Date:04/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/04/stories/2006070404400200.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada

MP proposes two new rail links

Staff Reporter

L. Rajagopal to take up the issue with Railway Minister

Fourth 2-day biennial meet of All India Railway Accounts Staff Association begins
The rail line must connect coal belt of Kothagudem and limestone belt of Jaggaiahpet and Vishnupuram

Suburban rail network proposed in Vijayawada connecting various smaller towns of Krishna district

KEEPING TRACK: Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopal participating in the All-India Railway Accounts Staff Association biennial general meeting in Vijayawada on Monday. Also seen are association president Partho Bhattacharya (extreme left), general secr etary Srinivasan, and secretary (finance) Ashok Dwivedi (extreme right). — PHOTO: CH. VIJAYA BHASKAR.

VIJAYAWADA: Member of Parliament Lagapati Rajagopal on Monday said that he would persuade Union Minister for Railways Lalu Prasad Yadav to sanction two new railway lines connecting Vijayawada and Hyderabad.

Speaking at the fourth two-day biennial general meeting of All India Railway Accounts Staff Association (AIRASA) here, Mr. Rajagopal said the two proposed railway lines must connect the coal belt of Kothagudem and limestone belt of Jaggaiahpet and Vishnupuram.

"I am also keen on proposing a suburban railway network in Vijayawada connecting various smaller towns of Krishna district," he added.

Under the stewardship of Mr. Yadav, the Indian Railways performed exceedingly well, despite many social obligations and subsidies.

"It did a brilliant turnaround. The accounts department plays a significant role in its functioning. I shall certainly discuss the grievances faced by the staff of department with the ministers concerned," he promised the delegates. Explaining their grievances, AIRASA general secretary G. Srinivasan demanded implementation of the board arbitration award granting a pay-scale of Rs. 1,640-2,900 to accounts assistants from 1986.

"We also demand release of arrears of pay and allowances from 1-1-1996 to 19-2-2003," he added.

Filling of all vacancies under direct recruitment quota by promoting accounts clerks, extension of improved pay-scales for finger print examiners, stenographers, typists, cash and pay staff of accounts department and creation of a new grade of senior accounts assistant in the scale of Rs. 6,500 - Rs. 10,500 as had been in existence in the Third Pay Commission are some of the long-pending demands. Mr. Srinivasan said that efforts would be made in securing recognition to the AIRASA to discuss issues concerning accounts department with the railway authorities.

AIRASA national president Partho Bhattacharya, vice-president D. Ashok along with delegates from all over the country took part in the discussions. On Tuesday, a seminar will be held on `Challenges ahead of railway accounts department'.