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Indian Railway Protection Force Services (IRPFS)

A security force owned by Indian Railways, the Ministry of Railways, and the Government of India, the Railway Protection Force was created by the Railway Protection Force Act, 1957, which was passed by the Indian Parliament for “the better protection and security of railway property and passenger area.” Infractions against the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act of 1966 and The Railways Act of 1989 may be searched for, arrested, investigated, and prosecuted (amended from time to time). All the officers of the Railway Protection Force are members of the Indian Railway Protection Force Service (IRPFS) and are recruited through UPSC Civil Services Examination . They are recruited as Group-A Central Civil Servants. However, the post of Director-General of RPF is held on deputation by a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer.

Roles and Responsibilities

The RPF, along with the Government Railway Police(GRP) ensure the security of passengers and property of the Indian Railways. The following are the functions of the force:
  • Arrest and prosecute people who steal, damage or unlawfully possess railway property.
  • Providing security cover to passenger trains in vulnerable areas.
  • Providing services such as control of access to railway premises, general security and regulation of premises used by passengers.
  • To ensure smooth movement of railway traffic by removing obstructions to train and passenger movement.
  • Maintenance and enhancement of the RPF Security Management System.
  • Preventing the trafficking of women and children and help in the rehabilitation of destitute people who are found inside railway premises.
ailway Protection Force Roles and Responsibilities

RPF Powers

The following powers are conferred upon the force to enable them to smoothly discharge their duties:
  • Power to investigate, prosecute and arrest persons engaged in activities that violate the Railways Act, 1890.
  • Power to remove obstructions such as illegal constructions and encroachments which obstruct rail transport or passengers.
  • Discretionary power to use non-lethal and lethal force based on the situation while discharging their duties.

Units under RPF

  • Breeding and Training Centre for Police Dogs
  • Central Crime Bureau
  • Central Weapons Store
  • Indian Railway Protection Force Service

Training of the Officers

Probationary training is provided to both direct recruits and promoted officers at a number of national academic institutions, including the Jagjivan Ram RPF Academy in Lucknow, one of the primary training centers for Indian Railways. Direct Group A applicants go through foundation training as well as additional instruction.
After completion of a successful probation period of two years, probationers are confirmed. Also, there is provision for in-service training for officers spread across the entire service span organized within Railways as well as through BPR&D and DoPT.

Functions of Gr-A officers

Group A officers of RPF are responsible for the overall protection and safeguarding of railway property, passenger, and passenger areas on/over the Indian Railways. Their functions broadly include
  • To provide better protection and security to railway property, passengers, passenger areas.
  • To advise the railway administration on all matters connected with railway security, and to handle all references concerning police including government railway police received from the state governments or other ministries of the central government.
  • To compile a monthly review on the performance of the Force in regard to its statutory duties and functions.
  • To exercise all executive and administrative powers in relation to the Force and its deployment.
  • To keep the manpower fit and up to date through proper training at the initial level supported by in-service courses as well as advanced courses.

Designations of Group A Officers

The officers join the service after completing the training as Assistant Commandant or Assistant Security Commissioner in the division. The officers may get battalion posting or headquarter posting. Below the designation is being attached
Grade Designation in RPF
Junior Time Scale Assistant Security Commissioner (ASC) /
ASC (Division) /
Assistant Commandant RPSF /
Adjutant
Senior Time Scale Divisional Security Commissioner /
Security Commissioner, RPF /
Commandant, RPSF
Selection Grade (Pay Band-4)
(After 8 years of service as DSC/Commandant RPSF) 		Deputy Chief Security Commissioner (Dy.CSC) /
Sr. Security Commissioner /
Sr. Divisional Security Commissioner (Sr.DSC) (Division), RPF /
Sr. Commandant RPSF
Super Time Scale (DIG/Conservator Grade)
(Pay Band-4)
(DIG after 5 years of service as Sr. DSC/Sr. Commandant RPSF) 		Super Time Scale (DIG/Conservator Grade)
(Pay Band-4)
(DIG after 5 years of service as Sr. DSC/Sr. Commandant RPSF)
Super Time Scale (Senior Administrative Grade)
(Pay Band-4)
(IG after 5 years of service as DIG) 		Principal Chief Security Commissioner (PCSC) or
Inspector General (IG), Railway Protection
Above Super Time Scale (HAG) (Pay Band-4) Additional Director General (ADG)
Above Super Time Scale (Apex Scale) Director General, RPF

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