Based on information received from Comrade Pintu Roy, All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA) Central Zone and its letter to General Manager and Principal Chief Security Commissioner, Central Railway, Mumbai
Loco running staff of many zones across Indian Railways are vigorously protesting against the new directives which instruct loco pilots to carry detonators (which are hazardous and explosive devices) with them. We have earlier reported about their struggles.
Loco pilots of Central Railway have decided to intensify their agitation. On 22nd October, under the banner of All India Loco-running Staff Association (AILRSA), a large number of them demonstrated outside the office of General Manager, Central Railway, in Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj terminus, Mumbai.
They also submitted a memorandum (attached) to the General Manager and other railway officials. The letter highlights a very important fact that, Railway Board itself, vide Letter No. TC-II/2077/04/1 dated 17.08.2004, issued instructions concerning restrictions on the carriage of explosives and inflammable articles in trains. Hence the letter further points out that the recent instructions disregard the Railway Board’s instructions.
The letter also warns the Railway Board that in future if any loco pilots refuse to carry detonators, then such an action can’t be considered as “refusal to carry out duty” and any disciplinary proceedings, charge memorandum, show-cause notice, adverse service entry, punishment or other retaliatory action can’t be initiated against such an employee merely for raising such a bonafide safety objection or seeking compliance with the applicable law.
The letter further urges the General Manager, Central Railway, the Principal Chief Security Commissioner, RPF, and the Director General of Police/Additional Director General of Police (Railways), Maharashtra, to examine the matter at the appropriate administrative and security levels.
The matter being raised by the loco-pilots has serious implications not only for their own safety but also safety of passengers and all the people standing at railway stations. Loco-pilots deserve the support of all the working people.
