AARHA demands legalization of railway hawkers through licences

OUR CORRESPONDENT

KOKRAJHAR: The All-Assam Railway Hawkers’ Association (AARHA) has called for urgent action to address the long-standing issues faced by railway hawkers across India. The association has demanded the legalization of hawkers by issuing official licences and identity cards to ensure recognition and protection of their livelihoods.

A delegation from AARHA, led by its secretary Binod Kr Ray, recently met with the general manager of North East Frontier Railways in Maligaon and submitted a memorandum highlighting the pressing challenges faced by hawkers. Ray emphasized that railway hawkers have been serving passengers for generations, offering essential services that enhance passenger convenience while supporting their own families through this work. Despite their contributions, hawkers often face harassment and are treated as offenders by authorities.

Ray noted that many hawkers have been wrongly accused of theft in the past, leading to the loss of dignity and respect for their honest labour. He stressed the need for immediate corrective measures from the railway authorities to protect hawkers’ rights and provide a secure working environment.

Among the key demands put forward by AARHA are the cessation of harassment, the issuance of licences and identity cards, and the introduction of proper uniforms to help differentiate authorized hawkers from unlawful elements. Ray also recalled that during the tenure of former Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, a committee was formed to address the hawkers’ concerns. This committee included Pankaj Pathak, a member of the Railway P&S Committee, who played a crucial role in initiating discussions and proposing solutions for the welfare of hawkers.

However, Ray lamented that despite several rounds of dialogue and the identification of potential solutions, no tangible progress has been made. The committee has since become inactive, leaving the issues unresolved.

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