(a) whether restriction has been imposed on the travelling of beggars and hawkers in some trains of the Central Railway in compliance with the verdict of the Mumbai High Court;
(b) if so, whether the Government are contemplating to impose the same restriction on all trains including local trains; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI O. RAJAGOPAL)
(a) to (c): Yes, Sir. In compliance with the directions of the Mumbai High Court, restrictions have been imposed on the travelling of beggars and hawkers in all Mail/Express trains and all local trains on Central Railway. During the checks conducted against unauthorised hawkers and beggars by the ticket checking squads, 3818 hawkers and 120 beggars were apprehended and prosecuted under the relevant provisions of Railways Act on the railway during the period April to October, 2001.