Article Source: Parallel policing in Gurgaon advocated (article in The Hindu)
Several residents’ welfare associations, citizens’ forums and non-government organisations came together at a workshop at Fortis Memorial Research Institute here on Wednesday to discuss ways to improve women’s safety in the Millennium City. The participants advocated the need for parallel policing.
Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi, who was the chief guest, said: “We must create a Citizen Police Control Room for parallel policing involving senior citizens, women, RWAs, schools, colleges and corporates. Gurgaon citizens must get together to conduct social audits of functioning of police stations. It will make each constable answerable and accountable to the citizens.”
Advocating the need for formulation of crime prevention plan on the lines suggested by Ms. Bedi, Fortis Memorial Research Institute regional director Dilpreet Brar said women should empower themselves with self-defence mechanisms to protect themselves.
Organised by a non-government organisation, Gurgaon First, the workshop discussed issues such as whether the authorities were really geared up, were their enough women cops in Gurgaon and how ordinary citizens can make a difference.
Gurgaon First founder Shubhra Puri said: “The law enforcing agencies need to make an attitudinal change and develop a deeper sense of responsibility towards their job. The law need to be more stringent and clear and the judiciary processes need to be fast-tracked.”
