CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: A special seminar on “Awareness of Human Trafficking” was organized by the National Commission for Women and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of West Central Railway at Narmada Club, Bhopal. The seminar aimed to raise awareness about the serious 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 began with a welcome address by Rajeev Kumar Yadav, Inspector General and Principal Chief Security Commissioner of Railway Protection Force, West Central Railway. In his speech, he mentioned that the RPF signed an MoU with the National Commission for Women in March 2024 to prevent human trafficking.
He also highlighted that under Mission Vatsalya, the RPF of West Central Railway has played a crucial role in rescuing potential victims of human trafficking (runaway, separated children) and rehabilitating them through various NGOs. In 2023, 496 such children were rescued, and by July 2024, 297 children found abandoned or separated from their families on trains or at railway premises were rescued and assisted in their rehabilitation. The RPF has established a total of 27 Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTU) in the West Central Railway, staffed by 84 officers and personnel.
In her presentation, Neetu Thakur provided detailed information on the concept of human trafficking, its various forms, vulnerable groups, legal frameworks, and preventive strategies. She emphasized how this serious issue can be combated through awareness campaigns and community engagement. Following this, M. Leelavathi, Senior Coordinator of the National Commission for Women, shared her thoughts on “Gender Sensitivity.” She highlighted the importance of promoting understanding and support for gender diversity in the railway sector, ensuring respectful behavior towards female passengers, and handling gender-based complaints with sensitivity and empathy.
Towards the end of the program, Assistant Professor Saubhagya Bhadkaria of the National Law University provided an in-depth explanation of the laws related to human trafficking and stressed the need for their effective implementation.
Divisional Railway Manager Devashish Tripathi commended the efforts of the Railway Protection Force in collaborating with the police, GRP, and other agencies to prevent human trafficking and urged the continuation of this important work. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Police Director General Shailesh Singh emphasized the significant role of women in society and the need to honor their contributions.
The seminar was attended by Shailesh Singh, Devashish Tripathi, M. Leelavathi, Superintendent of Railway Police Bhopal Mrigakhi Deka, Senior Divisional Security Commissioner Prashant Yadav, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Neetu Singh Thakur, Additional Divisional Railway Manager Bhopal Rashmi Diwakar, Chief Project Manager Kishan Lal Meena, and other railway officers.
Approximately 350 railway staff and officers participated in the seminar, including around 200 female staff members. This event proved to be an important step in raising awareness about human trafficking and in the efforts to eradicate this crime from society.