Rail union to observe 'black day' against Debroy report

Terms it as a 'clear roadmap for privatisation'

An official panel’s recommendation to allow private players in Railways has met with strong opposition from employees’ union which has given a call for observing “black day” on June 30 across the country.

“We have decided to observe black day on June 30 all over the country by wearing black badges,” said Shiv Gopal Mishra, general secretary, All India Railway Federation. Terming it as a “clear roadmap for privatisation”, Mishra said, “We hope that the Debroy report will not be accepted by the government”.

In its report, the Bibek Debroy committee has recommended a whole set of reforms including entry of private players into railways, separation of off-line activities from core business, passing on subsidies to the Centre and an end to the practice of a separate budget.

The report is against 95 per cent of rail passengers of the country who travel in general and sleeper classes, Mishra said.

The panel however said it is not recommending privatisation of Railways by means of sale of equity but endorses private entry with the provision of an independent regulator.

For open access of other players, it has recommended separation of track construction operation, train operation and rolling stock production units under separate entities.

The high-level committee was formed in September to restructure the Railways and suggest ways for resource mobilisation. After the receipt of the final report, the Railway Board is to submit a report on it to the Prime Minister by June-end.

A Railways spokesperson said the Railways will examine the report and only then a decision will be taken.