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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.