Supreme Court Advocates for Childcare and Feeding Rooms in Public Spaces

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Supreme Court Advocates for Childcare and Feeding Rooms in Public Spaces The Supreme Court of India has suggested that the Union Government develop a comprehensive policy addressing the construction of feeding rooms and childcare facilities  in public places. This move aims to ensure that nursing mothers and their children can access basic amenities in a dignified and private manner, reinforcing their fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution. SC Encourages Policy Formulation A bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna  and Justice N Kotiswar Singh  highlighted the absence of a structured framework to address this pressing issue. The court advised the Centre to propose a policy that could then be implemented across the states, scheduling the next hearing for December 10, 2024.   The apex court emphasized that before issuing formal directions, it was crucial to understand the Centre’s perspective on implementing the petitioner’s demand for childcare and feedi...

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to Visit Kanchenjunga Express Train Accident Site

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to Visit Kanchenjunga Express Train Accident Site



Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is en route to Darjeeling, West Bengal, following a tragic train collision that resulted in the deaths of at least five passengers and injured over 20 others. The Kanchenjunga Express was struck from behind by a goods train, causing two of its bogies to derail near Ruidhasa, close to the Rangapani station in the Katihar Railway Division.


Incident Details


The accident occurred around 8:45 am on Monday, as the Kanchenjunga Express, traveling from Agartala in Tripura to Sealdah in Kolkata, was hit from behind by a goods train. The collision took place ahead of New Jalpaiguri Junction, within the Siliguri subdivision of Darjeeling district. The impact caused significant damage, with visuals showing one of the bogies suspended in mid-air.


Immediate Response


Minister Vaishnaw is expected to arrive at Bagdogra airport, approximately 40 kilometers from the accident site, to oversee the situation. Indian Railways officials in Delhi are closely monitoring the rescue operations, which are being conducted on a war footing. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Police, and Army are present at the site to assist in the rescue and relief efforts.


Abhishek Roy, Additional Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling Police, confirmed the severity of the situation, noting the death toll and the number of injured passengers. Efforts are being made to provide immediate aid and support to the victims and their families.


Evacuation and Relief Measures


Partha Pratim Roy, Chairman of North Bengal Rashtriya Paribahan Nigam, announced that 10 buses have been dispatched to the accident site to rescue stranded passengers. Additionally, extra bus services from Siliguri to Kolkata will be operational from this afternoon to accommodate affected passengers.


One passenger from the B1 coach of the Kanchenjunga Express recounted the harrowing experience, mentioning that they had sustained a head injury during the collision but were successfully rescued.


Legal and Safety Concerns


In the wake of this accident, several legal and safety issues come to the forefront. The investigation into the cause of the collision will involve examining compliance with the Indian Railways Act, 1989, which governs railway safety and operations in India. Specifically, the Act outlines the responsibilities of railway administration in ensuring the safety of passengers and the maintenance of railway infrastructure.


Additionally, the Railways' Disaster Management Plan will be scrutinized to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the emergency response. This plan mandates protocols for immediate action in the event of accidents, including coordination with local authorities and disaster response teams.


Moving Forward


The tragic incident underscores the need for stringent safety measures and robust infrastructure to prevent such occurrences in the future. The Indian Railways will likely conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collision and implement necessary safety enhancements. The outcome of these investigations and subsequent actions will be crucial in restoring public confidence in railway travel.


Conclusion


The collision involving the Kanchenjunga Express is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in railway safety. The swift response by emergency teams and the support from government officials highlight the importance of coordinated efforts in managing such crises. As investigations continue, the focus will remain on providing relief to the victims and ensuring that stringent safety measures are enforced to prevent future tragedies.

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