[Reader-list] Jai Ho LAllu JI

[subhrodip sengupta]

India is a strange place here we subsidise aeroplanes and industrial imports by taking foriegn grants. And willingly depreciate Trains and agrarian output. But lallu did some nice things too except a six hundred rupee train which definately reduced the pressure on Rajdhanis and other trains? Mamata follows.
In a break from tradition, Mamata Banerjee today took over as Railway Minister here instead of in Delhi and announced special monthly  
passes at Rs 20 for those with monthly income below Rs 500, besides a new train for West Bengal. 

"For the poor, we are announcing special monthly railway passes. The Railways wants to give them the economic freedom to travel by rail, especially those in the unorganised sector who have to come every day from their villages to the city," Banerjee said at the Eastern Railway headquarters here. 

The passes, costing Rs 20 and for a distance of 100 km, will be provided to those with monthly income less than Rs 500 and a special identity card will be issued to them, she said. 

The technicalities of issuing the passes will be worked out by the Railways, Banerjee said. 

Banerjee also announced introduction of the Howrah-Digha Kandari Express on the occasion of the birth anniversary of rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The express will run seven days a week. 

"My taking charge from Bengal does not mean that my work will be limited to Bengal only. There is a natural disaster here and I can't leave the people," she said referring to cyclone Aila which hit West Bengal yesterday. 

Mamata, who was slated to assume office in Delhitoday, decided to stay back saying she had to help people affected by the cyclone. 



Respectable indeed, given ceratin clauses. Why are railway conditions depriciated? Why is quality of food berth space etc reducing? Why are number of trains not increasing. Give concessions to give a livelihood is nice. For other needs better, I hope it is unconditionsl. Why is it that people have to go to cities from villages to get a livelihood. There is no other way for the people and it is welcome, but for the better informed, I'd like to verify one thing.
IS she playing the trump card of regional politics to strengthen her votebank. Riddiculous it would be. Then it is all on air and I do not know!

ed 


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