Parcel scam: GM ordered to transfer overstaying clerks

Deputy director of RB, MK Meena, in his order dated November 28, 2018 (copy available with DT Next) has instructed general managers of all zones to shift out commercial clerks, mainly those dealing with parcel activities, who have completed the stipulated four years stay at any office. The reminder has been issued a week after the parcel scam at Chennai Central hit the headlines.

RB, which has sought a confirmation (read as compliance) report from the zones to this effect, on or before December 15, has admitted that the instructions have been issued, “In view of frequent complaints of violation of extant rules.”

Earlier, the board had identified the post of commercial clerks, ticket collectors and enquiry cum reservation clerks and a few others as sensitive posts. In February 2018, it merged them into one category and insisted on strictly complying with the periodical transfer rules.

Though the instruction was a blanket order issued to all zones, railway officers requesting anonymity admitted that emphasis on commercial clerks at parcel offices and the warning, “any violation of the board’s instructions in this regard will be viewed seriously,” sufficiently explain that it was meant for this (SR) zone.

Pertinently, D Yuvaraj, one of the suspects in the parcel scam, was learnt to be continuing at Chennai Central for nearly eight years. He was shifted to BG -II (broad gauge - Bengaluru route) two years ago, but he managed to stay put before taking over as the branch secretary of Southern Railway Mazdoor Union (SRMU), which prevented his transfer.