National Current Affairs
Sonali Mishra: First Woman DG of RPF
- 04 Aug 2025
- 2 min read
Why in News?
In a historic moment for Indian Railways, Sonali Mishra, a 1983 batch IPS officer from Madhya Pradesh, has assumed the position of Director General (DG) of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), becoming the first woman to lead the force in its 143-year history.
Key Points
- Appointment: Sonali Mishra’s appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, and her tenure as DG will extend until her superannuation on 31st October 2026.
- She succeeds Manoj Yadava, who retired on 31st July 2025.
- Before her appointment as DG of RPF
- Served as Additional Director General of Police (Selection/Recruitment) in Madhya Pradesh.
- Held additional responsibilities at the Police Training & Research Institute, Bhopal.
- Served as the Director of the Madhya Pradesh Police Academy.
- Career
- She worked with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Border Security Force (BSF).
- Gained international experience with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Kosovo.
- Recognitions and Awards
- Awarded the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service.
- Honored with the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.
RPF
- The RPF is an armed force under the control of the Union Ministry of Railways, tasked with protecting railway property, passenger areas, and passengers.
- Originally part of the Watch and Ward set-up of Private Railway Companies in 1881, it was reorganised into a statutory body under the RPF Act, 1957.
- The post-independence era brought significant changes; the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act was passed in 1966 to improve security, and in 1985, the RPF Act was amended, making RPF an Armed Force and emerged as a Central Police Organization.
- Motto: Yasho Labhasva (Attaining honour).
