In a first of its kind case, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to Chairman Railway Board and Chief Labour Commissioner, New Delhi, on petition filed by retired railway employees, claiming exploitation and violation of human rights of Station Masters. The case pertains to Central Railway’s Nagpur Division and retired employee Virendra Kumar Paliwal who, in his case with NHRC, alleged that railway officers are indulging in unfair labour practices. Apart from him, Ashok Katare, Traffic Inspector (retd), is co-petitioner, and they have listed 13 violations on part of division officials.

 

The Bench of NHRC, presided over by Priyank Kanoongo, took cognisance u/s 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, in the matter. The Registry issued notices with directions to get the allegations made in the complaint and to submit an Action Taken Report within four weeks. The Board in turn sent of a letter to Central Railway authorities seeking data to file the reply. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) has been asked to furnish data and submit the reply for filing with NHRC. The two complainants claimed that officials in the Nagpur Division of Central Railway, have engaged in systematic exploitation of rights of Station Masters. They highlighted how Station Masters are forced to work overtime and then denied the due allowances. As per rules, the shift should be of 8 hours but Station Master are being forced to work for 12 hours, a violation of HOER. Further, their duty roster violates the critical safety duties as Station Masters are subjected to excessive working hours.

 

For instance, post duty the next call book is to be served only after 12 hours, ensuring fair rest. But in Nagpur Division, Station Masters are being called on duty within seven-and-a-half hours, which Paliwal claimed is violations of Railway Board HOER. Station Masters, one of the critical post in railway safety, are being forced to work without adequate rest, which the two petitioners claim violates employment regulations. Many a time, the Station Masters are forced to perform consecutive night duties which are detrimental to their health. Rules states that Station Masters must not be drafted for duty for three nights in week, in Nagpur Division however they are booked at stretch for seven days straight. Also, there is discrimination in postings plus those who raise voice see their record being allegedly fabricated, further the performance evaluations is not as per the norms. These practices violate constitutional rights and labour laws, leading to deteriorating health among employees and increased safety risks in railway operations. The complainant urged the authorities to investigate, stop these unfair practices, ensure proper compensation, and uphold the rights and dignity of Station Masters.