IN PICS: 'Rail Roko' Protest By Apprentices In Mumbai

MUMBAI: 'Rail roko' protest by scores of students demanding jobs in the railways. / Image used for representational purpose.

The students blocked the rail track at 7 am in the morning, forcing railway to stop the suburban as well as express train in the affected section between Matunga and CSMT. (All Images Twitter)

Central Railway Statement: "There is no provision of giving jobs to the apprentices as per the Apprentice Act. They are given only training of a specified period to improve their skills and experience of having worked in the field. However, Ministry of Railways have taken a decision and reserved 20% of the seats filled through direct recruitment. The notification is already issued with last date of submitting application as 31.3.2018. Apprentices can apply against this notification and Special Examination will shortly be held for Apprentices who have done training in Railway Workshops under Apprentices Act."

Raj Thackeray's MNS had also extended its support to agitating students.

The rail traffic remained disrupted between suburban Matunga and Dadar stations for over three hours, causing difficulties to lakhs of commuters during office hours.