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| Observance of National Girl Child Day: The role of Railway Protection Force | | |  Agencies
MALIGAON, Jan 25: National Girl Child Day, observed every year on January 24, highlights India's commitment to promoting the rights and welfare of its daughters. Initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, this day serves as a reminder of the collective effort needed to empower and protect young daughters.
As a key stakeholder in passenger safety, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the security of girl children across India's vast railway network. RPF initiatives such as helpline desks at major stations and the 24x7 security helpline (139) provides immediate assistance to girls in distress. Public announcements and the prominently displayed Child Helpline Number (1098) further strengthen these efforts. RPF conducts extensive community outreach programs to raise awareness about girl child safety and rights.
The RPF's 'Operation Nanhe Faristey' rescued 15,703 children in 2024, including 4,472 girls, ensuring their safety and access to care. Similarly, the 'Meri Saheli' initiative deploys female RPF teams to safeguard women and girls during train journeys. Currently, approximately 250 Meri Saheli teams are deployed daily, covering over 600 trains across Indian Railways network. During the year 2024, over 46 lakh lonely travelling lady passengers including girl children were attended by RPF Meri Saheli team to ensure their safe journey.
To combat human trafficking, the RPF has established 153 Anti-Human Trafficking Units at key railway stations. These units, in collaboration with GRP, Local Police, Intelligence agencies, NGOs and Child Welfare Committees rescued 1,511 victims, including 99 girl children, and arrested 456 traffickers in 2024.
RPF comprises of 5,622 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 female personnel are regularly trained in child protection laws and best practices, ensuring sensitive handling of rescued children. Efforts also include awareness programs, workshops, and outreach initiatives to educate communities about the rights and safety of girl children.
Aligned with the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign, the RPF remains dedicated to fostering a safe and empowering environment for girl children. On National Girl Child Day, the RPF reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the dreams and aspirations of every girl, ensuring their journeys are secure and dignified. |
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