Question : REFUND TO GUJARAT ELECTRICITY BOARD

(a) whether the excess freight to the tune of Rs.28 crores recovered by the South Eastern Railway, Kolkata, from the Gujarat Electricity Board, is to be refunded;

(b) if so, since when the matter is pending;

(c) the time by which the amount would be refunded to the Gujarat Electricity Board;

(d) whether the 15 per cent surcharge levied on the `To Pay` rakes, not indented by Gujarat Electricity Board for the period from October, 1997 to October, 1998, is to be refunded;

(e) if so, the time by when it is likely to be refunded; and

(f) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI O.RAJAGOPAL)

(a) to (f) A statement is attached.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2722 BY SHRI BASUDEB ACHARIA TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 6.12.2001 REGARDING REFUND TO GUJARAT ELECTRICITY BOARD

(a) to (c) The papers of refund claims of Rs.28 crores approximately filed earlier by the Gujarat Electricity Board with the South Eastern Railway had got destroyed in a fire in Railway`s Refunds Office on 4.7.1999. An amount of Rs.1.36 crore had been paid before 4.7.1999. Claims for the balance amount were re-submitted in February 2000 and are under verification. No refund is being allowed now on these cases as the claims found admissible would get adjusted against the outstanding amounts payable by the Gujarat Electricity Board to the Railways. This is a continuous process.

(d) No, Sir.

(e) & (f) Does not arise. Railway levy `To Pay` surcharge of 15% when freight for the coal consignment is not paid at the booking station or under any of the approved mode of payment.