Indian Railway Minister Ashwini Vishnaw has indicated that there will be a transformational change for Railway Protection Force (RPF) by provision of earmarked capital investment. Planning for security will be made integral to project planning. He said that Gati Shakti directorate shall have representation of RPF officers too. The Railway Minister also announced a sanction of Rs.30 Crore to setup RPF Commando (CORAS) Training centre at Jagadhri in Haryana.
The Railway Minister was addressing a grand Investiture Ceremony was held at Vigyan Bhawan on May 27, 2022.Shri Vaishnaw presided as the Chief Guest and honoured 104 RPF personnel awarded with the President’s Medal for Gallantry, Police Medal for Meritorious Service, President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and Jeewan Raksha Series of medals awarded by President of India during last years i.e. 2019, 2020 and 2021. Apart from RPF Director General Sanjay Chander , the Ceremony was also graced by the distinguished guests Chairman and CEO of Railway Board V K Tripathi , Deputy National Security Advisor Rajinder Khanna and Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana.
It was poignant moment, when Smt. Sunita Devi, wife of Late Shri Jagbir Singh, walked up to the dais to be honoured by the Minister. Her husband, Jagbir Singh, laid down his life on duty, while saving lives of 4 children on a railway track between Adarshnagar – Azadpur railway section in Delhi. Displaying unmatched valour, he went beyond the call of his duty and without caring for own life saved the lives of children. For his sacrifice, he has been posthumously honoured by the Presidents Police Medal for Gallantry as well as the Jeewan Raksha Medal.
In his inaugural speech, RPF DG Sanjay Chander dwelt in brief about transformation of RPF from a Force Protecting Railway property to a unit serving the passengers with empathy and compassion. He outlined various achievements of RPF and initiatives being taken in the field of passenger security & assistance, child rescue, human trafficking, use of technology, community outreach among others. He explained the service orientation of the force aptly expressed by the objective of ‘Sewa He Sankalp. He exhorted the public to be aware and take precautions while undertaking rail travel and requested them to contact RPF and thus, help RPF help them.
During the Ceremony, the Railway Minister released the RPF Journal, RPF Training Manual & RPF Drill Manual. Foundation stone of the Central Command & Control Centre for nationwide monitoring, analysis and supervision through CCTV systems across the country which will function centrally under the control and supervision of DG/RPF, was laid by Shri Vaishnaw. A dedicated RPF Website developed by CRIS, was inaugurated in line with the vision of Image Management and inculcating soft skills. ‘ Meri Saheli’ is an initiative of RPF for the security of women passengers travelling alone. The Meri Saheli Module developed in collaboration with CRIS was also inaugurated by the Minister. This module will assist Meri Saheli teams in the field for better coordination and monitoring.
To showcase the work being done by RPF, as well as to create awareness in the public, a dedicated YouTube Channel was inaugurated. A specially designed Battle Fatigue Dress, an additional uniform to enhance visibility, effectiveness of the force and to instill a sense of confidence among the force personnel was also launched on this occasion.
To showcase RPF’s glorious history and inculcate a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie among fellow personnel, a theme song, the RPF Amrit Geet was dedicated to the RPF by the Minister. Theme Song was written by Aash Karan Atal with music by Nitin Shanker and vividly rendered by Javed Ali, renowned Bollywood singer.
Speaking on the occasion Ashwini Vaishnaw, welcomed all the dignitaries, and appreciated the Recipients of Gallantry medal, Jeevan Raksha Padak, PPM and IPM. He shared the ambition of the Prime Minister Modi for transformation of railways being the bedrock of transformation of the nation.He highlighted five basic elements for the transformation of Railways, viz, Antyodaya, absorption of technology, investment, Organizational Restructuring and Empowerment of field units.
Shri Vaishnaw also highlighted that the role of RPF is very important in this framework of 5 elements, as the RPF is uniquely placed due to its interface with the public. The minister also indicated that railway security will be strengthened through “SABKA PRAYAAS”.
