RBE No. 82/1997: Disciplinary Powers – Competent Authority

No.E(D&A)94RG6-69, dated 04.08.1997

Sub: Disciplinary powers of Divisional Safety officers (DSOs) in respect of operating staff.

1. Attention is invited to Board’s letter No.E(D&A)72 RG6-13, dated 16.10.1973 wherein, while reiterating instructions contained in Boards letter No.E(D&A)60 RG6-30, dated 28.07.1962 to the effect that the disciplinary action should be initiated and finalized by the authorities under whose administrative control the delinquent employee may be working, the Commercial Officers were specifically excluded from exercising disciplinary powers in respect of Operating Staff like ASMs/ SMs etc. These instructions tacitly permitted the Safety Officers to exercise the disciplinary powers in respect of Operating Staff since the Safety Officers also belong to the Operating Department, unlike Commercial Officers.

2. Arising out of discussion with AIRF in the PNM Meetings, the Board have reviewed the existing practice of Safety Officers simultaneously exercising disciplinary powers in respect of Operating Staff who are under the administrative control of Operating Managers.

3. After taking into account all the relevant aspects of this issue, including orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the SLPs filed before it, Board have decided that henceforth, only Sr.DOM/ DOM will exercise disciplinary powers in respect of Operating Staff, even in matters relating to violation of safety norms. Any practice contrary to the above that may be in force on the Zonal Railways, may be discontinued forthwith.