Senior police officers, psychologists or psychiatrists to

Delhi Police has tweaked its ambitious "Operation Nirbheek" programme, under which now either Additional DCP rank officers or psychologists and psychiatrists would educate girl students about various aspects of sexual offences, a role earlier performed by junior cops.

The Operation Nirbheek was launched in October 2015 to spread awareness among girl students about various aspects of sexual offences to which they may become victim, innocently or inadvertently.

Earlier under the Nirbheek scheme, Station House Officers (SHOs) of police stations were tasked with appointing one female police officer for educating girl students. The female officer was referred to as the Nirbheek woman police officer (NWPO) and was supervised by the ACP of the concerned sub-division.
 

While the scheme was launched with much enthusiasm, it fizzled out over a period of time. It was observed that constables and head-constables had started visiting schools and in a meeting held among senior Delhi Police officers, it was felt that a wrong message might prove to be harmful for children.

According to sources, a senior woman police officer had flagged concerns with regards to junior-level officers visiting police stations.

Operation Nirbheek was discontinued for a brief while and it was decided that either Additional DCP rank officers or psychologists and psychiatrists will be taking forward the scheme that was started under the tenure of former police commissioner BS Bassi.

"Since the operation involves teaching female students about sexual offences and instilling confidence in them, it was felt that senior officers or professionals should engage with them on discussion.

"With a head constable or an ASI interacting with students, it was being felt that the discussion was becoming a little frivolous and not putting forth the right message," a source said.

It was being felt that the girl students were rather getting scared than being reassured.

Dependra Pathak, Delhi Police spokesperson and joint commissioner of police(Southwest) confirmed the development.

"The aspect that Nirbheek as a move is touching is very sensitive in nature and has wide-ranging psychological and psychosomatic ramifications.

"Delhi Police has insisted that now sociologists or psychology experts and senior officers should be visiting schools keeping in mind the sensitivity of the issue and brief students in a comprehensive manner," Pathak said.