GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARFD)

No. 90/Sec(spl)/6/18 New Delhi, Dt: 18.03.1991

In exercise of powers conferred under Rule 28 of RPF Rules, 1987, read with
Section 8 (2) of the RPF Act, 1957 (as Amended in 1985), the DG/RPF hereby
Issues the following directive. This may Be read with Section 124 of RPF Rules 1987.

DIRECTIVE NO. 4

With a view to bring about consistency and uniformity in dealing with the question of wearing of beard by the members of the Railway Protection Force, the following instruction are issued :-

Requests for wearing beards:-

A supervisory officer not below the rank of Commandant / Divisional Security Commissioner or equivalent may permit a member of the Force under his control to keep beard under the following conditions :-

(i) A member of the Force belonging to the Muslim community may be permitted to keep beard on religious grounds. Once permission is given, the member concerned will have to wear it consistently for the rest of his Service period unless permitted upon written request to remove it. The beard shall be kept duly trimmed, neat and tidy. Record of such permission will be kept in the service Roll/personal files of the individuals. Photographs of such persons with or without beard, as permitted will also be kept in the relevant service roll/personal file and may also be used on the identity cards.

ii) A member of the Force may be permitted to grow beard and long hair for a short period, if there is a sufficient justification on religious of customary grounds for him to do so. The grounds for which such permission is granted should be specified in the order. Un termination of such period, the persons concerned shall revert to the normal regulations.

iii) A member of the Force may be permitted to grow beard if there is sufficient justification on medical grounds for him to do so, for the duration medically advised, on the express condition that the beard would be kept clean and trimmed. Photographs of such persons with beards will also be kept on the service records.

In all the cases mentioned above, the member of the Force concerned will have to apply in writing for grant of the permission and the supervisory officers not below the rank mentioned above will take a decision on the request on merits.

(R. K. Sharam )

for Director General / RPF,
Railway Board

Addressed to :-

1. The Chief Security Commissioner /RPF, All Indian Railways (with 10 copies each)
2. The Chief Security Commissioner / RPSF, Railway Board (with 10 copies)
3. The Dy. Director / Security.
4. Sec(E), Sec (ABE), Sce (Cr.) with 5 spares each.