**Policy Summary: RPF and NCW Collaborate to Combat Human Trafficking**
On July 30, 2025, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the National Commission for Women (NCW) formalized a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen efforts against human trafficking, with a focus on women and children. The signing, which occurred on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and was overseen by Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, aims to enhance the capacity of RPF personnel in preventing trafficking and other crimes against women. Smt. Shivani Dey, Deputy Secretary, NCW, and Shri S. Sudhakar, DIG-Projects, RPF, signed the MoU.
The agreement facilitates structured training programs and sensitization initiatives for RPF personnel. Public awareness campaigns, utilizing informational materials at railway stations and on trains, will be implemented. Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs), currently operational at over 750 locations, will be utilized to bolster surveillance and ensure rapid response to suspected trafficking cases.
Chairperson of NCW, Smt. Vijaya Rahatkar, highlighted the critical role of the RPF in early detection and intervention, noting that over the past four and a half years, the RPF has rescued more than 65,000 trafficked and runaway children. Director General of RPF, Shri Manoj Yadava, emphasized the Indian Railways' responsibility in combating trafficking due to its extensive network. A special booklet on anti-human trafficking, prepared by the NCW, was also released on this occasion.
**Contact Information:**
Dharmendra Tewari
Dr. Nayan Solanki
Ritu Raj
Key Entities Referenced
Railway Protection Force: A security force of India, responsible for protecting railway passengers, passenger areas and railway property. Also referred to as RPF.
National Commission for Women: An Indian statutory body established in 1992 to advise the government on all policy matters affecting women.
Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw: Union Minister for Railways, present during the signing of the MoU.
Memorandum of Understanding: A renewed agreement between the Railway Protection Force and the National Commission for Women to strengthen efforts against human trafficking.
Smt. Shivani Dey: Deputy Secretary, NCW, who signed the MoU.
Shri S. Sudhakar: DIG-Projects, RPF, who signed the MoU.
Smt. Vijaya Rahatkar: Chairperson of NCW, who emphasized the seriousness of human trafficking.
Indian Railways: India's national railway system, recognized for its extensive reach and potential role in combating trafficking.
Ministry of Railways
Railway Protection Force and National Commission
for Women Strengthen Resolve Against Human
Trafficking
RPF & NCW Join Hands to Fight Human Trafficking;
MoU Signed on World Day Against Trafficking in
Persons in Presence of Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw
RPF Rescues Over 65,000 Trafficked and Runaway
Children in Last Four and a Half Years
Posted On: 30 JUL 2025 6:10PM by PIB Delhi
On the occasion of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, a renewed Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) was signed between the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the National Commission for Women
(NCW) in the august presence of Hon’ble Union Minister for Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Sharing the development on social media, the Union Minister stated that the MoU aims to strengthen the
capacity of RPF personnel to effectively prevent the trafficking of women and children as well as other crimes
against women.
The MoU was signed by Smt. Shivani Dey, Deputy Secretary, NCW, and Shri S. Sudhakar, DIG/Projects,
RPF. On this occasion, a special booklet on anti-human trafficking, prepared by the NCW, was also released.Smt. Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson of NCW, underscored the seriousness of the issue by stating that human
trafficking continues to be one of the gravest human rights violations, with women and girls being the most
frequent targets. She emphasized the pivotal role of the RPF in early detection and intervention. She also
appreciated the painstaking nationwide efforts of the RPF in rescuing trafficked and lost/runaway children
from across the country, which has led to the rescue of more than 65,000 such children over the past four and
a half years.
Director General of RPF, Shri Manoj Yadava, reiterated the force’s commitment to the cause. He said that
Indian Railways, with its extensive reach, has both the opportunity and responsibility to serve as a frontline
deterrent against trafficking. The partnership with NCW will further sharpen the force’s operational response
and community outreach.
The MoU facilitates the organization of structured training programs and sensitization initiatives for RPF
personnel. Public awareness efforts, including the dissemination of informational materials at railway stations
and on trains, will also be undertaken. Additionally, Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs), already
operational at over 750 locations, will be leveraged to strengthen surveillance and ensure immediate response
to suspected cases.
This collaborative effort reflects a shared national commitment to safeguarding vulnerable communities and
advancing a zero-tolerance approach toward human trafficking through one of India’s most vital public
service systems—the Indian Railways.
*****Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Ritu Raj
(Release ID: 2150307)