System improvement regarding selection of Apprentices for training under the Apprentices Act, 1961 –reg.

System improvement regarding selection of Apprentices for training under the Apprentices Act, 1961 –reg.

NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI – 110055
Affiliated to:
Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)

No. II/94

Dated: 09/07/2015

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: System improvement regarding selection of Apprentices for training under the Apprentices Act, 1961 –reg.

Ref: Railway Board’s letter No. E(MPP)/2009/6/14 dated 30/06/2015.
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In this connection, NFIR has following suggestions to be considered for incorporating appropriately in the instructions.

(i) The observations of Ministry of Labour who have been repeatedly bringing to the notice of Railway Board that the number of Apprentices being trained in the Railway Establishments is significantly lower than the seats allocated by the Regional Directors of Apprenticeship Training needs to be included in the instructions.

(ii) Depending upon the strength of skilled staff, the joint survey conducted by the Railway Officials and the Ministry of Labour, it is seen that nearly 16,772 Apprentices are to be trained and the seats allotted accordingly vide Boar’s letter dated 30/07/2012 and modified para 3.3 of Board’s letter dated 22/07/2002. Therefore, the selection of units again as mentioned at ‘A’ of the draft instructions is not acceptable.

(iii) NFIR desires to state that the draft instructions do not contain the provision that Railway should ensure that only those designated trades are included in the survey which have a potential for future requirement/absorption. This is an important feature needed to be incorporated as the same is also based on Hon’ble Supreme Court’s Judgment in the case of UP State Road Transport Corporation V/s UP Berozgar Samiti and is already existing in para 3.2.1 of Board’s instructions dated 22/07/2002.

(iv) Since the minimum educational qualification prescribed for recruitment in the lowest category i.e. GP 1800/- is 10th pass or its equivalent in all Government Departments including Indian Railways, the same should be made applicable for Apprentice also. This fulfils the condition mentioned in clause 3 (v) of chapter-II of the Act. There is thus no need for adding the qualification of ITI or giving any additional weightage for the same. The bench mark of 50% marks in aggregate taking into account the ITI qualification need not be prescribed. The merit list would however be prepared on the basis of marks obtained in matriculation of 10th pass or equivalent.

(v) The selection for training as apprentices should be from following sources duly following Government of India’s Rules for reservation and age relaxation for various communities/categories as revised by the Railway Board from time to time:-

(a) Nearest employment exchanges,
(b) SC/ST & OBC Organisations,
(c) Recognised Unions/Associations,
(d) Wards of Railway employees,

There is no need for centralised notification by the Zonal Railway. The job could be left for the concerned Divisions/Workshops to process and form lists according to merit among the eligible candidates.

NFIR also desires that the proposal be discussed with the Federations further before formulating policy.

Yours faithfully,

(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source-NFIR