Indian Railways have announced 14000 plus vacancies across India for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot. It seems to be for the first time Railways report this much of vacancies in a single category. Moreover, every year Railways recruit many people to the same category through various Railway Recruitment Boards. Though Indian Railways are the biggest employer in public sector, normal retirement alone cannot create these vacancies. Vacancies created by introduction of new trains and laying tracks on new routes are also nominal. Actually, Railways are on the path of downsizing its workforce. Then, how these stunning numbers of vacancies have been created? The simple reason is: 'drop out'. Yes, most of youngsters who join Railways as employees soon quit their job as they find it not a good firm to work with. And the serving employees opt for voluntary retirement; especially in Driver (Loco Pilot) category.
The reason why the employees are not satisfied with their job is unfair attitude of Railway management towards employees. They are governed by primitive rules. Staff welfare is least but last concern of Railways. Railways spend a lot of money in the name of modernization but when it comes to staff welfare such as construction of new quarters, providing better medical facility, it has no fund. The condition of most Railway quarters' is not better than stables. Though these are not inhabitable, staff who are supposed to join or leave their duty late night hours like Ticket Examiners, Drivers and Guards, forced to stay in quarters'. For better medical treatment, a railway employee has to resort to Private hospitals. They are bound to be away from home for days together and after return to home they are not allowed to spend time with their family. They become strangers even to their children. Continuous work without proper food and rest make them sick.
Don’t be stunned----- Drivers are supposed to work upto six continuous nights and after that they are allowed to avail of one night rest only. Yes……Railways’ rule says it.
When a Lower Division Clerk in Kerala state service who had worked in Railways as Guard was asked why he left his previous job, replied.” Railways perceive its employees as slaves. If you are a group C or D staff you are one among many slaves and if you work in supervisory grade, you are a Master of many slaves and a slave under many Masters. I don't want to be a slave".
The news of 'enormous' vacancies may have made hundreds of educated unemployed youths happy. But all their joy will fade away once they enroll with Railways as employees. They will soon realize that a job in Railways is not as attractive as it appears to be. Those who have already a job in hand don't quit it to accept Railways’ offer, and others may chose it as an interim shelter. Don't let your longtime dream turn to be nightmare.
