Keeping in sync with intense competitive age, Railway Board has changed norms for promotion to Group B in the Commercial Department, throwing the field open for sourcing the best among the cadre. The alteration was much needed as Railways, aware of professionals inducted through Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), thought its time to switch to new mode. The rule relating to 70 per cent promotion was earlier based on seniority, but in fast moving age, now, with Railways eyeing target of 3,000 Metric Tonne loading, needs new firepower and that is with youth. Hence, Board has issued a new circular about promotion to post of Assistant Commercial Manager (ACM), wherein anyone fitting the norm can apply for the post. Also, it also modified the rule relating to number of personnel who can apply, saying now there would be no limitation on who can apply.

 

This is so as Railways has adopted ‘the more, the merrier’ concept as its aware of changed demography of new inductees in Group C who posses far better knowledge and perception than their predecessors. Earlier, the promotion to Group B was based on seniority and it was time consuming process. For Railways, there was not much gain, as most of time the panel that was shortlisted did not have much depth in terms of dynamism and skills that are needed in today’s testing times. So by allowing all those who have completed 5-years continuous service to take shot at ACM, Railways would have vast pool to pick-up the best among the lot. Conscious of the experience of the staff, the new rule has stated that Commercial Department employees who have put in sufficient years of service would have preference post cracking the exam.

 

The selection would be based on Computer Based Test (CBT) which tests the knowledge of aspirants about the applicable rules as well as general knowledge about the system and its working. Notifying the change, Arti Singh Lal, Deputy Director-II, Establishment (GP), Railway Board, mentioned that it was decided to amend Para 2023.4 of Indian Establishment Manual Vol. I, it lays down rules for Zone of Consideration of eligible candidates for selection to Group B posts. So far the criteria for promotion to Group B posts in Commercial Department was sliding scale in order of seniority. Post change, now anyone interested can apply and sit for the test. The policy is modelled after the one adopted by Personnel Branch and through it now only those who have talent can make the cut from Group C to Group B. In furtherance of the change, the Board has also decided to continue with scrapping of negative marking in the CBT for 70 per cent selections to Group B posts. The panels here would continue to be made on seniority list. However, negative marking is continued in 30 per cent LDCEs quota.

 

The selection panel would however will be based on merit list. Though bringing in the change, Railways knowing well that experience can’t be discarded in totality, in case seniors crack the CBT then they will get the first shot at the vacant post of ACM, as their vast working knowledge would come handy for the organisation, it is felt. Old timers in the Railways said that the changes effected as to Commercial Department promotion policy for Group B is most timely as technology has made deep inroads into the organisation. Today, there is abundant talent pool at Group C level and if they are timely provided opportunity they can shine and thus can be groomed for leadership roles as Railways is going for total transformation and is modelled on corporate company style.