Title - VS seeks rollback in rail fare hike

Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan on Thursday demanded an immediate roll-back of the rail fare hike.It is condemnable that the hike is being enforced ahead of the rail budget. Since 1924, the rail budget has been presented separately in Parliament. This was continued after Independence. Affecting a hike outside Parliament through an executive order is tantamount to insulting the House, Achuthanandan said.  The 20 per cent hike is being justified on the ground that it is the first in a decade. During the term of the first UPA Government, which was backed by the Left,  the fare for lower class travel was even reduced, he said.The government should clarify as to how the Railway is now facing huge losses, he said.