National Coolie Front voices concerns over privatization, job insecurity, and lack of welfare implementation in rail sector
Lucknow / New Delhi — As the Monsoon Session of Parliament progresses, a delegation from the National Coolie Front (Rashtriya Coolie Morcha), led by its coordinator Ram Suresh Yadav, met with several Members of Parliament and political leaders in New Delhi, urging them to raise the long-pending issues of employment security and social protection for railway coolies.
The delegation submitted memorandums to parliamentarians from multiple parties, citing the adverse impact of ongoing privatization in the Indian Railways, which they claim has severely threatened the livelihoods of thousands of coolies (railway porters) across the country.
“The continued outsourcing of services through private players, introduction of digital platforms like the ‘My Coolie’ app, and the trolley contractor system have drastically reduced the income opportunities for traditional coolies,” said Yadav. “Despite repeated assurances from the Railway Ministry about providing social security to coolies, the reality on the ground is bleak. There are no orders being effectively implemented, and workers are being harassed for demanding their rights.”
The delegation also expressed concern over alleged administrative interference when they attempted to meet MPs in Delhi, citing instances of unnecessary police obstruction. “This is not just a matter of livelihood; it’s about the constitutional right to a life of dignity, which coolies are systematically being denied,” added Yadav.
During their campaign in Parliament, the delegation submitted their representation to several prominent leaders, including:
- Sanjay Singh (AAP)
- Awadhesh Prasad and R.K. Chaudhary (Samajwadi Party)
- Dr. Manoj Kumar Jha (RJD)
- Vijaylaxmi Kushwaha (JDU)
- Pappu Yadav (Independent)
- A. Reddy Sabari (TDP)
- Alok Sharma (BJP)
- Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi
- Ranjeet Ranjan (Congress)
They also submitted petitions to the offices of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav, and handed over a formal letter to the Chairman of the Railway Board and the Railway Ministry.
The National Coolie Front demanded:
- Permanent employment for coolies under the Railway department
- Strict implementation of social security orders for porters
- Regulation of private platforms and trolley contractors that are displacing coolies
- An end to administrative harassment of coolies seeking redress
The delegation included over two dozen representatives from across India, including Ram Chander, Arun Kumar Mahto, Sheikh Rehmatullah, Rahul, Rajkumar Yadav, Kanhaiya Gwal, Arvind Kumar, Amjad, Imam Bhai, Manoj Tati, Mubarak, Prahlad, Chunnu Singh, Ram Babu Bhilala, Ram Mahawar, Raju Tekam, Shivram, Dular Mandal, Sitaram Richharia, Rakesh Panthi, Santosh Kumar, Sanjay Sharma, Rajendra Kumar, and Sher Singh.
The visit underscores a rising urgency among coolie unions to protect their traditional employment roles, which they fear are being eroded in the name of modernization and privatization — without offering viable alternatives or safeguards.
Their message was clear: “Coolies are the backbone of the railway experience — and they must not be left behind in the race for progress.”
