Merit and performance are the buzz words in the corridors of Rail Bhawan these days. Gone are the days where under performers or non-performers managed plum postings and promotions. The political master at Rail Bhawan appears to have sent out stern message- perform or perish. At least some recent decisions pertaining to senior level postings/promotions bear testimony to it. With the elections round the corners a firm bottomline appears to have been drawn; perform and measure upto the requirements of the tasks assigned.

 

Contrary to other ministries there is not much discretion to Railway Minister or other senior authorities regarding postings. However, it is being constantly observed that Railway Minister is using minutest possible discretion available in the rules to award performers with better postings. Recently, certain less-performers were denied promotions and plum postings. It is being discussed in the corridors of Railway Board that a Principal Executive Director whose performance was not satisfactory was denied promotion as General Manager when it was possible to take the decision in either way. In another case of posting of a very senior officer, minister overruled all officials to uphold interest of the Railways.