Railways to consider jobs to children in lieu of VRS
Making the safety-related voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) more lucrative, Railways today said it is considering a move to provide employment to the ward of an employee availing the scheme as well as relaxing the age limit under it. At present, the scheme is available to only gangmen in group D and drivers in group C attaining the age of 55 to 57 years.
Under the new proposal, the scheme will be extended to all safety category staff like pointsmen, khalasi and others. The age limit will be reduced to 50 years and a ward of the staff will get employment on availing the scheme.
“We are considering the move to provide employment to the ward of a railway employee availing the scheme,” Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee said attending a All India Running staff Conference, organized by All India Railwaymen’’s Federation. Assuring that the demands of the federation will be looked into in connection with the running staff like loco pilots and guards, she said the DRMs would also look into the educational aspects of their children if required.
Expressing concern over disruption in railway service due to several factors, she urged the running staff to perform their duties efficiently and ensure uninterrupted service. “You do your duties sincerely and I will take care of your interest,” she said.
Talking about the large-scale vacancies in Railways, especially in the running staff category, she said the recruitment process is being expedited and “Railways is also examining the best components of the old railway recruitment system for incorporation.”
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