An advertisement issued by RK Meals, one of the largest catering vendors for the Indian Railways has sparked outrage on Social Media. The advertisement calls for candidates who specifically belong to the ‘Agrawal Vaish community’. The ad was placed in the Times of India, page 12 of the 6th November 2019 edition.
RK Meals, which belongs to Brandavan Food Products in their ad say that they are looking to recruit 100 candidates for the posts of Railway Food Plaza Manager, Train Catering Manager, Base Kitchen Manager and Store Manager.
The ad further mentions four criteria for application.
1. Candidates should be willing to work anywhere in India
2. Candidates should belong only to the Agrawal Vaish community.
3. Should have a good family background
4. Should have completed 10+2
The criteria about candidates belonging only the Agrawal Vaish community has sparked outrage after the screenshot of the advertisement went viral on social media. The ad has been issued by the HR Department of Brandavan Food Products.
OpIndia got in touch with Railway officials who have taken a strong view of the advertisement issued by RK Meals.
Railway officials told OpIndia, “Serious view is taken by IRCTC and Contractor has been asked to refrain giving notice on caste lines but to recruit suitable persons belonging to any caste/creed/religion or region”.
Further, Railway officials confirmed that the Contractor (RK Meals) has confirmed to Railways that the HR Manager responsible for placing the ad asking only for candidates from the ‘Agrawal Vaish community’ has been fired.
OpIndia also tried to reach out to Brandavan Food Products on the number listen on their website. The gentleman who received the call was clearly aware of the issue, but when asked for a comment, he provided an alternate number to be called on.
When OpIndia tried to call the alternate number provided, the phone was switched off. After finding the number switched off, the number listed on the website was called again multiple times but this time, nobody answered the call.
Brandavan Food Products has also been emailed for their comments on the issue, however, OpIndia is yet to receive a response from the vendor. This article will be updated if and when a response is received.