Several railway unions have raised concerns about the alleged misuse of facilities by previously recognised unions in violation of election guidelines ahead of the upcoming Secret Ballot Elections scheduled for December 4, 5, and 6, 2024.

Claims of Violations by Recognised Unions

According to these unions, one of the key conditions in the election guidelines states that unions cannot use facilities such as office premises, railway passes, or telephones for electoral purposes. However, the N.E. Railway Men’s Congress of the Izzatnagar Division under the North Eastern Railway Zone has accused previously recognized unions of openly conducting meetings in the railway-allotted premises. Rajnish Tiwari, divisional secretary of the Izzatnagar Railway Congress, emphasized that the use of these facilities contravenes the rules intended to ensure a free and fair election process.

Tiwari stated, Unions that won previous elections and received facilities under the Participation of Railway Employees in Management (PREM) scheme cannot utilize those benefits for election purposes. The ongoing violations raise concerns about the integrity of the elections.

Denial of Allegations by Trade Unions

In response to these allegations, railway officials and trade union leaders have firmly denied any wrongdoing. Shiv Gopal Mishra, General Secretary of the All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF), asserted that the accusations are unfounded. Previously recognized unions are utilizing rented premises, which are exempt from election modalities. Railway officials are actively monitoring all election activities to ensure compliance with the rules, Mishra stated.

Concerns Over Transfers of Union Officials

Adding to the controversy, Kunwar Vikas Singh, Divisional President of the Lucknow Division of the North Eastern Railway Men’s Congress Union, reported a transfer he believes violates election norms. Singh was moved from Gonda to Tikunia in Uttar Pradesh after the election notification was issued. He pointed out that a Railway Board circular from 2013 prohibits the transfer of union officials after the election process has commenced, highlighting that such actions could undermine the electoral integrity.