Similar to the ‘Give-It-Up’ campaign for cooking gas cylinders, the Railways has given an option for senior citizens to give up subsidy voluntarily. It has started printing the average amount of subsidy for senior citizens in each ticket, in the hope that those who can pay will voluntarily give it up.
“About 40 lakh senior citizens, who are 3 per cent of total passengers, did not opt for concessional fares,” MY Jamshed, Member-Traffic, told reporters, adding that ₹1,500 crore is extended for passenger concession each year, of which ₹1,100 crore is used by senior citizens.
Suburban passengers pay 36 per cent of this cost, while the remaining amount is subsidised, which is cheaper compared with bus fares.
“Our social obligation cost is ₹34,000 crore. This is just an awareness move of letting people know the cost of providing services,” said Jamshed, declining to comment on whether these steps are being taken to prepare for a fare hike.
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