New Delhi: The Bharatiya Railway Mal Godam Shramik Union (BRMGSU) has unveiled a comprehensive National Roadmap aimed at integrating Railway Goods Shed workers into the mainstream of social security, dignified employment and comprehensive welfare. The organisation said its vision extends beyond addressing workers’ grievances, focusing instead on building a strong, organised workforce through social security, skill development, healthcare, legal assistance and safer workplaces.
Addressing a press conference, Parimal Kanti Mondal, National President of BRMGSU, expressed gratitude to the President of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Ministry of Labour & Employment for their commitment to labour welfare. He said the implementation of the new Labour Codes and the expansion of India’s social security framework have opened new opportunities for millions of workers in the unorganised sector.
“Trade unions have a vital role in ensuring that the benefits of these historic labour reforms reach workers at the grassroots. BRMGSU is committed to working alongside the government in translating these policies into meaningful improvements in workers’ lives,” Mondal said.
He noted that millions of workers are currently engaged at Railway Goods Sheds across the country, many of whom have remained outside the organised social security system for decades. Through BRMGSU’s initiatives, nearly Two lakh workers have already been registered on the e-Shram Portal, while the list of beneficiaries for the first phase has been formally submitted to the concerned government authorities. The processes for issuing Appointment Letters, Identity Cards and completing other administrative formalities are currently underway.
Expressing optimism, Mondal said that if official procedures are completed on schedule, many workers could receive their Appointment Letters and Identity Cards before the upcoming Durga Puja festival.
“Our objective is not merely to run a trade union,” he said. “We aspire to build a national workers’ movement that stands with every Railway Goods Shed worker and their family by ensuring social security, healthcare, education, skill development, legal assistance and a life of dignity. Organised, skilled and protected workers are the true strength of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Mondal also acknowledged the support of Priyank Kanoongo, Member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and S.P. Tiwari, General Secretary of the Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), for their continued guidance in advancing workers’ rights and social security initiatives.
National Convenor Kashinath Gayen announced that BRMGSU would establish State, Zonal, Divisional and Branch Committees across the country. A dedicated Worker Help Desk will be set up at every Railway Goods Shed to assist workers with EPF, ESIC, e-Shram registration, Appointment Letters, Identity Cards, legal aid, health check-ups, telemedicine services, scholarships, skill upgradation and employment assistance. The organisation also plans to work with the concerned authorities to develop welfare infrastructure, including rest rooms, hygienic toilets, safe drinking water and other worker-friendly facilities.
National General Secretary Indu Shekhar Chakraborty said that the first phase of the initiative would include structured training programmes covering the New Labour Codes, labour laws, social security, occupational safety, fixed wages, industrial discipline, automation and skill development. Biswajit Ghosh informed that BRMGSU representatives are currently undergoing Master Trainer training at the V.V. Giri National Labour Institute (VVGNLI) to ensure the delivery of high-quality capacity-building programmes across the country.
