Dear Sir,


Sub: GRIEVANCE OF A SLEEPER CLASS PASSENGER

We, Family of 11 members have booked our tickets to and fro ( NAGARSOLE from SECUNDERABAD) to have the darshan of LORD SAIBABA. We have booked our tickets by second class sleeper in AJANTHA EXPRESS on 03.05.10 and in return journey i.e from NAGARSOLE TO SECUNDERABAD, the berths were kept in RAC.

When we enquired about the status of berths in return journey on 03.05.10, we found that on PNR NO-846-3874645, Berths were allotted from 25-30 in S-15 COACH. On PNR NO-814-191989 berths were allotted from 48-49 in S-8 COACH, 26,29 SEATS IN S-11.On PNR NO-814-1918436 berth was allotted (55) in B-1.This PNR Number pertains to my son P.SRIKAR, Aged 9 years.

After boarding AJANTHA EXPRESS at NAGARSOLE on 03.05.10 around 9.45P.M, My self along with my son and wife approached the DUTY TTE in B-1 A/C COACH and explained him that I got a berth in S-8, my wife got in S-11 where as my son got in B-1 COACH. We also expressed our difficulty that as S-8 and S-11 is faraway from B-1, our son couldn’t be looked into during that night journey. The ONDUTY TTE was very rude to our humble submission and in a condescending manner he told us that my son had to sleep alone lest he will lose his berth. Then we made a request to allow myself or my wife as companion for the night journey or else at least allow us to stay there till the boy goes to bed. To this the TTE shouted at us that he is not going to allow anybody even for temporary stay. He stated that this is the system and he can’t do anything.

We conveyed him that since our boy is minor and aged of only 9 years; he is expressing inhibitions to sleep alone that too in a new atmosphere. Incidentally, berth no’s 51,52,53,56,57 were also vacant at that time. Taking into consideration all these, we requested the TTE 1)to consider up gradation of my ticket /wife ticket into A/C ticket with our costs 2) or to consider allotment of sleeper berth to my son 3)or to allow either of us temporarily at A/C coach till our son goes to bed. None of our propositions were heard properly leave alone consideration of the same, by the TTE.

Our appeals fell on deaf ears. Ultimately my son had to lose berth as a result he couldn’t sleep on that fateful day, though reservation charges were paid for sleeper class.


The DUTY TTE was very reluctant even to talk to us. He could have done something to mitigate the grievance of us or at least he could have heard us patiently. Moreover, in our very presence he allowed many adjustments in berths from lower mode to higher mode. I will invoke the RTI ACT to get the details of adjustments made by him,if et all he made it officially and I will submit the same soon, the authorities can themselves ascertain the fact findings. We may condone the financial loss but not his unsympathetic gestures.

I place on record that we didn’t opt for up gradation to higher mode. The Railway ministry as a well thought policy brought out this provision probably with a view to provide some benefits to passengers. But, what is happening! This provision is taking away the existing benefit. I am getting doubt about the existence any policy in implementation of this provision. I wish to get the details through RTI ACT about the beneficiaries under the scheme and I will submit the same.


I place on record that INDIAN RAILWAYS, being run by GOVT OF INDIA is duty bound to honour the Rights of Minors .Enunciated in NATIONAL POLICY ON THE RIGHTS OF MINOR CHILDREN(anybody can browse website also for the full contents)The rights of minor children for safe, secure and protective Journey can’t be wished away. It is incumbent on all Public transport authorities to facilitate for protective journey of minor children under the protection of parents/ Guardian. No rule which is contrary to the spirit of Government policy will survive legal scrutiny.

I am an ardent admirer of MAHATMA GANDHI who professed that A RULE IS A RULE AND ITCAN’T BE WATERED DOWN DUE TO OUR MERE INABILITY TO EXECUTE IT. Nevertheless, He also quoted extensively on the significance of CUSTOMER and we can find his sayings in every Business establishment (A CUSTOMER IS NOT DEPENDENT ON US where as WE ARE DEPENDENT ON HIM etc..)

The on duty TTE appears to be senior and old but he lacks CUSTOMER EMPATHY & CUSTOMER SENSITIVITY. His callous approach and utter disregard for the rights of minor children are reprehensible. More so, he can’t take shelter behind archaic rules as he himself is making lot of adjustments in berths etc. I find it quite amusing that when 11 of our family members are in RAC,how can the berth of a minor boy got upgraded. I Wonder whether it is coincidental or the handiwork of few. Unless we get to the bottom of the issue,truth willnt surface.

I had great respect for those officials who have been rendering yeomen services to take Giant leap forward by INDIAN RAILWAYS in reaching to the Aam Aadmi of this country.


My only concern and grievance is that innocent and middle class sections shouldn’t be harassed in this fashion for no fault of them. Will the Elite or High and Mighty keep quiet if a similar incident happens to them? Supposing that a lady and her minor son get births because of this up gradation or otherwise at two different ends, what will the authorities do. Will they throughway minor boy. These questions are to be answered by all concerned.The interests of passengers shouldtake precedence over bureaucratic systems.

In Fine, I express my deep anguish for the whole episode. I think it is fit case for abuse of child rights.

I Call upon the Concerned authorities to consider my anguish and set right the distortions crept in the system so as not to allow any Innocent passenger suffer like this in future. I call upon the authorities to properly counsel the concerned TTE for his indifferent approach towards passengers. I deem it fit to demand Rs.10,000 from the authorities to me towards mental agony and Anguish and I hereby undertake to donate the same to Railway passenger amenities


I Hope and Trust my grievance will be looked into right perspective and Expect prompt action in this matter failing which I will be constrained to take legal course.

YOURS TRULY
P.SATISH
23-16-24/1
5TH STREET
LALITHANAGAR
RAJAHMUNDRY
-533105
ANDHRA PRADESH