Question : USE OF KULHAR AND KHADI IN RAILWAYS

(a) whether the use of Kulhar and Khadi has been made compulsory in the Railways;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the time by which the said order is in force alongwith the railway zones where this order has been enforced;

(c) whether any relaxation has been given in the order;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) the present position regarding the use of Kulhar and Khadi in Railways;

(f) the quantum of Kulhars and Khadi procured and expenditure incurred thereon during 2005-06 and 2006-07, Zone-wise; and

(g) the measures taken by the Railways for the availability of Kulhars and Khadi as per the requirement and encourage their use in the Railways?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI R. VELU)

(a) & (b): In 2004, instructions have been issued to all zonal Railways and Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to encourage and increase the use of Kulhars and Khadi over Indian Railways.

(c)&(d): Instructions have also been issued indicating that use of plastic items such as pouches, cups, etc. should be restricted to the bare minimum and ice cream manufacturing companies should be contacted to explore the possibility of supply of ice cream and its products in bio degrable paper cups or other best possible alternative, which is eco-friendly.Relaxation has been given to the curtain cloth being used in AC coaches as these are Fire Retardant type.

(e) : Kulhar and Khadi are in use in Railways.

(f): Information is being collected from zonal railways.

(g): All zonal Railways are following the instructions for procurement of Khadi and Kulhars.