Railways Clarifies: No Official Provision For Halal-Certified Food On Trains
Railways Clarifies: No Official Provision For Halal-Certified Food On Trains
The clarification comes after an NHRC notice over a complaint alleging that only halal-processed meat is served in non-vegetarian meals onboard.
The Railway Board has stated that Indian Railways has no official provision or policy mandating the serving of Halal-certified food on trains. The clarification was issued in response to a notice from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which was acting on a complaint claiming that non-vegetarian meals served in trains use only halal-processed meat.
A senior Railway Board official said that Indian Railways and IRCTC follow Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines, and there is no requirement to follow any form of religious certification for onboard meals.
“There is no official provision for serving Halal-certified food on Indian Railways,” the official added.
The issue had also surfaced recently before the Chief Information Commission (CIC), where an RTI applicant sought records on whether halal-processed meat was being used in railway catering. The Railway Board made its stand clear before the Commission, stating that no such records, policies or documents exist within IRCTC regarding halal certification, approval processes or any form of mandatory consent from passengers.
The CIC, in its order, recorded this position and noted that the Chief Principal Information Officer of IRCTC had “clearly and consistently stated” that there is no policy or documentation related to halal-certified meals.
Railway officials reiterated that onboard catering adheres strictly to national food-safety norms.
“We have been categorically saying that we maintain best food practices in our trains, complying with all norms,” the officials said.
The Railways’ clarification is expected to bring clarity to passengers amid circulating claims and concerns regarding onboard meal practices.
