Kollam: In a bid to reduce costs, Indian Railways is set to rehire retired employees, a decision that has raised concerns among young job seekers who are still waiting for employment opportunities. With nearly three lakh vacancies spread across different railway zones, the focus on bringing back retirees is causing apprehension, especially for the younger generation seeking jobs.
The shortage of recruitment efforts, particularly for crucial roles like supervisory positions, has worsened the issue, affecting daily railway operations. Many employees currently working in these roles are on a contract basis, except for those in security-related positions. In response to the growing number of vacancies, the Railway Board has proposed increasing the number of contract-based hires, which could further delay or even freeze permanent recruitment.
Retired employees will be eligible to work under contract until they reach the age of 65, receiving a monthly salary equivalent to what they were earning at the time of their retirement. This cost-saving measure benefits the Railways, as it avoids the need to contribute to retirees’ provident funds or offer other permanent employee benefits. However, the rehiring policy only applies to non-gazetted officers, whose applications will be reviewed by a screening committee to ensure they are physically fit for the role.
Additionally, special committees will assign these retirees to roles in security and operations, closely monitoring their performance. While they will be placed in key roles, they will not be permitted to handle financial transactions or issue security certifications. Further details of this initiative are expected to be published on the official railway website soon.
