New Delhi, March 11 -- Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024 was passed in Rajya Sabha on Monday, with Opposition MPs accused the Government of trying to take control of the Railway Board and avoiding scrutiny by a parliamentary panel. The bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha in December last year, seeks to enhance the functioning and independence of the Railway Board. Responding to the charges of the opposition, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that new amendments are meant for simplification and for reforms and infrastructure upgradation.
With the inclusion of the Railway Board under the 1989 Railway Act, the appointment, qualifications, tenure and criteria for the Chairman and Members of the Board will be the responsibility of the Ce...