Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Train Guards' Union Urges Railways to Remove Abolished Posts
The train guards' union wants the railway board to remove the names of assistant guards from the official records.
These assistant guards were no longer needed and their jobs were taken over by other people years ago.
The union thinks that having their names on the list is confusing and might cause problems with the budget.
They asked for information about these assistant guards, but the railway board said they don't keep track of such details.
The union wants the records to be accurate and reflect who is actually working.
The All India Guards Council (AIGC) has asked the Railway Board to remove assistant guard posts from official records.
These assistant guard posts were officially abolished in 2012 as part of manpower rationalization and cost-saving efforts.
The union argues that the railway ministry had already rendered the post redundant in 2006 by leasing out space in SLR coaches for parcel services.
The AIGC filed an RTI in May 2025 seeking details on assistant guards, but the Railway Board stated it does not centrally maintain such post-wise information.
The council believes the continued presence of abolished posts in records indicates a lack of awareness of actual cadre strength and could lead to budget misallocation.
- Who
- The All India Guards Council (AIGC)
- What
- Urging the Railway Board to remove abolished assistant guard posts from official records.
- When
- November 2025 (date of RTI application), with posts abolished in 2012.
- Where
- Indian Railways
- Why
- The posts were abolished over a decade ago as part of cost-saving measures, but official records still list them, leading to confusion and potentially misallocated funds.
AIGC's Stance
Railway Board's Stance
Assistant Guard Posts
AIGC's Stance
Should be removed from official records as they were abolished in 2012
Railway Board's Stance
Continues to list these posts, leading to confusion and potential budget misallocation
- Union
- All India Guards Council (AIGC)
- Issue
- Assistant Guard Posts Still on Official Records Despite Abolition
- Abolishment Year
- 2012
- Previous Removal of Duties
- 2006
- Reason for Abolishment
- Manpower rationalisation and cost-saving initiative
- Specific Train Coach Mentioned
- SLR (Seating-cum-Luggage Rake) coach