Bhubaneswar : In observance of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which is commemorated globally on 30th July, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Khurda Road Division, has launched a fortnight-long awareness campaign across various major railway stations over it’s jurisdiction.
This initiative aims to educate passengers, railway personnel and the general public about the perils of human trafficking, with a special emphasis on the protection of children and vulnerable groups.
The awareness drive is being carried out at key stations including Bhubaneswar, Khurda Road, Cuttack, Puri, Talcher, Bhadrak, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, Kendujhargarh, Angul, Brahmapur, Palasa and other high-footfall stations across the Division. Activities include Informational Displays, Public Announcements, Passenger Interaction Sessions, and Special Awareness Programs about the Child Helpline – 1098, encouraging people to report suspicious activities involving Children or Vulnerable individuals.
The campaign is being conducted in close coordination with a number of Stakeholders like Government Railway Police (GRP), State Government Authorities, Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) officials, Child Welfare Committee (CWC), District Child Protection Office (DCPO), Department of Women & Child Development (W&CD), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) including Association for Volunteer Action (AVA) and Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA)
This initiative reflects a coordinated State-Level response to combat Human Trafficking in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, aiming to enhance vigilance and build Community Awareness through the Railways – often a transit point in trafficking incidents.
The RPF personnel have been sensitized and trained to identify potential victims and traffickers and to work in tandem with Child Protection Officials to ensure immediate rescue and support for children in distress.
