Appoint ‘rural police cadets’, give them remuneration
Prevention of crime is the biggest challenge for Uttar Pradesh. It is not just the law and police that need to be blamed for everything that goes wrong. Each citizen shares the responsibility.
Politicians hold rallies and go from door to door seeking votes during elections. Why can they not make mass contact and hold rallies on the issue of crime against women? Each elected member of parliament, members of legislative assembly, corporator and sarpanch has a role to play in ensuring safety of citizens.
Secondly, I think rural policing is a big problem in UP. There are a large number of vacancies in the police department. It is ironical that the state which has about one lakh villages, has a police force also of the same number. Why can’t the state take an initiative of allowing young boys and girls in rural areas to take responsibility of safety in their respective areas? Why can’t safety be made a task as part of MNREGS and people be paid for taking charge of the safety of their areas in villages? Even college principals can be a part of this initiative and depute students for such duties.
A LARGE PART OF THE RESPONSIBILITY LIES ON PARENTS. THE WAY PARENTS GROOM CHILDREN CAN PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN ENSURING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
KIRAN BEDI, retired IPS officer
Such young security agents in villages can be called ‘rural police cadets’ and be given remuneration for their work.
I also feel that a large part of the responsibility lies on parents, if we dream of a better and safe society. The way parents groom their children can play a vital role in ensuring a safe environment. Members of civil defence can also take the onus of safety.
UP boasts of a women powerline 1090. The reach of the powerline should be extended. Not just harassment over telephone, the powerline should ensure safety to women in every aspect. Each and every call from women in any kind of trouble should be addressed immediately at this powerline.
I also strongly feel that the police must act strongly and take tough action on ‘Goonda Act’ in the state. UP does not have commissioner system of policing which is a big problem. The state must have a commissioner system of policing to improve the state of affairs.
The responsibility of safety also lies on prosecution. Anyone who commits a crime against women should be allowed conditional bail.
I have been writing on a 6-P formula and I strongly feel that it can help improve conditions if implemented. They included police, politicians, prosecution, principal, prisons and press.