November 19, 2001

    The Minister for Railways, Shri Nitish Kumar honoured seventy four outstanding women workers of Indian Railways at a function in New Delhi organised by the Railway Women’s Welfare Central Organisation (RWWCO) in connection with the Women’s Day celebrations.

    Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that today’s function marks an important landmark in the Railways’ efforts for women’s empowerment. The award winners today represent almost all the trades and departments of Indian Railways. These are the women who have exceled as Constables, Welders, Pointswoman, Office Assistants and even skilled workers working in construction and repair of AC coaches and saloons etc. The Minister lauded the efforts of the RWWCO for the upliftment of women in the Railways by organising talioring, craft and adult education classes in the Railway colonies through its Zonal and Divisional level units. It is significant that the organisation is providing education, assistance and scholarship to the meritorious children of railway employees.

    Earlier, in his welcome address the Chairperson of the RWWCO Smt. said that the organisation has branches spread over the remotest corners of the country. While the primary concern of the organisationis the welfare of the railway employees and their families,it has always risen to the call of the society and the nation – be it environmental awareness, family welfare drives, disturbances on the borders or the natural calamities. It really emerges as one of the fore-runner voluntary organisations in the country today, she added.