BDO to verify income certificates for availing Izzat scheme

To prevent misuse of its Izzat monthly season ticket scheme, the Railways have made certain changes in the procedure to avail the benefit.
Now income certificates issued by the authorities for Izzat monthly season ticket have to verified by local authorities such as BDO or Tehsildar, a senior Railway Ministry official said today.
He said besides a copy of the proof of residence such as voter identity card, driving licence or electricity bill, would be retained for issue of Izzat monthly season ticket and the originals would also be verified.
Izzat monthly season tickets are issued to persons working in unorganised sector with monthly income not exceeding Rs 1,500. It was announced by the then Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee in 2009-10 Railway Budget.

Railways made the Izzat scheme operational from August 1, 2009 by introducing the monthly season tickets at Rs 25 inclusive of all surcharges. The ticket is valid for travelling up to a distance of 100 km.
The Izzat monthly season tickets are issued on production of income certificate of the applicant from the District Magistrate or the local Lok Sabha representative.

BPL card or any other certificate issued by Centre under a recognised poverty alleviation programme is also valid for availing the scheme.
Besides, a Union Minister may recommend to DRMs for issue of Izzat MSTs to any person from anywhere in the country. DRMs would then authorise the concerned Station Manager or Station Master to issue such MSTs.

A Rajya Sabha MP can also recommend to the DRMs for issue of the Izzat MSTs to persons in the district in which the MP resides.