Hire jobless security guards to manage crowds in trains, says NGO

This picture has been used for representational purpose

As the state government, railways and the city geared up to resume train services for all on Monday, an NGO working for the welfare of security guards in the state appealed to the union railway minister and the chief minister to hire the personnel to manage the crowds.

According to Siddharth Multipurpose Social Organisation, which works for around 1,73,000 security guards across Maharashtra, over 35,000 security guards are waiting to be hired and if they are roped in by the railways, they can help control the crowds and stem the possible further spread of COVID-19.

Abhilash Dawre who runs the NGO, said, "Controlling a crowd of 80 lakh people across railway stations in the city is too difficult. If COVID-19 spreads further through train travel due to overcrowding, it will pressure hospitals and doctors. Hence we have written to Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to hire the over 35,000 security guards who are in the waiting list for jobs.

This will give them employment and ensure security for crowd management at stations." "Security guards can help manage crowds, keep an eye on social distancing rules, catch the people not wearing a mask," Dawre said. Some of the most crowded railway stations in Mumbai include Virar, Dadar, CSMT, Borivli, Vashi, Panvel, Thane and Mulund. There are around 45,000 security guards working in Mumbai.

35,000
No. of security guards associated with the NGO who are still waiting for a job