RPF: Definition, recruitment process, and its sacred duties
RPF stands for Railway Protection Force. RPF is a force under the Indian Railways that came into existence to protect railway passengers and also railway property. This one is the single police force in the country that has been assigned the duty of investigating, arresting and prosecuting (if required) of criminals. The Ministry of Railways in India administers the force. RPF strength at present is 65,000 (approximately).
Recruitment of Railway Protection Force:
Every year, online notification is released for the recruitment of Railway Protection Force by the Indian Railways. The applications can be submitted by interested candidates online only.
Age limit is an essential factor for all government jobs. The minimum age for applying to be a part of the post of Railway Protection Force is 18 years. Candidates above 18 years of age will no longer be considered eligible for this job. Age relaxation is there for some categories. 5 years of age relaxation has been granted by the Indian Railways for ST and Sc candidates. For OBC applicants, the age relaxation is slightly less than SC and ST candidates. It is 3 years more than the permissible age for general candidates. The age relaxation for PWD candidates is the highest. PWD candidates are allowed an age relaxation of up to 10 years in addition to what is the age limit for general candidates.
The selection process takes place in four crucial stages. At first, a written test is conducted. Those who pass the written test are allowed to apply for the PET test. Round 3 includes the PMT test. The last round that one needs to clear is the Medical Examination round which is very important for the post of police. The interested candidates sit for mock tests to crack the written examination. It helps them to be in practice and take better preparations. Without solid practice, it is difficult to crack the online exam within a limited period.
The duties that the Railway Protection Force performs:
There are several duties that the Railway Police has to perform for the safety and the benefits of the passengers. These are the responsibilities of the Indian Railway police:
- They aim to eradicate all types of anti-social activities from railway premises, trains, and passenger area.
- They act as a dike between the local police/ Government Railway Police and the Railway administration.
- One of their most essential and fundamental duties is to stay aware and prohibit trafficking in children and women. They also take significant steps to rehabilitate wronged and destitute children that they find in Railway premises.
- They cooperate with other Railways department for improving the image and efficiency of the Indian Railways.
- They have the liberty of adopting all modern technologies for protecting senior passengers, children, and women.
- The Railway Police Force immediately punishes criminals who try to harass the travelers.
- They perform their tasks dutifully to ensure that peace is maintained in the railway platforms, trains and the surrounding areas.
- Indian Railway Zones of RPF (Railway Protection Force) are about 10.
The following is the Pay Scale, Designation, Position in the GOI (Government of India) of RPF (Railway Protection Force)
| Grade | RPF Position | Salary (monthly) | Equivalent Position or Designation in the Government of India (GOI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Above Super Time Scale (Apex Scale) | Director General of Police | ₹80,000 (fixed) plus grade pay-Nil | Director (GOI), Director General (GOI), Secretary (R) Cabinet Secretariat (GOI), Director General in CAPFs. Lieutenant-General (army commander, three-star rank). |
| Above Super Time Scale (HAG)(Pay-Band-4) | Additional Director General (ADG) | ₹67,000-₹79,000 plus annual increment of 3%. | Additional Director General of Police, Commissioner of Police (City), Special or Additional Director (GOI), Special or Additional Secretary (R) Cabinet Secretariat (GOI), ADG in CAPFs. Lieutenant-General (three-star rank). |
| Super Time Scale (Senior Administrative Grade)(Pay-Band-4)(IG after 5 years of service as DIG) | Chief Security Commissioner (CSC) Inspector-General (IG), RPSF |
₹37,400-₹67,000 plus grade pay of ₹10,000 | Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police(City), Joint Secretary if empaneled as such (R) Cabinet Secretariat (GOI), IG of CAPFs. Major-General (two-star rank). |
| Super Time Scale (DIG/Conservator Grade)(Pay-Band-4)(DIG after 5 years of service as Sr. DSC/Sr. Commandant RPSF) | Additional Chief Security Commissioner (ACSC) Deputy Inspector-General (DIG), RPSF |
₹37,400-₹67,000 plus grade pay of ₹8900 | Deputy Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police (City), Director (R) Cabinet Secretariat (GOI), DIG in CAPFs. Brigadier (one-star rank). |
| Selection Grade(Pay-Band-4)(After 8 years of service as DSC/Commandant RPSF) | Deputy Chief Security Commissioner (DCSC) Sr. Security Commissioner, Sr. Divisional Security Commissioner (Division) Sr. Commandant RPSF |
3u,400-INRy7,000 plus grade Pay of ₹8700+ | Senior Superintendent of Police, Director (R) Cabinet Secretariat (GOI), Commandants of CAPFs. Colonel. |
| Senior Time Scale (Pay-Band-3)(After 5 years of service in cadre) | Divisional Security Commissioner (Division) Security Commissioner RPF Commandant RPSF |
₹15,600-₹39,100 plus grade pay of ₹6600 | Additional Superintendent of Police, Deputy Commandants of CAPFs. Major (pay grade). |
| Junior Time Scale(Pay-Band-3) | Assistant Security Commissioner (ASC) ASC (Division) Assistant Commandant RPSF/Adjutant |
₹15,600-₹39,100 plus grade pay of ₹5400 | Deputy Superintendent of Police, Circle Officer, Senior Field Officer (R) Cabinet Secretariat. Lieutenant (pay grade). |
For more details regarding RPF Recruitment, News and much more information Visit Official Website of Indian Railways: http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard
RPF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RailwayProtectionForce
RPF Twitter: https://twitter.com/rpfcr
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