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Title: Regarding circular issued by the Railway Board for displaying the destination boards on trains in English and Hindi only.
SHRI PRAHLAD JOSHI (DHARWAD NORTH): Thank you, Sir, for giving me the opportunity. Associating myself with Shrimati Tejaswini Seeramesh and Shri Karunakar Reddy I strongly condemn the attitude of the Indian Railways, UPA Government. They have created a fresh furore all over the country by what is being protested strongly, the new circular which provides for displaying the destination boards on the trains only in English and Hindi. The Government is aware that hitherto the names of all the Express and other trains were displayed in vernacular also along with English and Hindi. For example, in my State of Karnataka, the Kannada destination boards were displayed on all the trains which was most essential for the passengers who know Kannada language only.
This system not only was most useful but also had instilled a sense of satisfaction and a matter of pride for them. But now it is most disgusting that the Railway Board is understood to have done away with this useful system and issued instructions to display nameplates only in Hindi and English by their circular dated 22.11.2006. [MSOffice75]
However, trains based for primary maintenance in coaching depots located in Tamil Nadu are exempt from this circular. Why is there this discrimination? I want to ask this question to the Government. Then, the Government should respond to this.
MR. CHAIRMAN : It has already been asked.
SHRI PRAHLAD JOSHI : I must say that this is not only undemocratic but also against the national integrity and federal structure of the Constitution. I am just coming from my constituency where the people have already come on the streets, vehemently and emotionally protesting against this decision of the Railway Board. If the Government does not open its eyes to such a sensitive public outcry, very soon there will be a wide-spread unrest all over the State. I also urge upon the Government to explain the reasons and circumstances leading to such senseless decision of the Railways to suddenly change the existing system of displaying the vernacular nameplates.
I also demand the reply of the Railway Minister in this regard. I also urge this Government to immediately withdraw this unpopular decision.
Sir, this matter was raised last week by my colleague, but so far no response has come from this UPA Government. In the State of Tamil Nadu, they are giving such an exemption. … (Interruptions)
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI B.K. HANDIQUE): Sir, I shall bring it to the notice of the Railway Minister. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: That should not go on record.
(Interruptions) …*
SHRI PRAHLAD JOSHI : Please listen to me. … (Interruptions)
* Not recorded
SHRI B.K. HANDIQUE: I shall bring it to the notice of the Railway Minister. … (Interruptions) I know that this is violation of the direction of the Rajbhasha Committee. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: Any reference to any particular language will not go on record. … (Interruptions)
SHRI PRAHLAD JOSHI : Please listen to me for a second. … (Interruptions)
Sir, this will apply even to your State and boards in Malayam will be withdrawn. The boards in State’s language will be withdrawn.
This is a very serious matter. The Government should respond and take action in this regard. Otherwise, I am warning that if it is not done, no train will move from Karnataka. I am giving this warning from the floor of this august House. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: Shri Basangouda R. Patil (Yatnal)’s name will be associated with this matter.