Curbing Rail Worker Perks: A Balancing Act for the Nation
Spurred by the meaningful responses from the learned members on the Topic ''Restoration of ravel concessions for seniors'' Some more inputs :
The idea of curbing the perks enjoyed by railway employees, such as free passes, Privilege Ticket Orders (PTOs), and free medical care even after retirement, might sound reasonable to some—especially senior citizens and their caregivers. However, it is easier said than done. These benefits have been deeply entrenched for decades, supported by a strong workforce and equally powerful unions.
The strength of these unions has been a recurring concern for the Railway administration and successive Union Governments. The memory of the historic 20-day railway strike in the summer of 1974, led by George Fernandes, remains vivid. With 17 lakh workers from 125 railway unions participating, the strike paralyzed the nation, affecting students, job seekers, businesspeople, goods transporters, and holidaymakers alike. It was a defining moment that even dented the popularity of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Since then, the railway workforce has seen a gradual decline—from 17 lakh employees in 1974 to 14 lakh by 2015. Yet, the fear of union strength remains. This apprehension partly explains the push for outsourcing within the railways, which helps dilute the power of traditional worker unions.
Today’s rail employees are more focused on enhancing their family status and improving their lives, which offers some hope for progressive changes. However, withdrawing their perks cannot be achieved in a single stroke. Such a move could ignite a large-scale agitation similar to the recent farmers’ protests—a scenario no government would want to face.
For any significant reform to succeed, there needs to be a balance. Those benefiting from these privileges must recognize the broader needs of the nation, especially the plight of less fortunate sections of society. A spirit of collective responsibility and empathy could pave the way for constructive discussions, ensuring that the needs of the country and its people are met without sparking unrest.
- Jai hind more
The idea of curbing the perks enjoyed by railway employees, such as free passes, Privilege Ticket Orders (PTOs), and free medical care even after retirement, might sound reasonable to some—especially senior citizens and their caregivers. However, it is easier said than done. These benefits have been deeply entrenched for decades, supported by a strong workforce and equally powerful unions.
The strength of these unions has been a recurring concern for the Railway administration and successive Union Governments. The memory of the historic 20-day railway strike in the summer of 1974, led by George Fernandes, remains vivid. With 17 lakh workers from 125 railway unions participating, the strike paralyzed the nation, affecting students, job seekers, businesspeople, goods transporters, and holidaymakers alike. It was a defining moment that even dented the popularity of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Since then, the railway workforce has seen a gradual decline—from 17 lakh employees in 1974 to 14 lakh by 2015. Yet, the fear of union strength remains. This apprehension partly explains the push for outsourcing within the railways, which helps dilute the power of traditional worker unions.
Today’s rail employees are more focused on enhancing their family status and improving their lives, which offers some hope for progressive changes. However, withdrawing their perks cannot be achieved in a single stroke. Such a move could ignite a large-scale agitation similar to the recent farmers’ protests—a scenario no government would want to face.
For any significant reform to succeed, there needs to be a balance. Those benefiting from these privileges must recognize the broader needs of the nation, especially the plight of less fortunate sections of society. A spirit of collective responsibility and empathy could pave the way for constructive discussions, ensuring that the needs of the country and its people are met without sparking unrest.
- Jai hind more
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Not just railways but all government employee benefits should be looked and reform. This is tax payer money. more
Nov 23
The ever rising costs of the perks to the IR personnel during service and post superannuation, owing to very well organised and unionised workmen pressure primarily, has led to progressive reduction in the total strength of the IR workforce. I understand that it has come down to 50% from the high levels in existence till early eighties. more
Nov 22
Actually in all these certain facts are not available to the public. The most important is what percentage of the total revenue goes for concessions of all types (we should know how much each type of concession costs), how much for the free passes to various categories including serving as well as retired railway employees. In this day and age of vast computerisation, this should not take much time for the railways to announce. In the interests of transparency, these facts should be always available to the public, at least on a quarterly basis. more
Nov 21
How much budget is required for giving rly concession to sr citizen can govt of india make such small allocation when Billions are being wasted in advertising by govt more
Nov 21
