‘Lack of announcements a deficiency in service': Railways told to pay Rs 7,000 to family that missed train
The consumer commission made this observation while ordering the Ghaziabad railway station authorities and senior officials at Northern Railways to pay Rs 7,000 as compensation to a family that missed their train due to inadequate announcements.
On Feb 29 last year, Muradnagar resident Anubhav Prajapati, along with his wife Priyanka and two children, missed the Chhattisgarh Express to Jhansi. The family had arrived at Ghaziabad railway station well before the train's scheduled departure at 3.20am and waited in the first-class lounge.
After an announcement about a 40-minute delay, they moved to platform 3 at 3.25am. However, they found Ayodhya Express stationed there for over 45 minutes. As the clock ticked, there was no further announcement about their train.
You Can Also Check:
Noida AQI
|
Weather in Noida
|
Bank Holidays in Noida
|
Public Holidays in Noida
"I tried to approach the station master, but his room was locked," Prajapati told the forum. He even tweeted about the situation at 5.21am, tagging railway authorities, but received no response.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy
IC Markets
Tìm hiểu thêm
Undo
Around 6am, he came to know that as they waited on platform 3, the Chhattisgarh Express departed from platform number 2.
Railway authorities, who failed to furnish a written explanation, made an oral representation at the forum through their counsel. They argued that they could have allowed a ticket refund, but could not as the train wasn't running more than three hours behind schedule — a prerequisite for refunds under railway policy.
The commission agreed while refund couldn't be granted on technical grounds, the railway's failure to make proper announcements to inform the family about the arrival of the train and its departure warranted compensation.
"Since no evidence on the part of the railways has been presented on record to claim that there was a proper announcement, the commission treats this as a deficiency of service that resulted in missing the train and caused mental harassment to the passenger," the June 23 order stated.
The commission asked the station superintendent, station master, divisional railway manager, and general manager of Northern Railway to pay the compensation within 45 days of the order.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
an hour ago
- New Indian Express
Shell to art, the Tumba way
RAYAGADA: Dry bottle gourds, or Tumba in local parlance, never go waste in Rayagada. Traditionally, Kondh farmers of the district used dry gourd shells as containers to drink water, 'mandia jau' or even the local brew but today, these shells are statement pieces of fine art in urban households. The contemporary twist is the contribution of Himanshu Sekhar Pandia, a Rayagada-based master craftsman. He not only introduced Odisha to tumba craft and built a tribal economy around it but has also been training tribals and non-tribals in it for close to two decades through his Prerana Art and Craft centre. The craft was included in the state's official list of handicrafts by the department of Handloom, Textile and Handicraft last year, thanks to Pandia's unrelenting efforts. Every year, he trains around 25 to 30 tribal and non-tribal people in the craft, an initiative that is supported by DC(Handicrafts) and the State government. It includes functional and decorative pieces like lamp shades, sculptures, jewellery, toys, crockery products and much more. Back in the early 2000, during a trip to Rayagada, Pandia saw some tribal farmers carrying water in tumba shells to their farms. A diploma holder in fine arts, he decided to refine the hard, dried bottle gourd shells to prepare functional pieces. Before carving, chiselling or painting motifs on them, the hollowed, dry shells are sorted as per their size, cleaned and scrubbed with sandpaper. 'So far, I have trained close to 600 people in this craft and during the training period, which lasts from three months to one year, the trainees get a monthly remuneration of Rs 6,000 which is funded by the government,' he said. The trainees are mostly women from villages nearby Rayagada.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Devshayani Ekadashi 2025: Astrological insights and planetary significance
The Sacred Cosmic Pause Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi , stands as one of the most spiritually significant observances in the Hindu calendar. Falling on the eleventh day (Ekadashi Tithi) of the Shukla Paksha (bright half) in the month of Ashadha, this sacred day marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a four-month period during which Lord Vishnu is believed to enter Yogic sleep (Yoga Nidra) on the cosmic ocean of milk (Ksheersagar). In 2025, Devshayani Ekadashi falls on Sunday, July 6, 2025. According to the Hindu Panchang, the Ekadashi tithi begins at 6:58 PM on July 5, 2025, and ends at 9:14 PM on July 6, 2025. Since the tithi overlaps with sunrise on July 6, the fast and rituals will be observed on Sunday, July 6, 2025. The Mythological Foundation According to Hindu scriptures and the Bhavishyottara Purana, it is believed that Lord Vishnu falls asleep in Kshira Sagara, the cosmic ocean of milk, on Shesha, the cosmic serpent. He enters into Yoga Nidra for four months and awakens on Prabodhini Ekadashi, which falls in the month of Kartik. This period is known as Chaturmas, a time reserved for deep spiritual reflection, penance, and austerity. According to religious texts, the Shankhasura demon was killed on Ekadashi Tithi in Ashadha Shukla Paksha. From that day, the Lord sleeps in the Ksheer sea for four months. Following Lord