Railway Board Sets Up New Committee to Review Staff Working Conditions

The Railway Board has established a committee on July 26 to examine the working conditions of its running staff. The committee, consisting of three senior officials, aims to ensure compliance with recommendations made by a High Power Committee in 2016. All railway zones are required to submit their comments by August 5.

The Railway Board has appointed a committee to scrutinize the working conditions of its running staff, acting on instructions issued in 2016.

The new committee, which includes three senior officials, was established on July 26. All railway zones have been requested to submit their feedback by August 5.

In 2013, a High Power Committee (HPC) was formed to evaluate various aspects, such as working and rest hours for loco pilots and guards. Of the 89 recommendations made by the HPC, 70 were accepted in a 2016 Board meeting. One significant recommendation stipulated that the total duty at a stretch should not exceed 11 hours.

The newly formed committee will focus on the implementation and compliance of these accepted recommendations, particularly regarding rest periods and working hours, and will present its report within one month.

This marks the second committee formed in July to examine the work conditions of running staff. Earlier, on July 11, a five-member multi-disciplinary committee was established to review similar issues.

Unions have demanded clarity on the overlapping terms of reference of both committees. However, a Railway Board official clarified that the July 26 committee will focus on compliance with the HPC recommendations, while the multi-disciplinary panel will address broader working condition issues.