Joining Time Rules on Transfer for Railway Employees: Eligibility & Conditions

When railway employees are transferred from one location to another, understanding the joining time rules becomes critical. These rules help ensure a smooth transition without work disruptions. In this post, we’ll break down the joining time rules and eligibility criteria for railway employees.

What is Joining Time?

Joining time refers to the amount of time an employee is granted to join the new post after being transferred. This period typically covers the time required to hand over duties at the current post, travel to the new location, and get settled there.

Eligibility for Joining Time

Eligibility for joining time generally applies to all railway employees being transferred, regardless of whether the transfer is voluntary or administrative. However, certain conditions can affect the amount of joining time granted. These conditions include the distance between the old and new location and the mode of travel used.

Joining Time Entitlements

1. Basic Joining Time:

   • Distance ≤ 1000 Kms: 10 days
   • Distance > 1000 Kms and ≤ 2000 Kms: 12 days
   • Distance > 2000 Kms: 
     • By ordinary travel: 15 days
     • By air travel: 12 days

2. Transfers Within the Same Station:

   • Joining time is restricted to a maximum of 1 day if the transfer does not involve a change of residence.

3. Extension of Joining Time:

   • Non-Gazetted Railway Servants: Up to 30 days extension can be granted by the Head of the Department or Divisional Railway Manager.
   • Beyond 30 Days: Cases must be referred to the Ministry of Railways.
   • Guiding Principle for Extension: The time for preparation should be approximately 8 days plus reasonable transit time and any holidays following the extended joining time. Adjustments should be made for disruptions in transport.

4. Credit for Unutilized Joining Time:

   • If the full joining time is not used, the unused portion (up to a maximum of 15 days) is credited to the leave account as LAP (Leave on Average Pay), subject to the usual accumulation restrictions.

5. Special Casual Leave:

   • Special casual leave in lieu of joining time is not permitted.

6. Revised Transfer Orders:

   • If a Railway servant receives revised transfer orders while in transit:
     • They are entitled to the joining time already availed up to the date of receipt of the revised orders.
     • They are also entitled to a fresh spell of joining time from the date following the receipt of the revised orders.
     • The fresh joining time is calculated from the place where the revised orders were received.

References

• Board’s letter No. E(G) 79 JT1/1, dated 21.02.1980
• Para 4.1 and 4.2 of MC 6

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