(a) whether the Railways have received representations regarding conversion of STD/PCO booths into multipurpose stalls operated by handicapped persons at railway stations on humanitarian ground;
(b) if so, the action initiated by the Railways thereon;
(c) whether any policy framed for rehabilitation of those handicapped persons who are operating STD/PCO booth since long and solely dependent on these booths for livelihood; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. Some representations including from Members of Parliament have been received for conversion of STD/PCO booth into multi-purpose stall operated by handicapped persons. There is no policy to convert STD/PCO booths into multi-purpose stalls, at present.
(c) & (d): Permission has been granted for sale of SIM cards (new connections), mobile phones and related accessories on payment of certain additional licence fee in the existing STD/PCO Booths. General Managers of Zonal Railways have been delegated power for granting extension of one year on the basis of satisfactory performance of the licensee, etc.