NEW DELHI: Train ticket checkers are often accused of pocketing bribes in exchange for allotting vacant berths to waitlisted passengers. But Indian Railways seems to have found an innovative way to curb this. It has issued an order whereby a ticket checker will have to declare cash on him before he starts his official duty.
Several complaints of corruption by ticket checkers led to this order being issued by the Railway Board.
“They shall invariably declare their personal/private cash in the cash register maintained in the TTE lobby, before commencement of their official duty,” says the order.
In a sort of image makeover for the government carrier, the Ministry of Railways has also asked ticket checkers to be polite and courteous with passengers, especially senior citizens and women.
“They shall always be polite, tactful and courteous in their dealings with the passengers leaving no rooms for any complaints. He/she shall render special assistance to senior citizens, female passengers and persons with disabilities,” said the order issued last week.
Also on their duty list is the task to check that passengers are not overcharged for meals by the catering staff. Railways has launched a drive whereby passengers are informed that they should demand menu card with rate list and bill while paying for the meals. During some surprise checks, it was found that catering staff aboard the trains charge two-three times more than the prescribed rates for the foods and never show the rate card to passengers or give a bill.
“They shall check that all prices of the menu are displayed prominently in the pantry cars and elsewhere, and foods are sold at the prices fixed by the competent authority as per the approved menu card. He/she shall check that all waiters/catering staff must invariably carry with them the menu card with prices which should be readily produced on demand by any passenger,” the order added.
The Railway Board has written to all zonal railways asking them to circulate it to the officials concerned.