RBE No.338/1985 Switchmen – Qualification for Promotion

No.E(NG)I-83-PM2-10, dated 30.12.1985

Sub: Relaxation of qualification for promotion to Switchmen.

1. As the Railway Admns. are aware, in terms of para 7 of Board’s letter No.PCIII-80/UPG/19, dt. 29.07.1983, vacancies in the post of Switchmen are to be filled by promotion of eligible yard staff, but the educational qualification for eligibility for such promotion has been increased to Matriculation.

It has been represented to the Board that difficulties are being experienced in filling up the post of Switchmen due to non-availability of sufficient yard staff with qualification of matriculation. The matter was also raised by the staff side in the Departmental Council of the Deptt. of Rlys. under the JCM Scheme.

2. As a result of discussion in the Departmental Council Meeting, held on 17.09.1985, the Deptt. of Rlys. have decided as under:

(i)    50% of the vacancies of Switchmen will be filled by staff having VI standard qualifications from amongst the normal promotional categories viz. Levermen/ Cabinmen, through selection based on a written examination and viva voce designed to test the professional ability and knowledge of safe working rules required in the discharge of the duties of Switchmen.

(ii)    50% of the vacancies or such higher number as could not be filled up by (i) above, will be filled by a written examination and viva-voce from amongst Group ‘C’ & ‘D’ staff of operating deptt. with minimum 5 years’ regular service and with matriculation qualification.

(This also disposes of Southern Railway’s letter No.P(S) 529/11/10/Vol.III, dt. 21.08.1984, Western Railway’s D.O. letter No.ET 834/4/7, dt. 27.11.1984 and Northern Railway’s letter No.757E/34-pt. I (Eib), dt. 14.02.1985.)