Question : CATERING SYSTEM IN RAILWAYS

e:

(a) whether the two-tier catering system is in vogue in the Railways;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of proposed action plan of the Railways to rehabilitate surplus helpers consequent upon regularization of vendors of Khadagpur and Tatanagar departmental catering service in other departments;

(d) the reasons for non-conducting of annual medical examination of helpers by IRCTC as is being conducted by the railways; and

(e) the manner is which cooperative societies of said helpers are proposed to be given priority in tenders of stalls by IRCTC and the Railways?

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

(a) & (b) : At present catering services on Indian Railways are done through private license and the departmental staff of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

(c) & (d) : The Helpers are engaged by Commission vendors/bearers on their own terms and conditions. They are neither railway employees nor they have any contractual relation with the railways. Once the commission vendors/bearers are absorbed or terminated, these helpers cease to operate and they have no locus standi.

(e): At present, there is no proposal to give priority to the helpers of commission vendors/bearers in allotment of catering stalls.