New Delhi, India: The Ministry of Railways has approved the deputation of senior railway personnel officer Ullas Kumar to the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) as Chief Manager (HRMS), reinforcing Indian Railways’ ongoing push toward digital transformation and modern workforce management.
According to an official order issued by the Railway Board, Ullas Kumar, an officer of the Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS), has been assigned to oversee Human Resource Management System (HRMS) operations at CRIS for a period of five years effective March 17, 2025, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The deputation is subject to CRIS continuing to remain exempt from the rule of immediate absorption, as specified in the ministry’s notification.
Focus on Digital HR Transformation
Before taking up the new role, Ullas Kumar served as Deputy Chief Personnel Officer (HRMS & IT) with Northern Railway, where he was associated with digital personnel management and information technology initiatives.
Railway officials said his experience in HRMS and IT systems is expected to strengthen the implementation and management of digital human resource services across Indian Railways.
CRIS, the technology arm of Indian Railways, plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining major railway software systems, including ticketing, freight management, passenger information systems, and employee management platforms.
The HRMS initiative is part of Indian Railways’ broader modernization strategy aimed at digitizing employee records, leave management, payroll systems, promotions, transfers, pensions, and other personnel-related services for one of the world’s largest government workforces.
Salary, Allowances and Deputation Benefits
Under the terms of deputation, Ullas Kumar will continue to receive pay in accordance with Railway service rules along with deputation allowance as prescribed under guidelines issued by the Department of Personnel and Training.
The Railway Board clarified that special pay previously drawn on the Railways will not be considered for deputation allowance calculations.
During the deputation period, the officer will remain eligible for:
- Dearness Allowance under Central Government norms
- House Rent Allowance according to CRIS regulations
- Joining time benefits during deputation and repatriation
- Medical facilities under Railway or borrowing organization rules, as applicable
- Railway passes and Leave Travel Concession (LTC) benefits
Pension and Leave Benefits Protected
The ministry also confirmed that leave, pension, and retirement-related benefits will continue to be governed by Railway rules during the deputation tenure.
Additionally, the borrowing organization — CRIS — will make the necessary contributions toward pension liabilities and group insurance schemes throughout the deputation period.
Strategic Importance of CRIS
The Centre for Railway Information Systems has become increasingly important as Indian Railways expands its digital infrastructure and automation initiatives. Industry observers say strengthening HRMS operations is essential for improving administrative efficiency, transparency, and employee service delivery across the national railway network.
The appointment of an experienced HRMS and IT officer to a leadership role at CRIS reflects the government’s continued focus on integrating technology-driven governance into one of the country’s largest public sector organizations.