Vishnu, all three deities reside in their respective abodes for designated periods: Vishnu performs from Devshayani Ekadashi to Devuthani Ekadashi, Shiva from Mahashivratri, and Brahma from Shivaratri to Devshayani Ekadashi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Providers are furious: Internet access without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Astrological Significance and Planetary Influences The Cosmic Stillness of Chaturmas Lord Vishnu's entry into Yoga Nidra on Devshayani Ekadashi marks a cosmic stillness, where divine and planetary energies shift inward, encouraging introspection, spiritual discipline, and detachment from material pursuits. The planetary situation and the natural conditions in Chaturmas are quite conducive to moral and spiritual upliftment of human beings. Jupiter's Sacred Connection As Lord Vishnu governs the planet Jupiter (Guru), Devshayani Ekadashi is an auspicious day for individuals under the influence of a weak Jupiter or during Jupiter Mahadasha/Antardasha to perform Vishnu puja or seek astrological remedies. Rahu-Ketu Dosha, Pitru Dosha, and Guru Chandal Yoga can also be mitigated by fasting and praying on this day. Chanting Vishnu Gayatri Mantra and offering yellow flowers during Vishnu Puja can enhance Jupiter's positive effects. During Chaturmas, Jupiter's influence becomes more subtle, encouraging spiritual practices, studies, and inner purification, enhancing Jupiter's sattvic energy, promoting knowledge, devotion, and righteous living. The Sun's Transit and Karka Sankranti Around Devshayani Ekadashi, the Sun moves into the Cancer sign through Karka Sankranti. The god, primarily Lord Vishnu, is believed to go into sleep for four months on Karka Sankranti, which falls on the day of Devshayani Ekadashi. During Karka Sankranti, the Sun is in the sign of Cancer, which is ruled by the Moon. This creates an emotional and devotional shift, making it ideal for bhakti, fasting, prayer, and meditation. Cancer is a watery, sensitive, and spiritual sign, increasing receptivity to divine grace. Karka Sankranti marks the day when the Sun enters Karka rashi (Cancer), signifying the beginning of the Sun's southern journey, known as Dakshinayana. Ekadashi and the Lunar Cycle: Scientific Foundation Moon's Influence on Mind and Body Ekadashi fasting is directly connected to the lunar cycle, especially the Moon's (Chandra) impact on the mind. The gravitational pull of the moon is not felt on the earth every day with the same intensity. On the eleventh day of each lunar cycle, the moon forms a trine with the earth and the sun during which the atmospheric pressure is at its lowest on the day of Ekadashi. The impact of the atmospheric pressure on the human body is also at its lowest on that day. Hence, Ekadashi is considered to be the most favourable day to observe fast and cleanse the body of all toxins. Spiritual and Physical Benefits According to the Hindu scriptures, Ekadasi and the movement of the moon has a direct correlation with the human mind. It is believed that during Ekadasi, our mind attains maximum efficiency giving the brain a better capacity to concentrate. Spiritual seekers are said to devote the two monthly days of Ekadasi in extreme worship and meditation owing to its favorable influence on the mind. From the 11th day till 5th day after newmoon or fullmoon day, moon will influence us maximum and imbalance our digestive system. This will also cause decrease in brain's functioning and cause weakness in memory, thought and decision making. So, to avoid all these complications, it's important to clean our digestive system on every 11th day of lunar cycle. Spiritual Practices and Observances Fasting Guidelines and Rituals To prepare for Devshayani Ekadashi, devotees begin by observing certain rituals on the preceding Dashami Tithi. They avoid tamasic food, salt, barley, meat, wheat and masoor dal, and sleep on the ground to purify their minds and bodies. It's essential to speak truthfully and avoid hurtful speech on both Dashami and Ekadashi Tithis. On Ekadashi day, devotees observe various types of fasting: Nirjala Ekadashi (without food or water), consuming only fruits and milk, while grains and cereals are strictly avoided. Staying awake through the night and singing devotional songs is considered meritorious. Worship Practices On Devshayani Ekadashi, devotees should get up early in the morning, clean the house, and spray it with holy water. Establish a gold, silver, copper or bronze idol of Lord Shri Hari Vishnu at the place of worship. After that worship him with Shodashopachar (sixteen-fold worship). After this, adorn Lord Vishnu with Pitambar (yellow garments). Then listen to the fasting story, do aarti and distribute the prasad. Shri Vishnu should be made to sleep on a bed covered with white sheets. The fast is broken after sunrise on the Dwadashi tithi with sattvic food. Charity - giving donations (daan), feeding cows, Brahmins, and the poor is encouraged. Chaturmas: The Four-Month Sacred Period Spiritual Significance During these four months — collectively known as Chaturmas — auspicious events such as weddings and new business ventures are generally avoided. Instead, the focus shifts toward devotion, self-discipline, and inner growth. During this phase, reciting religious hymns, doing kirtan and worshipping Shiva, along with Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Tulsi have special significance. Natural Alignment From a scientific point of view, with the onset of Chaturmas, monsoon begins or becomes active in different parts of India. According to astrological beliefs, due to a lot of moisture in the atmosphere during these months, many types of microorganisms are born and they