Instances have come to the notice of the Ministry of Railways, of Railway Officers not surrendering, at the time of retirement, the Metal passes issued to them while in service for travel on duty.
The matter has been considered by the Ministry of Railways and it has been decided that the following measures may be taken to eliminate misuse of the Metal Passes by retired officers.
(i) Officers who have already retired but who have not yet surrendered the Metal Passes issued to them and in whose cases settlement dues have already been paid, may be directed to return the Metal Passes forthwith. If the Metal Pass is not returned by the retired Officer pursuant to the issue of such directions, three times the cost of the Metal Pass, as revised from time to time may be levied. In case of non-payment, issue of post-retirement complimentary passes may be withheld under advice to them, till such time the Metal Passes are surrendered or the cost, as referred to above, is recovered as the case may be.
(ii) Officers retiring in future may be directed to return the Metal Passes, before/at the time of retirement, failing which the officer may be advised that he would forfeit post-retirement complimentary passes till such time the Metal Passes are surrendered or an amount equivalent to three times the cost of the Metal Pass is remitted by the retired Railway Officer.
In both cases, as above, the invalidity of the Metal pass must be suitably notified to all concerned.
3. However, in respect of serving employees who report loss of Metal Pass, the penalty of recovery of the cost of the Metal pass may continue to be levied, as hitherto.
4. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.