The All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) has reiterated its demands for improved salaries, allowances and service conditions for railway employees in a letter to the 8th Pay Commission. The communication follows the federation’s meeting with the commission during its visit to Mumbai.
During the discussion, AIRF raised several issues concerning railway staff, including higher pay scales, special allowances for employees working in risky conditions and specific demands for loco and traffic running staff.
8th Pay Commission Meeting: Key Issues Raised by AIRF
According to the letter, the meeting covered several categories of railway employees and their service-related concerns.
The first part of the discussion focused on general matters, including minimum wages and allowances specific to the Railways. The second session dealt with issues affecting loco and traffic running staff. Concerns related to track maintainers and other Permanent Way (P. Way) employees were discussed in the third part, followed by demands concerning technicians working across different railway departments.
AIRF highlighted the distinctive nature of railway operations, pointing out that Indian Railways functions around the clock throughout the year. Employees work in different weather conditions and across regions with varying geographical and environmental challenges.
The federation also described Indian Railways as the country’s “Second Line of Defence” after the Army. It said railway employees play an important role in serving the nation during natural disasters, war-like situations and pandemics.
AIRF Demands Higher Pay Scales and Special Allowances
AIRF argued that railway employees deserve better pay scales because of their working conditions and responsibilities, particularly as the railway network undergoes rapid modernisation. It stated that employees involved in maintaining and operating important assets, including rolling stock, signalling systems and railway tracks, should receive pay scales appropriate to their skills.
The federation also sought special allowances for railway employees across different categories, citing cases of fatalities and serious injuries during duty. The proposed allowances include Risk and Hardship Allowance, Hazardous Duty Allowance, Hill Allowance and Dress Allowance.
Special Provisions for Track Maintainers and Technicians
AIRF called for track maintainers to receive treatment at par with technicians from other engineering disciplines within Indian Railways. It pointed out that improvements in track geometry and precision have increased the technical knowledge and skills required for track maintenance work.
The federation also demanded specific allowances for track maintainers, patrolmen, keymen and gatemen working under the Civil Engineering Department.
For technicians across all railway engineering disciplines, AIRF requested fair treatment and placement in improved pay scales. It also proposed merging certain intermediate pay scales into a single scale to create better opportunities for career progression.
Considering the risks and difficult working conditions associated with their duties, the federation further sought adequate Risk and Hardship Allowance and Dress Allowance for all railway technicians.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the demands and details described in AIRF’s communication to the 8th Pay Commission. These are proposals raised by the federation and should not be considered approved salary revisions or confirmed allowance changes. Any final decision will depend on the commission’s recommendations and the government’s subsequent action.