Despite winning medals for railways at various athletic events, which makes them eligible for additional promotion, sprinters B G Nagraj, Anil Singh and Soji Mathew await nod from Railway Board
Three employees working for the Western Railway (WR) are currently fighting to get ‘out-of-turn’ promotion, bestowed upon athletes by the Railway Board for winning three medals. Employed as a part of the ticket checking (TC) staff, under sports quota, B G Nagraj, Anil Singh and Soji Mathew are awaiting promotion for years now. All three are sprinters.
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Jaymin Panchal and BG Nagraj. Nagraj won medals every year from 2005 to 2012, excluding 2010 when he could not participate due to poor health. Pic/Bipin Kokate
Nagraj, who was appointed as a TC in 2004 and represents railways at athletic meets, said, “I have written several letters, but I’m yet to receive a positive response from the Railway Board. Western Railway officials are helping and following up the matter, but I am not aware of the latest developments.”
Nagraj won several medals in 100m, 200m and 400m category and represented railways at national-level as well. He won gold, silver and bronze medals every year from 2005 to 2012, excluding 2010 when he could participate due to health problems. Though Nagraj was promoted to the post of senior TC, he should have received out-of-turn promotion for winning medals. Similarly, even Singh and Mathew failed to receive their additional promotions.
Commenting on the issue, Anil Singh said, “I am eligible for promotion since 2009, but I haven’t received any. WR officials say they have forwarded our documents to the Railway Board, but haven’t received any reply from the other side yet.”
Jaymin Panchal, founder member of Ek aur Prayas, an NGO that is helping the trio, said, “I am helping them with papers and we are fighting together so that they get justice. As per rules, Nagraj should get promotion on the basis that he has won medals.” WR Chief PRO Sharat Chandrayan, said, “We will look into the matter and make sure that he gets his promotion, if things are clear from his side.” Despite repeated attempts, Railway Board spokesperson could not be contacted.
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