Train managers stage dharna over long-pending demands

Under the banner of All India Guards’ Council (AIGC), train managers today staged a dharna at Ambala Cantonment Railway Station in support of their long-pending demands.

They raised slogans in support of their demands and later submitted a memorandum for the Minister of Railways through the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Ambala Division.

Their demands include justified salary to the train managers in the 8th Central Pay Commission, increase in running allowance by 25 per cent with effect from January 1, 2024, benefits of Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme for all eligible train managers, filling of vacancies, restore powers of the safety directorate of Indian Railways, scrap the validation of the Central Civil Services (pension) Rules, scrap the Railway Board’s Joint Procedure Orders and appointment of train counsellors as per the posts approved by the railway Board.

Divisional Secretary of the council Kamal Kishor said as part of the nationwide protest on the directives of the Central Working Committee of the organisation, a dharna was staged at the combined crew lobby of Ambala Cantonment Railway Station. Office-bearers from all five branches of the Ambala Division, including Ambala, Saharanpur, Dhuri, Bathinda and Kalka, participated in the dharna with the train managers of their respective headquarters. However, it was ensured that the train operations are not affected due to the protest.

“The train managers play a crucial role in the smooth operations of the trains, yet their several demands are not being fulfilled. The All India Guards’ Council last month had informed the Railways about the decision taken about staging the dharna. If our demands are not met, further action will be taken as per the decision of the Central Working Committee of the council,” he added.