Railway employees could receive major benefits under the upcoming 8th Pay Commission. A new proposal suggests that the minimum basic salary may go up to ₹52,600.
Along with this, several important changes have been demanded in salary structure, allowances, and retirement benefits.
The Indian Railway Technical Supervisor Association (IRTSA) has submitted a detailed memorandum to the Commission. It highlights the need for better pay and benefits for technical staff in Indian Railways.
Demand for 5 Different Fitment Factors
One of the biggest demands is to introduce five separate fitment factors instead of one common factor for all employees.
According to IRTSA, employees at different levels have different responsibilities and experience. So, a single formula is not fair for everyone.
Proposed fitment factors:
Level L-1 to L-5: 2.92
Level L-6 to L-8: 3.50
Level L-9 to L-12: 3.80
Level L-13 to L-16: 4.09
Level L-17 to L-18: 4.38
New Salary Structure and Minimum Pay
IRTSA has also suggested a revised salary structure for technical supervisors:
Junior Engineer (Level-7): ₹1,57,400
Senior Section Engineer (Level-8): ₹1,66,800
Head SSE (Level-9): ₹2,01,600
Chief SSE (Level-10): ₹2,13,000
Principal SSE (Level-11): ₹2,57,000
Along with this, the minimum basic salary is proposed to be ₹52,600.
Annual Increment and Promotion Benefits
The association has recommended:
5% annual salary increment
Extra increment equal to 2 years of service during promotions
This could significantly improve long-term earnings of employees.
Changes in DA and CPI Calculation
IRTSA has suggested creating a separate Consumer Price Index (CPI) to calculate Dearness Allowance (DA).
It also wants daily expenses like internet, bottled water, and health insurance to be included. Other key demands include:
DA should be tax-free
50% of DA should be added to basic salary
HRA May Increase with New Categories
The proposal suggests dividing HRA into four categories instead of three:
A Class Cities: 40% + DA
B Class Cities: 30% + DA
C Class Cities: 20% + DA
D Class Cities: 10% + DA
Big Changes in Allowances
Several improvements have been suggested in allowances:
Night Duty Allowance (NDA):
New formula: (Basic + DA) / 200
Removal of ₹43,600 cap
Children Education Allowance (CEA):
Coverage up to post-graduation
₹10,000 per month or actual cost
Travel & Daily Allowance:
Increase up to 3 times compared to the 7th Pay Commission
Promotion, Leave and Retirement Benefits
IRTSA has also made strong demands for career growth and retirement:
5 promotions in 30 years (at 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 years)
Leave encashment increased to 50%
Leave limit raised from 300 to 600 days
For retirement:
Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for employees recruited after 2004
Gratuity increased up to ₹50 lakh
Insurance Cover May Also Increase
Changes have also been suggested in group insurance (CGEGIS):
Lower premium
Higher coverage: ₹50 lakh, ₹25 lakh, and ₹15 lakh
Why These Demands Matter
IRTSA says technical railway staff handle high-risk and highly skilled work. So, they deserve better pay and benefits.
All these proposals are now with the 8th Pay Commission. The final decision will determine how much salary and benefits will increase for central government employees in the future.
