Question : LIMIT FOR VACATION OF GOVERNMENT ACCOMMODATION .

(a) Whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item captioned `Railway Chief`s farewell Gift is a bungalow` appearing in the Indian Express dated August 7, 2000;

(b) Whether there is a proposal under consideration of the Government to remove the one year limit on the vacation / occupation of the house and also to waive the outstanding rent as well as electricity charges on the residential accommodation of the Chairman and Members of the Railway Board; and

(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefore?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS ( SHRI DIGVIJAY SINGH )

(a) Yes, Sir. However, a rejoinder has been issued in the Press denying the contents of the news item.

(b) No, Sir. There is/was no proposal under consideration of this Ministry to modify existing instructions on retention of Railway houses or instructions regarding recovery of rent/electricity charges from officers in respect of residential accommodation. All Railway officials including Chairman and other Members of Railway Board are eligible to retain Railway houses for a maximum period of 8 months. Rent/electricity charges for the residential accommodation is paid by the officers themselves.

(c) Does not arise.