Summary of this article
The DA CPI revision, merge 50 per cent DA basic pay proposal.
The HRA night duty education allowance MACPS career progression reforms proposed.
The leave encashment OPS restoration higher pension benefits demands also suggested.
As discussions around the 8th Pay Commission continue, employee groups and associations have started submitting their suggestions on salaries, allowances, and retirement-related benefits. In this context, the Indian Railways Technical Supervisors’ Association (IRTSA), a representative body of technical supervisors working in Indian Railways, has proposed several changes concerning DA, HRA, pension provisions and career growth for railway employees.
Media reports said the association suggested multiple fitment factor options and a minimum basic pay of Rs 52,600 under the 8th Pay Commission.
One of the major suggestions relates to Dearness Allowance (DA). The association has recommended a separate Consumer Price Index (CPI) for central government employees and said the calculation should also consider present-day expenses such as internet services, bottled drinking water and health insurance costs. It has further suggested merging 50 per cent DA with the basic pay.
IRTSA has also proposed a revised House Rent Allowance (HRA) structure based on city population. Instead of the existing three-category model, the association has suggested a four-tier system. Under the proposal, employees posted in cities with a population above 50 lakh would receive 40 per cent plus DA as HRA, while different slabs have been proposed for smaller cities.
For Night Duty Allowance (NDA), the association has recommended continuing the formula followed under the 7th Pay Commission, where the allowance is calculated using Basic Pay and DA.
The body has also sought continuation of the Children Education Allowance (CEA) until completion of post-graduation studies. It has additionally proposed increasing the reimbursement limit to Rs 10,000 per month or actual expenses incurred.
On career progression, IRTSA has suggested five financial upgradations under the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) during 30 years of service, with proposed upgradations after 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 years.
According to media reports, the association has also proposed changes in leave encashment rules, including allowing employees to encash at least 50 per cent of leave available in their account and increasing the retirement leave encashment ceiling from 300 days to 600 days.
IRTSA has further demanded restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for employees who joined service from January 1, 2004.
