Question : COMPENSATION TO WAITERS

(a) Whether the Railways have made any provisions for the treatment, insurance and protection of life of the waiters employed by the contractors and working in the Pantry Cars in case of sudden accident ;

(b) If not, the reasons therefor;

(c) Whether the Railways propose to formulate a policy in this regard;

(d) If so, the details thereof ;

(e) If not, whether the Railways propose to issue instructions to the contractors to pay the compensation amount in lump-sum for the protection of life of the waiters; and

(f) If so, the details thereof ?

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

(a) to (f): Sir, the private licensees operating pantry cars, engage their employees on their own terms and conditions and they do not come under the administrative control of Railways or Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). However, licensees are bound to follow all the necessary labour Acts & laws of the land formulated to safeguard the interest of workers, as stipulated in the Licence Agreement.

As regards death/injury as a result of rail accidents/untoward incidents, provision already exist making railways liable to pay compensation to all victims who were carrying a proper travelling authority. For obtaining compensation, the victims/dependents have to file a claim in the Railway Claims Tribunal which depending on the merits of the case, awards a decree.