can harm the human body directly or indirectly. The Pandharpur Connection In Pandharpur, Maharashtra, thousands of devotees undertake the Wari Yatra culminating on Ashadhi Ekadashi. The grand procession of Varkaris (devotees) singing Abhangas (devotional songs) while walking barefoot to the Vitthal temple is a remarkable spiritual movement. Pandharpur houses the much revered and famous Bhagwan Vitthala/Vithoba temple, where on the auspicious day of Devshayani Ekadashi thousands of devotees come from all over Maharashtra to offer prayer and respect to Shri Vitthala and Devi Rukmini. Health and Wellness Benefits Physical Detoxification Fasting on Ekadashi allows the body to undergo a process of detoxification and cleansing. By abstaining from solid foods and consuming light, sattvic (pure) meals or fasting completely, the digestive system gets a break. This allows the body to eliminate toxins, improve liver function, and promote cellular repair and rejuvenation. Mental Clarity and Focus Fasting on Ekadashi can lead to increased mental clarity and focus. When the body is not occupied with the digestion process, mental energy is directed towards other activities. This heightened state of mental clarity allows for improved concentration, focus, and cognitive function, facilitating deeper introspection and spiritual practices. Parana (Breaking the Fast) Guidelines In 2025, the Parana timings for Devshayani Ekadashi are from 05:29 AM to 08:16 AM on July 7, 2025, with the Dwadashi End Moment at 11:10 PM on July 7. The fast should be broken after sunrise on the Dwadashi tithi with sattvic food. Contemporary Relevance and Global Recognition Fasting is ever popular and much research has gone into the health benefits of regular fasting, particularly following the phases of the moon with Ekadashi fasting. Although embedded in Indian culture, the science has attracted global attention, with various celebrities embracing this ultimate Vedic cleanse. A Sacred Journey Inward Devshayani Ekadashi is not just about ritual fasting—it is an invitation to pause, reflect, and realign with higher spiritual goals. As Lord Vishnu sleeps, devotees awaken their own inner consciousness through dhyana, japa, and vrat. Devshayani Ekadashi commences the auspicious Chaturmas, which is the most suitable phase for the spiritual development of individuals. Additionally, during Devshayani Ekadashi performing Vishnu puja, Laxmi puja or Shiva puja is highly beneficial as you reap huge benefits. This sacred Ekadashi marks the beginning of a holy inward journey, not just for devotees but for the cosmic rhythm itself. In astrology, this is a time when solar and lunar energies align to support purification and introspection. With Lord Vishnu in divine rest, this period invites us to also pause, purify, and prepare through devotion, silence, and simplicity. According to the Padma Purana, fasting on this day destroys the sins committed, intentional or unintentional. Devshayani Ekadashi reminds us that true progress comes not always through action, but often through rest, reflection, and alignment with dharma (the righteous path). Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
UGC NET 2025 provisional answer key released at ugcnet.nta.ac.in; check details
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the provisional answer key for the UGC NET June 2025 exam, accessible on Candidates can review their responses and raise objections until July 8, 2025, with a fee of Rs. 200 per question. NTA will review objections, publish a final key, and then declare the results. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Steps to Download the UGC NET Answer Key Visit Click on the 'UGC NET June 2025 Answer Key' link on the homepage Login using your application number and date of birth or password View the answer key and response sheet displayed on the screen Download and save the documents for reference Website link: UGC NET June 2025 Answer Key Objection Window Open Until 5 PM on July 8 Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Popular in New Updates Final Key and Result Declaration to Follow The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the provisional answer key for the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) June 2025 examination. Candidates who appeared for the exam can access the answer key, along with their recorded responses and question papers, at UGC NET June 2025 exam was conducted on June 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29 in two shifts each day—first from 9 AM to 12 PM and second from 3 PM to 6 release enables candidates to review their responses and estimate their probable scores before final results are who are not satisfied with the provisional answer key may raise objections online through the official portal until 5 PM on July 8, 2025. Each objection must be supported with relevant academic documentation or references. A non-refundable fee of Rs. 200 per question is applicable and must be paid online via debit card, credit card, or net objections or those without valid justification will not be considered. No correction facility will be provided after submission, so candidates are advised to review the question IDs and answer options carefully before filing the objection period ends, NTA will review all challenges with the help of a panel of subject matter experts. Valid objections will lead to appropriate changes in the answer key. The final answer key will then be published, based on which the UGC NET June 2025 results will be prepared and released.'This process ensures fair evaluation and accuracy before the declaration of results,' the NTA stated. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for the latest updates.
