Controversy Over PCMM Posting – Another Bout of Gaming?
The recent #RailwayBoard order issued on February 27, 2025, regarding the posting of Principal Chief Materials Managers (#PCMMs) has sparked significant #controversy within the Indian Railways. Reliable sources indicate that Alok Agarwal, who is junior to officials such as #RajivKad, #SanjayAgarwal, and Ashish Kumar Agarwal, has been posted as #PCMM at Banaras Locomotive Works (#BLW).
It is well known that the PCMMs of Production Units (#PUs) are the juiciest of all posts of Indian Railways-these 5-6 individuals control annual expenditure of more than ₹30,000 crores. Changes in schedule of powers (#SOP) made by late #AKMital, a stores officer who became #CRB, has made PCMMs enjoy unbridled financial powers, which even finance officers also lack. This makes the decisions on who becomes #PCMM of a #PU highly sensitive.
What makes the situation even more intriguing is the simultaneous transfer of Ashish Kumar Agarwal from #BLW to #WesternRailway and posted in the cadre, despite him already holding the look-after charge of PCMM at BLW. This abrupt move has raised several questions regarding the Railway Board’s pick-and-choose approach in the posting of PCMMs. Like the mega #Kavach tender handled at #CLW last year, BLW this year is likely to handle some very large tenders.
Preferential Treatment or Strategic Decision?
The most pressing question in this entire matter is:
- Why was a junior officer chosen over more senior and experienced officials?
- What was the rationale behind removing Ashish Kumar Agarwal from BLW so suddenly?
- Why did the Railway Board choose to favor Alok Agarwal for the coveted PCMM post?
Sources suggest that such unilateral decisions raise serious concerns about transparency and fairness in postings. The Railway Board’s lack of justification for this move has led many to believe that this was not a merit-based appointment but rather one influenced by external factors.
Was There a ‘Setting’ with Senior Officials?
Many within the #Railway fraternity are now speculating whether #AlokAgarwal had prior arrangements with influential figures in the Railway Board. One name that is being repeatedly linked with this posting is that of Additional Member/Railway Stores (#AMRS), who allegedly played an important role in securing this appointment for Alok Agarwal.
It is being said that even while Ashish Kumar Agarwal was present in a meeting in the GM’s conference hall, orders for his transfer were issued and he was relieved immediately.
The timing of these orders and the sudden transfer only fuel suspicions of behind-the-scenes manoeuvring.
Railway Board Must Answer
To maintain credibility, the Railway Board must provide a clear and logical explanation for this decision. The following clarifications are essential:
- On what basis was Alok Agarwal selected over his seniors?
- Why was #AshishKumarAgarwal abruptly removed from BLW?
- Given the extremely sensitive nature of PCMM in a PU, was there any undue influence or personal interest in this appointment?
The answers to these questions will determine whether the #IndianRailways still upholds a transparent and merit-based system, or if arbitrary favouritism has become the new normal.
For now, the mystery behind this controversial appointment remains unresolved, but one thing is clear—this decision has shaken the faith of many railway officials in the system.