Kalaburagi: In a bid to protect girls, women, and children in public spaces, the state govt has introduced a unique initiative called the Akka Pade scheme.Speaking to TOI, Kalaburagi SP Aduru Srinivasalu explained that the scheme aims to provide immediate protection to women and children in distress while promoting dignity and empowerment. Under the initiative, teams will conduct visits to schools, colleges, hostels, parks and other public places to prevent harassment and ensure timely assistance for those facing abuse, neglect, violence, or exploitation.The Akka Pade team, supported by a Mahindra Bolero vehicle provided by the govt, will operate in two shifts, i.e. 7am to 2pm and 2pm to 8pm. Cases of harassment can be reported to the local police stations, and the team will work closely with law enforcement to ensure rapid action.In addition to intervention, the initiative also focuses on awareness campaigns, educating the public about Pocso, child marriage, child labour, trafficking, drug abuse, traffic rules, and free helplines such as 1098, 181, and 112.For the scheme’s rollout in Kalaburagi, staff from the women and child development department in Bengaluru delivered the vehicle, which immediately began operating in the district. Committee members will provide lists of schools, colleges, and hostels, and five women homeguards along with women police personnel will be trained to form teams following the Akka Pade guidelines.SP Srinivasalu also held a meeting with committee members responsible for training and guiding the teams. Officials from various departments, including public instruction, PU education, college education, social welfare, backward classes welfare; district children’s accounts officer, and homeguard trainer, attended the meeting to coordinate the scheme’s implementation.
