RPF TO GET ADDITIONAL
POWERS AND LATEST TRAINING - NITISH KUMAR
Considering the fast
growing volume of passenger traffic and the new challenges faced
by the Railways, its imperative that the powers of the Railway
Protection Force (RPF) is enhanced through the amendment of Railway
Act and RPF Act, said Railway Minister, Shri Nitish Kumar, here
today. Addressing the RPF Investiture Parade-2002, Shri Nitish
Kumar opined that by seeking amendment to the above Acts, Railways
is not trying to curtail the powers of the State Police but pleading
for more powers to the RPF for assisting in the security of rail
passengers. Disclosing that the process towards amendment of the
two Acts is progressing, the Railway Minister said that he is
confident that the Force will get more powers in the near future.
Shri Nitish Kumar complemented the RPF for their commendable role
in the recent Kashmir election and expressed the hope that in
the coming Gujarat Elections also RPF will be enacting the most
impartial role.
The Railway Minister
who announced a cash award of Rs.50 lakh for the Force while giving
away the President’s Police Medal, Indian Police Medal, Railway
Minister’s Award for Bravery and Best Investigation, reminded
the Force that enhanced powers means added responsibilities. He
assured the personnel that the Ministry of Railways will take
every possible step in ensuring availability of latest weapons
and equipment, state-of-art training and other facilities for
RPF. Shri Nitish Kumar said that the process of restructuring
service conditions of RPF personnel is on. "Right sizing
should not affect the performance of RPF and thereby the security
of rail passengers. Like other para-military forces RPF should
be allowed to fill up the existing vacancies", the Minister
added. Elaborating on the additional facilities offered by Railways
to step up passenger amenities during the 150th year
of Indian Railways, Shri Nitish Kumar said that if required the
Railways will start a new institute to train the personnel of
RPF. Shri Nitish Kumar said that availability of adequate funds
will be ensured. He called upon the Force to get geared to shoulder
additional responsibilities and bring glory to the Railways and
the Nation at large.
Earlier, in his welcome
address, Director General, RPF, Dr. Anil Kumar Pandey stressed
on the need to increase the strength of the Force which is serving
one of the largest Railways in the world. He pointed out that
improved service conditions will help inspire them to perform
better.
The Railway Minister
gave away 29 medals including President’s Police Medal at the
impressive RPF Investiture Parade in which 13 contingents including
women contingents from different Zonal Railways participated.
While 26 RPF personnel received Indian Police Medals, Railway
Minister’s Award for Bravery was given away to M.D.Salimuddin
(posthumously), Ex.Hd.Constable/RPSF. Railway Minister’s Medal
for best investigation was received by Shri M. Vijay Kumar, Insepector
of South Central Railway. Shri Gulshan Singh Sehgal, Security
Commissioner (retired), Western Railway received the President’s
Polic.
