Penalties for Unauthorized Absence in Railway Services: Regulations and Procedures

Unauthorised absence from railway duties can have serious consequences including dismissal or removal from service. The Railway Services Discipline and Appeal Rules 1968 provide a framework for handling such situations, and the penalties can vary based on several factors. This article explores the regulations and procedures for penalising unauthorized absence in railway services.

Types of Penalties

Under the Railway Services Discipline and Appeal Rules 1968, an employee who remains unauthorized absent from duty may face one or more of the following penalties:

Stoppage of leave Forfeit of pay and allowances Suspension Discharge Removal from service

Show Cause Notice

When an employee is absent without authorization, a show cause notice is typically issued to the employee. This notice requires the employee to provide an explanation for the unauthorized absence. If the employee reports to duty and regularises the absence, it can often be resolved without further punitive actions.

Considerations and Implications

For absences exceeding a prescribed level (commonly 3 or more consecutive days), the absence can lead to more severe consequences. If the employee does not report for duty, the absence will be considered a break in service, which can postpone the employee's annual increment.

Minor Offense vs. Major Misconduct

Since unauthorized absence is often considered a minor offense, the standard procedure is to issue a verbal or written warning. This warning is recorded in the employee's service record to serve as a deterrent for future occurrences. However, repeated offenses may escalate to more severe penalties like suspension or removal from service.

Penalties and Implications

Once an employee is absent for an extended period, there are several potential implications:

Stoppages of leave, forfeit of pay, and allowances may be imposed to recover the lost time and resources. Suspension from service may be granted to manage the situation in a purely administrative manner, keeping the employee off duty. Discharge may occur if the situation is aggravated to a point where the employee can no longer be entrusted with their duties. Removal from service is the ultimate penalty, reserved for the most serious cases of unauthorized absence.

It is essential for employers to follow the prescribed procedures and ensure that all penalties are administered fairly to maintain a disciplined workforce.

Conclusion

Unauthorised absence from railway duties is a serious matter that can result in significant penalties. Employees must be mindful of the impact their actions can have on their careers and the overall service discipline. Employers must also adhere to the prescribed procedures to ensure fair and just treatment of their workforce.