The North Central Railway (NCR) on Monday issued a controversial directive instructing divisional heads in Agra, Jhansi, and Prayagraj to immediately remove air conditioners from the chambers of all junior scale officers. The order, dated September 22, 2025, cited instructions from the General Manager and directed officials to submit compliance reports on priority.
However, the directive sparked strong opposition from junior officers, who argued that the move would create disparity, demotivate staff, and adversely affect productivity and health. Facing widespread backlash across internal groups, the railway administration was forced to withdraw the order within hours.
NCR’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Shashi Kant Tripathi, later shared the withdrawal order without offering further comment. Officers pointed out that instead of targeting basic working conditions, the focus should be on pressing issues such as filling vacant posts in safety departments, as staff continue to manage increasing workloads despite stagnant sanctioned strength. Many described the withdrawn order as demoralising, saying it sent across a message that their hard work was undervalued.
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