Chief Labour Commissioner Reviews AIRRBEA Demands; Discussions Held on HR Policy, Regularisation, and Wage Parity

Image: The discussion on issues held between Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) and AIRRBEA

Discussion on National Rural Bank of India

The first agenda item—formation of a National Rural Bank of India—was dropped after positive intent was expressed by DFS and with mutual consent of all stakeholders.

Delayed HR Reforms Under Scrutiny

The CLC expressed concern over continued delays in revising promotion rules, service rules, and manpower norms for recruitment. While DFS and NABARD stated that a unified HR policy is in preparation, the CLC urged them to publish the guidelines without further delay, especially as 28 amalgamated RRBs continue to function without updated norms.

No Provision for Regularising Daily Wagers, Says DFS

Responding to the demand for regularising part-time and daily wage staff, DFS representatives cited the RRB (Appointment of Officers and Employees) Rules, 2017, which do not permit such regularisation. NABARD submitted vacancy data for Group-D staff to the unions. The CLC advised the union to report any deviations, backed by justification and reference to the Mitra Committee report.

Reacting to the regularisation, AIRRBEA Secretary General S. Venkateshwar Reddy told Kanal, “The recent legal victories in Telangana Grameena Bank and Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank regarding the regularisation of daily wage workers has strengthened our case. We remain hopeful, as discussions with government officials are currently underway.”

Full Parity in Pay: NABARD Asked to Enforce Strictly

On the issue of full wage parity with Public Sector Banks as per the 12th Bipartite Settlement, DFS confirmed having issued directives on July 8, 2024. The CLC has now instructed NABARD to ensure all RRBs implement revised pay, allowances, and arrears within one month. Any non-compliance must be strictly addressed with fresh guidelines.

Compassionate Appointments Must Align with DFS Policy

The meeting also reviewed implementation of the compassionate appointment scheme. While DFS and NABARD claimed compliance since 2019 and reaffirmed instructions in 2023, the CLC asked NABARD to issue fresh clarification and expedite pending cases as per DFS guidelines. The CLC advisory also stated, “In case of any deviation observed [on wage parity], NABARD must clarify and issue strict guidelines to implement within the timeline.”

The July 4 meeting marked a pivotal moment in addressing long-pending employee concerns in RRBs. With clear directives and timelines issued, stakeholders are now under watch to deliver on long-overdue reforms. The upcoming review on September 2 will be a crucial test of intent and implementation.