Question : SUPPLY OF MINERAL WATER AT RAILWAY STATIONS

(a) the rules under which the contract of supplying mineral water at the railway stations and in the trains is awarded and the period for which it is awarded;

(b) whether the mineral water sold at the railway stations and in the trains is regularly tested;

(c) if not , the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Union Government have received any complaints about supply of contaminated mineral water during the last two years;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether any inquiry has been conducted in this regard ; and

(g) if so, the findings of the said inquiry and the action taken against the persons/firms found guilty in this regard ?

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS ( SHRI NITISH KUMAR )


(a) to (g): A statement is laid on the Table of the Sabha.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (g) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 246 BY SMT. SHEELA GAUTAM AND SHRI JAIBHAN SINGH PAWAIYA TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 06.12.2001 REGARDING SUPPLY OF MINERAL WATER AT RAILWAY STATIONS.


(a): As per the extant policy guidelines, Railways procure and supply packaged drinking water having IS Specification No. 14543 and packaged natural mineral water having IS Specification No. 13428. For departmental units process of tendering is followed and contracts are awarded normally for a period of one year. However, the private licensees have been allowed to market any ISI brand of packaged drinking/natural mineral water either in bottles or in packets, which are certified by Bureau of Indian Standards.


(b): Yes, Sir.

(c): Does not arise.

(d): Yes, Sir.

(e): During the last two years, 15 complaints were received on all Indian Railways.

(f): Yes, Sir.

(g): Action taken :­

Fine imposed	­	7	Supply withdrawn	­	4	Warning issued	­	2	Test report awaited	­	2