Railways Gangmen Get Only Rs 4 For Safety Shoes
After decades and with steeping inflation, the amount remains stagnant for the low-paid workers
The gangmen of Pakistan Railways, despite their laborious work, have been trying for a long time to figure out how to buy safety shoes in the given allowance of Rs 4.
During the British rule, a special shoe allowance for the gangmen was fixed and the workers used to get five paisa per month and was later increased to Rs4.
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However, after decades and with steeping inflation, the amount remains stagnant for the low-paid workers.
These gangmen are considered the backbone of Pakistan Railways who maintain thousands of kilometers of tracks in mountains, deserts, and plains.
To fulfill their duties, the workers need to change their safety shoes every few weeks.
However, with an average income of Rs 16,000 and Rs 4 under the head of shoe allowance, it is nearly impossible for Railways gangmen to buy safety shoes.
Pakistan Railways Rawalpindi Division Deputy Superintendent (DS) Inaamullah said the number of gangmen in Rawalpindi was around 1,200. The official added that for the first time, safety shows were provided from Railways Welfare Fund.
“Shoes have been purchased at wholesale rate of Rs 1,500 per pair”, he informed.
Inaamullah was of the view that safety shoes were mandatory for the workers to protect them in the field.
On the other hand, gangmen from other divisions of Pakistan Railways are striving hard to earn living and waiting eagerly for an increase in the safety shoe allowance and salaries.
