Bungalow Peon Practice of British Era Ends in Indian Railways
The railway is preparing to end the post of bungalow peon (Khalasi system in Indian railways). The practice of ‘bungalow peons’ working at the residence of senior officers will be abolished.
Rail News: Indian Railways has announced the abolition of the Khalasi system. It has been said by the railways that the posts of Khalasi are being continued since colonial times, and now there will be no recruitment to these posts. The work of the Khalasi was like the peons posted in the houses of railway officials during the British rule.
In an order issued on 6 August, the Railway Board stated that the post of telephone attendant-cum-Dak khalasi (TADK) is being reviewed.
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Appointment of New TADK Made from 1 July Can Also be Cancelled
The issue related to the selection of TADK is subject to the review of the Railway Board. Therefore, it has been decided with immediate effect that no alternative of TADK post should be made. Also, from 1 July 2020, all candidates approved for such appointments can be reviewed by Railways Board. This decision has to be strictly followed in all railway establishments.
What is Bungalow Peon (Khalasi system) in Railways?
Railway officials get a 24-hour servant to work at home. He is called the Telephone Attendant cum Dak Khalasi (TADK) in Railway Board and Northern Railway. In Eastern Railway and some other zonal railways, it is called Bungalow Peon. There is no examination held for this recruitment. The railway officer recruits whomever he wants, and he becomes an employee of the railway and does domestic work on officer’s bungalow. Generally, for three years he works at the house. He is then posted to the railway office, open line, or workshop, and the Railways officers hire another Bungalow Peon.
Railways are on a Rapidly Changing Path of All-round Progress
TADK is considered as a temporary employee of Indian Railways in Group D category after the initial 120 days of service. The post becomes permanent after the screening test on completion of three years of service. A railway ministry spokesperson said that the Indian Railways is on a rapidly changing path of all-round progress. Several practices and management tools are being reviewed because of changes in technology and working conditions.
It is said that the discussion of the facility of Bungalow Peon by the railway officials reached the ears of the Prime Minister. After his intervention, the Railway Board has agreed to abolish this facility.
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