The Railway Board has reportedly approved the re-engagement of retired Railway officers as consultants to address service exigencies and fill vacant posts. In a circular dated 29th August, addressed to all zonal railways and public undertakings, the Board indicated that the re-engagement scheme would be valid only until 31st December 2026.
It was noted that, in light of the difficulties faced by Zonal Railways due to the vacancies of Gazetted Officers, the Board had sanctioned the re-engagement of retired Railway officers as consultants for these vacant positions. The circular also granted general managers the authority to re-engage retired officers, with 16 specific terms and conditions outlined for compliance.
As part of a policy initiative, it was mentioned that retired officers could be re-engaged in Centralised Training Institutes (CTIs) as faculty against vacant posts up to the Non-Functional Selection Grade (NFSG) (L-13) level. The Board set a maximum age limit of 65 years for this re-engagement and clarified that such engagements would not be considered as re-employment.
The circular specified that a fixed monthly remuneration would be provided, calculated by deducting the basic pension from the pay drawn at the time of retirement. This remuneration would remain unchanged throughout the contract term, with no allowances for annual increments, percentage increases, or dearness allowance during the period of engagement. The initial engagement would be for one year, with the possibility of extension based on requirements. However, no retired officer would be engaged beyond the scheme?s validity, i.e., 31st December 2026.
According to the Board, re-engaged officers would be allowed paid leave at the rate of 1.5 days for each completed month of service, but the accumulation of leave beyond a calendar year would not be permitted, nor would it be carried forward if the engagement was extended. Furthermore, no payment would be made for unutilised leave at the time of discharge or contract expiration.
The circular also clarified that re-engaged officers would not be entitled to House Rent Allowance (HRA) or residential accommodation. However, they would receive a transport allowance for commuting between home and office, which would not exceed the rate applicable at the time of their retirement. This amount would remain unchanged during the term of appointment. Retired employees engaged as consultants would be eligible for TA/DA during official tours, as per their entitlement at the time of retirement. Finally, the circular noted that the re-engaged officers would be discharged immediately upon the joining of selected candidates from UPSC or through departmental selection, as recommended by the concerned Principal Head of Department (PHOD).
