Despite various outreach programs undertaken by them, people are still somewhat intimidated by the police and refrains to approach it even when they need help. This is why when Siddharth Kaushal left his full-secured MNC job in Mumbai to become an IPS officer, his only moto was to make police people- friendly. Currently posted as SP, Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh) launched ‘Pratyaksha Spandana’ program to improve people’s lives.
PRATYAKSHA SPANDANA
Mr. Siddharth Kaushal comes from an army background and himself wanted to join it after clearing NDA. However, destiny had other plans for him so he graduated from St. Stephen’s College and them went to IIM for MBA. While he was having great career at a Mumbai-based MNC, his heart was in people’s service. That’s why he joined the IPS.
As SP, Krishna (Andhra Pradesh) he launched ‘Pratyaksha Spandana’ program which allowed people from remote villages far areas to connect with their SP through video conferences organised at panchayat offices regularly. He says, “People feel intimidated as they have to deal with many barriers in reaching the police. I myself felt similar situation during my college days.”
He always felt that it is the duty of the police to help the public in distress. The district police headquarter coordinated with women functionaries appointed in all panchayat offices and set up video conference twice a week. A large number of people started coming to panchayat office and shared their problems with the SP. The most amazing thing was that while in general police station only 15-20% women come up with their problems, more than 50% women shared their issues with the SP in video mode and got it solved.
FIGHT WITH SMUGGLING
In addition to this, Mr. Kaushal also launched massive drive against illicit liquor smugglling in Krishna district. Pandiripalli Gudem notorious for manufacturing and smuggling have up the practices. This became possible because Mr Kaushal provided more than 100 families better alternative livelihood opportunities. By tying up with Skill development department and other government welfare schemes the officer & his team were able to provide training in driving, stitching etc. Besides, they were provided loan support to start new ventures. “These are not just crimes but socio-economic problem as well. People don’t have good education or job which is why they indulge in such activities. So, besides taking action against them police should also be prepared to provide them good livelihood opportunities”, says the Mr. Kaushal who is now the SP, Kurnool. He is continuing his fight against illicit liquor in the Kurnool as well.
PHONE MELA
Now a days, mobile phones are sych an integral part of our life, losing them is like losing a part of our body. But, a lost or stolen phone is rarely recovered phones by the police. An already overburdened police doesn’t even register sn FIR for missing phones.
By setting up a separate link on the Kurnool district police website for missing phone complaints, Mr. Kaushal has tried to solve the problem. Anyone losing a phone can full up the details on the website. The technical team set up by the SP in police headquarter starts tracing the phone and recover it as soon as possible. The Kurnool police has recovered more than 3000 mobiles and has organized phone mela to return it to the victims.
