Kolkata, Oct. 5 -- Ferry passengers across West Bengal will have dedicated personnel to assist them at jetties and ferry ghats, with 549 Jalasathis to be deployed at 279 locations across the state to ensure their safety, security and comfort.
The West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation Ltd (WBSTC) has issued an e-tender to engage an agency for deploying the Jalasathis at the ferry points. The personnel will work under prescribed standard operating procedures and assist in the smooth operation of ferry services.
The contract will initially be for three years and may be extended by another three years, subject to satisfactory performance.
The agency will have to provide eligible Jalasathis along with a senior-level supervisor to coordinate with personnel at the jetties. Two supervisors will also have to be deployed in each district for coordination.
The Jalasathis will work throughout the year, with duty hours ordinarily fixed at eight hours. Overtime will be paid according to WBSTC norms. The agency will also have to maintain standby manpower to replace personnel in case of sudden absence.
Each Jalasathi will receive a consolidated monthly wage of Rs 12,000. Candidates must be aged between 18 and 40 years as on September 30, 2026. They must have passed Class VIII and proficiency in swimming is mandatory.
The tender states that a Jalasathi cannot be changed more than once a month without WBSTC's consent. The agency will also have to arrange substitutes for absent personnel to ensure uninterrupted operations at the jetties.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.