A Culture of Exploitation at PLW: The Shocking Case of PCAO and PS to PCAO

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Colonial Mindset in Modern India—History will not remember how powerful Rajesh Mohan was—but it will remember how powerless workers were abused under his power

In an era where the dignity of labor is enshrined in our constitutional values, a disturbing narrative is unfolding at Patiala Locomotive Works (#PLW). #RajeshMohan, Principal Chief Administrative Officer (#PCAO)—So-called Nawab of Patiala—and his wife, are accused of systematically abusing their position to exploit Class-IV employees for personal service. What is emerging is not just a story of administrative misconduct—it is a grim tale of inhumanity, entitlement, and systemic failure.

Rajesh Mohan, PCAO/PLW

Systemic Exploitation: A List of Abuses

When #RajeshMohan assumed charge in March, 2025, a series of disturbing actions followed:

Sixteen Class-IV employees, officially posted for technical support in workshop for #production and railway offices, were diverted to the PCAO’s government #bungalow to perform domestic chores, such as:

  • Cleaning toilets and bathrooms
  • Washing dishes
  • Preparing meals
  • Sweeping and mopping floors
  • Making homemade mango pickle (amchoor and achar) from 12 mango trees
  • Laundry and ironing
  • Dusting

These workshop govt employees include:

  1. Rohit Choudhari
  2. Raju
  3. Manjeet Singh
  4. Rajender Singh Mehra
  5. Balbeer Rawat
  6. Ujeet Kumar

Railway Office Govt. Men:

  1. Kuldeep Singh
  2. Devanand
  3. Vikas

Sweepers:

  1. Kamlesh
  2. Banti

Gardeners (Mali):

  1. Mukesh
  2. Charanjeet
  3. Jagjeet Singh

Others:

  • Babita (Ladies massager) – attending to personal spa and massage needs of Mrs. Mohan
  • Anita – for miscellaneous work
  • Vikas (Office Peon) – routinely made to travel thrice a week to Delhi from Patiala to transport farm fresh vegetables to their son and sister-in-law.

Total Number of Staff Engaged in Personal Service at Rajesh Mohan’s Residence: 16

The “Fairy Queen” Syndrome: Misuse of Social Platforms

Mrs. Mohan’s behavior has reached alarming levels of narcissism. Described as expecting to be treated like a “Fairy Queen”, she has:

  • Instructed Women’s Welfare Organisation (#WWO) to organise grand welcomes for her at official functions
  • Diverted focus from employee welfare to self-glorification
  • Turned institutional events into personal celebrations

This attitude is incompatible with public service ethics and reflects a regressive and dangerous feudal mentality. Also, when Rajesh Mohan was posted as #DRM/Hubbali, Mrs. Mohan was openly warned by Mrs. GM of #SWRailway for mistreating the officers wifes.

Orchestrated Exploitation: The Role of Ranjeet Singh (PS to PCAO)

Ranjeet Singh, PS to PCAO/PLW

It is widely reported that #RanjeetSingh, PS to PCAO Rajesh Mohan for the past 9–10 years, is the main coordinator of these arrangements. He warns the staff of dire consequences of loosing job if activities as demanded by him are not performed as per the wishes of the PCAO.

His unusually long tenure raises serious questions:

  • Why hasn’t he been transferred out from PLW despite multiple PCAOs rotating?
  • Is his continued posting—in a same place—a reward for managing personal manpower supply for PCAO?

Destruction of Institutional Integrity

This unchecked abuse of authority has led to serious consequences:
  • PLW Production Suffering: Against a target of 54 locomotives for April-May 2025, only 17 have been produced as Rajesh Mohan is least interested in loco production and is leading life alike Nawab of Patiala.
  • Staff Morale is Decline: Technicians and support staff feel humiliated, exploited, and discarded. Zero-incentive due to meagre production & staff sitting idle.
  • Mental Distress Among Workers: Employees forced into household chores are:
  • Still marked absent despite working full-time at the PCAO’s residence
  • Pushed to mental collapse, with some reportedly expressing suicidal thoughts

This is no longer just an HR issue—it’s a humanitarian crisis.

A Call for Immediate and Uncompromising Action

To restore #dignity, #legality, and #discipline at PLW, urgent intervention is required. The following steps must be taken:

  1. Immediate Independent Inquiry by vigilance of Railway Board.
  2. Confidential Testimony from all affected employees—without fear of reprisal.
  3. Disciplinary Action under service rules if allegations are proven.
  4. Transfer of Ranjeet Singh out of PLW to break entrenched control.
  5. Regular Monitoring of domestic staff postings across senior officer residence.

Conclusion: Leadership or Tyranny?

We urge the #RailwayBoard and the #Vigilance Directorate to take immediate and uncompromising action.

Rajesh Mohan has never held any significant or impactful position during his career. Instead, his track record is marked by carelessness and self-interest, as reflected by the two charge sheets issued against him.

The entire railway family, and indeed the nation, is watching.

History will not remember how powerful Rajesh Mohan was—but it will remember how powerless workers were abused under his power. Let accountability begin now.