In the bustling Ajmer Railway Division of North Western Railways, a lesser-known but crucial task is carried out by dedicated officers like IRAS officer Arnav Shivendu, who holds the position of Assistant Divisional Financial Manager (ADFM). This role involves overseeing pension processing for the division’s extensive workforce, offering financial security to thousands of retired railway employees.
Speaking to Indian Masterminds, Mr. Shivendu shared about the crucial work done by Indian Railways, and his own achievements.
OLD AND NEW PENSION SCHEMES
Indian Railways, one of the largest employers with over 12 lakh employees, manages two distinct pension schemes. Employees who joined before 2004 fall under the old pension scheme, while those who joined after 2004, including officers like Mr. Shivendu, are part of the new pension scheme. Hence, the officer had the unique privilege of working on both sides of this pension spectrum.
48 PENSIONS IN 1 MONTH
In a notable achievement, Mr. Shivendu, as a Class 1 President Commission Officer, recently signed 48 pension orders in the month of July. These orders will directly benefit the pensioners of Ajmer Railway Division for years to come. “Of these, approximately 42 to 43 individuals fall under the old pension scheme, while the remainder fall under the new pension scheme,” he informed.
FAREWELL EVENT
One distinctive event that highlights the railway division’s commitment to its pensioners is the ‘Sewa Nivriti Samaroh’. On the last day of each month, under the aegis of the railway board, Ajmer Railway Division conducts this event. It is graced by the Divisional Railway Manager, the Assistant Personal Officer from the IRPS (Indian Railway Personnel Service), and Mr. Shivendu as the ADFM. Together, they present bouquets and pension papers to all pensioners who are superannuating by taking voluntary retirement. This gesture is unique and reflects the railway’s dedication to its retirees.
“This is an event which is unheard of usually, and perhaps another bigger organisation – Ministry of Defense – does the same,” Mr. Shivendu said.
PERMANENT NEGOTIATING MACHINERY
However, managing pensions for such a vast and diverse workforce comes with its own set of challenges. Indian Railways’ employees are represented by various labour unions, making every pension or salary-related matter subject to grievance redressal under the Permanent Negotiating Machinery (PNMs).
The officer further informed that it also has representative at the zonal level which means 17 zones have their own PNMs also at the zonal level and 67 PNMs at the divisional level every quarter by various labor union that exists.
Moreover, a Joint Consultative Machinery, comprising representatives from all government labour unions, deals with matters at the highest level, including interactions with the Cabinet Secretary.
CPGRAMs
To further streamline the grievance redressal process, Indian Railways employs a centralized mechanism known as CPGRAMs (Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System). This system ensures that all pension and salary matters are processed meticulously to prevent potential litigation due to unresolved grievances.
Indian Railways plays a pivotal role in the nation’s development and integration. Not only does it serve as a vital means of transporting people and goods across the vast expanse of India, but it has also played a significant role in fostering social and cultural integration since the days of the Independence movement. “The railway network has been instrumental in promoting the values of equality, social cohesion, and cultural exchange, connecting the diverse corners of the country from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from the North East to the state of Gujarat in the West,” the officer said in conclusion.
