National Girl Child Day-The Role of RPF
National Girl Child Day, celebrated with great significance every year on January 24th in India, serves as a heartfelt tribute to the nation’s sun wavering commitment to honoring and elevating the rights, education, and welfare of its young daughters. Conceived by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2008, this day resounds as a clarion call, urging society to confront the trials faced by girls and to cultivate pathways for their all-encompassing growth and empowerment.
The Role of the RPF
Railway Protection Force (RPF) emerges as a vigilant sentinel, entrusted with the sacred duty of protecting and empowering girl children across the sprawling expanse of India’s railway network. In its unwavering commitment to the safety of all passengers, RPF has woven a tapestry of initiatives, each designed to shield the fragile journeys of young girls, ensuring their travels by train are secure, dignified, and unmarred by fear.
RPF Helpline Desks
At major railway stations, RPF has established helpline desks manned by dedicated security personnel. These desks provide immediate assistance to girls in distress, ensuring their safe passage and addressing any concerns during their journey. Aggrieved passengers can contact RPF through security helpline Number 139 to report their grievances. Dedicated RPF personnel attend the calls to ensure immediate redressal of their complaints.
Awareness Programs
RPF conducts extensive community outreach programs to raise awareness about girl child safety and rights. Through workshops and seminars in schools and community centers, they educate parents and children on preventing exploitation and abuse. Additionally, regular announcements via passenger awareness systems in railway premises keep passengers informed, and Child Helpline Number 1098 is prominently displayed at stations.
Operation Nanhe Faristey
‘Operation Nanhe Faristey’ is a dedicated mission by RPF to rescue children in need across the railway network. Through unwavering dedication & perseverance, RPF has saved thousands of children from potential harm, providing them with safety and support. During the year2024, 15703 children including 4472 girl children were rescued by RPF through Operation Nanhe Farishte over Indian Railways.
Meri Saheli Initiative
The ‘Meri Saheli’ initiative by RPF focuses on the safety of female passengers, including girls, during their entire train journey. Dedicated teams of female RPF personnel interact with women passengers, ensuring their security from the originating station to the destination. Currently, approximately 250 Meri Sahleli teams are deployed daily, covering over 600 trains across Indian Railways network. During the year 2024, total 46,64,906 lonely travelling lady passengers including girl children were attended by RPF Meri Saheli teamto ensure their safe journey.
Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao Campaign
Taking forward the vision of Hon’ble PM, RPF actively participates in the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign, promoting the survival, protection, and education of the girl child. Collaborating with various stakeholders, the RPF strives to eradicate gender discrimination and empower girls to pursue education and career opportunities. Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTU) Recognizing the menace of human trafficking, the RPF has established Anti-Human Trafficking Units at key railway stations.
These units work in tandem with Government Railway Police (GRP), local police, intelligence agencies, NGOs, and Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) to intercept trafficking activities. Regular coordination meetings facilitate information sharing and strategic planning to combat this issue. A total of 153 Anti Human Trafficking Units of RPF functioning over Indian Railways. During the year 2024, AHTU team rescued 1511 victims including 99 girl children with the arrest of 456 traffickers.
Responsibilities of RPF Staff
RPF comprises 5622 female personnel over Indian Railway including 13 Gazetted Officers, 570 sub-ordinate officers and 4911 under-officers, dedicated to ensure safe journey of female passengers. Additionally, RPF personnel undergo regular training in child protection laws and best practices to handle cases involving children with sensitivity and efficiency. They are vigilant on platforms and trains, ensuring no child are left unattended or vulnerable. Rescued children are promptly taken to child care institutions where they receive necessary medical care, psychological support, and a nurturing environment.
Conclusion
National Girl Child Day stands as a poignant testament to the boundless potential and irreplaceable value of girls in shaping the fabric of our world. It calls upon us to shoulder the profound responsibility of nurturing their dreams and safeguarding their journey. The unwavering dedication of the Railway Protection Force shines as a beacon of hope, fostering a sanctuary within the railway network where every girl feels secure and cherished. As we honour this day, let us rekindle our resolve to champion causes that uplift girl children, envisioning a world where they blossom unencumbered by fear or prejudice. Together, we can craft a future where every girl’s aspirations soar unfettered, illuminating paths of possibility and promise for generations to come.