Important Update: Re-engagement of Retired Staff in Railways on Contractual Basis

📜 Railway Board Order RBE No. 96/2024 Dated 15.10.2024

On October 15, 2024, the Railway Board issued a crucial order regarding the re-engagement of retired staff against vacant posts on a contractual basis. This decision comes in response to the ongoing challenges faced by Zonal Railways due to staff shortages. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the new guidelines.

1. 🔍 Purpose of Re-engagement

The Railway Board has recognized the need to address vacant supervisory and staff posts within the railways. Retired employees will be considered for re-engagement to fill these critical roles, ensuring operational continuity.

2. 💼 Eligibility Criteria

• Non-Gazetted Staff: Only retired non-gazetted railway staff in Pay Levels 1 to 7 will be eligible for re-engagement.
• Pay Level Match: Re-engagement can only occur against positions at the same pay level the employee held at the time of retirement.
• Age Limit: The maximum age limit for re-engagement is 65 years.

3. 🌟 Re-engagement Process

• Authority: The power to re-engage retired staff lies exclusively with the General Managers of the respective zones.
• Publicity: Railways must publicize re-engagement opportunities, including posting on official railway websites.
• Medical Fitness: Medical fitness assessments must be conducted by designated authorities as per existing protocols.

4. ✅ Suitability and Competency Assessment

Before re-engagement:

• A committee must evaluate the suitability and competency of the retired staff, considering safety and operational requirements.
• The committee’s composition and level will be determined by the General Manager.
• Candidates should not be under any DAR/Vigilance cases.

5. 📊 Performance Evaluation

For candidates seeking re-engagement, the following must be considered:

• Last 5 APARs: Only those with at least a “Good” grading in all five Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs) will be eligible.

6. 💵 Remuneration and Benefits

• Fixed Monthly Remuneration: This will be calculated by deducting the basic pension from the salary drawn at retirement. This fixed amount remains unchanged throughout the contract.
• No Increments: Re-engaged staff will not receive increments, Dearness Allowance, or House Rent Allowance during the engagement period.
• Transport Allowance: A fixed transport allowance for commuting will be provided, but it will not exceed the rate applicable at the time of retirement.
• Leave Entitlement: Paid leave will be allowed at a rate of 1.5 days per completed month of service, but accumulation beyond a calendar year is not permitted.

7. ⏳ Duration of Engagement

• The initial scheme will be in effect for two years from the date of the order or until further notice.
• Individual engagement will be for a period of one year, subject to extension based on satisfactory performance, not exceeding the age limit of 65.

8. 🔒 Integrity Checks and Limitations

• Discharge Protocol: Re-engaged staff must be discharged immediately upon the joining of selected candidates from RRBs.
• No Leadership Roles: Re-engaged staff will not be assigned roles as in-charge of any unit or be granted financial powers.
• Integrity Verification: A thorough integrity check will be conducted prior to re-engagement.

9. 🔄 Future Considerations

As panels for various categories (e.g., ALP, Technicians, etc.) become available in the upcoming years, the need for re-engagement should be re-evaluated. The availability of new candidates should inform future requirements.

E(NG)II/2024/RC-4/9 (RBE No. 96/2024) PDF

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