The Railway Board has changed promotion rules for SC/ST employees in non-safety category posts. A 10% relaxation in qualifying marks has been provided, while the ‘Best Amongst the Failed’ system will be used to fill reserved vacancies that remain unfilled.
The Railway Board has issued new guidelines to all zonal general managers and production units. Under the revised rules, SC/ST employees will receive relaxation in eligibility standards for promotions to non-safety category posts. The objective is to prevent reserved posts from remaining vacant and to standardise the promotion process across different railway zones.
In Group ‘C’ posts where selection is based on seniority, SC/ST employees will receive a 10% relaxation in professional ability and aggregate marks. For the 70% selection quota from Group ‘C’ to Group ‘B’, the qualifying threshold for SC/ST employees will be 50% in the written examination and total marks, compared with 60% for the general category.
However, securing at least 15 marks in the service record will remain mandatory.
The Railway Board has also clarified the ‘Best Amongst the Failed’ system for filling reserved posts. If, even after the prescribed 10% relaxation, an adequate number of SC/ST employees do not qualify for promotion and reserved seats remain vacant, a merit list will be prepared from among the unsuccessful candidates based on their performance.
Candidates will be required to secure at least 20% marks separately and in aggregate in the written examination, interview and service record. Among unsuccessful employees who meet the prescribed conditions, those securing higher marks will be given an opportunity for promotion against the available reserved posts.
The Railway Board has clarified the system as there had been confusion over SC/ST promotion rules in different railway divisions. Several reserved posts remained vacant because eligible candidates were not available.
Employees promoted under the ‘Best Amongst the Failed’ system will initially be promoted on an ad-hoc basis for six months. During this period, their work, efficiency and conduct will be evaluated.
After completion of six months, the competent authority will review their performance. The promotion will be regularised, or made permanent, only if the employee’s performance is found satisfactory.
The Railway has clarified that no relaxation in qualifying marks or other standards will be provided for safety category posts related to train operations and passenger safety. Existing eligibility standards will continue to apply to safety-related posts.
The ‘Best Amongst the Failed’ system will also not apply to the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) under Group ‘C’, where the panel is prepared on the basis of merit.
The Railway has further clarified that SC/ST employees selected on the basis of general eligibility standards without availing any relaxation will be adjusted against unreserved (UR) seats. This will leave the reserved quota seat available for other eligible SC/ST employees. Selection processes that have already been completed will not be reopened under the new rules.
