In a mega skill training programme launched by Delhi Police today, more than 2,000 teenagers mainly from slum areas were selected for training in various skill sets, including as video editors and data entry operators, to prevent them from taking to crime.
Launching the initiative titled 'Yuva', Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh called it a good effort to enhance the image of the police in the eyes of the public.
Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik said the initiative was an effort for preventing youth into getting into crime at a young age.
The city police is carrying out the programme in partnership with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and CII (Confederation of Indian Industry).
NSDC shall provide skill training to 2,269 youth under the 'Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna' (PMKVY).
The selected youth will be trained by 36 training partners in 45 skills in the next three months. The whole process of selection of these candidates is paperless, the police said.
Singh said the initiative will definitely improve the image of Delhi Police and will take police-public relations to a new high.
"People's faith in the police will be strengthened once there is social interaction between the public and the police. The perception of police is changing but I expect more efforts from police constables and personnel posted at police stations in this regard," said the home minister.
He added that the constabulary, sub-inspectors and inspectors, who work at ground level, have the job of ruining or creating the image of the Delhi Police. Singh also said that this initiative is like an "open agenda" to improve the image of police.
In Delhi, an analysis of street crimes over a period of time has shown that over 95 per cent of street crimes are committed by first-timers, the police said.
Patnaik said it is better to identify youth at the right stage and put them in the right kind of programme so that they can become a part of mainstream society.
"You are preventing a sizable number of youths from getting into delinquency. It's a long term strategy," he added.
The Delhi Police earlier also had an initiative called 'Yuva' where teenagers were engaged in sports activities to prevent them from taking to crime. Patnaik said this version of Yuva is a step ahead.
"The earlier Yuva programme was there to have an interface with youth through sports activities. But this is a step further and will help them gain employment. Through this initiative, they will develop a sense of self-pride and it's also a strategy of crime prevention," Patnaik told PTI.
The event was also attended by Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge), Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and senior Delhi Police officers.
Some teenagers who are undergoing training at various training centres also shared how they were looking ahead to a bright future for themselves and their families.
Asha (18), who has four siblings, is undergoing hospitality training at Kirti Nagar police station.
"My father is unemployed and it's my mother who runs the house. I have started with this programme so that I can contribute to my family income and improve our standard of living," she said.
An 18-year-old woman, who was married off at 14, and left to fend for herself and her two-year-old child at 16, expressed hope that after undergoing skill training and getting a good job, she would be able to support her daughter and bring her up to live a life of dignity.
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