Delhi Intensifies Women's Safety Measures: More Patrols Near Colleges, Markets
New Delhi: Police vigilance near colleges, transit hubs and crowded markets in Delhi is set to be intensified as part of a broader effort to curb harassment of women and make public spaces safer. The move follows a review meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu with the Delhi Police Commissioner.
At the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor called for heightened patrolling by specialised Shishtachar Squads and reiterated a zero-tolerance approach towards those harassing women and girl students. Shishtachar Squads are deployed specifically to check eve-teasing and other forms of harassment, and to maintain order around educational institutions, transport hubs and crowded marketplaces.
Sandhu reviewed the ground-level deployment of these squads and directed the police to ensure sustained vigilance and proactive patrolling, particularly at locations with a high footfall of women and students. Officials said the focus is on preventive action and a visible police presence to deter potential offenders.
The review also examined security arrangements inside Pink Buses, Delhi's women-only bus service. The Lieutenant Governor discussed the deployment of police personnel and security staff on board and stressed the need for a visible security presence, backed by a quick emergency response mechanism. The aim, officials said, is to make public transport safer and ensure that women can seek help quickly in case of harassment or an emergency.
Senior citizens formed the other major part of the review. Sandhu asked Delhi Police to reassess the number of senior citizens across the city and widen the reach of its dedicated Senior Citizen Mobile Application. The functioning of the app, registration processes, and regular interaction between elderly residents and beat-level police personnel were reviewed.
Police have been asked to ensure prompt grievance redressal and emergency assistance, along with regular visits by local personnel to senior citizens in their areas. The fresh assessment is aimed at identifying elderly residents who may not yet be covered by the existing outreach system and bringing more of them within the network.
Sandhu also stressed regular contact between beat officers and senior citizens, with the focus on providing assistance before an emergency arises rather than only responding after a complaint. He called for what he described as 'institutional empathy' while dealing with women, children and senior citizens, and reiterated a zero-tolerance approach towards crimes targeting vulnerable groups.
The directives come as part of a wider push by the Delhi administration to enhance public safety and improve the responsiveness of law enforcement. The police have been asked to implement the instructions with immediate effect and conduct regular reviews to ensure sustained progress.
