Archive · 7 Jan 2026
NHRC seeks probe into 2010 IRCTC policy
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is asking the Railway Board to look into a complaint about a policy change made in 2010.
At that time, Mamata Banerjee was the Railways Minister.
The complaint says she changed the rules to give special benefits to minority groups, which might have taken away opportunities from other groups like SC/ST/OBC.
A group called Legal Rights Observatory and an individual named Vinay Joshi complained to the NHRC, saying this was not fair and might not follow the rules of the Indian Constitution.
The NHRC has asked the Railway Board to check if this is true and take action if needed.
The policy allegedly allocated 3% reservation for minorities in categories A, B, and C, and 9.5% in categories D, E, and F for catering and canteen contracts.
The complainants described the initiative as a 'politically motivated' reservation and sought action against the official concerned.
NHRC issues notice to Railway Board chairman regarding a 2010 IRCTC policy change.
Complaint alleges the policy reduced reservations for SC/ST/OBC and introduced reservations for Muslims.
Complainants argue the policy is not constitutionally provided and is politically motivated.
NHRC directs the Railway Board to probe the allegations and submit a report within two weeks.
The 2010 policy allegedly allocated 3% reservation for minorities in categories A, B, and C, and 9.5% in categories D, E, and F.
- Who
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Legal Rights Observatory, Vinay Joshi
- What
- Investigation into 2010 IRCTC tender policy for minority reservations
- When
- 2010, during Mamata Banerjee's tenure as Railways Minister
- Where
- India, specifically related to IRCTC and Railway Board
- Why
- Allegations of reducing statutory reservations for SC/ST/OBC to benefit the Muslim community, which is not constitutionally provided
Complainant
Policy Supporters
Policy Change
Complainant
The 2010 policy change reduced reservations for SC/ST/OBC and introduced reservations for Muslims, which is not constitutionally provided.
Policy Supporters
No explicit support for the policy is mentioned in the articles.
- Complainant
- Legal Rights Observatory and Vinay Joshi
- NHRC Member
- Priyank Kanoongo
- Reservations for Minorities
- 3% for A, B, C categories; 9.5% for D, E, F categories
- Railways Minister
- Mamata Banerjee
- Time Period
- 2009-2011
- Government
- UPA-II
- Prime Minister
- Dr. Manmohan Singh
Sources
2010 IRCTC tender policy: NHRC seeks probe into minorities reservation by then Railways Minister Mamata Banerjee
‘EC is using BJP’s…’: Mamata Banerjee accuses poll body of ‘illegal’ practices in SIR exercise in West Bengal
