NFIR and AIRF meeting with MoR Sri. Suresh Prabhu to discuss Bibek Debroy Committee Report, PLB and strike on 23.11.15

NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI – 110 055

No.IV/NFIR/SR/2014/Pt.III (HLRRC)

Dated: 06/08/2015

Sub:
Meeting between the Federations (NFIR & AIRF) and Hon’ble Railway Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu – Rail Bhawan, New Delhi – 60th August,
2015.

A special meeting was held in the Chamber of Railway Minister, Shri Suresh Prahhu wherein the Presidents and General Secretaries of NFIR/AIRF have participated in the discussion. CRB, MS and ED (IR) were present during discussions.

Important issues discussed in the meeting

1. Bibek Debroy Committee Report
The Federations expressed their strong reservations on certain recommendations or High Level Railway Restructuring Committee (HLRRC) headed by Bibek Debroy, more particularly Railway Regulatory Authority (RRA), Private Players entry into the Railway services, Railway Medical services. RPF etc..

The Minister while appreciating the points raised bv the NFIR has directed the Railway Board (CRB/MS) to organise a separate meeting between Mr Debroy and the Federations for discussing the recommendations freely and frankly for the purpose of understanding each others perception, facilitating the Railway Ministry to appropriately consider further.

2. Productivity Linked Bonus to Railway employees

P.L. Bonus and the new formula floated by the Railway Board was discussed. Federations insisted thal the agreement reached on 22nd November, 1979 should be respected and no capital should be taken into consideration as the utilization or capital is not in the hands of workers.

After discussion, it was agreed to consider all points for sorting out the issues satisfactorily.

3. Charter of Demands and the decision of the JCM constituent organisations to go on Indefinite Strike from 23rd November, 2015.

The compelling circumstances under which the JCM constituent organisalions have taken a decision to go on indefinite strike and Railway Federations are party to the decision was explained to the Railway Minister. The Federations urged upon the Railway Minister to see that the Railway Ministry takes initiative towards reaching a negotiated settlement on pending issues and Charter of Demands. Issues, particularly upgradation of Apex Level Group ‘C’ posts to Group Gazetted. Act Apprentices. Non-implementation of agreement reached between the Federations and full Board on February, 2014. were brought to the notice of the Railway Minister.

After discussion, the MR has instructed the Board to deal with these issues for ensuring that healthy industrial relations are maintained with the Federations.

The Minister has been categorical in assuring the Federations that there is no question of privatization of Railways. The Minister also said that improved technology and improvement of efficiency levels will be given priority for making Indian Railwavs a dynamic infrastructure. He also complimented the rail work force for their devotion which has resulted in improvement of Operating Ratio.

Yours fraternally,
(Dr M. Raghavaiah)
General Secrctary

Source: NFIR