Railways to create database for Contract workers

New Delhi Feb 5: In a major Move to ensure benefits reach workers the Indian Railways has decided to create a database for contract workers who are engaged by contractors in non-operational areas such as housekeeping, cleaning, consultancy, training and other such services

The Railways has made this decision under a general Conditions of Contract (GCC) for services, drafted by a committee of executive directors and approved by the railway board.

Officials have said that "this system shall be put in place by the contractor or by Indian Railways, as decided by the railways as per the special conditions of the contract. Use of this system will be mandatory in labor-intensive service contracts that is in housekeeping."

They added that "the computerized system will have a database of all workers with their personal details, police verification, medical insurance, provident fund registration, identification certificate issued by the government of India, attendance data, shift log and the details of safety and labor law training and salary details."

Minister has said that "There have been complaints… I am bringing a system by which I want all contractors to make the data of their employees public. This way we will know if they are being paid minimum wages, the employee's provident fund (EPF)."