The Railway Protection Force (RPF) rescued 84,119 children under Operation Nanhe Farishtey in the last seven years, between 2018 and May 2024. These children were at various risks across stations and trains. These children include runaway children, missing children, left behind, destitute, kidnapped, mentally challenged, and street children.
What is Nanhe Farishtey?
- Launched in 2018, Nanhe Farishtey is RPF’s ambitious mission to identify and rescue children who need care and protection from across railway stations in India.
- In the very first year of the operation, the RPF rescued 17,112 children, showcasing the significance of the initiative. In 2019, 15,932 children were rescued.
- In the pandemic year 2020, the RPF continued efforts and rescued 5,011 children despite various restrictions. In 2021, the RPF further accelerated their actions and rescued 11,907 children.
- In 2022, the number jumped as the RPF provided protection to 17,756 children. In 2023, the force rescued 11,794 children.
- In the first five months of 2024, 4,607 children were rescued.
- The RPF hands over these children to the District Child Welfare Committee which helps them meet their parents again.
- The Indian Railways has also set up Child Helpdesks across 135 stations which actively identify the needy and provide necessary help.
Concerns Surfaced
- This operation has brought up the concerns of child care and the need for effective actions. Particularly, the issues of runaway children are very alarming, demanding attention and actions from parents and authorities.
- This also brings forth the issues related to kidnapping. It requires the police to encourage parents to report such cases and launch a special protection drive.
- Mental sickness also emerged as a key challenge affecting the lives of children and their parents.
- Through this operation, the RPF has not only provided protection to children but also raised awareness regarding the issues children face.
Operations by the RPF
- To make the rail network safe and secure, the RPF take various initiatives. Some of their prominent operations are as below:
- Operation AAHT– The RPF fights human trafficking through this operation.
- Meri Saheli– The RPF ensures the security of female passengers.
- Operation Uplabdh– The RPF fights illegal ticket selling.
- Operation Satark– The RPF curbs the illegal transport of goods.
- Operation NARCOS– The RPF prevents crimes related to drugs.
- Operation Yatri Suraksha– It helps fight crimes against passengers.
- Operation Sanraksha– It ensures the safety and protection of passengers and railway services.
- Operation Seva– It helps provide support to passengers in need.
- Operation Jeevan Raksha– It saves the lives of travellers when they come in close contact with running trains.
