Senior citizens slam Indian Railways for \'insult\'

KOCHI: The Indian Railways has not shown grace to the senior citizens while giving them concession tickets. A remark printed on the tickets says: "Are you aware that 43 percent of your fare is borne by the common citizens of the country?"

According to a senior citizen, "this is like giving a gift and then giving a kick on the face of the senior citizens." Will a similar message accompany the privileges enjoyed by MPs, MLAs and high senior officials, he asked.

In a message circulated on WhatsApp and social media platforms, the person said, "I suggest the government of India should withdraw this gift, we will not mind. But will the government give a Bill to all those privileged persons who dine in Parliament canteen with a bold print: 'Are you aware that the subsidy amount of your food is borne by the common citizens of the country?' Also, will the government please write to all MPs, MLAs and other government officials, while giving them free passes for travelling by train and airplane that the cost is borne by the common citizens of the country?"

A spokesman of Southern Railway, Thiruvananthapuram division, however, said the message is written on all printed tickets of the railways and that it was not targeted at senior citizens. "Even free tickets given to cancer patients by the railways carry the same message," he said. The practice started two years ago to create awareness about railways subsidising passenger tickets, he added.
Commenting on the message, poet Satchidanandan said, "I too have been shocked by this selective reminder." C.S Balakrishnan, another person, asked what was the intention? To create guilt conscience? To remind one that s/he is travelling on charity?" Many others have also responded to the issue.