Senior citizens flay Railways over Give it up remark

Secunderabad: A senior citizen's WhatsApp message to the Government of India on the Indian Railway remark on tickets: 'Are you aware that 43% of your fare is borne by the common citizens of the country?' has gone viral.

He questions the government if it is informing all those privileged persons who dine at Parliament canteen, with a bold message: "Are you aware that the subsidy amount of your food is borne by the common citizens of the country?" He also asks if the government will kindly write to all MPs and MLAs and other government officials, while giving them free passes for travelling by train and aero plane that their travelling cost is borne by the common citizens of the country.

"Will the government consider writing the same to all the privileged citizens to whom so many subsidies are given in their walk of life? Will the government write to all ex-MPs, MLAs, Ministers etc, giving the same message, while paying them pension?"

However, railway officials state that even free tickets given to cancer patients carry the same message.

"We are accounting for 12 per cent of world population and we deserve respect and reservations but not insults with remarks." said another senior citizen Ismail referring to the remark printed on the train ticket. "We also pay tax, it's time for the government to repay. We played our part in building the nation," points out Chandrashekar, an elder person.

Kamash, taking exception to the comment of the Railways, says: "We do not wish to travel on charity. Providing concession for senior passengers is the responsibility of the government. If promotion is necessary various positive ways can be chosen."

The Railways provides concession to government employees, specially-abled, students on education tour and others. "After crossing 60 years, the desire to travel lessens. This is an insult to ageing population," Baburao, a senior citizen, slams the Railways.