The existing vacancies in the Railways can now be filled by engaging retired railway officers (up to the age of 65) in the capacity of consultants. By hiring consultants, zonal general managers can now fill both junior- and senior-level vacancies in the Railways, across India.
These re-appointments, at a fixed monthly pay,will be valid up to 31 December 2026. The ‘re-engagement’ is not to be considered as a re-employment.
These consultants will be given inspection and supervision work amongst other similar responsibilities. They will not be holding any independent charge nor will they head any department or unit. They will not have the authorisation to issue any safety certificates or be vested with financial powers.
Their monthly remuneration will be calculated by deducting the basic pension from their last-drawn salary (when they retired). During the contract period, these consultants will not get any hikes or increments in dearness allowance. They will not be eligible for any accommodation or hour rent allowance (HRA) either. However, they will be allowed an allowance for transport to travel to work and back. Travel allowance will also be offered for official travel.
The retired officers will be selected as consultants on the basis of their track record, performance in the past, their health conditions, and so on. The consultants will be assessed by a panel comprising three members, which will be formed by the zonal general manager.
The consultants will be discharged the moment the candidate selected for the post via the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or the concerned department head joins the post.
