Railway staff await cadre restructuring

Employees also point out that the introduction of Vande Bharat trains, increased rail traffic and added to their responsibilities

Metro India News | Hyderabad

Railway employees have expressed concern over the delay in implementing the Cadre Restructuring Committee (CRC-2023) recommendations, stating that promotions for thousands of Group C and Group D staff have remained pending for years. They have urged the Railway Board to complete the restructuring process and announce a clear implementation timeline.

Employees said the committee was formed to review the existing cadre structure in line with growing operational demands, technological advancements and increased workload in Indian Railways. Although the committee's tenure was extended until December 2025, no final decision has been announced, leaving employees uncertain about their career prospects.

Indian Railways has over 12 lakh Group C and Group D employees, who form the backbone of its workforce. In the South Central Railway's Secunderabad Division, more than 22,000 employees are working across nearly 3,350 track kilometres covering Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.

According to employee representatives, many staff members have remained in the same grade for 15 to 25 years as cadre revisions and promotions have not been implemented. They say several employees retire without receiving a promotion despite being eligible.

Employees also point out that the introduction of Vande Bharat trains, increased rail traffic and higher safety standards have significantly added to their responsibilities. However, the cadre structure has not been updated to match these changes, affecting career growth and job satisfaction.

The delay has also resulted in financial losses, as employees are unable to move to higher pay levels, impacting future pension and retirement benefits. They say repeated extensions of the committee's tenure without a final decision have increased uncertainty and mental stress. Railway employees from track maintenance, running staff, commercial, operating, signal, telecom, electrical, mechanical, engineering and medical departments have appealed to the Railway Board to implement the CRC-2023 recommendations, revise cadre strength, fill pending vacancies and expedite promotions to ensure fair career progression and improve employee morale.

Railway employees have been waiting for the CRC-2023 implementation for over three years. The Railway Board must honour its agreement with recognised unions, implement the cadre restructuring without further delay and ensure timely promotions for eligible employees. 

Pillalamarri Ravinder Divisional Secretary, Mazdoor Union, Secunderabad Division.