The Railway Board announced the extension of the scheme for engaging ex-servicemen as gatemen on a contract basis for an additional three months, effectively from October 1 to December 31. The previous deadline for this scheme had concluded on September 30, prompting the Railway Board to reevaluate and prolong the engagement period.
In a circular issued by the Railway Board on October 1, it was stated that the scheme for the engagement of ex-servicemen as gatemen in both the Civil and Traffic departments on a contractual basis had been reviewed. As a result of the review, the Railway Board decided to extend the scheme against existing vacancies for three more months, adhering to the existing terms and conditions.
The circular highlighted that the engagement of ex-servicemen should specifically be for the position of Gateman. Previously, the Railway Board had allocated a quota of such engagements based on different Railway zones across the country.
The Railway Board emphasised that the actual requirement for gatemen at each railway is subject to various factors, including recruitment outcomes. As a result, the number of ex-servicemen engaged should be viewed as a maximum ceiling, subject to review based on actual needs.
Furthermore, the circular emphasised the gradual phasing out of these engagements with the induction of regular employees. It stressed the importance of closely monitoring this transition process at the zonal level to ensure a seamless transition.
The decision to extend the engagement scheme for ex-servicemen as gatemen reflects the Railway Board’s ongoing commitment to integrating ex-servicemen into important roles within the railways. This initiative not only provides valuable employment opportunities to ex-servicemen but also contributes to the operational efficiency and security of the railway network.
(With PTI inputs)