Question : FREIGHT CONCESSION FOR SALT

(a) whether the ‘Edible Iodized Salt’ is classified under Category ‘C’ by Railways and is thus eligible for freight concession, whereas ‘Free Flow Iodized Refined Salt’ is Classified under category ‘D’ and therefore, not eligible for freight concession;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons therefor;

(c) whether in the past both these categories of salts were kept together under Item ‘B’ and thus both were eligible for freight concession;

(d) if so, the reasons for this difference now;

(e) whether different State Governments had requested the Railways to reconsider and to remove these discrepancies; and

(f) if so, the reaction of the Railways thereto?

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS(KUMARI MAMATA BANERJEE)

(a) to (f): A Statement is laid on the Table of the Sabha.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 140 BY SHRI HARIN PATHAK TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 18.11.2010 REGARDING FREIGHT CONCESSION FOR SALT

(a)&(b): No, Madam. Non-refined edible iodised salt when programmed by Salt Commissioner or his authorized officers and approved by Zonal Railways moves under Priority category ‘C’. All other category of salt moves under Priority ‘D’. With a view to provide relief in freight for the common man, distance based concession over long distances has been granted only to ordinary non-refined iodised salt meant for human consumption and ordinary non-refined salt meant for iodisation.

(c): No, Madam.

(d) to (f): Do not arise.