APPENDIX I. 503 PAGES. 128. Additional steps should be taken to fix standard rates for similar classes and grades, subject only to variation in districts where there are material differences in economic conditions ve 129. On completion of one year’s continuous service, all employees should be eligible to join a provident fund, membership being optional for those drawing under Rs. 20, compulsory for those drawing Rs. 20 or over per mensem .. 130. The limitation on the grant of retiring gratuity to subordinates retiring after 15 years’ qualifying service should be modified to permit of voluntary withdrawal from the service subiect only to adequate notice is - 5% 3 .. 131. Inregard to debits, an effort should be made to arrive at the root cause of the trouble and to see how far it is due to faults in rating end routeing methods and how far to inefficiency on the part of the staff : careful analysis of numbers and amounts should be made with a view to the adoption of changed methods of disciplinary action. Pend- ing enquiry a system of maximum amounts, related to pay, with defi- nite periods for recovery, might be adopted ie + oe CHAPTER X.—RatLways—(Contd.). 132. The weekly rest of not less than 24 hours provided under the Act of 1930 should be granted subject to the usual emergency excep tions to all continuous workers as soon as necessary arrangements can be made . .n is 133. (a) Special efforts should be made to put into operation as goon as possible the regulations devised to give effect to the Washington and Geneva Conventions in the case of railway employees ‘ (b) It should be possible after consultation with the workers to arrive at an understanding regarding the general lines of classification of essentially intermittent workers wi we we wn (¢) The Railway Board should reconsider the practicability of reducing the hours for intermittent workers and of giving days of absence at reasonable intervals where weekly rest days cannot be given 134. As soon as experience of the altered hours is available, the case of individual branches should be examined in turn to determine to what extent the prevailing hours need reduction ; action should be taken thereafter on all railways to secure the reduction necessary .. . 135. All classes of workers should enter into a simple service agree: ment providing for :— (a) Probationary period of 12 months. (b) Confirmation after 12 months’ approved continuous service. (¢) Confirmed service to be terminable on one month’s notice. * (4) A declaration that service is liable to termination in any of six specified circumstances .. “e .. .e 136. The power of terminating service should reside solely in the district or divisional officers or officers superior to them ‘se . 137. A confirmed employee charged °° (a) with an offence which if proved may involve dismissal or dis- charge should be given a charge sheet, returnable with his explanation within 7 days; (b) The competent officer (district, divisional or superior officer) may fhake enquiry and, if the case is to proceed may summon the employee before him ; 151 152.3 163 153-4 158 159 150 159 159 161 161