OREANDA-NEWS. The Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu said that the security of Railways means security of millions of common people who travel in the train and hence it is an important responsibility. The Minister pointed out that he is aware of difficult conditions and circumstances in which Railway Protection Force (RPF) and General Railway Police (GRP) personnel have to perform. He said that there is a need for seamless security arrangement for the travelling people. Shri Suresh Prabhu said that  a meeting of all Heads of Police of all the States Governments has been convened in Delhi on 15th January, 2015 to discuss the best security arrangements for the travelling public and wok won a mechanism to ensure effective security. This meeting will also be addressed by the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh.

The Railway Minister emphasised that there is a need to make concerted efforts together to meet the challenges of security. Referring to the conduct of RPF personnel in public, Shri Suresh Prabhu said that if a single person of RPF commits a mistake then it is perceived as a mistake committed by the entire RPF department. Hence every single individual has to perform in the best possible manner and behave decently with the public so as to ensure good image of the Railway administration in the eyes of the public. He said that it is necessary to bring changes in the behavior of the railway personnel at all levels so that a good image of the Railways is created and the public has enhanced trust in the Railway administration. 

The Railway Minister informed that he has asked Director General, RPF, to organize training on behavioral issues to the RPF personnel. Moreover, a scheme is also being worked out to give special recognition every month as ‘Men of the Month’ to those RPF personnel who do some exemplary good work in different Divisions of Indian Railways. It will encourage and inspire others also to give their best performance. Referring to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s emphasis on Railway sector as a priority sector, the Railway Minister said each of us will have to work together to take Indian Railways forward by making it icon of the country and world class in services. He said, both public and private investment is required to ensure growth and expansion of Railway network. The Railway Minister was speaking at a function to inaugurate the Annual General meeting of all India RPF Association here today.

In his speech, the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh said that the security of the people is very important and in fact is the guarantee for ensuring development. Shri Rajnath Singh said that the Railway Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu is deeply dedicated towards his work and responsibilities and is known for his efficiency, competence, sincerity, visionary approach and initiatives. Shri Singh pointed out that Shri Suresh Prabhu has the trust of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and working hard to fulfill Prime Minister’s aspirations in making Indian Railways as world class. Referring to the security issues in naxal affected areas in the country, the Home Minister said that security agencies have to work in a concerted way to ensure safety and security of the public. Shri Singh said that his Home Ministry is with Railway Ministry on this vital issue and will support any proposal sent by the Railway Minister aimed at strengthening security of millions of traveling passengers.

In his speech, the Minister of State Shri Manoj Sinha said that the Railway Administration is fully seized of the challenges faced by RPF while performing their duties  and will do its best to provide best facilities to them so that they can perform effectively. Shri Sinha, however, said that it is the duty of everybody to ensure that the image of RPF is maintained at a good level in the eyes of the public.

Members of Parliament Shri Rajesh Pandey, Shri Prahlad Patel and Shri Virendra Singh were also among those present on the occasion. Shri S.R.Reddy, President of All Indian RPF Association (AIRPFA) and Shri U.S.Jha, Secretary General, AIRPFA and office bearers of other Railway Federations were also present on the occasion.