Mysore/Mysuru: Mysuru Division of South Western Railway (SWR) conducted the 33rd Permanent Negotiation Machinery (PNM) Meeting on Sept. 1 and 2 in the conference hall of  Divisional Railway Manager’s (DRM) Office, Mysuru.

Rahul Agarwal, DRM, Mysuru, chaired the opening session. The representatives of South Western Railway Mazdoor Union (SWRMU), Mysuru Division, participated in the conciliation.

Speaking on the occasion, Rahul Agarwal briefed various pro-labour measures initiated by Mysuru Division and other achievements in the current financial year.  He said that the Division has appointed 129 employees through Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) and on Compassionate grounds.

A total of 431 employees had also been promoted or granted financial upgradation. Apart from this 121 Normal and other than normal settlement cases were finalised, he added. He also highlighted the remarkable performance of Mysuru Division in freight loading and thanked all the staff of Mysuru Division through the representatives present here for their                                        outstanding contribution. 

He further emphasised that the given targets are very stiff but the Division is hopeful and with cooperation of all and with the concerted efforts of Business Development Unit coordinated by the Senior Supervisors, it should be able not only to cross the last year’s level but also to achieve the new targets.

In the last 18 months, about 893 employees of the Division were tested covid positive and 10 employees have succumbed to the virus. The top priority was to upgrade the medical facility at fastest possible pace including vaccination of employees and their family members and as a result more than 93% of the staff are now vaccinated with first dose and about 50% with second dose, he said.

Shiva Prakash, Divisional General Secretary of SWRMU briefed the contemporary labour issues at the Divisional-level. 

A. Devasahayam, Additional Divisional Railway Manager (General), B. Srinivasulu, Additional Divisional Railway Manager (Infra & Operations), chaired the two-day meeting on behalf of the Railway Administration.

Prashanth Mastiholi, Sr. Divisional Personnel Officer and Branch Officers, were also present and heard the issues raised by the Union under the leadership of Shiva Prakash, the Divisional Secretary, SWRMU and other office-bearers of the Union participated in the programme, according to a press release from Dr. Manjunath Kanamadi,

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager and PRO.