Railway: Review of duty hours of loco drivers and safety related categories

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF  RAILWAYS

RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3075

ANSWERED ON-21.02.2014

Duty hours of loco drivers

3075 . SHRI VIJAY JAWAHARLAL DARDA

(a) whether it is a fact that Railways have been unilaterally changing duty hours of loco drivers without realizing stress factor and making them work for 10 to 13 hours a day;

(b) whether this will not make them to commit mistakes and susceptible to accidents;

(c) whether Railways consults Ministry of Labour while deciding working hours of loco drivers;

(d) if not, the reasons therefor and rules enforced in this regard; and

(e) whether Government has received any representation from loco drivers’ association, if so, the action taken thereon?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS ( SHRI KOTLA JAYA SURYA PRAKASH REDDY )



(a) : No, Sir.

(b) : Does not arise.

(c) : No, Sir. Railway Servants (Hours of Work & Period of Rest) Rules, 2005 framed under the provisions of Railways Act, 1989 have the approval of Ministry of Labour & Employment. Under Rule 3 of the said Rules, the Head of the Railway Administration is the competent authority to decide the duty hours of loco drivers.

(d) : Does not arise.

(e) : Yes, Sir. A High Power Committee constituted by Ministry of Railways to review the duty hours of loco drivers and safety related categories has submitted its report. The recommendations of the Committee are being examined by the Railways.