Indian Railways is witnessing a significant shift in gender inclusivity, with women securing roles in both technical and non-technical fields due to efforts to promote gender equality. Jaya Varma Sinha became the first-ever woman chairperson of the Railway Board and CEO, taking charge on September 1, 2023, and serving until August 31, 2024.
The other members approved by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) of the railway board include Seema Kumar as a member (operations and business development), Naveen Kumar as Director General (human resources), and Satish Kumar as a member (traction and rolling stock).
The ACC did not appoint any new member for the position of member (finance), where Roopa Srinivas was appointed as director general of the National Academy of Indian Railways (NAIR) in Vadodara. As a result, she continues to handle this responsibility. Aruna Nayar has been appointed as the Secretary of the Railway Board, confirms the ACC. She will hereby participate in the full board meetings.
Three women are on the board, which consists of the CEO and four other members, according to the government's most recent appointment order. For the first time in the Indian Railway board members, women make up the majority of the board members.
The railways mention that women will predominate in the highest policy-making body of the national transporter if the ACC confirms Roopa Srinivas' appointment to the board.
The Railways maintain that these chances are high because the Vice Chancellor of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalay's recent appointment has essentially made the NAIR available to the VC, making the position of DG of the Railway Academy ceremonial.
