New Delhi: Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday informed the Rajya Sabha that medical facilities to 'Sahayaks' (licensed porters or coolies) and their family members are provided at par with Railway employees as well as free education is available for their wards in the schools run by Railways. Despite not being Railway employees, various facilities have been extended to coolies who have been granted the license for carrying luggage of passengers at porterage charges directly payable by the passengers to them, said the Minister.
In a written response to a question, the Minister said "Medical facilities to Sahayaks and their family members are being provided at par with Railway employees and family members as defined in Railway Medical Rules at the Railway hospitals and Railway Health Units where Sahayaks are presently working including for referral to other Railway Health Units and Railway Hospitals but not to private hospitals empanelled with Railways."
