RPF's Operation Nanhe Farishtey: Rescued 84,119 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