No. AIRF/145 (253)
Dated: 26.06.2025

To:
The Director General (HR)
Railway Board,
Rail Bhawan,
New Delhi

Subject: Re-engagement of retired Railway staff on contract basis.
Reference: Railway Board’s letters dated 15.10.2024, 31.12.2024, and 20.06.2025 (RBE No. 55/2025)

Dear Sir,

The All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) expresses serious concern and strong objection to the Railway Board’s directive dated 20.06.2025, regarding the re-engagement of retired non-gazetted Railway employees on a contract basis.

Earlier instructions (dated 15.10.2024 and 31.12.2024) permitted re-engagement of retired non-gazetted staff (Pay Level-1 to Level-9) against vacant posts in the same pay level held at retirement. However, no effective outcomes were observed due to administrative inaction.

Surprisingly, the Board’s latest letter allows re-engagement up to three pay levels higher than the post, with a preference for same-level retirees. Re-engagement authority now lies with DRMs at Divisional level and GMs at Headquarters, while the GM determines the number of re-engagements.

AIRF’s Objections:

  1. Safety Risk:
    Re-engaging older retirees in safety-sensitive roles poses risks due to age-related decline in stamina and cognitive agility, endangering operational safety.
  2. Career Obstruction:
    Re-engagement blocks promotional opportunities for serving employees, worsening frustration and financial hardship.
  3. Recruitment Delay:
    Delaying direct recruitment affects railway projects and daily operations. Young employees bring energy and modern skills; using retirees slows progress and denies employment to youth.

AIRF Demands:

AIRF urges the Board to suspend the policy (RBE No. 55/2025) and instead:

  1. Fill all vacancies (promotional & direct recruitment) quickly.
  2. Boost morale by ensuring proper career progression.
  3. Avoid unsafe and inefficient staffing policies.

Signed:
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary, AIRF

Cc: General Secretaries of all Affiliated Unions of AIRF – for information