New Delhi: The railway catering policy implemented during Mamata Banerjee’s tenure as Rail Minister in 2010 has come under renewed scrutiny. Allegations have surfaced that the tender process for operating food stalls and canteens under IRCTC was altered at the policy level to provide a 9.5 percent reservation specifically to minorities, particularly Muslims.
The complaint was filed by a group called Legal Rights Observatory, which claims that the reservation appears to be a form of appeasement and violates the spirit of the Constitution. It further alleges that this decision curtailed the rights of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), infringing upon their constitutional entitlements.
Taking the matter seriously, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), led by member Priyank Kanungo, has issued a notice to the Railway Board. The commission has directed the Railway Board to investigate the issue thoroughly and take appropriate legal action.
During the 2009-10 rail budget speech, then Rail Minister Mamata Banerjee had announced measures to improve food quality, availability of clean drinking water, sanitation, and cleanliness at railway stations and on trains. She also promised to ensure the availability of affordable meals and to include both national and regional cuisines in railway catering.
Following this, a new catering policy was formulated and implemented on 21 July 2010 by the Railway Board. According to a letter issued by the Board’s Executive Director (Tourism and Catering), Mani Anand, the policy was created with the approval of the finance and legal directorates and was to be implemented immediately. Instructions were sent to all zonal railway general managers and IRCTC for necessary action.
Now, more than a decade later, questions regarding the alleged reservation provision in this policy have sparked fresh debate in administrative and political circles.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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