Indian Railways Update : Railway started initiative on the lines of IAS-IPS, now subordinates will give feedback of officers

Similar to the evaluation system for senior IAS, IPS and Indian Forest Service officers, the Railways has also started a similar process. Under this process, the reporting officers will be evaluated by their peers and their subordinate officers. It is worth mentioning that till now for senior IAS, IPS and Indian Forest Service officers, the central government adopts 360 degree evaluation system. Under this only these officers are promoted.

Railways had given information about its process started on the lines of 360 degree evaluation system in a letter written on 18 August. In this, the Railway Board said that it has decided to take multi-source feedback of officials while preparing its Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR). To create a database of this feedback, Railways has created an online link in the SPARROW system. This APAR will be effective from 2022-2023.

Railways in its letter stated that every year for each officer a link will be sent to the officer and all the subordinates for whom the officer is the reporting authority. The feedback will be entered in the official's database in a safe manner. It has been said in the order that this entire process will be completely confidential. All are requested to give unbiased comments/grading without any bias.

Regarding this, a group of railway officials says that the APAR system will not only make a difference in the work culture in Indian Railways but will also lead to Voluntary Retirement (VRS) of some officers. An official said that around 20,000 officers will come under the scanner for this APAR.

Sources say the system may be further expanded to capture feedback from railway officials as well as non-railway persons like contractors and vendors working in railways. However, many officials have raised questions on this. He says a system exists for officers, but it is not clear who will evaluate the committee members. Recently, the Railways has created an eight-cadre Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS). Under this, the rules for becoming the General Manager or Chairman of the Railway Board have been changed.