Dear Dipanjan,
For your information, IR does arrange alternative bookings / travel options wherever it is feasible. But yes, the passenger is charged an "unrefundable" convenience charge which is payable to transaction enabler.
.
If you are aware of how debit /credit cards work, a small portion of the transaction is paid to the card enabler like VISA, Master Card or RuPay. The...
more... difference being that its the receiver who makes the payment for such an enabler and they waive off the charge in case of a refund.
.
IR is under severe financial duress to waive off such a charge. There are millions of people who book, cancel, rebook, re cancel . Payments would run into crores. Who is going to bear these expenses ??
.
Such charges are "necessity" of availing online services, though it may sound ironic when on one hand the Govt. is promoting digital transaction but at the same time passing on the charges to the users.
.
If this is a problem that is bothering you, you may request anyone to book a physical ticket from ticket counter to avoid paying extra money.