Railways skips exams, hires 7,220 ex-servicemen as gatemen, sparking SRMU backlash
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Employment & inclusive growth· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
Indian Railways approved the contractual appointment of 7,220 ex-servicemen as level crossing gatemen without competitive exams, sparking opposition from the Southern Railway Mazdoor Union (SRMU).
Background
The policy targets ex-servicemen with at least 15 years of service and retired CAPF personnel. Southern Railway is set to fill 918 posts, with selected personnel receiving a monthly salary between ₹30,537 and ₹34,963 for a contract period of up to three years.
Facts for Prelims
- FactTotal ex-servicemen to be hired as gatemen: 7,220
- FactMinimum service requirement for eligibility: 15 years
- FactContract duration for selected gatemen: Up to 3 years
- FactSouthern Railway's specific quota: 918 posts
For Mains
Q. Discuss the implications of bypassing competitive examinations for contractual appointments in public infrastructure, balancing the need for rapid recruitment against principles of meritocracy and job security.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Labor friction: Conflict between unionized permanent staff and contractual ex-servicemen regarding job hierarchy
- Meritocracy vs. Expediency: Trade-off between rapid filling of critical safety roles and standardized competitive examination protocols
- Quota erosion: Potential reduction in permanent vacancy availability for general job aspirants due to contractual prioritization
Keywords: Meritocracy · Contractualization · Labor Relations · Public Infrastructure · Ex-servicemen Welfare
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