World Day Against Child Labour: RPF’s Resolute Efforts to Safeguard Children in Railways

The World Day Against Child Labour, observed annually to raise awareness about eliminating child labour and ensuring education for all, was launched by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2002 and is marked on 12th of June each year. Despite legal safeguards, child labour continues in India, driven by poverty, illiteracy and inequality and is often seen across the railway network where children live, work, or travel in unsafe conditions.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF), under the Ministry of Railways, plays a proactive role in rescuing and protecting vulnerable children. Under the “Nanhe Farishte” initiative, RPF has rescued 61,345 children from 2021 to April 2025, including unaccompanied minors, those trafficked, or found begging or in distress.

Through intensified surveillance, intelligence networks and train escorting, RPF has tackled a wide range of issues from child trafficking and abduction to drug abuse and medical emergencies. Since 2021, it has arrested 649 traffickers and rescued 2719 individuals, including 2456 children and 263 male – female adults.

A key milestone was the signing of an MoU with Bachpan Bachao Andolan, founded by Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, to strengthen anti-trafficking efforts through joint operations, awareness campaigns and coordinated rescues.

To boost on-ground response, RPF has set up over 750 Anti-Human Trafficking Units and 135 Child Help Desks, with the Ministry of Women and Child Development planning to add 212 more. These desks act as first-response points, linking rescued children to proper rehabilitation through Child Welfare Committees. Updated Standard Operating Procedures, aligned with the Juvenile Justice Act and Mission Vatsalya, ensure a structured approach to child protection by RPF and Railway staff.

With the vision of RPF “Our Mission: Prevent Child Trafficking on Trains,” Indian Railways is committed to turning vulnerable spaces into safe, hopeful environments ensuring that every rescued child begins a journey toward freedom, care and a better future.

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