The proposed recommendations linked to the upcoming 8th Pay Commission could bring major financial relief for Indian Railways employees, especially technical staff ranging from helpers and technicians to junior engineers and senior managers.
The Indian Railways technical staff body, Indian Railway Technical Supervisors Association (IRTSA), has submitted several demands including a sharp increase in minimum basic salary, a higher fitment factor, enhanced HRA, better allowances, and restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
If these demands are accepted, salaries of many railway employees could rise significantly, with some estimates suggesting pay packages may even double for certain categories.
One of the biggest demands raised by IRTSA is to increase the minimum basic salary to ₹52,000 under the 8th Pay Commission.
The association has also proposed different fitment factors for various pay levels.
These proposed multipliers could substantially increase salaries across multiple railway departments.
If the proposed fitment formula is approved, estimated salaries could rise sharply.
However, the final salary structure will depend on official recommendations made by the 8th Pay Commission and approval from the central government.
IRTSA has also proposed major revisions in House Rent Allowance (HRA), arguing that living expenses in cities have increased sharply.
The organization says employees working in metro and high-cost cities need stronger housing support.
The association has recommended tripling transport allowance rates and removing the upper limit on night duty allowance.
According to IRTSA, railway technical staff work in highly demanding and risk-prone environments and should receive improved compensation for operational responsibilities.
IRTSA has also suggested major reforms in career progression policies.
The association wants employees to receive five MACP (Modified Assured Career Progression) upgrades during 30 years of service at the following intervals:
The organization has also requested that training periods for JE and SSE employees be included in MACP calculations.
The railway employees’ body has once again demanded restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for employees recruited after January 1, 2004.
IRTSA has also opposed the continuation of the National Pension System (NPS) and Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), calling for OPS benefits to be extended to all railway staff.
The association has additionally proposed:
According to the organization, railway technical employees handle critical operational responsibilities and deserve improved salaries, pension benefits, and working conditions under the 8th Pay Commission framework.
