In the article, “ >Railways, reforms and resistance ” (Feb.23), the writer says that the process of reforms in the railways is complex and can disrupt a reasonably well-functioning system, with serious consequences for the economy. It is also certain that the railway budget will be presented against the backdrop of the deliberations of yet another ‘high-power’ committee’s report which will once again look at the question of how one can reform the railways. Also, this will be the first full rail budget after a new “reform-oriented” government has assumed charge.
What ails the Indian Railways? What needs to be done to set things right? Nothing substantial is being done to change things if the remedies are so obvious. Reforms are aimed at ensuring adequate investments in a vital infrastructure sector to achieve a growth rate that keeps ahead of the economy as a whole. A quality transport service has to be provided at minimum cost to society. Also, the path to reforms has to be clear and the outcome certain.
The Railways should remain a Central undertaking with civil service status for its employees. The controversial word ‘privatisation’ is a threat to the safety of the system and the norms of democracy as the incentives to the private sector are only the profit motive. Modifications can be made in the Railways’ administrative and operational set-up along with the goal of modernisation. A reasonably well-functioning system should not be disrupted.
T.V. Jayaprakash,
Palakkad
