PCSC/WR’s Case-Failure of WR and Rail Bhawan
If RPF ladies feel insecure, how can women feel safe on trains?
Recently, a #Lady-Constable (#LCT) made a very serious complaint against the Principal Chief Security Commissioner, Railway Protection Force (#PCSC/#RPF) of Western Railway (#WR). Despite the #complaint going through multiple layers of #bureaucracy, no action has been taken. Eventually, the matter was brought to public attention and we received a tip about it. This served as the basis for our article: “पश्चिम रेलवे के पीसीएससी पर महिला कांस्टेबल ने लगाया शारीरिक शोषण का आरोप“
Throughout its extensive history, #IndianRailways has unfortunately witnessed individuals in powerful positions engaging in predatory behavior. These incidents have occurred in almost every department.
To gain insight into how such issues should be handled, we sought the opinion of a #retired officer who had reached the level of Additional Memeber (#AM) before retiring. We aimed to understand the appropriate approach for addressing and resolving such matters.
His opinion follows:
After the #Vishakha Judgement, it has become clear in both the #Administration of all #Ministries and the #Private sector that the #exploitation of #women in the #workplace is a serious #offence. Detailed #guidelines have been implemented that clearly define what is considered #inappropriate-behaviour. #Gender sensitisation is now a crucial aspect of all training and office operations.
In addition, the #responsibility of protecting women falls unequivocally on the heads of the organization, namely the #DRM, #GM, and #CRB, as well as all other department heads.
Now let us examine the current case. There is a #PHOD from the #RPF, a #uniformed disciplined force, who has been accused of serious exploitation. This situation reminds us of the tragic case of #Ruchika Girhotra, where a young girl and her family suffered at the hands of a powerful #IPS officer. This demonstrates the potential for #abuse by uniformed officers and highlights the #gravity of such cases.
The fact that this matter was not handled with the #urgency, #sensitivity, and #promptness it deserved reflects a complete failure on the part of the #WR top management and #RailwayBoard.
Why do I say this?
Such #predators should have been prevented from being promoted. Furthermore, when the #AGM received such explosive #complaints, he should have immediately involved the #GM and reached out to the #DGRPF and #CRB. It is worth noting that the CRB is a lady officer. A discreet inquiry, parallel to the #Vishaka committee, could have determined whether it was appropriate for the #PCSC to continue, and an #administrative-decision should have been made promptly.
Now that this matter has been handled so poorly and has gained #media attention, it has severely undermined the #government’s initiatives for women empowerment. #Weak and #indecisive General Managers, who have passed elaborate 360-degree reviews, along with Board Members on extensions and those who have superseded their seniors, have collectively contributed to this sorry state of despair. If #RPF-ladies feel #insecure, how can #women feel #safe on trains?
The #root-cause of this issue is the entrenched and reckless patronage, for which #RailBhawan is directly #responsible.
The #CRB must intervene immediately and take appropriate action.