New Delhi, Sep 4 (PTI) An expert committee that probed a case of alleged assault on the station master of Agra Cantonment by Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel has suggested that the members of the force be trained in emotional intelligence, conflict management and inter-departmental coordination.
The three-member panel has also held four RPF staff members guilty for the incident.
“Emotional Intelligence, Conflict Management and Inter-Departmental Coordination should be adequately incorporated into the training curriculum for RPF personnel, enabling them to exhibit restrained and professional behaviour in accordance with rules while handling sensitive situations,” the committee has said in its report.
On July 12, some RPF personnel allegedly assaulted Agra Cantonment Station Master Narendra Singh Chahar and dragged him on the ground, after he stopped the Hirakud Express to help two passengers who were unable to board the train during its scheduled halt.
The RPF personnel, believing it to be a case of emergency chain-pulling, wanted to impose a fine on the passengers. A confrontation ensued between the station master and the RPF personnel, following which they allegedly assaulted and humiliated him.
Soon after the incident, besides setting up the three-member probe committee, the railways also transferred the senior divisional security commissioner (Sr DSC) and suspended and transferred the four accused RPF constables.
The panel has made 11 recommendations to enhance coordination among various departments for a harmonious and passenger-friendly functioning of the railways.
“Misbehaviour or disrespectful behaviour towards on-duty railway employees is completely unacceptable. Necessary guidelines should be issued to enhance inter-departmental coordination and sensitivity in this regard,” one of the recommendations says.
The panel has also praised the professional conduct of the station staff, stating that “even amidst heightened emotions, they ensured the uninterrupted operation of trains”.
During the inquiry, the committee observed that the participation of senior supervisors in the Station Improvement Group (SIG) is quite low.
“All branch heads must ensure that the senior-most supervisor posted at the respective station mandatorily participates in this process, so that there is no lack of mutual coordination and communication,” it has said.
The panel has also suggested a clear and uniform procedure for handling Alarm Chain Pulling (ACP) cases to minimise subjectivity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience to passengers.
“Proper documentation of such actions must be ensured,” it has added.
Sharad Chandra Purohit, secretary general of the All India Station Masters Association (AISMA), said he has not received a copy of the probe report yet.
“The AISMA has been demanding the termination of the four guilty constables since the beginning, as their behaviour was not only illegal and criminal, but they also blemished the image of the Indian Railways,” Purohit said.
“We are satisfied after coming to know from media reports that they have been held guilty. The railway administration should immediately terminate them from service, setting a high benchmark of discipline and professional conduct,” he added. PTI JP RC
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