(a) whether the Railways have cancelled the licences of existing small catering vendors under the Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad Divisions of Southern Railway ;
(b) if so, the details alongwith the reasons therefor; and
(c) the alternative measures taken to safeguard the survival of the existing small catering vendors?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS ( SHRI R. VELU)
(a) to (c): No, Sir. As per Revised Catering Policy, 2005, renewal is not allowed for the existing general minor units at A, B and C category stations of Indian Railways which have been taken over by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). IRCTC is awarding fresh licences under two packet tender system. The existing catering licencees of these units are also eligible to participate in the tender process. However, new licences awarded by IRCTC for general minor units under two packet tender system, one extension upto 3 years can be given to General Minor Units at ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ category stations, subject to satisfactory performance and payment of all dues. For Special Minor Units, i.e., reserved category licencees at ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ category of stations renewal is considered every three years, subject to satisfactory performance and payment of all dues. In case of general minor units and reserved minor unit at ‘D’,’E’& ‘F’ stations, renewal for every 5 years is permissible subject to satisfactory performance and payment of all dues including licence fee.