CM backs bonus plea of railway employees

PATNA: CM Nitish Kumar on Friday said that Indian Railway is the lifeline of the country. Its progress is the progress of the country, and it mostly caters to the needs of common people. He was addressing the inaugural function of the three-day All India Railway Men's Federation conference held at Rajendra Nagar Terminal here.

The CM supported the demand of railway employees for bonus. "Railway ministry must not curtail bonus as it is being given to them on the basis of productivity-linked bonus formula. The demand of railway employees to give employment to one of their dependents is genuine and railway ministry should consider it," he said.

According to Kumar, railways safety must be given top priority to check recurrence of mishaps. Railway bridges and tracks should always be kept in proper condition, he said, adding the decision of railway ministry to increase axle load on the existing tracks was not wise.

Nitish strongly pleaded that railway ministry should invest more on railways not only to step up safety measures but also modernize it for passengers' convenience. He recalled his days as railway minister when he took several steps to put railways on the right track. Kumar, however, did not speak about the pending railway projects in Bihar.

Railway Board chairman Arunendra Kumar, who was also present on the occasion, said the railway board has decided not to take written examination for appointment to Group D category. Railways has also decided to restructure Group C category employees' appointment procedure to benefit a large number of candidates across the country, he said, adding the railways was forced to hike fares after a gap of 15 years to further improve passenger amenities.

The chairman said that the railways will check wasteful expenditure. The structure of the guard's van will be changed soon to provide proper facility for the guard to sit in his van, he said, adding railways is committed to employees' welfare.

ECR GM Madhuresh Kumar and many JD (U) leaders were also present on the occasion. Earlier, All India Railway Men's Federation national president Uroan Prohit and national general secretary Gopal Mishra welcomed the guests and delegates.

TOI, Patna

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