(a) whether the work related to catering and cleanliness etc. has been entrusted to the contractors by the Railways and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Railways are aware of the fact that the contractors are not paying minimum wages to their employees;
(c) if so, whether the Railways propose some measures to ensure to give minimum wages to such employees and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)
(a): In terms of Catering Policy 2010, the catering services on Indian Railways are managed by the Zonal Railways either departmentally or through private licensees (contractors). Outsourcing of work has been done for mechanized coach cleaning at depots, cleaning on run under Onboard Housekeeping Services Scheme as well as en-route cleanliness at select stations under Clean Train Stations Scheme.
(a) to (d): Tender documents for catering contracts envisage strict adherence to (i) Payment of Wages Act, (ii) Workmen’s Compensation Act, (iii) Shops & Establishment Act, (iv) PF & ESI Acts,(v)Prevention of Child Labour Act etc. Further, the terms and conditions stipulated in the cleaning contracts incorporate relevant legal provisions in regard to payment of minimum wages to contracted staff.
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