Re-engagement of Retired Railway Staff on Contract Basis – Railway Board Order RBE No. 96/2024

Issued on 15.10.2024 by the Railway Board

Re-engagement of Retired Non-Gazetted Staff in Vacant Railway Posts

In light of staffing challenges, the Railway Board has issued RBE No. 96/2024 to allow the re-engagement of retired non-gazetted Railway staff on a contractual basis. This initiative addresses the need to fill vacant posts across various Zonal Railways, Production Units (PUs), and RDSO while ensuring operational continuity and safety.

Key Provisions of the Re-engagement Policy:

1. Eligibility for Re-engagement:

   • Retired non-gazetted staff in Pay Levels 1 to 7 can be considered for re-engagement against vacant posts.
   • The re-engaged individual will be assigned to the same pay level held at the time of retirement.

2. Re-engagement Authority:

   • The General Managers of Zonal Railways, Production Units, and RDSO are authorized to approve re-engagements.

3. Transparency and Publicity:

   • Railways must provide adequate publicity for re-engagement opportunities, including publishing details on official Railway websites.

4. Medical Fitness:

   • Re-engaged staff must undergo a medical fitness check based on the category requirements, as per existing Railway practices.

5. Eligibility Criteria:

   • Staff must not have been part of the Safety Related Retirement Scheme (SRRS) or the Liberalized Active Retirement Scheme for Guaranteed Employment for Safety Staff (LARSGESS).
   • Competency and suitability must be assessed by a committee at an appropriate level, focusing on operational requirements and safety.

6. Performance Evaluation:

   • The last five APARs (Annual Performance Appraisal Reports) of the retired staff should be considered, with candidates requiring at least a “Good” rating in all five years to be eligible.

7. Age Limit for Re-engagement:

   • The maximum age limit for re-engagement is set at 65 years.

8. Remuneration and Benefits:

   • Remuneration will be calculated by deducting the basic pension from the last drawn pay. The fixed monthly amount will remain unchanged throughout the contract period.
   • No increments, Dearness Allowance (DA), or House Rent Allowance (HRA) will be provided during the contract.
   • Transport Allowance will be provided based on the rates applicable at the time of retirement, and the amount will remain fixed throughout the term.

9. Leave Policy:

   • Paid leave will be granted at the rate of 1.5 days per month of service. Leave accumulation beyond a calendar year is not allowed.

10. Contract Duration:

    • The initial engagement period will be for 1 year or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Based on performance, the contract may be extended for another year or until the individual turns 65 years.

11. Discharge and Replacement:

    • Re-engaged staff will be discharged once selected candidates from Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) join.

12. Responsibilities and Limitations:

    • Re-engaged staff will not be given charge of units, financial powers, or the authority to issue safety certificates. They may, however, provide recommendations to regular staff on financial matters.

13. Integrity Check:

    • The integrity of the retired staff will be verified before re-engagement.

Term of the Re-engagement Scheme:

• The re-engagement scheme is valid for an initial period of 2 years, starting from 15.10.2024, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
• Engagement for individual retired staff will be for 1 year, extendable based on performance and age limit (up to 65 years).

Re-engagement Process and Panels:

• Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have created panels for key posts such as ALP, Technicians, Sub Inspectors, and Constables. As these panels become available in the next 1-1.5 years, they should be considered when assessing the need for re-engagement.

Conclusion:

The re-engagement policy for retired non-gazetted Railway staff aims to address critical staffing gaps in a cost-effective manner. By ensuring that only eligible and competent staff are considered for re-engagement, the policy helps maintain safety standards and operational efficiency within the Indian Railways.

For more details, refer to Railway Board’s Order RBE No. 96/2024, dated 15.10.2024.

Read Also

• Entitlement on Resignation from Railway Service for Employees Under the National Pension System (NPS)
• Re-engagement of Retired Railway Staff on Contract Basis – Railway Board Order RBE No. 96/2024
• Re-engagement of Retired Railway Staff on Contract Basis – Revised Guidelines (RBE No. – 115/2024)
• Special Casual Leave (SCL) for Blood Donation and Apheresis Donation – Updated Guidelines for Government Employees
• Paternity Leave Rules For Male Railway Employees 
• Child Adoption Leave and Paternity Leave for Railway Employees
• Joining Time for Railway Employees: Consolidated Circular (Master Circular No. 6)
• Railway Leave Combination & Railway Leave Chart
• Important Update: Re-engagement of Retired Staff in Railways on Contractual Basis
• Unlocking Additional Pension Benefits for Retired Central Government Employees