Berhampur: The artists under the banner of All India Theatre Council (AITC) have demanded restoration of concessions in railway fare.
Speaking to media persons in Berhampur on Monday, vice-chairman of AITC Rajgopal Padhi said, “We have already submitted letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw drawing their attention to the artists’ problems. The Centre should understand predicament of the artists and restore the concessions immediately.”
Stating that the AITC has also submitted a memorandum to Berhampur MP Chandra Sekhar Sahu on the demands, Padhi said he has assured to raise the issue in the Parliament.
Sahu further said the artists, who are generally poor, frequently attend drama competitions, festivals and other cultural shows in different parts of the country. They find it tough to arrange money from own sources to go to their destination. They make their train journey for the sake of the art, he added.
Total 51 types of concessions, which were provided by Indian Railways to passengers, have been discontinued since March 20, 2020 when all passenger services were suspended due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. Though the Railways gradually reintroduced the services in a phased manner, the concessions have not been restored till date, sources said.
Before the pandemic, an artist associated with entertainment performances could avail a concession in the range of 50-75 percent on the railway fare. Registered professionals, companies or groups who deal with theatrical, musical, dance or magic performances come under this concession. Even students and artists undergoing training at the National School of Drama in New Delhi were eligible to apply for the Indian Railway concession.
Artists, who were performing solo or with a group (such as dance, music, theater, magic, etc.) were also eligible to get a concession of 75% in second class and Sleeper classes. The range of their concession was 50% for 1st class, AC chair car, 3 AC and 2 AC. The concession was also applicable for Premium trains such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi, Sahu said.
