Indian Railways Bats for Women: Allots 1/3rd of Catering Units

The Indian Railways is aiming to increase representation of women, with an announcement that it will set aside a sub-quota of 33% of catering units for women within reserved categories. Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhu has said many more new reformative steps like these will be introduced to bring in gender equality.

Here are details of the policy:

POLICY PROVIDING SUB QUOTA OF 33 % TO WOMEN WITHIN RESERVED CATEGORIES FOR THE ALLOTMENT IN CATERING UNITS

• In compliance of Budget Announcement 2016-17, a Sub Quota of 33% for women in allotment of each of the reserved catering units is being introduced on Indian Railways in order to extend economic empowerment for women
• Current Status of Reservation at Minor Catering Units (Stalls / Trolleys / Khomchas): 33% sub quota reservation for women shall ensure allotment of minimum 8% stalls to women at A1, A, B & C category station and minimum 17% at D, E and F category station
  • A1, A, B, and C Category stations – 25% of the Units are reserved for various categories like SC (6%), ST (4%), BPL (3%), OBC (3%), Minorities (3%), Freedom Fighters (4%) and Physically Challenged persons (2%)D, E and F Category stations – 49.5% of the Units are reserved for various categories like SC (12%), ST (8%), OBC (20%) and Minorities (9.5%)
• There are approximately 8000 Minor Catering Units over Indian Railways
• Under this provision, Railways shall ensure that women participation does not fall below a specific level

Apart from this, effective from October 1st, 2016, "Train at a Glance" feature and new Time Tables will also be a new addition.

There is no doubt that such moves can have a huge impact -- The Indian Railways is one of the world's largest employers, with more than 1.4 million people on its roster, according to this Business Standard Report.

Feature Image Courtesy: wikipedia