Strong Measures

The new Railway Board chairmans proposal to reduce the railway staff strength deserves strong support from the public and the Press because it has evoked the expected opposition from the unions on grounds of increased work load for the staff (BS 11th June).

While the Chairman has studies by the World Bank and RITES to back his proposal, it is not clear whether the union leaders are basing their objections on any rational study of man power requirements of the railways. They should look beyond their own interests and the narrow confines of the railway corridors. The unions in the banks had opposed computerisation on grounds of loss of jobs. Where would the banking industry have been if it had not computerised ? Union pressures and managerial weaknesses have already taken a heavy toll of discipline and efficiency on the railways. Should the weak railway finances be allowed to go the same way? Ruthless cost cutting measures are unavoidable. The Press should not only highlight whether the elected representatives of the people at Delhi (who enjoy the privilege of unlimited free rail travel in air conditioned first class) back the Chairman, Railway Boards sensible initiative, but should also mount a campaign in support of it.