BHUBANESWAR, SEPT 16: Speaker of the Assembly and Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Railways Sarat Kar has summoned the General Manager of the South Eastern Railway (SER), R.K. Thoopal to appear before the committee in its next meeting to explain the reasons behind the delay in making the East Coast Railway (ECR) Zone fully functional. The date of the next meeting will be finalised soon. Thoopal is now in additional charge of ECR after the transfer of Officer on Special Duty (OSD) B.M.S. Bisht.Announcing this at a news conference here yesterday, the Speaker said, if necessary, other officials of the Railways including the chairman of the Railway Board will also be summoned to appear before the House Committee to explain the Railways' neglect towards Orissa.Thoopal was summoned to appear before the Speaker on September 9 but he could not do so as he was scheduled to return to Calcutta the same day. Kar said that the general manager, SER had explained to him over the telephone before his departure that no step has been initiated to close down the ECR.The Speaker, however, said that it has come to his notice now that the post of OSD, ECR has been downgraded and he would not have the general manager's power.In a letter released yesterday, Secretary of the Assembly J.P. Das has reminded Thoopal that Orissa has always been neglected and marginalised by the Railways in spite of the fact that the state is a vital link between major cities in the country. The Railways also makes profit by transporting coal and other valuable minerals from the state, Das said, adding that resentment is mounting among the people against the neglect of the state, which is manifesting itself in Rail Rokos and other forms of protest.Das referred to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the SER and ECR for creation of the OSD post with powers of the general manager. ``It is very unfortunate to hear that this post is now being downgraded and the MoU has become null and void'', he added.Describing the matter as serious, Das said that the Speaker has expressed serious displeasure over the matter and needs detailed clarification. He asked Thoopal to appear in person and explain before the House Committee on a date which will be intimated to him shortly. The secretary warned Thoopal that any move detrimental to the interest of the state may force the House Committee to invoke its extraordinary power by booking privilege against him. Reminding the SER general manager that in a democratic set up, the Legislature is supreme, Das hoped that Thoopal will not allow any such indecent thing to happen.The Speaker wondered when the Hajipur Zone could be notified why ECR which was announced simultaneously is yet to be notified. Kar said that the House Committee will visit New Delhi to take up the issue with Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee.
