An attendant running with a tray on the click of a call-bell would now remain a dream for the Railways bosses and their family.
For, the Railway Board is set to show a “red signal” to end a colonial-era practise of appointing khalasis or ‘bungalow peons’ who worked at the residences of senior officials. The Board had banned new appointment to the post.
The practice started during the Britishers rule to provide security cover and do odd official work like take phone calls or ferry files as bosses were having hectic working while posted in remote areas or working in the field during odd hours.
Many officials had more than sanctioned attendants working as domestic help.
However, over the years, the role was relegated to that of domestic helps and then to office peons. Amid complaints of abuse and ill treatment, the Railways had ordered a review of the post and in 2014 constituted a joint secretary-level committee of nine members of the Railway Board to review the policy.
In an order issued on August 6, the Railway Board has said the issue regarding telephone attendant-cum-dak khalasis (TADKs) is under review.
“The issue regarding the appointment of TADK is under review in Railway Board. It has, therefore, been decided that any appointment of fresh face substitutes as TADK should not either be processed or made with immediate effect,” the order said.
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