Secret Ballot for new IR body in July-August: Railway Board

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, the Secret Ballot for determining the representative body of railway employees has been announced by the Railway Board, saying the vote can be taken during July-August period. The polls are overdue and are being eagerly awaited by the two federations -- All India Railwaymens Federation (AIRF) and National Federation of Indian Railwaymen (NIRF), as it is going to be the litmus test of their popularity. The Secret Ballot Election Committee that was constituted by Board submitted its report on modalities. The committee comprising officers of ranks of Executive Director held widespread consultations with all stakeholders. The Committee suggested that though they were aware of long delays in holding of Secret Ballot, they could not be held immediately. The reasons being that in February and March, there is pressure of loading and meeting the targets. The entire Railways’ machinery is busy with last minutes chasing of targets and, as such, if employees are engaged in campaigning, their attention might be diverted.

 

As to the months of summer from April to June, the Committee pointed at the schedule of general elections, wherein it may not be possible to hold the election over Railways as the entire machinery would be busy with other polling duties. Similarly, the summer month is crucial for loading of coal and that needs to be given priority. Hence in view of all these considerations, the rainy season period is that way lean and provides window for holding the Secret Ballot in July-August months. The notification issued by Hem Chander, Joint Director, Establishment, Indian Railways, advised all the General Managers to accordingly prepared for the ballot in the above mentioned months. Railway Board has been dragging its feet over holding of Secret Ballot that is to be mandatory held every five-years. So far only two elections to determine Union recognition have been held. Since then the Railways have undergone many changes and the continuity of status quo resulted in All India Guards Council (AIGC) approaching Delhi High Court which directed holding of Secret Ballot at the earliest.