New Delhi: In a bid to curb COVID-19 spread, the Ministry of Railways has extended the validity of its previous order regarding the imposition of a fine for not wearing masks at the Railway premises for a further six months, till April 17 next year.
Railways, in April this year, had issued Covid guidelines that included a fine of up to Rs 500 against persons not wearing masks at the Railway premises. The order was valid for a period of 6 months.
"Now, the matter has been reviewed and it has been decided that the validity of the said instructions is further extended by 6 months upto April 16, 2022 or till the further instructions issued in this regard," the recent order said.
The fine is being imposed under the Indian Railways (Penalties for Activities Affecting Cleanliness of Railway Premises) Rules 2012, which also has a provision of fines for those found spitting on rail premises.
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The previous order mentioned that, "In the view of Covid-19 situation, controlling spitting and act of similar nature due to any person not wearing mask and entering railway premises (including trains), is important to avoid creation of unclean and unhygienic conditions which may cause danger to life and Public health."
The announcement comes on a day when 22,431 people have tested Covid positive in the country, while the death toll has reached 318, according to the data of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
