As the image of the paper cup tweeted by a passenger on Kathgodam Shatabdi went viral, IRCTC said the licensee who printed the slogans on paper cups did not take prior permission from the body.
The 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' cups on Shatabdi Express. (Photo: Twitter | @AkhterH007007)
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation on Friday said paper cups with “Main Bhi Chowkidar” slogan printed on them used to serve tea on board trains have been withdrawn.
The move comes after passengers reported that tea was being served in paper cups with “main bhi chowkidar” (‘I’m also watchman’) written on them.
As the image of the paper cup tweeted by a passenger on Kathgodam Shatabdi went viral, the Railways said it has withdrawn the cup and penalised the contractor.
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IRCTC said the licensee who printed the slogans on paper cups did not take prior permission from the body.
“The space in cups and other such materials is used for paid publicity by the licensees as per the agreement,” NDTV quoted IRCTC as saying.
According to reports, IRCTC has also imposed a fine of Rs 1 Lakh on the licensee and a show cause notice has been issued.
The Railways has further stated that “explanation has been called for, from the onboard supervisory staff”.
“Clear instructions are already available in this matter and are being reiterated for strict compliance”.
It has been claimed that tea was served in these cups twice. The advertisement on the cup was by Sankalp Foundation, an NGO.
Tea being sold in cups of #MaiBhiChowkidar in Shatabdi train. Dear @SpokespersonECI, @ECISVEEP, Is this allowed? pic.twitter.com/68jOkp86UZ
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) March 29, 2019
Today two pics seen on Twitter…
” nothing to say more”
Frst pic is of shatabdi express.. Tea searved in “chowkidars” cup..
And other
Our
Model code of conduct#ElectionCommission#ElectionCommissionOfIndia#Elections2019 @priyankac19@Zoheb_Sh pic.twitter.com/t0gpx69KX2— INC akhter (@AkhterH007007) March 29, 2019
This issue comes days after the Railways was found in violation of the poll code for issuing tickets with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pictures on them. Later, the railways said that it was an “unintentional and inadvertent mistake”.
The Election Commission on Saturday sent a second notice to Ministry of Railways over the matter of PM Modi’s pictures on tickets. The Ministry has been asked to file a reply by today.
Gearing up for the coming Lok Sabha polls, PM Modi launched the “Main Bhi Chowkidar” campaign, calling everyone who was fighting corruption, social evils and working hard for the progress of India, as watchmen.
The 2019 General Election is scheduled to be held in seven phases from April 11 to May 19 to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha. The counting of votes will be conducted on 23 May, and the results will be declared on the same day.
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