Question : DISCRIMINATION BETWEEN RTSAs AND CBAs

(a) whether the Railways are aware of the discrimination being shown between Rail Travel Service Agents (RTSAs) and City Booking Agencies (CBAs)/Out Agencies;

(b) if so, the facts thereof;

(c) the terms and conditions of awarding/allotting RTSAs and CBAs;

(d) whether the Railways are demanding Security Deposits and Bank Guarantee when no risk of financial liability is involved;

(e) if so, the reasons therefor; and

(f) the corrective measures taken by the Railways to remove such discriminations between RTSAs and CBAs?

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

(a) & (b) Railways do not discriminate between Rail Travel Service Agent(RTSA) and City Booking Agency(CBA)/Out Agency. The terms of engagement and nature of work of Rail Travel Service Agent and CBA are different.

(c) RTSA are allotted on the basis of calling application whereas City Booking Agency/Out Agency are awarded following tendering process.

(d) & (e) To safeguard the interest of Railway and heavy financial implication, City Booking Agencies are required to deposit adequate security for satisfactory performance of the contract and to cover monthly outstanding. In case of City Booking Agents having monthly turnover of Rs. 1 lakh, a bank guarantee is obtained in addition to security deposit

(f) Does not arise.