Curse of Corruption-Curse of Non-Rotation-Mockery of Mantriji’s Claim of Zero Tolerance of Corruption
This case sheds light on the challenges faced by whistleblowers in India and the urgent need for protection and support for those who speak out against corruption
The lack of #rotation and transfer on promotion within the #IndianRailways has been a major issue that we have consistently brought to light. Those who receive promotions without having to move to a new #location often show #loyalty to those who helped them secure the promotion, leading to a network of #Corruption that is difficult for senior management to address. This issue is particularly prevalent in railway Production Units (#PUs) such as #RCF, #MCF, #BLW, #PLW, #CLW, and #RWF where long tenures and in-situ promotions have allowed corruption to flourish unchecked.
The deep-rooted networks of corruption within these #ProductionUnits have hindered efforts to #clean-up the #system and create a more #transparent and #accountable railway #infrastructure. Despite the senior management’s attempts to address these issues, the #loyalty and #connections formed through in-situ promotions have made it challenging to break through the entrenched culture of #favouritism and #nepotism. It is crucial for #reforms to be implemented to address these issues and ensure that the Indian Railways operates in a fair and efficient manner.
Travesty of Justice
Rail Wheel Factory (#RWF), Yelahanka, Bengaluru has been a prominent factory within the #IndianRailways, known for its modern machines and efficient on-line working systems. However, on 18 November 2022, the #Factory faced a #scandal when #GKJalan, the #PCE of RWF, was caught red-handed by the #CBI on a complaint from a female entrepreneur. Mr. #Jalan is said to be instrumental in promotion of certain Jebin A., who was a #supervisor at RWF. Upon promotion Mr #Jebin was made #AEN/Plant at RWF itself. He has been hosting Mr Jalan, when under suspension, in his office. Between them they have been plotting revenge on this #woman entrepreneur.
By exercising powers not vested in him, he has created lot of confusion in minds of PCE and GM. By distancing from the issues, #PCE has failed to resolve the grievance.
Crux of the Case: Whistleblower Facing Harassment
Mrs. #SandhyaVaish, a civil #contractor and proprietor of M/s #SAGA_Constructions in #Bangaluru, has come forward with shocking allegations of #harassment and financial losses at the Rail Wheel Factory (#RWF) in Yelahanka. Mrs. #Vaish, who has been associated with RWF for over 15 years, recently blew the #whistle on #Corruption within the RWF Civil department, leading to the arrest and suspension of the Principal Chief Engineer (#PCE) G. K. Jalan.
Since exposing the corruption, Mrs. Vaish has faced a series of challenges, including public humiliation, false allegations, cessation of work, rejection of projects, withholding of Measurement Books (#MB) and payments, threats to her laborers, and harassment from RWF management. The situation escalated when the a junior officer-newly born based on corruption as #AEN/Plant was assigned to oversee her current project and began harassing her.
Despite multiple complaints, the RWF management has not taken any action against the AEN and has allowed him to make decisions beyond his authority, including rejecting Mrs. Vaish’s work on the ‘Fabrication of #walkway project’ amounting to Rs. 1.5 crore. Mrs. Vaish has endured torture, harassment, and financial losses for speaking out against corruption and is now at the verge of #bankruptcy.
Mrs. Vaish is seeking the administration’s support to raise awareness about her situation and is calling for justice and the realisation of her #payment from RWF. She is requesting an appointment with concerned officials to present her grievances and the evidence of harassment she has faced at the hands of RWF officers. She is yet to succeed.
The case of Mrs. #SandhyaVaish sheds light on the challenges faced by #whistleblowers in India and the urgent need for #protection and #support for those who speak out against #corruption. It is essential for the authorities to investigate the allegations made by Mrs. Vaish and ensure that justice is served.
Expectations from Railways
It is imperative for #GMRWF to take decisive action to protect the #whistleblower from further harm. The delay in addressing the issue has only emboldened those who were involved in the #misconduct. The refusal to meet with the whistleblower, the Principal Chief Engineer (#PCE) has not only abdicated his responsibilities but also raised suspicions on his #incompetence or #complicity in the matter. While it is important to conduct a fair and independent investigation, when there is substantial evidence pointing towards wrongdoing, interim conclusions must be drawn to ensure #justice is served.
GM/RWF must prioritise the protection of the #female entrepreneur’s reputation and investigate the allegations of public humiliation. If the PCE continues to neglect his duties, GM/RWF should assign the responsibility of civil engineering to another department head and send back the PCE to the #RailwayBoard with #recommendation of #removal under section 56J due to his inability to protect the whistleblower and uphold the honor of the #woman entrepreneur involved. It is essential for GM to uphold #ethical standards and ensure that all individuals, especially those who come forward with information, are protected from any form of retaliation.
The reputation of the #whistleblower, as well as the #integrity of the organisation, is at stake. GM/RWF must fulfill their duty to ensure a safe and fair work environment for all employees, especially those who show courage in exposing misconduct. By taking swift and appropriate action in this case, GM/RWF can demonstrate their commitment to upholding ethical standards and protecting those who speak out against wrongdoing. #Failure to do so could not only harm the individuals involved but also #tarnish the reputation of the organisation as a whole.
By the way GM Sahab, it is #PrimeMinister’s personal commitment to promote and protect women. Your #AEN/Plant appears complicit, #PCE has failed, ball is now in your court. To continue..