Bhubaneswar, 08 July (H.S.): The East Coast Railway Mazdoor Sangh (ECoRMS) has submitted a set of key recommendations to the 8th Central Pay Commission, seeking comprehensive reforms in railway service rules and enhanced welfare measures for railway employees.

During a meeting with the Commission, ECoRMS General Secretary Trilochan Sahu said Indian Railways, one of the world's largest employers, requires modern, transparent and employee-centric service policies to address the evolving needs of its workforce.

Among its key demands, the union sought amendments to Rule 503 of the Indian Railway Establishment Code (IREC) to make the leave approval process more transparent and accountable. It proposed mandatory time-bound disposal of leave applications, written reasons for leave rejections, a formal appeal mechanism, and the implementation of a digital leave management system.

The union also urged the Commission to expand the definition of dependent family to include both parents, enabling railway employees' mothers and fathers to avail themselves of railway pass and medical facilities.

ECoRMS argued that employee-friendly service rules and stronger welfare measures would improve staff morale, enhance productivity, and strengthen industrial relations within Indian Railways.

Expressing confidence in the Commission, the union said it hopes the recommendations will receive favourable consideration and translate into meaningful reforms benefiting millions of railway employees across the country. It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity and welfare of railway employees through continued advocacy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda