Amid growing ‘pressure to perform’ in railways, 77 senior officials took VRS in just last 9 months

In the past nine months, 77 senior officers in railways, including two secretary level officers, have put in their papers amid reports of growing pressure for performance. This is the maximum such VRS of senior officials in railways in any financial year, sources said.

Soon after taking charge as the railway minister in July, Ashwini Vaishnaw had told officials to “perform or perish”. An official said, “The minister has been emphasizing that there is no place for people who don’t perform and resort to corruption. He has maintained that either they take VRS or they will be shown the exit door. Those who have a positive approach and are ready to perform are also getting recognised,” said a senior railway official.