% posts in Non-Safety Categories should be withdrawn, and before proposing surrender of any post, the issue must be discussed with local Divisional Secretaries at the Division level, and in case of any dispute, the matter can be discussed with the General Secretaries at the Zonal level. It is quite unfortunate that, in spite of your repeated assurances, nothing has been done in this regard, and the DRMs and Branch level Officials, under pressure, are surrendering even higher grade posts, which is detrimental to promotional prospects of the Promotees, and according to Railway Board’s earlier orders it is illegal.
Recently, Railway Board, vide their letter dated 24.11.2020, have issued a letter to all the General Managers of the Indian Railways for reviewing the policy of creation of posts, which has no meaning and will derive no result.
Up till now, there have been instructions from the Railway Board that, before surrendering any post, Organised Labour must be consulted, and in case of any dispute at the Divisional level, the matter should be referred to the General managers and it should be discussed with the Zonal General Secretaries. There are also clear instructions from the Railway Board that, in any case higher grade posts should not be surrendered. This is also not being followed by the Zonal Railways.
This issue is creating lot of problems and Railwaymen are quite agitated on this account. It is, therefore, requested that, proper instructions should go from the Railway Board to the General Managers of all the Zonal Railways and Productions, so that, posts should not be surrendered in such as way, to avoid industrial unrest.

Copy to: D.G.(H.R.), Railway Board – for necessary action please.
Copy to: P.E.D.(I.R.), Railway Board – for necessary action please.
Copy to: P.E.D.(MPP & Trg.), Railway Board – for necessary action please.
Copy to: GSs, All Affiliated Unions – for information.