‘Nanhe Faristey.’ Launched in 2018, this program has become crucial for providing care and protection to at-risk children. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Indian Railways has rescued 84,119 vulnerable children over the past seven years through its dedicated initiative.
RPF’s Nanhe Faristey: A Lifeline for Thousands of Children
In 2018, the RPF rescued 17,112 children, including 13,187 runaways, 2,105 missing children, 1,091 left behind, and 400 classified as destitute. The following year, 15,932 children were rescued, with 12,708 identified as runaways, highlighting the persistent need for such scheme.
The RPF rescued 5,011 children despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The number increased to 11,907 rescues, demonstrating the initiative’s resilience and importance in the year 2021. The year 2022 break the record with 17,756 rescues, the highest recorded, thanks to increased awareness and coordinated efforts across railway zones. the RPF maintained its crucial role in child protection by rescuing 11,794 children in the year 2023. The data shows 4,607 children have already been rescued in the first five months, indicating ongoing commitment in year 2024.
RPF’s Track Child Portal and Support Network for Rescued Children
The success of ‘Nanhe Faristey’ is carried by the ‘Track Child Portal,’ containing comprehensive details about unsafe children. Furthermore, the Indian Railways has established child help desks at over 135 railway stations to help in these efforts. Rescued children are handed over to the District Child Welfare Committee, ensuring their safe return to families.
The RPF continues to change to new challenges, attempting to create a safer environment for children across India’s extensive railway network. The operation not only rescues children but also raises awareness about the difficulty of runaways and missing children, reminding further action and support from various stakeholders.
The RPF is making remarkable step in protecting and empowering vulnerable children in India through these ongoing efforts.
