New Delhi: Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee is pushing for a single railway police force and wants the Government Railway Police to make way for 69,000-member Railway Protection Force.
Mamata's proposal will strip state governments of its powers in dealing with railway related crimes.
The idea of a single railway police force comes at a time when the railways are being increasingly targeted by Naxals.
But the CPI-M says the idea is flawed and unconstitutional, as law and order is a state subject. Sources say the draft to amend the RPF Act 2010 is likely to come before the Union Cabinet, and if approved will be introduced in the monsoon session of Parliament.
Presently the RPF can only register an FIR in matters relating to theft or damage to railway property. The force is also authorised to deal with other minor offences like ticket-less travelling. But serious crimes covered under the Indian Penal Code are dealt with by the GRP.
But if the bill is passed the RPF will get the power to deal with all railway related crimes.
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