New Delhi: Delhi Police has directed station house officers (SHOs) and assistant commissioners (ACPs) to regularly interact with college and university students, particularly those living in paying guest (PG) accommodations and rented premises, to address their safety concerns and to strengthen outreach.
Quite a large number of students in colleges and universities reside in paying guest accommodations, rented premises and other types of accommodation across Delhi, the directive said. “A structured and proactive interaction at the local level is considered necessary,” it said. The directive has come days after a PG building collapse in southwest Delhi’s Satya Niketan. Police officers have been asked to listen to students and identify their security and safety concerns. They will also assess local issues related to crime, harassment, women’s safety, accommodation-related problems and other factors affecting students’ security. The officers have been directed to take prompt corrective and preventive measures on issues under the jurisdiction of the local police. In cases where a concern requires intervention from another civic agency, the police have been asked to coordinate with that department. Police have also been asked to publicise the initiative on social media platforms and other suitable channels. The publicity should reflect field-level engagement and follow-up.