Hawkers association is unhappy with the railway budget as the Modi government has failed to meet their expectations.
The Union Railway Minister D.V.SadanandaGowda may have announced several policies to upgrade the railway network and provide better amenities for the passengers but hawkers are disappointed as there is no talk about allotting space to them outside railway stations. Hawkers mostly occupy spaces near stations like subway, foot overbridgeetc but many times they are harassed by the RPF. Vendors had voted for the Modi government in large numbers but now are regretting about their decision as they have been sidelined by the railways. Our correspondent visited various railway stations and interacted with hawkers who are completely let down by the railway budget.
When AV spoke to Satish Pal who runs a cloth stall at Churchgate Station Subway he said, “We voted for BJP as NarendraModi had promised to bring ‘Ache Din’ in our lives but we are not pleased with the budget.We were expecting that railway minister announces some policies for the benefit of the hawkers running their business outside railway stations. However there was no mention about it in the railway budget.”
According to the hawkers, the railways should allot some space near railway stations for running their business so that they don’t have to erect illegal stalls for earning their livelihood.
AkhileshChaurasia, a hawker from CST said, “If railways canprovide space for running food courts inside its premises then why can’t it allow us to run our business near railway stations. The entire hawker association is disappointed with the railway budget.Hawkersoften have to bribe the Railway Police and other officials for setting up stalls near railway stations.”
A hawker spoke to us on the condition of anonymity and said, “We are prohibited to erect stalls in the vicinity of railway stations.Since we have to earn our livelihood we have to grease the palm of the police. Railway police and local goons demand exorbitant amount from us for setting up stalls.If we refuse to pay bribe thenthey forcibly try to vandalise our stalls.”
The ruling Democratic Front government criticized the railway budget. MPCC President ManikraoThakresaid, “The railway budget should have been prepared keeping in mind the hardships suffered by the common man. However, the railway minister has failed to make announcements which would provide better amenities to commuters.”
Maharashtra Chief Minister PrithvirajChavan said, “This railway budget was disappointing in comparison to the one brought by the UPA government. Very few announcements have been made for Maharashtra state in the budget.”
