A renewed MoU between the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the National Commission for Women (NCW) reinforces India’s commitment to fighting human trafficking, especially of women and children, through preventive action, training, and awareness across the railway network.
Highlights:
- MoU signed between RPF and NCW on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
- Aims to train and sensitize RPF personnel to combat trafficking effectively.
- Special anti-trafficking booklet released by NCW.
- Over 65,000 children rescued by RPF in the last 4.5 years.
- Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) active at 750+ locations.
- Extensive public awareness campaigns to follow via stations and trains.
- Strong emphasis on early detection, response, and community engagement.
On the occasion of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, a significant step was taken toward protecting women and children in transit, with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the National Commission for Women (NCW) renewing their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Announcing the development on social media, the Minister highlighted the MoU’s goal: to enhance RPF’s capability to prevent trafficking and other crimes against women across India’s vast railway network.
The MoU was formally signed by Smt. Shivani Dey (Deputy Secretary, NCW) and Shri S. Sudhakar (DIG/Projects, RPF). A special anti-human trafficking booklet prepared by NCW was also released on the occasion.
NCW Chairperson Smt. Vijaya Rahatkar addressed the gravity of the issue, noting that human trafficking remains a major human rights violation, with women and girls being the most common victims. She commended the RPF’s persistent rescue efforts, which have led to the recovery of over 65,000 trafficked and lost children in the past four and a half years.
RPF Director General Shri Manoj Yadava reaffirmed the force’s commitment, stating that Indian Railways, due to its massive outreach, is uniquely positioned to act as a frontline defense against trafficking. The partnership with NCW, he noted, will help sharpen both operational effectiveness and public engagement.
As part of the MoU, structured training and sensitization programs for RPF personnel will be conducted. Moreover, public awareness campaigns will be rolled out, involving informational materials displayed at railway stations and onboard trains. The RPF’s existing Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) at over 750 locations will play a critical role in vigilance and swift response.
This collaborative initiative represents a unified national stand against human trafficking, leveraging the reach and responsibility of Indian Railways to ensure a zero-tolerance approach to this grave crime and a safer environment for vulnerable communities.
