Guwahati, April 27 (IANS) To capture the diverse experiences of the general public as well as railway personnel and use those insights to improve railway facilities while promoting the use of Hindi, the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) has announced a competition titled “Rail Yatra Vritant Puraskar Yojana.”​

The Northeast Frontier Railway Chief Public Relations Officer, Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, said that this initiative seeks not only to upgrade railway services but also to encourage creative expression in Hindi through real-life travel narratives.​

He said that rail travel forms an integral part of the lives of Indian citizens, many of whom undertake countless journeys by train over their lifetime.​

These journeys often leave behind vivid and cherished memories.​

Through this competition, participants now have an opportunity to pen down such memorable rail travel experiences and stand a chance to win attractive awards, Sharma said.​

According to the Chief Public Relations Officer, the scheme offers cash prizes along with citations to the winners.​

The first prize is Rs 10,000, the second Rs 8,000, and the third Rs 6,000.​

In addition, five consolation prizes of Rs 4,000 each will also be awarded.​

Entries must be original rail travelogues written in Hindi.​

The official said each submission should be between 3,000 and 3,500 words.​

The manuscript must be typed in double-spaced format with 1-inch margins on all four sides.​

Participants are required to clearly mention the total word count and ensure that all pages are properly numbered, he said.​

A separate full sheet at the beginning of the submission should include essential details in capital letters, such as the participant’s name, designation, age, office or residential address, mother tongue, mobile number, email address, and total word count of the story.​

Sharma said that government employees, whether from Central or state services, who wish to participate must provide a declaration stating that no vigilance or disciplinary proceedings are pending or contemplated against them.​

Applicants who are not in government service must declare that no criminal case is pending against them and that they are not undergoing any form of punishment.​

Additionally, all participants are required to submit a declaration affirming that the submitted rail travelogue is their original composition and has not been awarded under any other scheme.​

Eligible Indian citizens interested in participating must submit their entries in duplicate by July 31, 2026.​

Submissions received in a single copy will be rejected, and entries received after the deadline will not be considered by the Ministry under any circumstances.​

This competition presents a unique opportunity for individuals to share their rail travel stories while contributing to improving railway services and promoting the Hindi language, the Northeast Frontier Railway Chief Public Relations Officer said.​

–IANS

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