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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We should instead, advocate for social security for the rest categories of our people, such as, provisions for compensation for increased inflation to all daily workers and the workers in unorganized sectors, provisions for unemployment allowances etc. by collecting additional tax on luxurious goods/any other sources. PMJAY (Ayushman Bharat) has already covered majority of people for medical treatment, which is a good move of the government. It needs to be yet ensured that more & more hospitals in private sector entertain patients under the scheme to make it effective and beneficial. more
Dec 08
Then all the politicians enjoys 4-5 pensions,5000 units electricity bills,Travel freebies,Medical along with their rights to do corruption is strenghtening our country?? Your logic is totally absurd and sycofant. General people pays highest taxes in INDIA and enjoying least facilities from GOVT. whereas Politicians evade taxes,take bribes,but still enjoying the highest benefits.FIRST remove their benefits then go for the common peoples'benefits. more
Dec 06
One such perquisite of OPS is not yet settled politically. These perks are of Govt servants at large except for passes and PTO. it is not of railways alone.And then, why govt employees only. Look into MP, MLA, Judiciary (HC and SC) all have post service priviledges. more
Dec 01
Why any privilege given to an employee during work be withdrawn post retirement? Now a days a person serves around 30-35 years in an organization, but he/she survives the equal period post retirement. During this period their sources are limited and old age problems start coming like medical etc. Hence their privileges must not be withdrawn post retirement. more
Nov 25
Not just railways but all government employee benefits should be looked and reform. This is tax payer money. more
Nov 23
