77 Senior Railway Officials Opted For Voluntary Retirement In 9 Months: Too Much Work Pressure?

Over the last 9 months, 77 senior railways officers including two at the secretary level have resigned due to growing pressure to perform.

No Tolerance For Corruption

This is the highest number of employees opting for VRS in Railways in any financial year.

Soon after taking charge as the Railway Minister in July, Ashwini Vaishnaw had demanded officials to “perform or perish”.

An official said that the minister felt strongly against “people who don’t perform and resort to corruption”.

So he gave them the ultimatum to either take VRS or they will be booted.

Tightened Pressure And Tough Targets

In the midst of all this, those who have a positive approach and are ready to perform are getting recognition.

TOI reports that a maximum 11 officials resigned from Railways just in January this year.

Senior railways engineers from different zones acknowledged that there is increased pressure to perform and that the ministry has set tough targets.

Increased Surveillance

An official said that things have changed a lot recently due to intense scrutiny from the higher levels. 

Some have chosen VRS since they feel that they did not get their due promotion.

In one instance, the minister asked an officer to resign after which he went on a long leave. 

Tough Stance On Non/Under Performers

Non-performing officers have come under fire in recent years.

On multiple occasions, Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari has asked such officers to “resign and go home rather than stopping work”.

Soon after the presentation of the Budget, Vaishnaw directed all general managers (GMs) and chief administrative officers responsible for construction projects to complete all preparations to start inviting bids from April 1 itself.