Contractual appointment of ex-servicemen as gatemen at level crossings irks many

The Indian Railways’ policy of recruiting ex-servicemen as level crossing gatemen on a contractual basis without conducting competitive examinations has irked railway job aspirants as well as permanent railway employees. In its latest move, the Railway Board has approved the appointment of around 7,220 ex-servicemen on a contractual basis for the post of gateman in the Engineering department.

The appointments will be made by the zonal railways directly through the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Boards under the Central and State governments. In Southern Railway alone, around 918 posts will be filled through contractual appointments.

Although gatemen technically belong to the category of ‘track maintainers’, the role is considered relatively less arduous than that of track maintainers, who are required to walk 10 to 14 kilometres along railway tracks every day to inspect rails and other engineering infrastructure, ensure the safe movement of trains, and prevent accidents.