In an effort to raise efficiency and boost productivity, the Ministry of Railways has launched a ‘Project Saksham’ as a comprehensive training programme for all the 13 lakh employees in its system. This is the world's largest and first-ever such massive training programme at one go.
"The week-long training in skills and domain knowledge will be imparted to all the employees of Indian Railways with a focus to 'make a difference' to the job performance. Under this plan, all employees in each zone will be put through a week's training in skills and knowledge relevant to their work area over next one year," said a senior rail official. A communication to this effect from Chairman Railway Board Ashwani lohani has been sent to all General Managers of zonal railways and railways production units or PSUs.
In the training module it has been emphasised that while continuous learning and education/training has been an integral philosophy and approach of the Railways, there is a need to do a concentrated capsule of training for all employees in a short period of time to boost their productivity and efficiency. This training would be a five-day on the job training or as classroom training in Railway Training Centre depending on the nature of training.
"With growing rail network, new trains, different high quality services designed by the railways and the promise of the Government to deliver superior and safe rail services and growing expectation of our passengers and commuters for better amenities and services, it is imperative that the railway employees rise to the occasion to deliver on the promise. Employees can and do deliver only when they have the right skills, knowledge and the mindset to deliver to the new standards of excellence that the organisation hold from them all. This training will help achieve these objectives," added the official.
last week, the 164-year-old organisation, directed all its officials and staff at the headquarters at Rail Bhawan to be 'presentable' but also develop a corporate culture. The Railway Ministry had issued directives that all rail officials and staff should report to their work smartly and neatly dressed.
A senior Railway official said that the missive for "smart attires" is being seen as a measure of "bringing about togetherness and belonging in the Rail Bhawan".
The Railways is already working on a project to dress up its staff which deals directly with the passengers. And it has roped in leading fashion designer Ritu Beri for designing the uniforms for such employees.
Not very long ago, lohani in a letter to employees stressed the need to resolve for bringing about an all-round improvement in the working of the Indian Railways.
Referring to the committed workforce of Indian Railways, lohani said that the sincerity, dedication and professional capability of the railway employees, both officers and staff, is indeed unparalleled.