Bhayandar: The Thane (rural) police has initiated the ‘Police Kaka’ (police uncle) scheme aimed at bridging the communication gap and to respond and resolve issues faced by students in the schools and colleges of the twin-city. The Police Kaka-Police Didi scheme was launched by Superintendent of Police Dr. Shivaji Rathod in the presence of Mayor Dimple Mehta, Addl SP Sanjay Patil and a host of students, teachers and principals at a function at Poddar High School in Bhayandar (West) on Tuesday.
Under the scheme, personnel right from the level of constable to the Senior Police Inspector and even the Deputy SP will be assigned as ‘Police Kaka’ for one educational institution in their respective jurisdiction. Similarly one female personnel will be shortlisted to handle the task of Police Didi for each of the schools and colleges to establish a friendly rapport with the girl students.
The Police Didis will also keep a close eye on any type of illegal activities in their respective areas, especially around the educational institution. “The dedicated Police Kakas and Police Didis who will basically play the role of ‘buddy cops’ for students will visit the educational premises on a regular basis and his or her phone number along with the name and designation will be displayed on the notice boards of the educational campuses,” informed Asst SP Atul Kulkarni. Students can share their complaints like ragging, bullying, eve-teasing, stalking or any other type of harassment.
“Apart from providing them with a platform to report such incidents, we aim to educate students about sexual harassment and abuse. For this, interactive sessions and even essay competitions for students on such topics will be organised in each division,” said SP Dr Rathod. Police officials said efforts were underway to install complaint boxes in all the schools and colleges where students can write and drop their grievances and even suggestions.
