  In this paper we are dealing with the Reflection Equation algebra ${\cal
M}(R)$, associated with a $GL_N$ type Hecke symmetry $R$. In this algebra we
define the $q$-analogs of the partial derivatives $\partial_j^i$ in generators
$m_i^j$ of ${\cal M}(R)$. The product $\hat L = MD$ of two matrices
$M=\|m_i^j\|$ and $D=\|\partial_i^j\|$ turns out to be a generating matrix of a
modified Reflection Equation algebra $\hat{\cal L}(R)$ which is similar to the
universal enveloping algebra $U(gl_N)$ in many aspects. Central elements of the
modified Reflection Equation algebra give rise to $q$-Casimir operators in a
representation of $\hat{\cal L}(R)$ in the algebra ${\cal M}(R)$.
  We perform a spectral analysis of the first $q$-Casimir operator and
formulate a conjecture about the spectrum of the higher ones. At last, we
define the normal ordering for the $q$-differential operators and inroduce the
$q$-cut-and-join operators. In several explicit examples we express some of
$q$-cut-and-join operators via the $q$-Casimir ones by analogy with the
classical case.
