LS passes Railways Amendment Bill: Won’t lead to privatisation: Vaishnaw

New Delhi, Dec 11: The government on Wednesday asserted that the Railways Amendment Bill will not lead to the privatisation of the national carrier and alleged that a “fake narrative” is being propagated by some opposition members regarding this.

The Lok Sabha passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, by a voice vote on Wednesday after a debate, which could not be held earlier due to frequent disruptions of House proceedings during the last week.

Responding to the debate on the bill, Railway Minister Ashiwni Vaishnaw targeted the opposition, saying their “fake narrative” regarding railways will fall flat just like the one about the Constitution failed.

“A few members have said the Bill will lead to privatisation of railways, an attempt has been made to set a fake narrative. I want to appeal to them with all sincerity not to do this, their one fake narrative about the Constitution has already failed,” Vaishnaw said.

The Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024 which seeks to enhance the functioning and independence of the Railway Board was introduced in the Lok Sabha during the previous Parliament session.

With the inclusion of the Railway Board under the 1989 Railway Act, the appointment, qualifications, tenure and criteria for the Chairman and members of the Board will be the responsibility of the central government.

As part of the plan to improve railway operations, the Bill also includes provisions to appoint an independent regulator that will oversee matters like fare determination and ensure the competitiveness of the Railways.

Earlier, during the debate, opposition members alleged that the Bill would lead to the privatisation of railways and demanded that it be referred to a joint parliamentary committee for further scrutiny.

They also requested the restoration of concessions for senior citizens.

Vaishnaw stressed the need to significantly enhance the capacity of the country’s railway system.

“Ours is a country of 1.40 crore people which is a rapidly growing economy. There is a need to significantly enhance railway’s capacity. There has been a lack of investment in railways for over 50-60 years.

“When PM Modi took over in 2014, the railways budget which used to be around Rs 25,000-30,000 crore, was increased to Rs 2.52 lakh crore.

“Railway tracks up to 31,000 km have been added since then, including 5300 km within the last year which is more than Switzerland’s entire railway coverage,” he said.

Hot this week

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education

Shillong, Nov 28: Though it took nearly 25 years...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

Cardinals meet at Vatican to choose date for Pope Francis’ funeral

Vatican City, Apr 22: Cardinals gathered Tuesday at the...

Centre sanctions CISF cover to Mizoram’s lone airport from April 24

New Delhi, Apr 22: The Centre has ordered deployment...

Nagaland governor, CM mourn death of Pope Francis

Kohima, Apr 22: Nagaland Governor La Ganesan and Chief...

Ambedkar University Delhi sees diverging narratives on class boycott

New Delhi, Apr 22: A campus-wide class boycott at...

Anuj, Vivek grab gold in men’s freestyle at U20 Nationals

Kota (Rajasthan), Apr 22: Home favourite Anuj prevailed over...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img