Report and video received from All India Station Masters’ Association (AISMA)
Summary of Power Day – 11th August
As per the schedule, Power Day was successfully observed on 11th August. The programme began with all participants gathering at Sealdah Station and proceeding together to the Eastern Railway Zonal Headquarters, Fairlie Place. Masters from Sealdah, Howrah, Asansol, and Malda Divisions were present, along with representatives from Metro Railway.
The protest commenced with the spirited slogan “AISMA Zindabad”, with over 90 Masters in attendance. The first address was delivered by former Zonal Secretary Shri Sanjit Jaiswal, whose impactful speech energized and inspired the gathering.
Key Demands Highlighted:
1. One weekly rest day in the intensive roster.
2. Limiting the continuous roster to a maximum of two night duties per week.
3. Discontinuation of assigning guard duty to Masters.
4. Raising the ceiling limit for night duty allowance (NDA).
5. Extending NDA eligibility to Level 8 and Level 9 Masters performing night duty.
6. Provision of ladies’ changing rooms and toilets.
7.Additional burden of commercial duty must be removed.
The event was further strengthened by the presence of respected retired leaders, including Shri Rangan Babu and Shri Mohanty Babu, who came to encourage the participants. The Zonal General Secretary of Eastern Railway Men’s Union, Shri Amit Ghosh, also attended and assured full support for AISMA’s cause.
Valuable speeches were delivered by Zonal Secretary Shri Om Prakash Gupta, Zonal President Shri Soumitra Bose, and the DS representatives of all four divisions.
A memorandum was submitted in the absence of the Hon’ble GM to Additional GM Shri S. P. Singh, followed by further submissions to DY PCOM Coaching Shri Kashi Rajkumar and PCPO (Admin) Mrs. J. P. Kusumakar. Mrs. Kusumakar responded with great courtesy, expressed surprise upon learning that Masters were being assigned guard duties, and indicated that an enquiry might be conducted. Discussions also convinced her about the feasibility and welfare benefits of granting one weekly rest in intensive rosters and limiting continuous rosters to two night duties per week, citing examples from other zones. She has note down and take it very serious. Hope soon we will get a positive news. Also discussion about shortage of SM’s(about 180) at HWH division,Madam assured us that any incoming own request from other divisions or zones for HWH division they will accept it.
The day concluded on a highly positive note, reinforcing our belief that unity and numbers make a powerful impact. The event received media coverage by ABP News and was featured in Anandabazar Patrika (Kolkata edition).
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all Masters of Eastern Railway especially to SDAH division for their solidarity and commitment, making Power Day a resounding success.