Letter by Adv. Chandra Shekhar, Member of Lok Sabha to Rail Minster
(Translation of Hindi Letter)
Adv. Chandra Shekhar
Member of Parliament
(Lok Sabha)
Nagina – Uttar Pradesh, India
Letter no.: 96/CS/MP/LS/2024
To,
Hon’ble Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw ji,
Rail Minister,
Government of India,
New Delhi – 110001
Subject: Regarding problems related to the promotion and safety issues of “track maintainers”
Sir,
I would like to draw your attention to the serious problems of our trackmen brothers of the Indian Railways and the neglect being shown towards them. It is extremely sad that the trackmen serving the railways are not only being deprived of promotion opportunities but adequate arrangements are also not being made for their safety. During my recent meeting with them, I had the opportunity to understand their challenges and difficult conditions.
Our trackmen brothers work in extremely difficult and dangerous conditions. They have to walk along tracks for nearly 8-10 km every day while carrying heavy tools of 35 kg. Their entire tenure is spent on the tracks until their retirement. What is most worrying is that trackmen are not given the opportunity to attempt divisional exams, through which other employees get promotion.
In addition, every year, 550 trackmen become victims of accidents while on duty and lose their lives. In this situation, it is necessary to pay attention to the following demands:
- OPS (Old Pension Scheme) should be restored and trackmen should be given 4200 grade pay.
- Only trackmen should be recruited to Group D posts.
- Departmental change should be implemented for trackmen every 10 years.
- Patrolling beat should be limited to 12 km.
- Trackmen should be transferred to their home division.
- The basic wages of trackmen should be 26,000.
- Trackmen should be given Rakshak devices, which will notify them about incoming trains while on duty.
- Trackmen should be given the opportunity to get promotion through the divisional exam (LDCE).
- Trackmen should receive risk allowance that is 30% of their salary.
The safety of the Indian Railways is ensured only because of the efforts of our trackmen brothers. Therefore, it is our moral obligation to ensure their safety and provide them with promotion opportunities.
I humbly request you to consider the abovementioned demands immediately and take the necessary steps so that trackmen brothers can get their due rights and respect.
In anticipation of your kind and prompt action,
Thanking you,
Sincerely,
Adv. Chandra Shekhar