Indian Railways’ Operation Meri Saheli

Operation Meri Saheli is an Indian Railways initiative aiming at providing safety and security to female passengers, traveling in trains. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) launched the initiative on October 29, 2020. 

In this article, we shall discuss the objectives of this initiative and its significance. The topic is also important for candidates preparing for the upcoming IAS Exam, and falls under the category of Social Justice and Infrastructure and Economic Development.

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What is Operation Meri Saheli?

Operation Meri Saheli aims at providing security to women passengers, traveling in trains from the source station to the destination station. It comes under the Ministry of Railways and the RPF has been given the responsibility of managing the same. 

It was initially launched as a pilot project in the southern railways and based on the positive response, it has now been decided to expand it to all the zones of Indian Railways. 

A toll free number 182 has also been released, which can be used by any female passenger to file a complaint in case they face any problem or inconvenience during their journey. 

To get a detailed List of Major Women Empowerment Schemes in India, aspirants can visit the linked article. 

Key Points of the Meri Saheli Campaign

A set strategy will be followed by the RPF under this initiative. Following the important steps that have been undertaken:

• A team of lady RPF personnel will be allotted for different zones
• These lady personnel will interact with each and every female passenger, especially the ones traveling alone
• The female passengers will be informed about all the precautions to be taken during the journey by the RPF personnel at the source station
• Birst number and coach number of each lady passenger will be intimated to the source and destination officials
• In case of any misconduct or complaint by a female passenger, the case would be taken up seriously and will be sent to senior officials for further action and enquiry
• RPF/RPSF escort staff will also be on board for any immediate action 
• The female passengers will be asked to fill in a feedback form at the time of arrival at the destination station. Based on the feedback, new changes will be adapted and strict actions will be taken, if required

With an initiative like Meri Saheli, the Government is bringing in newer reforms for the safety and security of women in India. It will also spread awareness and allow stricter rules to be passed for any unethical behavior towards women of the country. 

To get daily updates based on the latest national and international developments, visit the Comprehensive News Analysis page. 

Why Operation Meri Saheli?

To fulfil the main objective of providing a safe travel experience for female passengers and ensuring that no kind of misconduct is allowed, the Indian Railways initiated this project.

With an overwhelming response during its initial stage, the Railway Protection Force expanded the reach of the program. 

A Brief Background of the Initiative

In September 2020, the South Eastern Railways came up with this initiative. The response which the authorities received, encouraged them to extend the project to all the other zones and Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL).

One specific team of women RPF personnel was formed in the Hubballi division of south western railways. This was just a pilot project and the initiative was taken a step further after its introduction across all zones of the Indian Railways. 

Operation Meri Saheli:-Download PDF Here

In terms of UPSC Syllabus, this topic is important from GS II and GS III perspective and candidates appearing for the upcoming Civil Services exam must start their preparation accordingly. 

Candidates preparing for various other Government or competitive exams must also be aware of this project and enhance their General Awareness for the upcoming examinations.

For study material, exam updates and syllabus, aspirants can turn to BYJU’S for assistance.