They said this has tarnished the image of MPs as they have the power to issue certificates to BPL families for obtaining the passes.
Raising the matter during Question Hour, Deepa Dasmunshi (Cong) said Izzat pass scheme launched in 2009 has been misused as these certificates are being issued to wrong people. "The respect of MPs has been lost due to these passes," she said.
Several members, cutting across party lines, were on their feet and supported Dasmunshi's contention.
Railway Minister Mukul Roy informed the House that there was no question of withdrawing the Izzat scheme. He said now even MLAs have been authorised to issue these passes.
The Izzat pass allows a BPL person, having income of less than Rs 1,500 to travel by train up to 100 km daily. It costs Rs 25 per month.
To another question, Roy said all on-going railway projects were on track and will be completed within the stipulated time.
Minister of State for Railways K H Muniappa said work was underway on 340 gauge conversion, doubling of tracks and electrification projects.
"Under 12th Plan, we will build 5,500 km tracks while doubling of 16,000 km tracks will be done. Doubling is done only when the main track is saturated," he said.
He said states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Jharkhand were cooperating with the Railway Ministry by sharing 50 per cent of the cost of these projects. MORE
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