The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has issued new instructions-cum-guidelines in view of recent issues related to meals during special train journeys for elections. Complaints have been made about the food provided by IRCTC. Additionally, a recent incident involved a senior official of a Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) sharing a video on social media, alleging shortage of food during a special train journey, and claiming that train officials tried to bribe him over this issue.
The CRPF has instructed its troops not to share any videos or photos related to food, journey, or travel issues on social media and to refrain from arguing with railway officials and staff. According to an official communication reviewed by News18, “The train commander, Adhoc Commandant, and Company commander are advised to brief troops to carry one-day ready-to-eat food items on board to address any eventuality during the rail journey. They shall ensure that troops are sternly advised to desist from sharing any text, photos, videos on social media regarding any complaint of food.”
Due to complaints from the railways about unauthorised train halts for reasons such as bathing, the largest Central Armed Police Force has instructed its officers managing train journeys to ensure that no one halts the trains for such minor reasons.
“The train commander, Adhoc Commandant, and Company Commander shall ensure that no unscheduled halts occur for reasons like bathing, as this will delay the trains and disturb the scheduled meal supply,” the note said.
Additionally, the train commander, Adhoc Commandant, and Company Commander shall ensure that troops do not engage in manhandling or misbehavior with IRCTC personnel or other agencies. Any such incident will be reported directly to the IG (Ops) for necessary disciplinary action.
The CRPF has stated that it has an MoU with IRCTC to provide on-board meals to troops for both election and non-election duties, with the goal of ensuring timely and nutritious food. “Recently, certain issues have arisen during troop movements by rail,” the CRPF said.
“No civilian or unauthorised person will be accommodated or allowed access to special trains. The carriage of inflammable items is not permitted. Cooking or heating of food is prohibited. LPG/kerosene stoves or other means shall not be used. Unwarranted detention of the train without the permission of the competent authority will result in punitive and legal action,” the CRPF’s new guidelines say.
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