College students likely to man police station helpdesks

The Mumbai police is toying with the idea of stationing college students at police station helpdesks to help women, children and senior citizen complainants, a senior police official said here today.
"We are thinking of involving college students to man such help desks. I feel this will make complainants feel more confident as they think that there are some people from the society, while the distance between the police and students will shrink. At the same time, the youth will understand the functioning of the police and we will understand their point of view," Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria said at a function organised at the Y B Chavan Auditorium today.

"Not only terrorism and organised crime but also safety of women, children as well as senior citizens are challenges all across the country," he said.
"Several measures have been taken for the safety of women. A woman is need not required to go to the police station to register her complaint and a special helpdesk counter is already in place for them," he said.
The police is also working on a plan to create anti-eve teasing squads at colleges and schools with student members, he said.
"Every constable from a police station will be in charge of students' squads of two to three colleges and schools. Women marshals are being trained to patrol streets," he said.

During the next fortnight, a 'Right to Freedom' initiative will be started for women to encourage them to feel free to wear whatever they want to, speak whatever they feel right and go wherever they want to, he said.
Maharashtra Woman and Child Welfare Minister Varsha Gaikwad appealed for youth participation to bring down crimes against women and children.
"The government is preparing policies and implementing them. We are doing our best but at the end of the day, your participation is also equally important," she said addressing the audience, which comprised a large chunk of students.