Notwithstanding its commitment of customer and passenger
satisfaction, Northern Railway (NR) seems have become lash-in-eye for all in
locality for its non cooperative attitude. Even inter department relationship
is reported of having bitter taste due to misunderstanding and mess within the
entire system. JMC administration, police, Excise and Sales Tax and Health
Department as well as passenger ticket seekers are annoyed with the prevailing
mess in the railway department.
Going by the latest reports for the last fort night near
about fifty quintals substandard Khoya (Mawa) has been destroyed by the
authorities concerned. If there would have been cooperation between the various
departments the impact over smugglers and illicit traffickers would have been
more. With the result money and health of the commoners could have been
protected in the large interest of humanity. Northern Railways by its misdeeds
have paved way to cheaters to earn lucrative sums at the cost of human health,
especially during the festivity season.
According to health officer JMC, Mr Anwar Choudary railway
authorities not only deny to cooperate but also create hurdles and harassment
to the team of officers on checking to the substandard materials. “Even DTM
asked for platform tickets to us but fortunately me and my team had taken
tickets already” said Mr Choudary and added that not only checking team but
also media persons and police officials are being threatened by railway
authorities. He apprehended nexus between parcel wing officials of railways and
illegal importers of substandard materials. Narrating evidence, Mr Choudary
said that pursuing whereabouts for a consignment for Kathua not even address
was provided to us for nabbing the culprit.
Fed up with available insufficient arrangements, Excise and
Taxation Officer (ETO) Mr. Farruk Ahmed Qazi informed that he has urged upon
the railway authorities for single door entry and exit so that all round check
out could be made possible to ensure banning of illegal goods including
substandard material, drugs and polythene bags etc. Mr. Qazi, however, asserted
that till now the business of his department is confined to deduct tax and all
that upon the prescribed goods.
Health Minister Sham Lal Sharma expressed dissatisfaction
with the attitude of railway authorities and hoped that in future they (railway
authorities) will cooperate with state administration. He said that his
department on personnel level has developed a network to caught hold of
culprits as and when they try to import consignment illegally. Meanwhile,
sources informed that a scanner machine is being provided to check each import
and export material scientifically.
Ticket counter meant for senior citizen, journalists and
ladies have become lucrative income sources to a class of employees in the
railway department. As only those passengers are entitled to get tickets that
can prove their identity. But kin next to them have to pay over charges to get
ticket next to that one availed on professional identity; sources said and
added that most of the times the counter remains closed.
When contacted Division Transport Officer (DTM) Northern
Railway and appraised the issue redirected to parcel section for detailed
information. Giving details parcel officer informed that cooperation should be
from both the sides. “Creating nuisance inside railway premises by gathering
crowds unnecessarily did not mean business the health officer and his team is
meant for” another officials on duty added. Station Manager while clarifying
reports said that there is no need of identity other than employees of railway.
He said that concerned authorities can establish check posts out sides railway
premises to ensure safe passage of authentic goods only.
Every body is after its share. Railways will blame state
administration and state will do vice versa. I am watching the phenomenon for
the last thirty years, said a retired teacher Mr Jeevan Lal Bhagat. He asked if
police catches two loaded autos one is let free and another is seized, why?
Similarly, if samples from every sweet shop are taken for a test almost 100 per
cent will be proved substandard, then what are the concerned authorities
waiting for? He ended with, It is money which always matter honey!