Lok Sabha Question No. 2151 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-12
Subject: Contractual/Casual Workers in Railways
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri G M Harish Balayogi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2151

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.03.2025

## CONTRACTUAL/CASUAL WORKERS IN RAILWAYS

## 2151. SHRI G M HARISH BALAYOGI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details regarding the number and positions of contractual/casual workers engaged in the Railways, especially women, zone-wise;
- (b)  whether  the  workers  appointed  as  contractual/casual  workers  in  the Railways  undergo  any  police  verification  especially  those  engaged  in passenger and other security roles;
- (c) whether any contractual appointments have been made for positions that are permanent in nature and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether these contractual workers are subsequently absorbed, if so the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (e) the details regarding the safety measures  undertaken  for such contractual/casual workers working in risky conditions;
- (f) the  number  of  contractual/casual  workers  who  faced  workplace accidents during the last five years, zone-wise;
- (g) whether such contractual/casual workers are entitled to any medical benefits, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (h) whether the contractual/casual workers are provided with any social security benefits, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (h) Indian Railways (IR) executes a wide range of works for creation, repair  and  maintenance  of  its  various  assets  including  stations,  coaches, wagons,  coaching  depots,  locomotives,  tracks,  etc  pertaining  to  various departments  namely  Mechanical,  Commercial,  Electrical,  Civil  Engineering, Signal  &  Telecommunication,  Medical,  etc.  These  works  are  executed through its own workers and/or through outsourcing. Outsourcing is done by Railways on need basis from time to time in order to improve the services and  efficiency  in  operation  and  the  number  of  works  being  done  through outsourcing  varies  from  time  to  time  according  to  requirement.  In  the General Condition of Contract for Services, 2018, Police verification has been made mandatory of all outsourced staff. Railways  as  Principal  Employer  ensures  that  the  outsourced  workers are provided facilities by the agencies as per provisions of Labour Laws and ensure  compliance  with  the  Contract  Labour  (Regulation  &  Abolition)  Act, 1970  and  minimum  wages  notified  by  the  as  Central/State  Governments under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, and EPF & MP Act, 1952. Compliance of the  statutory  provisions  is  ensured  through  conditions  incorporated  in  the agreements  made  by  the  Railways.  Suitable  guidelines  are  available  for dealing with the cases of violation of the above laws, if any, in accordance with the extant laws and guidelines. The agency workers and their families are granted treatment in railway hospitals and dispensaries as per the extant provisions. All the outsourced workers are covered under  Employees  State Insurance/Employees  Compensation  Act,  insurance  policy,  provident  fund

and other Social Security benefits admissible under Central Labour Acts.

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