indo-asian news service
New Delhi, July 21: The Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG’s) office Friday came down heavily on the Railways and said cleanliness and hygiene were not being maintained in catering units at stations and in trains. The CAG said railways was serving food unsuitable for human consumption.
“During the inspection at 74 select stations and 80 trains, audit noticed that cleanliness and hygiene are not being maintained at catering units at stations and in trains,” the CAG said in a report tabled in Parliament.
“Articles unsuitable for human consumption, contaminated or recycled foodstuff, packaged and bottled food and drink past their shelf life, unauthorised brands of water bottles are offered for sale on stations,” the CAG said.
The report said unpurified water straight from the tap was used in preparation of beverages, waste bins were left uncovered and not emptied or washed regularly, foodstuff were not covered to protect them from flies, insects and dust, and rats and cockroaches were found in trains.
The CAG also pointed out that bills were not given for the food items served in mobile units in trains. “Printed menu cards with tariff for the rate list of food items sold in the mobile units were not available with waiters and catering managers in trains.”
The report also highlighted that the food served was less than the prescribed quantity, proprietary article depot items were sold at railway stations at maximum retail price, with weight and prices different from the open market.
The CAG said that deficiencies in respect of quality of food served were also noticed.
It said that frequent changes in the catering policy and consequent transfer of responsibility to manage catering units had created a state of uncertainity in management of catering services provided to the passengers over the years.
