'Station masters work more than eight hours but...'; Railway to introduce new reform among employees

MUMBAI: The Railway Board is all set to introduce Biometric Attendance Machines or Facial Recognition System for station staff in Indian Railways. The new reform aims to address problems and fraud related to overtime claims. Circulars in this regard have been made available to the General Managers of all 17 zones of the Railways.

The change comes after the Vigilance Directorate raised concerns about the transfer of duties among station masters and irregularities in overtime claims. The Central Vigilance Commission recommended that attendance records of all station staff be recorded using a biometric system and linked with overtime allowance claims.

The board is optimistic about bringing in better results and efficiency with the new introduction while a section of employees has already gone fuming over the biometric attendance system. Stationmasters at some stations have already registered their concerns. Employees insist that cases of overtime claims are very few and irregularities, if any, should be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

Stationmasters in some zones warned of an additional financial burden if implemented the biometric system. "Many station masters work more than eight hours but do not claim overtime. Railways will have to pay for the overtime hours recorded through the new system, which may be disadvantageous for the board' - a station master responded to the national media.