These measures include a 10-day crackdown on unauthorised persons on trains and platforms by the Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the city police. ``This is being done to improve coordination between the three forces, which has been found wanting,'' said Naik.

But doubts over the efficacy of the drive persist due to the absence of heavy punishments for the culprits. Usually they are let off by the courts with a warning or sentenced to a few days' imprisonment after which they come back to the platforms. ``Though I'm aware of the problem, I will not comment on the functioning of the courts. After all, if all of them aresentenced, then feeding them will be another problem,'' Naik admitted. Two companies of the RPF will be brought into the city during the drive.

In the second step, the zonal system in the GRP administration will be altered to suit the needs of the city. Presently, any complaint registered in station beyond Thane on the Central Railway are dealt with by the Pune division of GRP.

According to the decision taken at the meeting, the entire length of the suburban railway will be put under the jurisdiction of the Mumbai Division of the GRP. This is intended to do away with administrative hassles presented by the present zonal divisions.

The third step is being taken to ensure the visibilty of the police on railway premises. Thus all policemen on duty will be asked to wear their uniforms unless specifically told to do so. They will also man the 658 ladies compartments on local trains in uniforms.

Commenting on the lack of personnel in the GRP, the minister called for a proposal from the state governmentregarding the matter. ``I will see to it that the necessary steps are taken in this regard when the proposals reach me,'' he said. Maharashtra minister of state for home Gajanan Kirtikar is likely to convene a meeting of GRP officials along with the general managers of the Western and Central Railway shortly to formulate the proposal.

Police chief Ronnie Mendonca, Special Inspector General (GRP) S S Suradkar, Director General (RPF) Haridas Rao, General Manager of Western Railway V D Gupta and other senior officials also attended the meet.

Veer Bala Puraskar for Jaybala

The Railway Ministry has announced a ``Veer Bala Puraskar'' worth Rs 50,000 for Jaybala Ashar for showing bravery amidst adversity. Her name will be recommended to President K R Narayanan for the annual bravery awards. Announcing this after the meeting, Ram Naik said Jaybala would also be given a job in the railways after she recovers from her injuries. In a related development Sony Joseph, who was blinded in an eye when a stonehurled at the train near Dahisar hit her, will be absorbed into the commercial department at the Western Railway headquarters within two weeks.

Naik said that an order regarding the same has been issued by the Railway Ministry and the procedural formalities will be completed in a few days.