New Delhi [India], May 23: On May 22, 2025, a significant meeting of the Central Council of Uttar Railway Mazdoor Union (URMU) was held in New Delhi. The meeting was presided over by the esteemed Union President, Mr. S. N. Malik, and conducted by General Secretary Mr. B. C. Sharma. The special presence of Mr. Ashok Kumar, General Secretary of the All India SC/ST Railway Employees Association, added further importance to the gathering. He emphasized the protection of the constitutional rights of the employees.
Strong Opposition to Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)
A major focus of the meeting was the proposed Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) by the central government. The leaders and members of URMU vehemently opposed this scheme. According to URMU, the scheme poses a direct threat to the social security of employees. Replacing the existing pension system with a unified scheme could endanger the future financial stability of the workers. The union outright rejected UPS, declaring it against the interests of employees, and demanded its immediate withdrawal.
Criticism of Privatization Efforts
The meeting also witnessed strong criticism of the ongoing privatization efforts in various departments of Indian Railways. URMU leaders stated that privatization would jeopardize the livelihood of workers and raise serious concerns about the reliability of the public service system. The union warned of a nationwide struggle against privatization, calling it detrimental to employees’ rights, job security, and passenger welfare.
Demand for 8th Pay Commission
A forceful demand for the constitution of the 8th Pay Commission was also raised during the meeting. Speakers pointed out that in the current inflationary scenario, the 7th Pay Commission has become outdated and there has been a significant decline in employees’ purchasing power. URMU urged the central government to form the 8th Pay Commission at the earliest to revise the salaries, allowances, and pensions of all central government employees.
Discussion on Other Key Issues
The meeting also addressed several other pressing issues, including:
Transparency and fairness in promotions
Improvement in services at railway hospitals
Protection of rights of SC/ST employees
Regulation of contractual employment and promotion of permanent appointments
Safe workplace and equal opportunities for women employees
Announcement of Protest Strategy
At the conclusion of the meeting, URMU President Mr. S. N. Malik and General Secretary Mr. B. C. Sharma jointly announced that if the government does not withdraw the UPS and stop privatization, the union will launch a nationwide awareness campaign and democratic movement. They called upon all employees to stand united and oppose these policies peacefully and lawfully.
Conclusion
This Central Council meeting of Uttar Railway Mazdoor Union marked a strong and decisive step toward the protection of employee interests. The union made it clear that no anti-worker policy would be allowed to take effect, and that every regressive policy will be firmly opposed through the strength of worker unity.
Issued by:
Public Relations Department, Uttar Railway Mazdoor Union (URMU), New Delhi
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