New Delhi, July 30 (UNI) In a significant achievement, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has rescued more than 65,000 trafficked and runaway children across India in the last four and a half years, underscoring its crucial role in combating human trafficking.
Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), lauded the RPF’s efforts and highlighted the grave nature of human trafficking, describing it as “one of the gravest human rights violations,” with women and girls being disproportionately affected. She emphasised the importance of early detection and timely intervention by the RPF in addressing this menace.
To enhance the capabilities of RPF personnel in preventing trafficking of women and children, as well as other crimes against women, the NCW and RPF have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons today, said a statement here.
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, who attended the event, shared the development on the social media platform X, marking the collaboration as a key step forward in strengthening anti-trafficking measures.
The MoU was signed by Shivani Dey, Deputy Secretary of NCW, and S. Sudhakar, DIG/Projects, RPF, as per the statement.
Manoj Yadava, Director General of RPF, reiterated the force’s commitment to the cause. “Indian Railways, with its vast network and reach, holds a unique position and responsibility to act as a frontline deterrent against trafficking,” he said. He added that the partnership with NCW would enhance operational response and community engagement, enabling more effective prevention and rescue efforts.
The MoU facilitates the organization of structured training programs and sensitization initiatives for RPF personnel. Public awareness efforts, including the dissemination of informational materials at railway stations and on trains, will also be undertaken.
Additionally, anti-human trafficking units (AHTUs), already operational at over 750 locations, will be leveraged to strengthen surveillance and ensure immediate response to suspected cases, said the statement.
