With visiting cards, police lend helping hand

The pilot phase of the initiative was recently launched in Rajendra Nagar, where beat constables were seen distributing their visiting cards among residents.

According to Delhi Police’s figures, Rajendra Nagar police station — spread over 4.5 sqkm — covers a population of nearly 1.5 lakh. Though the sanctioned strength for the police station is 175, it has only 131 personnel, which means one police officer for 1,145 citizens.

The initiative was launched two weeks ago and local constables have already distributed about 4,500 cards in the area, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Parmaditya told The Indian Express.

“Our new initiative is the second part of ‘Operation Bharosa’. With this initiative, we have strengthened police patrolling for the security of residents. Officials are visiting every house to get to know the issues faced by the residents, and are also handing over their visiting cards,” he said.

The DCP added that the police control room (PCR) received several calls over arguments among residents on issues, including parking space and dumping of garbage. “Now people can make a direct call to their beat officer, who will come immediately as they are usually patrolling the area. We have asked our beat staff to go to the complainants’ homes and take their details, while handing over their visiting cards. We have especially instructed them to help out senior citizens whenever they seek assistance,” said the DCP.

Lauding the initiative, D M Narang, president of the Residents’ Welfare Association of New Rajendra Nagar, said, “Now, we don’t have to go to the police station over trivial issues.”

Head Constable Narendra, posted at the Rajendra Nagar police station, says he has handed over his visiting card to nearly 7,000 residents so far. “Some people get excited when we approach them, but others just take the card without any reaction whatsoever,” he added.