- NCW and RPF Initiative: Special seminar on human trafficking in Bhopal
Bhopal: A special seminar on “Awareness on Anti-Human Trafficking” was organized by the National Commission for Women and the Railway Protection Force (RPF), West Central Railway at the Narmada Club, Bhopal. The seminar aimed to raise awareness about the grave crime of human trafficking and to share legal knowledge and preventive measures among RPF, Police, GRP, and Railway staff to combat this menace.
The seminar commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Rajeev Kumar Yadav, Inspector General and Principal Chief Security Commissioner, RPF, West Central Railway. In his address, he highlighted the MoU signed between the Railway Protection Force and the National Commission for Women in March 2024 to prevent human trafficking. He also provided insights into the ‘Mission Vatsalya’ initiative, under which the RPF, West Central Railway, has played a pivotal role in rescuing and rehabilitating 496 children in 2023 and 297 children by July 2024, who were found abandoned or separated from their families on trains and railway premises. The RPF has established a total of 27 Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTU) within the West Central Railway, with 84 officers and staff working towards this cause.
In-depth analysis of human trafficking
Neetu Thakur, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters), presented an in-depth analysis of human trafficking, discussing its various forms, vulnerabilities, legal frameworks, and strategies for prevention. She emphasized the importance of awareness campaigns and community engagement in combating this serious issue. Following this, Ms. M. Leelavathi, Senior Coordinator, National Commission for Women, shared her thoughts on “Gender Sensitization.” She focused on promoting gender diversity within the railways, ensuring respectful interactions towards female passengers, and handling gender-specific complaints with sensitivity and empathy.
Divisional Railway Manager, Bhopal, Devashish Tripathi, lauded the efforts of the Railway Protection Force in collaboration with the Police, GRP, and other agencies in preventing human trafficking and stressed the importance of continuing these efforts. Director General (Modernization) of Madhya Pradesh Police, Shailesh Singh, highlighted the significant role of women in society and emphasized the need to honor their contributions.
