Retirement policy hits railway services, 10 trains cancelled

More than 10 trains were cancelled on Monday morning after Railway authorities claimed they did not have sufficient staff to operate services after more than 500 employees retired due to a decision by the government.

The Ministry of Transport said that discussions were underway to rectify the matters.

However, the Ministry had given permission for some 300 employees to continue their service on a contract basis, but Railway authorities said that it was not sufficient to maintain services.

Timesonline learns that some of the employees who sought extensions had not been granted approval.

Several institutions had sought approval for employees to continue service even after reaching the retirement age of 60 though the Treasury had said that the policy for persons above 60 to retire end of last year should be strictly enforced.

On Sunday Railway  Station Masters’ Union claimed that as many as 60 trains would have to be cancelled today, but the Ministry said that the situation was not that bad and could be managed.

Meanwhile several other state departments too are expected to face disruptions until staffing arrangements are made.

As many as 30,000 public sector employees retired on December 31, due to the policy of the government.