Siliguri, 24th August: The Rashtrabadi Railway Hawkers Union staged a protest near the Railway Protection Force (RPF) office at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station on Monday, opposing the alleged ban on hawking, fines and cases against hawkers.
Several hawkers have been earning their livelihood by hawking at NJP station for a long time. According to the hawkers, they have been fined ₹2,000 each for the past 27 days whenever they attempt to hawk at the station. They also alleged that cases are being filed against them.
The protest was held amid concerns among the hawkers over losing their source of livelihood. Carrying the national flag, the hawkers participated in the demonstration and raised their concerns over the alleged action against them.
The hawkers questioned how they would support their families if the work they have depended on for years was suddenly stopped.
They alleged that they are booked and fined ₹2,000 every morning when they arrive at the station. The hawkers said that if they are not allowed to continue hawking at the station in accordance with railway rules, the administration should arrange alternative employment for them.
They also demanded employment opportunities under the railway-run Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).