In a significant move aimed at bolstering railway safety and providing employment to veterans, the Jhansi Railway Division of the North Central Railway has entered into a pioneering partnership with the Army Welfare Placement Organization (AWPO). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed on Friday in Jhansi, paving the way for the recruitment of ex-servicemen in critical operational roles.
A Landmark Agreement for Veteran Employment
The newly inked agreement outlines a plan to fill a substantial number of frontline railway positions with former military personnel. Specifically, 195 posts for traffic gatemen and 175 for pointsmen across the Jhansi Railway Division are proposed to be occupied by ex-servicemen. This initiative marks a national first in one key aspect.
According to Public Relations Officer Manoj Kumar Singh, this is the first instance in the country where Indian Railways will appoint ex-servicemen as pointsmen. He further clarified that while the engagement of veterans as traffic gatemen is the second such MoU nationally, it is the very first of its kind within the state.
Key Signatories and Swift Implementation
The historic MoU was signed by Senior Divisional Personnel Officer Rajesh Sharma and Senior Divisional Operations Manager Sanjay Kumar, representing the Jhansi Railway Division. Colonel Anurag Kumar (Retired) signed the document on behalf of the Army Welfare Placement Organization.
Officials have confirmed that the physical deployment of personnel under this new framework is scheduled to commence swiftly. The process is expected to begin within the next 15 days from the signing, indicating a prompt transition from agreement to action.
Enhancing Railway Safety with Military Discipline
Divisional Railway Manager Anirudh Kumar hailed the agreement as the start of a long-term and fruitful collaboration between the two organizations. He emphasized that the move is anticipated to significantly enhance operational safety on the railways.
DRM Kumar expressed strong confidence in the unique attributes that ex-servicemen bring to the table. He stated that their proven discipline, extensive experience, and unwavering dedication would play a crucial role in strengthening the security and efficiency of railway operations. This integration leverages the trained manpower of the armed forces to address key positions that are vital for the smooth and safe movement of trains.
This initiative not only opens a valuable channel of employment for retired defence personnel but also strategically injects a high level of trained vigilance and responsibility into the railway's core operational workforce.
