No complimentary water pouches with meals on board
suppliers and vendors operating catering stalls of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (irctc) are agitating against a decision which, they allege, promotes packaged drinking water of multinational
companies.
Earlier this year, the Indian Railway Board had asked the irctc to use only products of reputed brands. The irctc then prepared a list of four multinational water brandsBibo, Kinley, Kingfisher and Aquafinaand Rail Neer,
produced by irctc. The board also asked irctc not to provide free water pouches
with meals to passengers.
It is unfair to discriminate against local brands that meet international standards, said V N Thampy of the catering contract workers union.
irctcs Ernakulam area manager, S Sreekumar, said production capacity of local brands is inadequate; irctcs selection depends on the quality and turnover of the company, he said.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.