Enhancement in the rate of Risk Allowance in respect of eligible unskilled staff on the railways in accordance with DOP&T's guidelines.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAY
RAILWAY BOARD

RBE No. 44/2013

No.E(P&A)I-2008/SP-1/AD-3

New Delhi Dated 02.05.2013

The General Managers
All Indian Railways and PUs.

Sub :- Enhancement in the rate of Risk Allowance in respect of eligible unskilled staff on the railways in accordance with DOP&T's guidelines.

   Ref : Railway Board' letter No.E(P&A)I-84/SP-1/TP-1 dated 21.08.1991.

   It has been decided to enhance the rate of Risk Allowance in respect of eligible unskilled workers on the railways / Production Units as per list attached.

   2. The V CPC had recommended that Risk Allowance should be admissible to only those staff who face continuous risk rather than contingent risk while performing their duties. As such in accordnace with these guidelines, the categories/staff engaged in the jobs as mentioned in the list annexed with this letter were identified as eligible for grant of Risk Allowance. The rate of Risk Allowance in respect of these categories/staff is enhanced from the existing rate of Rs.20/- p.m. to Rs.40/- p. m. w.e.f. 01.09.2008 to 31.12.2010.

   3. The rate of the Risk Allowance would increase by 25% every time the Dearness Allowance payable on revised pay scales goes up by 50%.

   4. Subsequent to enhancement in the rate of Dearness Allowance to 51%, the rate of Risk Allowance would be Rs.50/- p.m. from 01.01.2011 onwards.

   5. The categories who are in receipt of HPCA/PCA are not eligible for grant of Risk Allowance.

   6. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

   7. Please acknowledge receipt.

Sd/-
(K.Shankar)
Director Estt. (P&A)
Railway Board

ANNEXURE

List of categories/Staff engaged in the following jobs are eligible for Grant of Risk Allowance.

   1. Those directly engaged in spray painting.

   2. Those directly engaged in galvanising tanks, effluent treatment plant, manufacturing of insulation components involving hazardous chemicals etc.

   3. Those directly engaged in use of electrolytes.

   4. Those directly exposed to metallic dust, fumes generated from resin bakers, smoke from the furnance, carbon burst shops.

   5. Those directly working in Melting Shop in all foundaries where scrap is used.

   6. Moulding shop in Rail Wheel Factory / Bangalore.

   7. Those directly engaged in chrome plating.

   8. Safaiwalas directly working in underground drains/sewer pipes, cleaing of manholes.

   9. Safaivalas directly working in sewerage treatment plant in workshops.

   10. Malaria Khalasis directly engaged in spraying pesticides, handling acids, anti-larval drugs, etc.

   11. Chest Clinic Staff.

   12. X Ray Attendants.

Source: AIRF

Status of Implementation of One Rank One Pension.

   Government has always been sensitive to the demand for One Rank One Pension. Keeping in view the spirit of the demand, several Commissions/Committees have gone into the matter. Their recommendations have resulted in improving the pension of past pensioners.

   The 5th Central Pay Commission did not recommend grant of 'One Rank, One Pension' by stating that every Pay Commission gives certain benefits in pay which are over and above the impact of inflation. The additional benefit is given either due to upgradation of recruitment qualifications or change in job contents.

   The benefits accorded on this account need not necessarily be passed on to the pensioners. It, however, recommended partial parity. Similarly the 6th Central Pay Commission recommended modified parity and not full parity in the matter of revision of pension of the past retirees. Further a Committee was set up under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary in June, 2009.

   The Committee made several recommendations aimed at narrowing the gap between earlier and current pensions. This has benefited about 12 lakh retired Personnel Below Officer Ranks (PBORs)/Officers at an annual cost of Rs.2200 crores approximate. Another Committee headed by Cabinet Secretary was set up in July, 2012 for looking into the pay and pension related issues of relevance to Defence service personnel and ex-servicemen.

   The Committee made recommendations for bridging the gap in pensions of pre and post 2006 Armed Forces pensioners, enhancement of family pensions, dual family pension and continuation of pension to physically/mentally challenged son/daughter of Armed Forces personnel on marriage. All the recommendations of the Committee have been implemented by issue of Government letters on 17.01.2013.

   This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Shri Jitendra Singhin a written reply to Shri NareshGujral in Rajya Sabha.

PIB

Passbook for PF Account Holders.

Press Information Bureau
Government of India

   Passbook for PF Account Holders

   There are no dormant accounts in Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). However, as per provision of para 72(6) of the Employees’ Provident Funds (EPF) Scheme, 1952, a member’s account under certain condition is classified as Inoperative Account. All such Inoperative Accounts have a definite claimant.

   As per Para 73(1) of the EPF Scheme, 1952, a statement of account to each member through his last employer will be sent after the close of each year, showing opening balance, contribution during the year, interest credited, amount debited and closing balance of the year.

   Following initiatives have been taken by the EPFO to provide details to the PF account holders:-

   1)    Online access has been given to the EPF members to ‘Know their EPF Balance’ through the website of the EPFO at http://epfidia.gov.in

   2)    Facility of e-passbook has been provided to the EPF Members. It is an online version of the employee’s Provident Fund account. Transactions are recorded and can be tracked easily by the members by registering themselves on the website of EPFO.

   However, in the event of change of employment, a new PF number is issued to the employees as on date.

   This information was given by Minister of State for Labour & Employment Shri Kodikunnil Suresh in the Rajya Sabha today in reply to a written question.