AITUC Criticizes Government's Move to Eliminate Sanctioned Posts

Opposition to Job Cuts by AITUC

Guwahati, April 28: The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) has voiced strong opposition against the Central Government's decision to eliminate sanctioned positions across various ministries and departments. They criticized Prime Minister Modi's commitment to creating two crore jobs annually for the youth, labeling it as a misleading promise.

AITUC firmly denounced the government's actions regarding the removal of sanctioned posts in sectors such as railways and defense, describing it as a deliberate strategy to halt permanent hiring and promote outsourcing, contractual work, and fixed-term employment. This move is seen as a step towards increasing privatization, which could render essential services like railways unaffordable for the average citizen.

The union highlighted that the recruitment process in the Defence Ministry has been halted under the guise of manpower rationalization, despite the completion of selection processes for previously notified posts by the Military Engineering Services. They also pointed out that even the families of deceased employees are being denied compassionate appointments in Army units and ordnance factories.

“Our opposition to the Agnipath/Agniveer scheme stems from its nature as another form of contractual employment within the armed forces. AITUC is advocating for the regularization of all contract, casual, and fixed-term workers against the sanctioned posts available,” the statement read.

AITUC has called on the Government of India, along with the Ministries of Railways and Defence, to retract their decision to abolish sanctioned posts and to promptly initiate recruitment to fill existing vacancies.

“There is already a significant shortage of personnel, particularly in safety departments within the Railways. The current workforce is under immense pressure due to increased demands. Loco pilots, including women, are often required to work over 12 hours without access to basic amenities like washrooms in the engines,” they stated, warning that the elimination of numerous railway positions would further compromise service efficiency and passenger safety.

Additionally, they noted that railway gangmen, responsible for track maintenance, are overburdened, outsourced, and frequently face life-threatening situations from speeding trains.

“We urge all trade unions and unemployed youth to unite against these anti-worker and anti-public sector policies of the government,” they concluded.