Rly Min. on track again

By Patrick Joseph

Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav has surprised everybody by becoming known for introducing innovations in the world’s largest railways and turning it around. Not all his ideas have been successful, but the point is, he has effectively re-invented himself. Who would have thought that a Bihari strongman celebrated more for his antics and buffoonery, would embrace the path of change and challenging the status quo?

Among his latest innovations is the appointment of ragpickers as daily wagers in the railway stations. It’s a revolutionary idea that needs to properly appreciated by the media and nurtured by the establishment. Like all other well-intentioned schemes, this too shall be appraised on the strength of its implementation. We have to wait and see whether Laloo will be able to ensure its implementation on the ground.

There are several examples of government schemes that are good on paper and have remained only that. Take the case of rehabilitation of poor beggars and slum dwellers. All attempts to rehabilitate them have failed. Why? Because the issue involved here goes beyond providing alternate employment.

The main thing about beggars and rag pickers is, they cherish their “freedom”. They are not accountable to anyone, and they have the freedom to do what they like. So along with providing them alternate means of income, we must accommodate their sense of freedom.

If the railway minister is really serious about rehabilitating the rag pickers, he should think beyond offering them a respectable source of income by making them daily wagers. He should “respect” their freedom.

One way to do this, is to ensure there are not too many bosses around, there are no rigid working hours, etc. This does not mean they are to left scot-free, but a provision has to be made for flexi-timing. At the same time, the rag pickers must be given daily targets which they have to adhere to, like each person should be responsible for cleaning and upkeep of three trains every day. Can Laloo Prasad pull it off?