Indeed, Indian Railways is one of the brightest examples of success in the nation. The number of its female employees increased up to more than 99,000 by the end of March 31, 2024; most are engaged in diverse train operations fields. Altogether, 2,037 females are part of this force, and these figures are pretty substantial in traditionally masculine categories. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently revealed this in reply to a question raised by BJP MP Dr. Manna Lal Rawat in the Lok Sabha. Here, we take a look at the present women’s share in Indian Railways and what is being done to make it more balanced in terms of the workforce in terms of gender.
Women in Indian Railways: A Glimpse
Indian Railways happens to be one of the largest employment providers in the world. However, figures of female employees have been growing in the past years. From the most updated records, it was seen that in the month of March 2024, 99,809 females are working under this corporation in different levels, ranging from clerks up to engineers, and mostly holding the post of loco pilot in a relatively more open rank.
Such women at key positions is a giant stride toward gender equality and breaking through old barriers. Growing numbers of women in the Indian Railways workforce testify to the organisational commitment towards equity and inclusion.
A Jump in Train Movements: 2,037 Women Loco Pilots
Among the 99,809 women employees in Indian Railways, one of the most significant achievements is to have 2,037 women loco pilots. A loco pilot is a task requiring the technical handling of trains, so it is one of the most demanding jobs in the railway system.
Breaking the age-old stereotypes about women’s capabilities in technical roles, women loco pilots account for a significant share of 2,037. Though still very modest as a percentage compared to the male loco pilots, this number reflects a positive trend in the diversification of railway jobs.
Commitment to Gender Equality in Recruitment
The railway minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw also stated that recruitment in Indian Railways is purely gender-neutral. Direct recruitment into various posts are carried out based on a certain procedure that is followed to recruit both men and women as long as they possess the prescribed eligibility criteria.
In conclusion, this selective hiring process in itself is proof that the organization upholds equal opportunity provision for every gender and thus assists in a rich, diverse pool of talent. Increased women employment levels, from junior to important technical positions are testimony to that fact.
Women’s Challenges and Opportunities in Indian Railways
While Indian Railways has taken many steps forward in this regard, challenges are still there. The number of women loco pilots is, however substantial enough to form only a small percentage of the total number of loco pilots. Overcoming social biases and pushing more women towards technical careers in loco piloting and engineering will be vital to further enhance gender equality.
These can be overcome through specialized training programs for women in Indian Railways, awareness of career opportunities in railway operations, and a safe as well as support work environment. The women in the railways, more so in the train operations, are breaking into the silos, but yet much is to be represented.
Conclusion: Road Ahead for Women in Indian Railways
This comprises 99,809 women employees of whom 2,037 are women loco pilots, a proud achievement of Indian Railways. But this is just the beginning of a future that will be much more inclusive by leaps and bounds because the Indian Railways has depicted that equality of gender is not just about policies but taking concrete actions toward opportunities of showcasing the excellence of women in fields previously considered to be out of their league.
This might be the railways revolution and having more women into technical as well as operating jobs would be a call for ensuring the standard is followed because Indian Railways could be the perfect model for parity between the sexes in India.
Empowerment of women in Indian Railways represents the journey toward the broader sectoral push toward gender equality. As women take up leadership and operations positions, one can be more than confident of their contributions for the future, as the development and success story of Indian Railways will continue.
Refer :
Economic Times, Link to article
Also read : Ashwini Vaishnaw: Railways to Focus on Expanding General Coaches, Not Adding AC Coaches