(a) whether Railways have formulated any policy for allotment of stalls/ kiosks like book stalls, food stalls etc. at various railway stations and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Railways propose to constitute special task force and any other steps to check irregularities in awarding of contracts for stalls at railway stations;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the details of those contractors who are running stalls etc. at various railway stations for longer periods?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)
(a): Yes, Madam. Catering Policy 2010 has been notified on 21/07/2010, for allotment of food stalls/kiosks. The Bookstall Policy was issued on 12/10/2004. High Court of Allahabad vide its order dated 23/03/2005 has
quashed the Bookstall Policy. The order of High Court of Allahabad has been challenged by the Railways before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and the same is pending adjudication. The Miscellaneous Articles Policy was notified on 02/11/2012 for allotment of miscellaneous stalls.
(b) and (c): No, Madam. A transparent contract awarding procedure has been formulated in the form of Standard Bid Documents (SBD) for allotment of mobile units and catering stalls on Indian Railways. These SBDs have been prepared by engaging professional agencies having domain knowledge and expertise.
(d): Stalls are allotted to licensees for a definite period. Further, with a view to provide uninterrupted catering services to the passengers, temporary extensions, after the expiry of the contractual period, are granted till regular contracts are awarded.