Railway hawkers staged a protest at the New Jalpaiguri railway station on Monday to oppose actions taken against them and the continuous imposition of fines. The protest was organized under the banner of the Rashtrawadi Railway Hawker Union in front of the RPF office, where participants held the national flag to register their opposition.
Hawkers alleged that they have been fined two thousand rupees per person for hawking at the station over the past 27 days. In addition to the monetary penalties,
they complained that cases are also being registered against them by the authorities.
The vendors stated that their families depend entirely on this work for survival, and the sudden halt to their livelihood has created a severe food and income crisis.
Protesters demanded that if hawking is not permitted under railway rules, the administration must arrange alternative employment for them.
The hawkers also requested opportunities to work under the IRCTC system of the railways.
