OPERATION NANHE FARISHTEY (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Policies)

Context: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding railway property, passenger areas, and the well-being of travelers. In the month of January 2024, RPF continued to ensure the safety, security and comfort of passengers, while also assisting Indian Railways in delivering reliable freight transport services to its customers.

Operation ‘Nanhe Faristey’

• About: A dedicated child-rescue initiative by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) across the country.
• It also identifies and prevent the inflow of children who are illegally brought to the city, mainly to work as child labourers
• Aim: To work towards ending Human Trafficking through Railways.
• Dedicated authority: Railway Protection Force (RPF)
• Nodal ministry: Ministry of Railways.

Railway Protection Force (RPF)

• About: An armed railway police force of the Union under railway ministry.
• Act: Established by the Railway Protection Force Act, 1957
• Objective: The better protection and security of railway property and passenger area.
• Power: To search, arrest, enquire, and prosecute offenses committed under the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act 1966 and the Railways Act, 1989 (amended from time to time)

Railway Ministry Other Initiatives

• Operation Jeevan Raksha: The RPF's vigilant and swift action saved the lives of 233 passengers who had accidentally fallen while de-boarding or boarding moving trains, narrowly avoiding being caught under the wheels, at platforms and railway tracks in the month of January 2024, under Operation 'Jeevan Raksha.'
• Meri Saheli" Initiative: RPF takes the security of women passengers seriously and launched the "Meri Saheli" initiative. Providing security to women passengers.
• Operation "Uplabdh": In the fight against touts, RPF arrested 379 individuals in the month of January 2024 and took legal action against them as per the law. Additionally, they seized future reserved railway tickets, valued at Rs. 44.46 lakhs.
• Operation Sanraksha: In a resolute effort to maintain passenger safety and protect railway services, RPF arrested 53 individuals involved in the perilous act of stone pelting on running trains in January 2024.
• Operation Seva: With a humanitarian approach, RPF provided assistance to 227 elderly, sick or injured passengers during their rail travels in the month of January 2024.