Indian Railways has declared begging in stations and trains and smoking inside coaches a crime. Sources said that there will be a provision of jails and fines for begging as more fines will be imposed on smokers on trains.

A top railway official said that it has been proposed after a communication from the Cabinet Secretariat to reduce some crimes. The official said that the Railways may add some more crimes to the list, for which the spot fine will be increased. This exercise is being done in the ministries and many departments have proposed to increase the penalty instead of arresting the culprits.

This does not mean that railway stations and trains will be begging or encouraging them. Globalization does not mean that it will be legalized. Monitoring by RPF and other staff will be increased to prevent such activities. Smoking in public places including railway stations is already banned in many states.

Section 144 (2) of the Railway Act states that if any person begging at any train or station, he is punishable with imprisonment up to one year or with fine up to Rs 2,000 or both. According to the proposed amendment in this section, no one will be allowed to beg on trains or stations.

Section 167 of the Railway Act also states that anyone found smoking in a compartment despite prohibition or objection by a co-passenger is liable to a fine of up to Rs 100. Officers may pay fees for further action.

It is now proposed to increase the penalty in the proposal, although the amount has not yet been finalized. As per the proposed provision, if the offender pays such fine immediately, the authorized officer can reduce the offense by charging maximum penalty. The violator will be released and no action will be taken against him. The ministry has sought feedback from the people.