New Delhi, Jan. 12: The Rajya Sabha to-day passed the Indian Railways (Amendment) Bill, 1976, providing for a special procedure for speedy disposal of goods not taken delivery of by consignees within seven days of their arrival at the destination.
The measure was earlier described by the Railway Minister, Mr. Kamalapathi Tripathi, as essential in dealing with anti-social traders, who used railway wagons as warehouses to make more profits and create artificial scarcity of certain commodities.
The Bill would replace the Ordinance promulgated by the President on September 25, 1975.
Mr. Tripathi said the Bill also provided for the goods not lifted by the consignee within seven days, to be transferred to the Central or State Governments, or to an agency nominated by the Government. In the case of essential commodities they could be made available to co-operative fair price shops for sale to the public. In all other cases such goods would be sold by public auction.
Money realised through sale, transfer, or auction of the unlifted goods would be paid to the consignor or the owner after deducing railway charges and the cost of auction under the provisions of the Bill.
Mr. Tripathi said the measure was long overdue because unscrupulous traders “struck at the most opportune moments of movement of goods to create artificial scarcity and thus push up prices.” These traders were prepared to pay demurrages and additional cost because they stood to profit much more.
