Railway Minister Lalu Prasad has stressed the need to strengthen the Railway Protection Force in the light of changed security scenario in the country. Prasad was speaking at the Investiture Parade of RPF held Saturday.
Outlining various measures to strengthen RPF, the Minister pointed out that latest security equipments and vehicles will be provided to securitymen in all railway zones including those serving in Jammu & Kashmir. He informed that three new Battalions of RPF are proposed to be established and about 22000 posts in all railway zones will be created to meet the shortage of the manpower in RPF. Besides, 2 companies of Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) will be established for North East Frontier region, he added.
Underscoring the importance of training, the Minister announced that a special academy is proposed to be set up for RPF personnel where they will be trained about the most modern security arrangements. Some selected officers and staff of RPF will also be sent abroad for training to enable them to undertake study of railway security system in different countries facing similar problems.
Referring to the cases of thefts of Railway assets, the Minister pointed out that RPF act will be suitably amended to provide more powers to RPF so as to enable it to effectively prevent such thefts.
Lauding the valiant acts of Railway personnel during the recent Mumbai terror attacks, Shri Lalu Prasad announced cash award of Rs. 10 lakhs each to RPF head constable Jullu Yadav and Rs. 10 lakh award to Announcer Vishnu D. Jinde. He also announced Rs. 5 lakh each award to RPF inspector Sandeep Khiratkar and Sub-inspector Kiran Bhonsle.
The Railway Minister also announced ex-gracia payment of Rs. 10 lakh each to the next of kin of persons killed in the CST attack and Rs. 50 thousand to the injured. The Minister also announced Rs. 35 lakh award to RPF for organizing successful RPF Investiture parade.
Speaking on the occasion, Ranjeet Sinha, Director General, RPF said that RPF is carrying out its responsibility with full dedication and sincerity. He said that RPF has undertaken special efforts to prevent crime and theft.
Earlier, the Railway Minister, Shri Lalu Prasad took the salute of the colourful parade by RPF/RPSF contingent including ladies platoon and dog squad.
He also presented medals to RPF personnel which included 7 Gallantry Awards, 22 Indian Police Medal, 4 President’s Police Medal, 3 Minister of Railways Medal for Bravery and 4 Cash Rewards – 3 for RPF personnel and 1 for a Commercial Department staff of Central Railway who successfully thwarted the terrorist attack on the CST station on 26.11.08.
Mission Mumbai 