Considering the increase in number of train robberies that took place in 2018, the Mumbai Suburban Railways has asked for at least 2000 more Home Guards in order to improve security in Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad districts.
If the state government approves the proposal, then recruitment will begin in February. Currently, the Railway Police Force (RPF) is assisted by 800 Home Guards who are stationed at railway stations and where they keep a watch on ladies’ compartments at night.
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According to the GRP, the number of robberies and thefts increased from 2017 to 2018, especially during the day. Along with this, serious crimes have also increased by 66.86 per cent since 2017. In 2018, the number of robbery cases jumped to 871 compared to 432 in 2017.
According to Director General of Police, Deputy Commandant of Home Guards and Deputy Director, Civil Defence, Sanjay Pandey, said that filling vacancies are the need of the hour. He added that currently, they have vacancies of 3,165 personnel in Mumbai, 1,767 personnel in Thane and 317 in Raigad.
Meanwhile, the Home Guards have asked that their pay should be increased from Rs 400 to Rs 569 per day in addition to medical insurance and other benefits.