The Indian Railways, on the 4th of May, clarified they would assume 85 % fare of the fare of the train tickets, for the shifting of the migrant workers to their native places.
The Indian Railway Ministry said tickets of Shramik Express, a special train run for the shifting of the migrant labourers stranded in different places in India, would be 100 % free for the labourers.
While the 85 % fare would be from the Railway Ministry, the remaining 15 % would be covered by the respective state governments. The clarification from the Government of India came after Sonia Gandhi, the interim President of the Indian National Congress (INC) and Rahul Gandhi, the former President of the INC criticised the GoI for taking money from labourers.
Ms. Gandhi, on the 4th of May, even announced to take up the expenses of the train tickets for these migrant labourers. Ms. Gandhi issued a statement, “The Indian National Congress has, therefore, taken a decision that every Pradesh Congress Committee shall bear the cost for the rail travel of every needy worker and migrant labourer and shall take necessary steps in this regard. This will be the Indian National Congress’ humble contribution in service of our compatriots and to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with them.”
एक तरफ रेलवे दूसरे राज्यों में फँसे मजदूरों से टिकट का भाड़ा वसूल रही है वहीं दूसरी तरफ रेल मंत्रालय पीएम केयर फंड में 151 करोड़ रुपए का चंदा दे रहा है।
जरा ये गुत्थी सुलझाइए! pic.twitter.com/qaN0k5NwpG
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 4, 2020
On the same day, Rahul Gandhi took to his Twitter handle and pointed out the donation given to PM Cares Fund and said, “एक तरफ रेलवे दूसरे राज्यों में फँसे मजदूरों से टिकट का भाड़ा वसूल रही है वहीं दूसरी तरफ रेल मंत्रालय पीएम केयर फंड में 151 करोड़ रुपए का चंदा दे रहा है।
जरा ये गुत्थी सुलझाइए!” (On the one hand, the railways charging tickets from migrant workers in various states, on the other hand, the Ministry of Railways is donating Rs. 151 crores to the PM-CARES Fund. Solve this puzzle!)”
In response, Sambit Patra, the Spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party said, “Rahul Gandhi ji, I have attached guidelines of MHA which clearly states that ‘No tickets to be sold at any station’. Railways has subsidised 85% & state govt to pay 15%. The state govt can pay for the tickets (Madhya Pradesh’s BJP govt is paying). Ask Cong state govts to follow suit.”
Rahul Gandhi ji,
I have attached guidelines of MHA which clearly states that “No tickets to be sold at any station”
Railways has subsidised 85% & State govt to pay 15%
The State govt can pay for the tickets(Madhya Pradesh’s BJP govt is paying)
Ask Cong state govts to follow suit https://t.co/Hc9pQzy8kQ pic.twitter.com/2RIAMyQyjs— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) May 4, 2020
A BJP Rajya Sabha member Subramanian Swamy said, “Talked Piyush Goel office. Govt will pay 85% and State Govt 15% . Migrant labour will go free. Ministry will clarify with an official statement.”
The Railway Ministry is soon going to issue an official statement regarding the same.
Lakhs of labourers are going to be sent back home with the special trains run by the Railway Ministry of India.
Stay tuned for further updates.
