New Delhi: The Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation’s Sudama Prasad, Lok Sabha MP from Ara, Bihar, has returned gifts presented to him by Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) during a study tour organised by the standing committee on railways from October 31 to November 7. In a letter addressed to CM Ramesh, MP and chairperson of the standing committee on railways, Prasad expressed his dismay upon receiving a 1-gram gold coin and a 100-gram silver block as gifts from RITES and RVNL, respectively.
“Flowers, shawls, paintings and few memorabilia are generally given as welcome gifts. However, what has pained me are the gifts given by RITES and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited,” Prasad wrote. He termed the act unethical and bordering on corruption, suggesting it could silence MPs from raising critical issues concerning the public.
“I was taken aback and raised questions about public morality and ethics on part of Indian Railways for having given such gifts,” Prasad wrote. He highlighted the plight of railway passengers and workers, contrasting the luxurious treatment given to committee members with the hardships faced by ordinary citizens.
“Common people are made to travel without dignity in general and sleeper compartments. No new trains are introduced for the poor and the middle class with the focus primarily being on Vande Bharat led trains. Similarly, I request the Chairman of Standing Committee to pass on instructions to Indian Railways management to arrange normal and not extravagant accommodation like five stars for standing committee meetings or official meetings,” Prasad added.
The MP’s letter highlighted issues such as unpaid sanitation workers, harassment of contractual employees and the lack of affordable train services for the poor and middle class. “I hope to return the gold and silver given to me as gift in front of the committee members and wish to express my dissatisfaction and anger for treating a member of Parliament in this manner,” Prasad wrote.
