Question : BHARTIYA RAILWAY MALL GODAM SHARAMIK SANGH



(a) the details of the policy regarding issue of ID cards, badges to workers working in Railway parcel and goods depots;

(b) whether the Railways have received a representation from the ‘Bhartiya Railway Mall Godam Sharamik Sangh’ in this regard;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the action taken by the Railways on the same?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)

(a) Identity Cards are being issued by the Railway Administration to railway employees engaged to work in parcel and goods depots. In case of full vehicle load traffic, the work of loading and unloading is done by the consignor/consignee by engaging their own labours. Since, they are hired on case-to-case basis by the consignor/ consignee, Railways do not have any details of these workers. As such, it is not possible for railways to issue them Identity Cards. However, in case of leased parcel traffic, labourers of the leaseholders are permitted to enter in the platform area on production of Photo Identity cards issued by the leaseholders alongwith Platform Permit issued by the Railway Administration.

(b) to (d) Yes, Madam. Ministry of Labour had also examined the demand of Goods shed workers and had decided that since they are engaged by private contractors, Railways are not accountable for their service conditions and other measures which are given as general welfare. Hence, railways are not liable to meet their various demands like medical facilities, concession in railway fares, identity cards etc. However, it has been decided, that, in addition to provision of drinking water, toilet and resting facilities which are normally provided by railways in goods sheds, raised taps for bathing purposes will also be provided by zonal railways on case to case basis depending on local requirements as a gesture of general welfare.