Reckoning of 30% Pay Element for Fixation of Pay of Running Staff involved in SPAD cases, who fail in Psychological Test and are subsequently deployed in Stationary Posts (non-running)

 GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (भारत सरकार)

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (रेल मंत्रालय) 

RAILWAY BOARD (रेलवे बोर्ड)

No. E(P&A)11/2025/RS-28

New Delhi, dated 28.10.2025

(i) The General Secretary, AIRF,

4. State Entry Road, New Delhi-110055. and

(ii) The General Secretary, NFIR, 3. Chelmsford Road, New Delhi-110055.

Sub: Reckoning of 30% Pay Element for Fixation of Pay of Running Staff involved in SPAD cases, who fail in Psychological Test and are subsequently deployed in Stationary Posts (non-running)

Ref: (1) AIRF's letter No. AIRF/53(331) dated 22.08.2025

II. NFIR's letter No. NFIR/IV/RSAC/2025 dated 26.08.2025

(iii) Board's letter of even number dated 11.08.2025

Sirs.

Kindly refer to the above mentioned communications on the subject cited.

2. The matter has been examined in detail. It is stated that the instructions issued vide Board's letter dated 11.08.2025 were issued after thorough consideration of all relevant aspects and with the approval of the Competent Authority. The said instructions are clear and unambiguous and are to be implemented as issued.

3. As regards the reference to Para 924(i)(d) of IREM Volume I, it is clarified that the said provision deals with the general principle of reckoning 30% of basic pay for fixation of pay in stationary posts for running staff. However, this provision does not specifically cover cases where running staff fail the prescribed psychological (aptitude) test. Failure in the aptitude test indicates unsuitability for performing running duties, and therefore, extending the benefit of 30% pay element in such cases would not be appropriate.

4. Granting this benefit to staff who are found unsuitable for running duties would lead to inequity, as they would continue to receive the financial advantage linked to duties they are no longer qualified to perform. This would be inconsistent with the intent of the aptitude test and the principles of fairness. On the other hand, granting benefit of 30% element to such employees will incentivize SPAD which has very directly affects safety of trains.

5. It may also be noted that said Board's letter dt. 11.08.2025 has been challenged in the courts vide OA Nos 851 and 870 of 2025 rendering the subject Sub-judice. In terms of section 19(4) of the CAT Act, 1985, no action on the subject matter is permissible during the pendency of the case.

6. In view of the above, the request of the Federations for keeping the instructions dated 11.08.2025 in abeyance or for their withdrawal has not been found tenable. Accordingly, the same cannot be agreed to.

Yours faithfully

for Principal Executive Director/IR 

Railway Roard