APPEAL TO THE INDIAN RAILWAYS TO RESTORE SENIOR CITIZENS' TRAVEL CONCESSIONS:
The withdrawal of senior citizens' travel concessions during the COVID-19 pandemic was a prudent measure at the time. It helped minimize travel and reduce the risk of infection, especially for a vulnerable age group, as the nation faced an alarming proliferation of pathogens. During those tense months, India was focused on vaccinating its vast population, and this restriction, though difficult, played a critical role in curbing the spread of the virus.
The pandemic was a challenging period for senior citizens, known for their sociable and gregarious nature. The isolation and restrictions came as a bolt from the blue, disrupting our routines and social lives. We owe immense gratitude to the government for piloting one of the largest vaccination programs in the world and to the dedication of medical, nursing, and auxiliary staff who worked tirelessly on the frontlines.
Many of us vividly remember the crucial updates from Dr. Randeep Guleria of AIIMS, expertly anchored by Ms. Rishika Barua, which became a daily ritual at 8:30 PM. These updates, along with guidelines from authentic medical experts worldwide, undoubtedly saved countless lives during the crisis.
Now, with a significant percentage of the population vaccinated, many seniors are grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other anxieties. For the retired and elderly, confined at home for so long, travel has become more than a luxury—it is a necessity. It offers opportunities to visit places of pilgrimage, engage in sightseeing, reconnect with family and loved ones in other cities, and experience the joy of seeing the next generation grow.
While we recognize the need to balance public resources, we believe the following steps can make senior citizens’ concessions more equitable and practical:
Eligibility Based on Income:
Extend travel concessions to citizens earning less than ₹10 lakh per annum, going a step above the Below Poverty Line (BPL) criteria. Those entitled to free travel, such as certain categories of retirees, can continue to avail of their existing benefits.
Concession Based on Age and Income, Not Gender:
Offer concessions based on the individual's age and annual income, ensuring fairness for all seniors, irrespective of gender.
Adjust Concession Rates:
Reduce concession rates from the previous high percentages (e.g., 40-50%), making them sustainable while still beneficial for those in need.
We are proud Indian citizens who value the principles of equity and fairness. This appeal is not just for the benefit of senior citizens but also with consideration for fellow taxpayers who bear the financial burden of such concessions.
Let us strive for a solution that respects the dignity of the elderly while maintaining fiscal responsibility. - Jai Hind! more
The pandemic was a challenging period for senior citizens, known for their sociable and gregarious nature. The isolation and restrictions came as a bolt from the blue, disrupting our routines and social lives. We owe immense gratitude to the government for piloting one of the largest vaccination programs in the world and to the dedication of medical, nursing, and auxiliary staff who worked tirelessly on the frontlines.
Many of us vividly remember the crucial updates from Dr. Randeep Guleria of AIIMS, expertly anchored by Ms. Rishika Barua, which became a daily ritual at 8:30 PM. These updates, along with guidelines from authentic medical experts worldwide, undoubtedly saved countless lives during the crisis.
Now, with a significant percentage of the population vaccinated, many seniors are grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other anxieties. For the retired and elderly, confined at home for so long, travel has become more than a luxury—it is a necessity. It offers opportunities to visit places of pilgrimage, engage in sightseeing, reconnect with family and loved ones in other cities, and experience the joy of seeing the next generation grow.
While we recognize the need to balance public resources, we believe the following steps can make senior citizens’ concessions more equitable and practical:
Eligibility Based on Income:
Extend travel concessions to citizens earning less than ₹10 lakh per annum, going a step above the Below Poverty Line (BPL) criteria. Those entitled to free travel, such as certain categories of retirees, can continue to avail of their existing benefits.
Concession Based on Age and Income, Not Gender:
Offer concessions based on the individual's age and annual income, ensuring fairness for all seniors, irrespective of gender.
Adjust Concession Rates:
Reduce concession rates from the previous high percentages (e.g., 40-50%), making them sustainable while still beneficial for those in need.
We are proud Indian citizens who value the principles of equity and fairness. This appeal is not just for the benefit of senior citizens but also with consideration for fellow taxpayers who bear the financial burden of such concessions.
Let us strive for a solution that respects the dignity of the elderly while maintaining fiscal responsibility. - Jai Hind! more
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Railways can not be run without subsidy. A government run large organization such as the railways can never be run efficiently. With that in mind other alternatives have to be thought. Eliminating free passes can be done if there is a will. Misuse of emergency quotos by Railwsy officials is rampant. No one can deny this. Hiw many government organisations are run efficiently and profitably. Air India and BSNL are classic examples of failures. Eliminate passes, subsidise the Railways and give 20% discount to seniors. Elimination of passes will offset the discount. more
Nov 20
Railways claim, onky 55% cost only levied on all class and passangers, and, hence, railways may not extend the concession again. This statement present railway minister spelt out clearly.on more than one occasion. more
Nov 20
First of all I really appreciate the way Sri Jayakumar has worded the whole appeal. It is very balanced and reasonable and is a real pleasure to read. While agreeing with many suggestions, I would like to make the following also for consideration. Those who require concession (which should be for all genders above the age of 60. A uniform 40% concession) should register with IR using their Aadhaar number. Concession cannot be for unlimited travel but a total 10 round trips a year or 20 single trips for travel in Sleeper class. This should be 5 round trips in AC3 tier or AC chair car 10 single trips. Two round trips or 4 single trips by AC 2 tier. No concession for AC First class. I do not envisage that people should use more than this with concession. Those who have financial resources should automatically waive it off as part of social responsibility. We should be proud that we are helping the nation in at least a small way and at the same time giving place to those who are less fortunate financially. One more suggestion that I have is that there should be a serious review of the passes given to railway employees and their families. This can be part of LTC and not as is given now. Also, railway employees are given life time passes along with their families even after retirement. This has to stop henceforth. There should be checks on railway employees misusing their official passes for personal use. For all official work, they should buy tickets like any government employee and get it reimbursed after the trip. I have made these suggestions but there seem to be no listeners!! Jai Hind. more
Nov 20
I do not think the senior citizens with much lesser need for travel by railways justify a case based on adequate and cogent reasoning, to be subsidised if the cost is to be transferred to other sections of the society. The IR has never run into green during the last five decades courtesy such indiscipline with finances. This has logically contributed to the poor pace of modernisation. We should, rather, insist on quality services from the IR while insisting on efficient application of their revenues rather than insisting on freebies which will be paid by my other countrymen. more
Nov 20
I do not support suggestions " Concession based on Income", "Concession based on Age and Income not gender" and "Adjust concession Rates" as it will make system very complicated. Existing system of Senior Citizen Concession should be restored. There was no need to scrap the concession with COVID excuse as Senior Citizens are not fools. Railways are a public service and Government is responsible for maintaining the facilities using Tax Payer's money. No government abolishes a Welfare scheme. more
Nov 20
Yours is a cry in wilderness. Unlikely ever to be accepted. Jaykumar's suggestions have 50% chance of being accepted. more
Nov 20
