Congress expresses concern over unfilled vacancies in Railways

The Congress has expressed concern over the Narendra Modi-led government's policies affecting employment opportunities in the Indian Railways.

The party has also criticised recent decisions, alleging that they undermine job prospects and compromise the integrity of the Railways.

Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat expressed serious concerns in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday about the current state of the Railways and highlighted several critical issues affecting the national transporter. He emphasised upon the need for immediate attention and action.

Key points from Sukhdeo Bhagat's address:

1. Deterioration of railway infrastructure: Bhagat underscored the declining condition of railway infrastructure, pointing out that inadequate maintenance and delayed modernization efforts have led to compromised safety and efficiency.

2. Employment opportunities: He criticised the reduction in employment opportunities within the railways, attributing it to policy decisions that have led to job cuts and halted recruitments, thereby affecting the livelihoods of many and reducing operational efficiency.

3. Privatisation concerns: Bhagat expressed apprehension over the government's push towards privatising certain railway operations, arguing that such moves could prioritise profit over public service, leading to increased fares and reduced accessibility for economically weaker sections.

4. Passenger amenities: He highlighted the inadequate passenger amenities, including unhygienic conditions, and lack of basic facilities, and urged the government to prioritize improvements in these areas to enhance the overall travel experience.

5. Focus on elite services: Bhagat criticised the government's focus on introducing high-end trains like the Vande Bharat Express, suggesting that this focus neglects the needs of the common passengers who rely on affordable and regular train services.

Bhagat called for a comprehensive review and overhaul of current railway policies, advocating for a people-centric approach that ensures safety, accessibility, and affordability for all citizens.

The Congress has also highlighted the issue of unfilled vacancies in the railways. In September 2020, the party released data indicating that over 2.14 lakh posts advertised by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) and the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) remained vacant. Despite collecting substantial application fees from millions of candidates, the recruitment processes had not been completed, leading to frustration among job seekers.

In May 2022, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the government's decision to abolish approximately 91,000 non-safety category railway posts. He argued that while the government struggles to create new jobs, it is actively eliminating existing ones, thereby exacerbating unemployment. Gandhi warned that such actions could have severe political repercussions, stating that the youth would challenge the government's perceived arrogance.

Further criticisms have been directed at the government's alleged attempts to privatise the railways. Rahul Gandhi had accused the Modi administration of deliberately weakening the railways to justify its sale to private entities. He claimed that policies favoring elite trains over general passenger services were part of a broader strategy to undermine public confidence in the railways, paving the way for privatisation.