Finance Ministry Reviews Proposal for Risk and Hardship Allowance for Indian Railways Signal and Telecom Staff

The Indian Railways' Signal and Telecom staff are still waiting for the approval of a Risk and Hardship Allowance. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) informed the S&T workers union that the proposal is under review by the Ministry of Finance. The Indian Railway S&T Maintainers Union (IRSTMU) had reached out to the PMO on 12 September, urging it to expedite the approval process.

The PMO acknowledged that the proposal is being actively pursued at high levels within the Ministry of Finance. Meetings between senior officials are ongoing to secure an early decision. However, IRSTMU leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the response, demanding a clear timeline for implementing the allowance. They noted that discussions have been ongoing since February 2019, first with the Railway Ministry and now with the Finance Ministry.

Union's Long-standing Demand

Alok Chandra Prakash, General Secretary of IRSTMU, highlighted the prolonged wait for what they see as a justified demand. He emphasised that S&T workers risk their lives daily to ensure safe train operations, with many losing their lives each year. "Our workers sacrifice their lives to ensure safe train operations as every year many S&T maintainers are run over by speeding trains," Prakash stated.

The demand for this allowance was first raised in 2016 after a tragic incident in Kota, Rajasthan. A worker was murdered while refusing to open a level crossing gate to maintain safety. In another incident on 9 February 2019, a worker was killed by a train, prompting the Union to observe a Black Day in support of their demand.

Committee's Delayed Report

Following these incidents, the Railway Ministry formed a six-member committee on 11 February 2019. The committee was tasked with examining new categories for inclusion in the Risk and Hardship Allowance under the 7th Central Pay Commission. Initially expected to report within six months, its deadline was extended twice due to delays and disruptions caused by COVID-19.

Naveen Kumar, National President of IRSTMU, mentioned that by 2023, they learned that the committee had submitted its report to the Finance Ministry. However, they received no official confirmation from the Railway Ministry. It wasn't until they contacted the PMO in February 2024 and received a response in May that they confirmed this information.

The PMO's response indicated that a suitable proposal had been forwarded to the Ministry of Finance, but feedback from them is still awaited. Prakash expressed frustration over not receiving any details about the committee's report from the Railway Ministry and urged for a swift decision favouring Risk and Hardship Allowance.

The union continues to press for a resolution, hoping for government action that recognises and compensates for the risks faced by S&T workers in their daily duties.