Speaker Birla Vows to Address Railway PRO Demands with Minister

Published in Automotive and Transportation on Sunday, August 3rd 2025 at 3:11 GMT by ThePrint
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New Delhi, Aug 3 (PTI) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has assured public relations officers of the Indian Railways that he would take up their demands, including cadre upgradation, with Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Birla, who attended the All India Railway Public Relations Seminar in Rajasthan's Kota on Saturday, appreciated the "significant" role of the cadre [ ]

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Assures Railway PROs of Addressing Demands with Railway Minister

In a significant development for the public relations wing of Indian Railways, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has pledged to personally take up the long-standing demands of Public Relations Officers (PROs) with the Union Railway Minister. This assurance came during an interactive session held in New Delhi, where Birla engaged directly with a delegation of railway PROs, highlighting the critical role they play in bridging the gap between the railways and the public. The meeting, organized under the auspices of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee, underscored the growing recognition of communication professionals in the vast network of Indian Railways, one of the world's largest employers and transportation systems.

The session began with Birla acknowledging the unique challenges faced by PROs in managing public perception, disseminating information, and handling crises in real-time. Indian Railways, with its extensive reach across urban and rural India, relies heavily on its PROs to communicate updates on train schedules, safety measures, passenger amenities, and developmental projects. Birla emphasized that effective public relations are essential for building trust and ensuring smooth operations, especially in an era dominated by social media and instant news cycles. He lauded the PROs for their dedication, noting instances where their timely interventions have averted misinformation during emergencies like train accidents or natural disasters.

During the discussion, the PROs presented a detailed memorandum outlining their key demands. At the forefront was the call for better career progression and cadre restructuring. Many PROs, who are often drawn from diverse backgrounds including journalism, mass communication, and administrative services, have long felt sidelined in the hierarchical structure of the railways. They argued for a dedicated cadre similar to those in other government departments, which would provide clearer promotion paths, specialized training, and recognition of their expertise. One PRO highlighted how the lack of a structured cadre leads to stagnation, with officers sometimes spending decades in the same grade without advancement opportunities.

Another major demand centered on resource allocation and technological upgradation. PROs stressed the need for modern tools to enhance their communication capabilities. In an age where digital platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp are pivotal for real-time updates, many railway divisions still operate with outdated systems and limited budgets. They requested funding for advanced software, social media monitoring tools, and training programs in digital journalism and crisis communication. Birla nodded in agreement, sharing anecdotes from his own experiences in public life where effective communication made a difference in policy implementation.

The delegation also raised concerns about staffing shortages. With Indian Railways spanning 17 zones and over 68 divisions, the PRO department is understaffed relative to the volume of work. PROs often juggle multiple roles, from drafting press releases to coordinating with media houses and handling passenger grievances. They proposed increasing the intake of communication specialists through targeted recruitment drives, possibly integrating with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations to attract top talent. Birla responded positively, drawing parallels to how other sectors like the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) have evolved to include specialized streams.

Birla's assurance to escalate these issues to the Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, was met with optimism from the PROs. Vaishnaw, known for his tech-savvy approach and focus on railway modernization, has previously initiated reforms in areas like high-speed trains, electrification, and passenger services. By involving him, Birla aims to integrate the PROs' demands into the broader vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), where efficient public communication is seen as a pillar of governance. The Speaker emphasized that strengthening the PRO cadre would not only improve internal morale but also enhance public engagement, leading to better feedback loops for policy improvements.

This interaction is part of a larger pattern of Birla's proactive engagement with various stakeholders since assuming the role of Lok Sabha Speaker in 2019. Known for his emphasis on parliamentary decorum and outreach, Birla has hosted similar sessions with professionals from sectors like education, health, and agriculture. In this case, the focus on railway PROs aligns with the government's push for Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), where indigenous communication strategies can reduce dependency on external PR agencies and foster a more transparent railway ecosystem.

The PROs' demands also touch on welfare issues, such as improved housing allowances, medical facilities, and work-life balance provisions. Working in remote railway stations or during odd hours, many PROs face hardships that affect their performance. They cited examples from zones like the Northeast Frontier Railway, where PROs deal with challenging terrains and connectivity issues, yet are expected to maintain seamless information flow. Birla assured that these welfare aspects would be highlighted in his discussions, potentially leading to policy tweaks in the railway's human resources framework.

Experts in public administration view this development as a step towards professionalizing the communication arms of public sector undertakings. Dr. Rajesh Kumar, a former bureaucrat and analyst on railway reforms, commented that empowering PROs could lead to more innovative campaigns, such as those promoting green initiatives or digital ticketing. He pointed out that in comparison to private sector counterparts, government PROs often lack the autonomy and resources needed to compete in the information age.

The meeting concluded with Birla encouraging the PROs to continue their innovative work, such as the successful "Rail Madad" helpline and social media campaigns that have resolved thousands of passenger queries. He reiterated his commitment to follow up on the matter, scheduling a potential review in the coming months. For the PROs, this assurance represents a beacon of hope, potentially paving the way for systemic changes that could redefine their role in India's railway narrative.

This episode also reflects broader trends in Indian governance, where leaders are increasingly attentive to the voices of mid-level functionaries. As Indian Railways embarks on ambitious projects like the Bullet Train and station redevelopment under the Gati Shakti scheme, the role of PROs in managing public expectations and feedback becomes even more crucial. By addressing their demands, the government could ensure that communication keeps pace with infrastructure growth, ultimately benefiting millions of daily commuters.

In summary, Birla's pledge marks a pivotal moment for railway PROs, blending administrative reform with practical support. As the demands are taken up at higher levels, it could herald a new era of efficiency and recognition for these unsung heroes of public communication in one of India's most vital sectors. The outcome of these discussions will be closely watched, not just by the PROs but by the entire railway fraternity and the public at large. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full ThePrint Article at:
[ https://theprint.in/india/will-take-up-your-demands-with-railway-minister-ls-speaker-to-pros/2711726/ ]

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