Advance Increments: RBE No.119/2010 – To Stenographers
No.PC-IV/2010/Increment/1, dated 19.08.2010
Sub: Grant of advance increments to Stenographers in subordinate offices for acquiring higher speed in shorthand – Acceptance of Award of Board of Arbitration – regarding.
1. In accordance with the provisions contained in this Ministry’s letter No.PC-III/74/INC/3, dated 07.11.1975 and letter No.PC-IV/88/Increment/1, dated 27.10.1989 (RBE No.271/1989), Stenographers in the pay scale of Rs.1200-2040 (pre-revised) were granted one or two advance increments respectively on qualifying shorthand speed test at 100 or 120 wpm, both at recruitment stage and while in service. It was clarified vide letter dated 27.10.1989 (RBE No.271/1989) that these advance increments will not count as pay for allowances and as emoluments for pension/ gratuity.
2. A demand was raised by the Staff Side in the National Council (JCM) that the advance increments granted to stenographers be treated as pay for all purposes. The demand of the Staff Side was referred to the Board of Arbitration by the Department of Personnel & Training vide CA Ref. No.5 of 2004 which gave the following Award on 16.09.2005.
“The advance increment sanctioned to the Stenographers in the subordinate offices as an incentive for passing the speed test of 100 wpm and 120 wpm should be treated as pay for all purposes.”
3. The above Award has been considered by the Department of Personnel & Training in consultation with the Ministry of Finance and the President is pleased to accept the Award in CA Reference No.5 of 2004. Accordingly, it has been decided that the advance increments granted to the Stenographers in subordinate Offices/ Railways in terms of the provisions contained in this Ministry’s letter dated 07.11.1975 shall be treated as pay for all purposes. Past cases decided otherwise may be regulated accordingly. This Ministry’s letter No.PC-IV/88/Increment/1, dated 27.10.1989 (RBE No.271/1989) and No.PC-V/2000/I/7/6/2, dated 15.03.2001 (RBE No.56/2001) shall be treated as amended to this extent.
4. This issue with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of this Ministry.
Download Railway Board Circular RBE No.119/2010
Forward reference ⇒ RBE No.47/2011