CHANDIGARH, Aug 12: While constables and other non-gazetted ranks in the para-military forces are entitled to first class travel by railway, their counterparts in the Armed Forces are authorised only second class rail travel.This disparity has been highlighted in a representation sent to Defence and Finance Ministries by the All India Servicemen Welfare Association.The entitlement for class of travel in the Armed Forces is based on rank, while for those in civil agencies it is based on the salary drawn by employees.Central government civilian employees who draw a basic pay of Rs 3,500 and above are entitled to first class fare. The representation pointed out that a havildar in the Army draws a monthly salary of Rs 4,150, an Air Force sergeant gets Rs 4,670 and a Navy petty officer draws Rs 5,120.Even if personnel below the officer ranks in the Armed Forces draw more than the minimum salary stipulated for first class travel, they have to make do with lower travel facilities. On the other hand, constables in the central police organisation who are in the pay scale of Rs 2,750-70-3,800-75-4,400 become eligible for better travel facilities as soon as they start drawing a basic of Rs 3,500.
