- Medical decategorization occurs when an employee in a safety or running category (such as Loco Pilot, Assistant Loco Pilot, Guard or Trackman) is declared medically unfit for the original medical classification (for example, A-1 or A-2) during a Periodical Medical Examination (PME) or due to illness or an accident, and is withdrawn from that duty.
- Job protection: Under the RPWD Act and Railway Board guidelines, an employee cannot be terminated or dismissed solely because they have been declared medically unfit for their original post.
- Pay protection: The employee is to be absorbed in an alternative safe post or desk job, such as a clerical or administrative post, matching the employee's new medical fitness level. The original basic pay, grade pay and scale remain protected.
- Supernumerary post: If a suitable alternative post is not immediately vacant, a temporary supernumerary post is created so the employee can continue to draw full salary until a permanent alternative vacancy becomes available.
- Running allowance adjustment: For decategorized running staff (Loco Pilots and Guards), a component representing running allowance (for example, 30% added to basic pay) is factored into pay fixation on the alternative post.
Medical Decategorization Rules
Alternative safe duties, service protection and pay protection
Confirm current applicability with the competent Railway Medical Authority before acting on these provisions.