Indian Railways takes several welfare measures to benefit approx 20,000 porters

With the advent of lifts and escalators on railway stations along with increased usage of luggage trolleys, the role of license porters has undergone change.

Sahayaks are an integral part of Indian Railways. They act as a link between Railways and the passengers being available to round the clock for the convenience of the passengers. Presently approximately 20,000 Sahayaks are working over various railway stations of Indian Railways. With the advent of lifts and escalators on railway stations along with increased usage of luggage trolleys, the role of license porters has undergone change.

In view of persistent demands from license porters and to make their working more comfortable, Indian Railways has taken several measures towards their welfare

Uniform:  Presently, two redshirts are supplied every year as Uniform and one woollen shirt is also given once in two years in lieu of one redshirt. It has been decided to supply three red shirts and one woollen shirt every year.

The issue of passes: At present, one set of complimentary cheque pass and one set of Privilege Ticket Order ( PTO)  for self and spouse is being given to Sahayaks.  It has been decided to give two sets of Privilege Ticket Orders (PTOs) for self and wife every year.

Extension of validity of cheque pass: Presently, the validity of the complimentary pass issued to Sahayaks is two months. It has been decided to extend the validity of the complimentary pass to five months at par with railway staff.

Restroom facilities: Presently,  Sahayak can utilize the facility of waiting halls, later in, canteens etc provided at stations for passengers.  Some stations have also been provided with Sahayaks Rest Rooms.  Now it has been decided that Sahayaks Rest Rooms will be progressively provided at all stations having a strength of 50 and more Sahayaks.  These Rest Rooms will be provided with  TV, RO water and barrack beds.

Pathways: Sahayaks are free to use railways’ Light trolleys/Hand barrows for carriage of passenger luggage.  It has been decided that the pathways shall be constructed at all major stations for smooth movement of trolleys/Hand barrows.

Free Education forwards of Sahayaks:  Presently, free education facility is being provided to the wards of Sahayaks in the schools run by Railways’ and Railwaymen’s organization/Mahila Samitis.  It has been decided to extend the facility to the schools run by Railways and Railwaymen's’ organization /Mahila samitis at any station in the division where the Sahayaks are working.

(With Inputs from PIB)