RPF's Operation Nanhe Farishtey: Rescued 84,119 Children

Operation Nanhe Farishtey, launched by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in 2018, aims to rescue children in need of care and protection across Indian Railway Zones. The operation focuses on saving runaway, abandoned, impoverished, disabled, or kidnapped children

Overview of Operation Nanhe Farishtey

Launched by Railway Protection Force (RPF) in 2018
Mission: Rescue children in need of care and protection across Indian Railway Zones
Focus: Saving runaway, abandoned, impoverished, disabled, or kidnapped children
Goal: Prevent vulnerable children from falling into crime, prostitution, or begging
Process: RPF rescues children and hands them over to District Child Welfare Committee
Total children rescued (2018-May 2024): 84,119

Year-wise Rescue Data and Trends

2018:

Total rescued: 17,112
Breakdown: 13,187 runaways, 2,105 missing, 1,091 left behind, 400 destitute, 87 kidnapped, 78 mentally challenged, 131 street children
Marked a significant start for the operation

2019:

Total rescued: 15,932
Continued strong efforts in child rescue

2020:

Total rescued: 5,011
Challenging year due to COVID-19 pandemic

2021:

Total rescued: 11,907
Resurgence in rescue operations post-pandemic

2022:

Total rescued: 17,756 (highest in the recorded period)
Breakdown: 14,603 runaways, 1,156 missing, 1,035 left behind, 384 destitute, 161 kidnapped, 86 mentally challenged, 212 street children

2023:

Total rescued: 11,794
Breakdown: 8,916 runaways, 986 missing, 1,055 left behind, 236 destitute, 156 kidnapped, 112 mentally challenged, 237 street children

2024 (first five months):

Total rescued: 4,607
3,430 identified as runaways

Impact and Initiatives

Raised awareness about runaway and missing children
Prompted action and support from various stakeholders
Adaptation to new challenges for safer railway environments
Establishment of child helpdesks at over 135 railway stations
Use of Track Child Portal for comprehensive details about aggrieved children
Coordination with District Child Welfare Committee for reuniting children with parents

About Railway Protection Force (RPF)

Established based on recommendations of High Power Committee in 1954
Railway Protection Force Act enacted in 1957
Amended in 1985, given status of Armed Forces under Central Police Organisations
Under administrative control of Union Ministry of Railways
Foundation Day: September 20
Current Director General: Manoj Yadava, IPS

Functions:

Security of railway property, passengers, and passenger areas
Power to inquire and prosecute under Railways Act
Assist state police in maintaining law and order

Difference from Government Railway Police (GRP):

GRP is state police responsible for law and order in railway stations
GRP can register FIRs for crimes within railway premises
GRP escorts passenger trains within their jurisdiction

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