RPF constable on duty with baby sparks debate: Motherhood, duty & systemic gaps

A viral video of an RPF (Railway Protection Force) constable, Reena, patrolling the New Delhi railway station with her baby strapped to her chest has reignited discussions on the challenges faced by working mothers in demanding jobs. The clip, shared by the RPF's official X (formerly Twitter) account, showcases Reena diligently managing security while her one-year-old son sleeps in a baby carrier.

She serves, she nurtures, she does it all—
A mother, a warrior, standing tall…

Constable Reena from 16BN/RPSF performing her duties while carrying her child, representing the countless mothers who balance the call of duty with motherhood every day.#NariShakti #HeroesInUniform… pic.twitter.com/enzaw0iDYo

— RPF INDIA (@RPF_INDIA) February 17, 2025

The post lauded her as a “mother and a warrior,” acknowledging the countless women who balance professional duties with motherhood. However, while many praised her resilience, others questioned the circumstances that left her with no choice but to bring her child to work.

A Mother’s Unavoidable Compulsion

Reports indicate that Reena, who was on leave, was called back to duty following the February 15th stampede at the New Delhi railway station, which claimed 18 lives. With her husband—a CRPF constable—posted in Jammu and Kashmir, and no immediate family support, she had no option but to bring her child along for his safety. Reena has stated that she will continue this arrangement until she finds reliable childcare.

Experts Call It ‘Criminal Neglect’

While social media debates the story, activists and legal experts have strongly criticized the situation.

“This is not something to glorify—it is a failure of the system. The child is exposed to serious health and safety risks,” said social activist Ranjana Kumari, Director of the Centre for Social Research.

Legal experts pointed out that the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 mandates creche facilities for establishments with 50 or more employees. “It is unclear whether the RPF provides such a facility. If not, they must comply with the law,” stated Supreme Court Advocate Akshat Bajpai.

Meanwhile, Ashima Sachdeva, a loco pilot and member of a high-power committee addressing grievances of female railway staff, highlighted the dangers. “The constant high-decibel noise at railway stations can cause hearing damage, especially for infants. Crowd control duties are unpredictable and unsafe for a child,” she said.

Social Media Divided on Reena’s Story

While some users voiced concerns over the risks of carrying a baby while managing a busy railway station, others commended Reena for her dedication.

Reena Is Not Alone: Working Moms on Duty

Reena’s story is not an isolated case. Many working mothers across the world have been in similar situations, sparking conversations about work-life balance and institutional support:

Priti Rani, a UP police constable, carried her infant while on VIP duty during an event attended by CM Yogi Adityanath in 2020.

Swati Chitalkar, a Pune bank employee, went viral in 2016 after sharing a heartbreaking image of her sick child sleeping on the office floor because she couldn’t take leave.

Sarita Singh, an AAP MLA, attended Delhi Assembly sessions with her newborn in 2018 due to the lack of maternity leave for legislators.

Globally, prominent women leaders have also taken their babies to work

Australian MP Larissa Waters made history in 2017 by breastfeeding her daughter while addressing Parliament.

New Zealand’s ex-PM Jacinda Ardern attended the UN General Assembly with her baby in 2018.

Swedish MEP Jytte Guteland gave a speech at the European Parliament while holding her infant in 2017.

A Systemic Issue, Not an Isolated Incident

Unlike politicians and high-profile figures, Reena is an everyday working mother facing real-world struggles. Her story is a stark reminder of the hidden challenges of working-class mothers, especially in high-risk jobs.

While her courage is commendable, her situation raises critical questions about workplace policies, childcare support, and the safety of working mothers in demanding professions. Rather than celebrating her struggle, authorities must prioritize systemic solutions to ensure no mother has to choose between her duty and her child’s well-being.