Railway security to be beefed up with 24,000 additional personnel

Stressing on the need to stop crimes like dacoity and offences against women passengers, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav announced the recruitment of 24000 Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel. Addressing the RPF anniversary cum investiture ceremony at the RPSF Parade Grounds, Lalu said, "3600 jawans have also been deployed as part of strengthening the Access Control System at 696 railway stations to prevent criminal activities." The Minister also applauded the RAF for their excellent performance, which had resulted in better protection and comfort for railway passengers. He also announced a reward of Rs.15 lakh for RPF personnel for their excellent performance. Emphasising the importance of training of RPF personnel, Lalu said, "The Jagjiwan Ram RPF Academy would be provided with more facilities for training."

RPF Director General A. K. Suri said, "Constant action and alertness on the part of the RPF personnel has resulted in reduction in number of crimes and passengers are now more confident." Over 1600 children were rescued during the year and handed over to their parents/non-governmental organizations, he added. RPF is actively coordinating with Government Railway Police and State Police in tackling crimes like blasts on trains, protecting railway tracks besides dealing with challenges from terrorists. The RPF also have a list of brave officers to receive award for their meritorious service. Jaya Singh Chauhan, Chief Security Officer, NER became the first lady officer in the history of RPF to receive the Police Medal for Meritorious Service. Late Binay Kumar Rai was awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry for the year 2005 which was received by his widow.

In all, eight RPF personnel have been awarded with Police Medals for Gallantry for the years 2005 and 2006. 47 RPF personnel have been awarded Police Medals for Meritorious Service. The following personnel received the President's Police Medals for distinguished service for the two years are - Anil Sharma, CSC, SECR, Bilaspur, U. H. Char, ASC, Secunderabad, C. Panneerselvam, IPF, Chennai, Pradeep Kumar Mehta, IG/NR, Shiv Charan Lal AIG (Retd). The Railway Minister's Medal for Bravery was bagged by Constable B. Dhesi and Constable Rishi Raj. The Railway Minister's Medal for Best Investigation was bagged by J. Sastry, ASC, S. N. Joshi, IPF and P. C. C. Kasar, IPF. The Ministers of State for Railways Naranbhai J. Rathwa, R. Velu, Chairman, Railway Board, J. P. Batra, Director General RPF A. K. Suri and other senior officials were present on the occasion.

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