Title - CVC plans enquiry to check flaws in Tatkal scheme

New Delhi: After the IBN network exposed malpractices in the Railway Tatkal scheme, the Central Vigilance Commission is considering launch of an enquiry to ascertain whether Railway officials are involved in malpractices. The CVC has sought a report on the action taken from the Railways. Based on the report the CVC may suggest remedial action. Official sources said the CVC is likely to launch an enquiry either by its own officials or through the Chief Vigilance Officer of the Railways Ministry to verify reported instances of alleged irregularities in distribution of Tatkal tickets and collusion of some Railway officials with some private persons in misusing the facility. The Railways has begun a crackdown at booking offices across the country. Four touts were arrested in Delhi on Saturday.The CVC acts as the apex vigilance institution mandated to monitor all vigilance activity under the Central government and advise its various organisations or departments in planning, executing, reviewing and reforming their vigilance work. An individual can get tickets under Tatkal scheme a day in advance of the journey by paying some extra charges excluding the cost of ticket either through websites or through authorised railway counters. Meanwhile, the Railway Ministry has made certain changes to make availability of Tatkal tickets hassle-free to customers. Railways has decided that from July 10 booking of Tatkal tickets will start at 10 am on the previous day of journey from train originating station instead of 8 am at present. The move is being initiated as part of revamping the Tatkal scheme amid increased complaints from passengers about touts exploiting the loopholes in the scheme. At present, the Tatkal scheme is available for around 2,677 trains which translates to around 1.71 lakh berths. In 2011-12, earning from the scheme stood at Rs 847 crore. The scheme has seen several changes in the recent past including reducing the days for reserving Tatkal tickets from five to one day and barring web-based agents from booking tickets during the initial hours. An IT-Anti Fraud (ITAF) team has also been formed for cyber space surveillance and pro-active analysis and coordination with Railways vigilance and Railways Protection Force, cyber crime police and other investigating agency. A penalty of Rs 2.5 crore has been recovered from agents for various violations based on findings by ITAF, passenger complaints, vigilance reports, press or media reports.