No. AIRF/413 Dated: 03.08.2026
The Director General (HR),
Railway Board,
Rail Bhawan,
New Delhi.
Sub:– Request for restoration of powers to General Managers for creation of supernumerary posts to facilitate Out of Turn Promotion (OTP) of outstanding Railway sportspersons.
Ref.:
- Railway Board’s letter No. 2021/F(X)I/PW/3 dated 21.09.2021.
- AIRF’s letter No. AIRF/413(277) dated 08.07.2026.
- Railway Board’s letter No. 2025/E(Sports)/3/1/OTP (EF-3493736) dated 27.07.2026.
Dear Sir,
AIRF, vide its letter under reference (2), had drawn the attention of the Railway Board to the difficulties being faced in implementation of Out-of-Turn Promotion (OTP) of outstanding Railway sportspersons, particularly in cases involving promotion to an intermediary grade where there is no direct recruitment quota.
It was pointed out that Out-of-Turn Promotion (OTP) is an important incentive under the Railway Sports Promotion Policy and, in appropriate cases, a personal supernumerary post is created through temporary upgradation of an existing post without increasing the overall sanctioned cadre strength. However, withdrawal of the powers earlier delegated to General Managers has resulted in prolonged pendency of several genuine OTP cases, adversely affecting the morale and motivation of deserving sportspersons.
In response, the Railway Board, vide its letter dated 27.07.2026 under reference (3), has stated that, in view of the extant instructions of the Department of Expenditure (DoE), the earlier powers delegated to General Managers for creation of supernumerary posts are no longer in force and restoration of such delegation is not feasible. It has also been stated that creation of posts, including supernumerary posts, requires approval of the DoE.
While AIRF fully appreciates the need to adhere to the extant financial rules, we request that the matter may kindly be reconsidered from the perspective of the objectives of the Railway Sports Promotion Policy and the need for timely recognition of sporting excellence.
It may kindly be appreciated that Out-of-Turn Promotion (OTP) is not a routine promotion but a special incentive for exceptional sporting achievement. Any prolonged delay in granting the same substantially defeats the very purpose of the incentive. Railway sportspersons who bring laurels to Indian Railways and the Nation deserve timely recognition, which is essential for maintaining their morale and encouraging them to achieve higher standards.
Further, the Railway Board itself has authorised General Managers under RBE No. 54/2022 dated 19.04.2022 to redistribute vacant posts in the same grade at other locations to meet emergent requirements without altering the sanctioned strength. In this context, a suitable mechanism for Out-of-Turn Promotion (OTP) cases may also be considered through temporary upgradation/adjustment of existing vacant posts, wherever permissible, particularly where there is no increase in sanctioned cadre strength and no creation of permanent posts.
Such a mechanism, with appropriate safeguards and financial/administrative checks, would ensure that the interests of deserving sportspersons are protected without compromising the principles of financial discipline or the extant instructions of the competent authority. It would also help avoid unnecessary delay in processing cases at the Railway Board level.
AIRF is also constrained to point out that, following withdrawal of the earlier delegated powers vide Railway Board’s letter dated 21.09.2021, several eligible sportspersons have been awaiting their legitimate promotional benefits for a considerable period. Continued delay may adversely affect the confidence of the sporting fraternity and may also make it difficult for Indian Railways to retain outstanding sporting talent.
In view of the foregoing, AIRF earnestly requests the Railway Board to kindly consider the following:
1. Restore/re-delegate, with suitable safeguards and within the framework of extant DoE instructions, the necessary powers to General Managers for creation/temporary upgradation of supernumerary posts for duly eligible OTP cases of outstanding sportspersons, wherever there is no increase in sanctioned cadre strength; or
2. In case restoration is not feasible, formulate an appropriate alternative mechanism empowering Zonal Railways to process and implement duly approved OTP cases expeditiously through redistribution/temporary upgradation of existing vacant posts, wherever permissible, without requiring individual approval of the Railway Board in each case.
3. AIRF may kindly be given an opportunity for a detailed discussion on the matter. We, therefore, request that a formal meeting with our Federation may kindly be convened at the earliest with DG/HR, AM (Staff) and ED/RSPB, on a mutually convenient date, so that a practical and acceptable solution may be arrived at.
The Federation sincerely hopes that the Railway Board will appreciate the urgency and importance of the matter and take a sympathetic, pragmatic and positive view in the larger interest of Indian Railways and its outstanding sportspersons.
An early and favourable action in the matter will be highly appreciated.
Yours faithfully,
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary
Copy to:
Pr. E.D. (IR), Railway Board – for kind consideration and necessary action please.
Copy to:
Pr. E.D./Secretary, Railways Sports Promotion Board (RSPB), Railway Board, New Delhi – for necessary action please.
