Why is there a caste-system for trains, asks PAC
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)· Mains·
Why in news
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) criticized Indian Railways for a 'caste system' in train cleanliness, highlighting significant disparities in sanitation between premium and regular passenger trains.
Background
The PAC reviewed the Comptroller and Auditor General of India's (CAG) report on long-distance train cleanliness. The committee identified staff shortages and budget constraints as systemic challenges and recommended a digital dashboard for grievances and periodic audits.
Facts for Prelims
- FactThe PAC recommended a uniform grievance redress mechanism and a digital dashboard for sanitation issues across all railway zones.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how systemic inequalities in public infrastructure, such as railway sanitation, reflect broader social disparities and suggest measures for equitable service delivery.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Service disparity: Unequal allocation of resources between premium and general-class passengers
- Institutional bottleneck: Chronic staff shortages and budget constraints hindering uniform sanitation standards
- Accountability gap: Need for standardized grievance redressal and periodic audits to ensure uniform service quality
Keywords: Social Equity · Public Accountability · Infrastructure Disparity · Service Delivery · Systemic Inequality
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