(a) whether after privatization of sanitation work in trains theft cases have increased in
trains and railway yards;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reaction of the Railways thereto;
(c) whether the quality of food served in trains has come down after privatization of catering
services;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Railways to check the quality of food served in trains
by these private caterers?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS ( SHRI ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY )
(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 35 BY SHRI R. THAMARAISELVAN TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 05.12.2013 REGARDING INCREASE IN THEFT CASES.
(a): No, Madam.
(b): Does not arise.
(c): No, Madam.
(d): Does not arise.
(e): It is a continuous endeavour by the Indian Railways to provide good quality hygienic
food to Railway passengers. Emphasis has been made in new Catering Policy 2010 for conducting
surprise and periodical inspections by Zonal Railways at various levels. To improve the quality
of catering services in the trains, a mechanism for monitoring and supervision has been put in
place by deploying railway personnel, who check quality and hygiene through regular, surprise
and periodical inspections and take corrective action. In addition, regular passenger
satisfaction surveys are also conducted. Catering Services Monitoring Cell with a toll free
number 1800 111 321 at national level has been set up for real time redressal of complaints.
In case of deficiencies/irregularities in services punitive actions like imposition of fine,
warning, suitable advice and termination of contracts etc are taken under the new Catering
Policy. A transparent contract awarding, management and monitoring procedure has been defined
to ensure quality covering provision of third party audit of quality and mandatory ISO (Indian
Standards Organization) certification of Base Kitchens.