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NEW DELHI: Indian railways he has proposed decriminalizing begging in stations and trains and smoking inside wagons.
The jail and fine provision for begging would be removed, as the focus will now shift to prevention through higher penalties imposed on those found smoking on trainssources said.
A senior rail official said this was proposed following a communication from the cabinet secretary to decriminalize certain crimes. the railways it could add a couple more offenses to the list for which fines would be increased, the official said. This exercise is being carried out in all ministries and many departments have proposed increasing fines instead of arresting offenders.
“This does not mean that the railways allow or encourage begging in stations and on trains. Decriminalization does not mean that it will be legalized. Surveillance by RPF and the staff will be increased to prevent such activities, ”said a ministry official. Smoking in public places, including train stations, is already banned in several states.
Section 144 (2) of the Railways Act says that if a person begs for alms on any train or station, he is liable for a punishment of up to one year in jail or a fine of up to Rs 2,000 or both. Under the proposed amendment to this section, no one will be allowed to beg on trains or at stations.
Article 167 of the Railways Act also specifies that any person found smoking in a compartment despite the prohibition or objection of a companion is liable for a fine of up to 100 rupees. Authorities can impose charges for new actions.
Now the proposal is to increase the fine, although the amount has not yet been specified, the sources said. Under the proposed provision, if the offender pays the fine immediately, the authorized officer can aggravate the offense by charging the maximum fine. The offender would be fired and no further proceedings would be taken against him.
The ministry has sought feedback from the people.
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