Improving RPF Functioning - Additional Inputs
Below are the Key Solutions as outlined by you to improve the current state of RPF Functioning. Also included are the Key Issues and Root Causes for current state.
We are in the process of compiling the whitepaper for the Railways Minister and Board. If you have any additional inputs, please share them by responding to this post and in your comment identify with a prefix what you are sharing (Issue, Root Cause or Solutions)
We look forward to your participation!
Ministry of Railways
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Railway Protection Force (RPF) Functioning- Inputs on Solutions
1. A help line number must be displayed for RPF in every compartment and for what issues RPF can be called upon. The call should be directed to RPF person on the train in real time.
2. A chart must be displayed at every station and both sides of railway coach relating to what services general public can expect from RPF and how
3. Contact details of the key RPF In charges should be displayed on every station
4. RPF should be managed like private contractors with on the field supervisors
5. They must go through regular fitness camps
6. RPF must be made accountable for their job and their actions through performance management and KRAs
7. The senior officials should become strategically aggressive
8. A dedicated helpline should be started to complain about security flaws in railways
9. CCTV cameras should be installed on the stations to observe RPF movements
10. Investments should be made in getting modern equipment for the RPF
11. Drives should be conducted to catch corrupt RPF personnel
12. Working conditions of the RPF should be improved
13. They should be given refresher courses on customer service after regular intervals
14. Good RPF personnel should be rewarded by the Government
15. Senior officials should be asked to go into the field themselves to set an example
16. Separate and specialized recruitment should be done by the Government for RPF
17. Women should be recruited in RPF to assist female passengers better
Railway Protection Force (RPF) Functioning– Root Causes:
1. There is no check over the RPF
2. RPF personnel are physically unfit
3. RPF has very little accountability
4. Lack of strategic deployment planning by the top brass
5. Lack of an effective complaint redressal mechanism against the RPF
6. Lack of surveillance inside trains and on platforms
7. RPF lacks modern equipment
8. Their image has become negative over the years
9. RPF still runs by the old rules and regulations
10. They make money by taking bribes from unauthorised travellers and vendors
11. RPF has a lot of discretion vested in them
12. The number of people that visit stations is very high
13. RPF goes through rough working conditions
14. Even the RPF jawans themselves do not understand what their KRA’s are
15. RPF jawans are not trained to face public
16. RPF is not well paid
17. Low recognition from Government/Public
Railway Protection Force (RPF) Functioning - Key Issues
1. Travellers are afraid that RPF will catch them for no reason
2. RPF is very lazy
3. Corruption runs into the ranks
4. They collect bribes from people selling inside trains
5. RPF is nowhere to be seen when required
6. They don't prevent unauthorized people from entering coaches
7. They are unable to prevent most thefts
8. Some RPF jawans board the train and sleep peacefully
9. RPF is not well equipped to handle situation in a moving train
10. They use their powers to threaten passengers
11. RPF soldiers don’t even patrol the platform
12. Train robberies happen even after RPF being present
13. They capture seats in the general compartment and ask the public to stand
14. There is no RPF helpline number which could be called in case of emergency
15. The number of RPF personnel deployed and visible is small as compared to the need more