Syllabus: GS2/ Governance, GS3/ Infrastructure
Context
- A recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit of railway passenger amenities for 2019-20 to 2023-24 found major deficiencies in basic facilities, drinking-water quality, implementation of passenger-amenity works and monitoring mechanisms.
Major Findings of the CAG Audit
- The Railway Board introduced Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA) in 2003, with the norms revised in 2018.
- Out of 512 non-suburban stations audited, only 54 stations—less than 11%—had all prescribed MEAs.
- Drinking-Water Safety: Water samples from water coolers at several stations tested positive for E. coli, indicating faecal contamination and inadequate water-quality management.
- Accessibility for Divyangjan: The audit highlighted significant gaps in facilities intended to ensure universal accessibility including standard ramps with railings (44%), earmarked parking lots (55%), non-slippery walkways (32%).
- Underutilisation of Funds: Around 59% of passenger-amenity works were found to be delayed. Funds allocated for customer amenities were underutilised by 36–44% during the audited period.
- Maintenance Concerns: The CAG found lapses in the maintenance of water coolers, rag picking, pest and rodent control measures, the discharge of sewage from drains or toilets at stations, and the upkeep of toilets, urinals and bathrooms.
- Poor monitoring: Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Councils (ZRUCCs) and Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Councils (DRUCCs), intended to provide passenger feedback and monitor amenities, did not meet with the prescribed frequency.
- Passenger Complaints: Passenger complaints registered through RailMadad showed an increase in complaints relating to medical assistance, cleanliness, malfunctioning electrical equipment and water availability.
- The proportion of passengers who expressed dissatisfaction with the resolution of their complaints increased from 37% in 2022-23 to 42% in 2023-24.
Government Initiatives to Improve Passenger Amenities
- The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Railways to redevelop and modernize 1,340 railway stations across India.
- The Swachh Rail, Swachh Bharat program was launched in 2014, to improve sanitation standards, eliminate open waste discharge on tracks, and foster clean travel habits among passengers.
- RailMadad provides passengers with a digital mechanism to register complaints and seek assistance regarding railway services.
- Complaints can cover issues relating to cleanliness, water, electrical equipment, medical assistance and other passenger amenities.
- Sanitation Infrastructure: Indian Railways has promoted bio-toilets and improved toilet infrastructure as part of its sanitation efforts.
- Following the latest CAG concerns, the Railways has announced a “tank-to-tap” water filtration system at around 20,000 locations, including water coolers.
- Passenger Information Systems: Railway stations are being equipped with improved electronic train indicators, public-address systems, digital displays and signage.
CAG’s Recommendations
- The CAG has recommended that the Railways should prepare and implement station-wise and time-bound action plans to address identified deficiencies in passenger amenities.
- The Railways should ensure regular functioning of all consultative committees and Service Improvement Groups with effective documentation, supervision and follow-up on deficiencies.
- The Railways should also strengthen passenger-centric monitoring by improving enforcement of anti-littering rules, enhancing grievance redressal and publicity of complaint registers to achieve tangible improvements at stations,
Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)
- The CAG is the supreme audit authority of India, responsible for auditing government accounts and ensuring accountability in public finance management.
- Articles 148 to 151 of the Indian Constitution provide the framework for the appointment, duties, and reporting structure of the CAG.
- The Comptroller and Auditor General’s (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, determines the CAG’s service conditions and prescribes the duties and powers of their office.
Duties and responsibilities of CAG
- Audits expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India, states, and union territories with Legislative Assemblies.
- Audits expenditure from the Contingency Fund and Public Account of India and those of the states.
- Audits transactions related to debt, sinking funds, deposits, advances, suspense accounts, and remittance business with Presidential approval.
- Audits accounts of any authority if requested by the President or Governor (e.g., local bodies).
Audits Reports Submitted by CAG to the President of India
- Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India submits three audit reports to the President of India (Article 151).
- Audit report on appropriation accounts: This report shows how the legislature-granted money was allocated to different heads of expenditure and grants. It also verifies if the money was spent for the intended purpose.
- Audit report on finance accounts: This report shows the annual receipts and expenditures of the country.
- Audit report on public undertakings: This report covers the finances and expenditures of various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
- After receiving the reports, the President lays them before both houses of Parliament. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) then examines the reports and submits its findings to Parliament.
Source: IE
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