Covid 19 has definitely changed our lives a lot. It has put us through some very difficult times. Not only individuals but every organization including railways is going through a difficult phase; with routines going for a toss, priorities changing and functions &processes being disturbed. Amidst these changes there is one thing that has not changed is the “Commitment to Employee Welfare”
Southern Railway is one of the hardest zones due to the pandemic of Covid 19, with many employees being affected. During the troubled times of Lockdown, the employees' welfare has been given highest priority. Claiming salaries on time or settling the retirement benefits are least of the concerns as introduction of payroll system enables us to pay the salaries and settlement benefits of employees sitting at home. But COVID 19 has also thrown upon us some unforeseen challenges like reaching out to Covid 19 infected employees without being infected, arranging financial relief to the distressed families of deceased employees towards funeral expenses on time despite closure of stations /parcel offices, Allowing CGA quickly but duly completing all formalities/checks, processing promotions so that the employees retiring during the lockdown are not adversely affected and so on. These challenges have opened doors for many innovative and out of box thinking which would not have happened if not for COVID. Right from arranging Funeral advance through Social Security Scheme to automated pension book generation through IPAS personnel Department is finding out new ways to ensure employee welfare. Relentless efforts, the undying commitment and dedication shown by Welfare inspectors and personnel branch staffs, unmindful of their personal risks have facilitated in overcoming these challenges and ensured the welfare of the employees remain intact. Many a time, irrespective of time, distance and logistics, Personnel Department has reached out to the need of the employee and their families when everything around has come to a halt.
It is once again proved that Personnel Branch forms the infantry in Mission Welfare – the catalyst for thousands of dedicated employees swinging into action.
This post is to appreciate the unsung heroes viz. Welfare Inspectors and Personnel Branch staff, who were in forefront to facilitate Railway employees in troubled Covid 19 times.