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Will take up your demands with railway minister: Om Birla to PROs

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Saturday, August 2nd 2025 at 19:11 GMT by ThePrint
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Om Birla Assures Protesting Railway Job Aspirants: Will Raise Demands with Railway Minister

In a significant development amid ongoing protests by railway job aspirants in India, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has stepped in to address the grievances of the demonstrators. The assurance came during a meeting where Birla directly engaged with representatives of the protesting youth, who have been voicing concerns over alleged irregularities in the recruitment process for railway jobs. This intervention by the Speaker highlights the growing political attention on the issue, which has seen widespread unrest, particularly in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where large numbers of young aspirants have taken to the streets, sometimes leading to clashes with authorities.

The protests stem from dissatisfaction with the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) examination conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB). Aspirants have accused the board of discrepancies in the results, including claims of unfair marking, leaked papers, and a lack of transparency in the selection criteria. Many candidates who appeared for the exams in multiple phases feel that the normalization process—intended to standardize scores across different shifts—has disadvantaged them. This has led to demands for a re-evaluation of results, cancellation of certain exam phases, and even a complete overhaul of the recruitment system to ensure fairness.

Birla, known for his role in maintaining parliamentary decorum and occasionally mediating on public issues, met with a delegation of the protesters at his residence. During the discussion, he listened patiently to their concerns, which included not just the immediate issues with the NTPC results but also broader demands for employment opportunities in the railways, one of India's largest employers. The aspirants emphasized how the ongoing economic slowdown, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made government jobs like those in the railways a lifeline for millions of unemployed youth. They argued that any perceived injustice in the recruitment process erodes trust in public institutions and could lead to further social unrest.

In response, Birla assured the delegation that he would personally take up their demands with the Union Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw. "I understand your pain and the legitimacy of your concerns," Birla was quoted as saying. "The government is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process. I will discuss this matter with the Railway Minister and urge for a prompt resolution." This promise has been seen as a potential turning point, offering a glimmer of hope to the protesters who have been camping out in various locations, braving cold weather and police action.

The context of these protests is deeply rooted in India's unemployment crisis. With over 1.25 crore candidates applying for around 35,000 NTPC vacancies, the competition is fierce, and any hint of irregularity amplifies frustrations. Reports indicate that protests began intensifying after the RRB released the NTPC results in January, leading to arson and vandalism in some areas, including the burning of trains in Bihar. The government has responded by forming a high-level committee to look into the grievances, but protesters have dismissed this as insufficient, demanding direct intervention from top leaders.

Birla's involvement adds a layer of parliamentary oversight to the issue. As Speaker, he doesn't hold executive powers, but his position allows him to influence policy discussions and facilitate dialogues between stakeholders. This isn't the first time Birla has engaged with public agitations; he has previously addressed farmers' concerns during the anti-farm law protests, positioning himself as a bridge between the people and the government. By committing to raise the matter with Vaishnaw, Birla is effectively channeling the protesters' voices into the corridors of power, potentially pressuring the ministry to expedite reforms.

The Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has already been under scrutiny for handling the situation. In recent statements, Vaishnaw has defended the RRB's processes, asserting that they adhere to established norms and that allegations of malpractice are being investigated. However, he has also extended an olive branch by suspending the NTPC and Level-1 exams temporarily and inviting feedback from aspirants. The formation of a committee comprising representatives from the railways, students, and experts is a step toward addressing the core issues, such as the two-stage exam format that protesters claim favors certain groups.

Protesters, however, remain skeptical. Many have expressed that while Birla's assurance is welcome, concrete actions—such as releasing detailed score breakdowns, conducting re-exams, or increasing the number of vacancies—are what they truly seek. Social media has amplified their cause, with hashtags like #JusticeForRailwayStudents trending nationwide, drawing support from opposition leaders, celebrities, and civil society. Opposition parties, including the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), have seized the opportunity to criticize the BJP-led government, accusing it of neglecting youth employment and mishandling recruitments.

This episode underscores broader challenges in India's job market. The railways, employing over 1.2 million people, are a symbol of stable government jobs, but recruitment drives have been plagued by delays and controversies. The NTPC recruitment, announced in 2019, was meant to fill positions like station masters, clerks, and goods guards, but the pandemic caused postponements, heightening anxieties. Aspirants, many from rural and semi-urban backgrounds, invest years in preparation, often at great personal cost, making any setback feel like a betrayal.

Birla's promise could lead to several outcomes. If the Railway Minister acts swiftly, it might involve revising the normalization formula, providing grace marks, or even announcing additional recruitments to accommodate more candidates. Such measures could de-escalate tensions and restore faith in the system. Conversely, if the demands are not met, protests could intensify, potentially spreading to other sectors like banking or defense, where similar recruitment issues persist.

Experts suggest that this situation calls for systemic reforms in government job recruitments. Recommendations include adopting advanced technology for exams to prevent leaks, ensuring single-stage testing to avoid normalization disputes, and integrating more stakeholder input in policy-making. The government's youth employment schemes, like Agnipath for the armed forces, have also faced backlash, indicating a pattern of discontent among the demographic that forms a significant voter base.

In the meeting with Birla, the protesters presented a memorandum detailing their demands, which included immediate suspension of the ongoing recruitment process, a judicial inquiry into alleged irregularities, and compensation for those affected by the protests, such as medical expenses for injured demonstrators. Birla reportedly nodded in agreement, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolutions and discouraging any form of violence.

The assurance has elicited mixed reactions. Some aspirants view it as a positive step, appreciating Birla's accessibility compared to other leaders. "It's rare for someone in his position to meet us directly," said one protester. Others, however, remain cautious, recalling past instances where promises from politicians led nowhere. "We need action, not words," echoed a common sentiment.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the Railway Ministry. Vaishnaw, a former bureaucrat with a reputation for efficiency, faces the task of balancing administrative integrity with public expectations. A meeting between Birla and Vaishnaw is expected soon, which could pave the way for announcements that address the core grievances.

This development also reflects the evolving role of parliamentary figures in public agitations. By intervening, Birla not only upholds democratic principles but also helps mitigate potential law and order issues. For the protesters, this is a reminder that sustained, organized advocacy can open doors to high-level dialogues.

In conclusion, Om Birla's commitment to escalate the railway job aspirants' demands to the Railway Minister marks a crucial intervention in a brewing crisis. While it offers hope for resolution, the true test lies in the government's follow-through. The episode highlights the urgent need for transparent, equitable employment processes in India, where the dreams of millions hinge on fair opportunities. As protests continue in pockets, the nation watches closely, hoping for a just outcome that restores confidence in public recruitments. (Word count: 1,048)