Content warning: This article discusses post-surgery pain, humiliation, workplace exploitation, and insensitive treatment of employees.
The Lucknow Incident: When A Loco Pilot Had To Undress For His Right To Rest
In the Lucknow Railway Division, a loco pilot named Rajesh Meena did something no worker should ever have to do.
- >On 22 February, he underwent piles (bawasir) surgery.>He was granted sick leave only till 28 February to recover.>When his wound did not fully heal, he visited the Railway Health Unit and received a recommendation to extend his medical leave with a proper sick memo.
According to union and media reports, he first approached the Crew Controller, then the Chief Crew Controller (CCC). He showed his medical papers, lab reports and even the fresh dressing. Even after all this, his request was repeatedly refused.
Finally, in a moment of sheer frustration, Rajesh did the unthinkable: he dropped his pants in the office to show his surgery wound directly. A colleague recorded the scene. Only after a union leader intervened did he finally receive the rest he was owed.
“Karmchari Machine Hain Kya?” – When Manpower Shortage Becomes An Excuse For Abuse
अगर स्टाफ की कमी है तो नए कर्मचारी भर्ती करो। बीमार इंसान से जबरन काम लेना समाधान नहीं, शोषण है।
If the railways are facing staff shortages, that is an HR and policy failure, not a justification to squeeze every last drop out of the people still standing. A sick worker forced to work is not efficiency. It is exploitation.
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Where Were The Trade Unions?
The All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA) did eventually speak out, calling the incident extremely shameful and inhuman. But the deeper concern: why did it take a viral video to get something as basic as extended sick leave after surgery?
What Needs To Change
- >Clear, humane medical leave protocols with accountability.>Dignity and privacy as non-negotiable.>Unions that show up before the camera rolls.>A wider conversation about the human in human resources.
Until those answers change, the next worker will be told: Prove you are sick. Prove you deserve to rest. And some of them will pay for that proof with their privacy, their pride and their peace of mind.
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