New Delhi, Jan 12 (NationPress) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) stated on Monday that the report provided by the Indian Railways regarding the serving of halal-certified food on trains is deemed "incomplete" and "lacks transparency".

The NHRC had prompted the Railway Board to respond following a complaint which asserts that only halal-processed meat is served in non-vegetarian meals, leading to allegations of unfair discrimination and violations of human rights.

In its response, the Railway Board claimed that there are no official regulations for serving halal-certified food on trains.

According to a senior official from the Railway Board, "Indian Railways and IRCTC adhere to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines for their food offerings," adding that there are no formal provisions for halal-certified food.

Railway officials noted that a similar inquiry was recently submitted to the Chief Information Commission (CIC) by an individual requesting information under the Right to Information Act about the serving of halal-processed meat in non-vegetarian meals. The Railway Board had previously stated before the CIC that no halal-certified food is provided by Indian Railways.

The CIC confirmed the Railway’s assertions and noted that no records or documents exist within IRCTC regarding a policy on halal-certified food, its approval process, or any explicit consent from passengers.

However, the NHRC remarked that the report from the Railways appears to be "incomplete" and "lacks transparency", particularly affecting the "freedom of choice of passengers", a fundamental right that enables individuals to be informed about their food.

The Commission further mentioned that for any meat to be categorized as ‘halal’, it must be slaughtered by a Muslim, according to interpretations by Darul Uloom Deoband.

It expressed concern that if such meat is indeed served on trains or at platforms managed by IRCTC, it could lead to discrimination in employment opportunities for individuals of other religions.

While acknowledging that IRCTC complies with food standards set forth by the FSSAI, the NHRC insisted that clear information regarding the method of slaughter for non-vegetarian food must be made public, considering the mandates of the Sikh Reht Maryada and IRCTC's role as a key public service provider.

The Commission pointed out that IRCTC collaborates with a broad network of food vendors and contractors to provide meals at railway stations, on trains, and in restaurants.

However, the submitted report does not include specifics about the vendors or contractors that provide halal food, jhatka food, or both types of non-vegetarian options.

In light of these findings, the NHRC requested IRCTC to deliver a new Action Taken Report that includes a detailed list of all food contractors and vendors supplying meals at all locations, including railway stations, trains, hotels, and restaurants.

This report should also clarify whether the non-vegetarian food served is halal, jhatka, or both, along with the locations or services where such food is offered.

The Commission urged the Railway Board to consider these observations and submit a report detailing how these concerns will be integrated into its quality and standards framework.

Additionally, the NHRC noted that the Ministry of Tourism issues guidelines for the classification and star rating of hotels across India.

However, it discovered that none of these guidelines mandate hotels to disclose the method of slaughter used for non-vegetarian food served on their premises.

Consequently, the Commission directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to address these observations and provide an Action Taken Report on how these factors will be incorporated into the hotel classification and star rating system.

The NHRC has requested feedback from all relevant authorities within a four-week timeframe.