Delhi Police has decided to extend its Himmat app, meant for women safety, to all the mobile phone apps after the newly-formed AAP Government sought suggestions from Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi on starting a suraksha button on every mobile phone. This application, launched early this year, is so far limited to just Android mobile phones.
According to a police official, Delhi Government had asked suggestions from Bassi on five points for its 70 promises made to the public before Delhi Assembly elections held on February 10. “In a reply to the Arvind Kejriwal Government, we said that that such a button, which enables the women to give a distress call, is already in function. Since it is only limited to Android phones, it will be extended soon,” an officer told The Pioneer.
The reply was sent on February 13. In the 70-point action plan, AAP had said “Our Government would provide a suraksha/SOS button on every mobile phone. We will work on its connectivity to the police with the nearest PCR van, relatives and volunteers.” The police also enclosed a detailed note about Himmat in reply to the Delhi Government. In reply to the promise no. 54 — fair arrangement for auto drivers — Bassi said the staff will suitably be sensitised to ensure that traffic officers do not transgress their authority under the law.
“Police has been ensuring fair enforcement of traffic rules. Those adhering to statutes and traffic rules are not harassed. However, challaning of those found violating traffic rules may be perceived by them as harassment. This obviously is not correct,” Bassi said in his reply. On promise no. 28 — adequate street lighting — the Police Commissioner said they have already informed civic agencies about streetlights which are not operational.
“Also, a list of additional points, where streetlights is required from police point of view has already been sent to the Government. If required, the same would be sent again,” the reply said. On promise no. 30 — CCTVs in public spaces and buses — the top cop said police had already conducted a detailed study on installation of cameras. Bassi said, “This is a novel idea, which will certainly help in preventing crimes in buses and streets.”
On a drug-free Delhi — which is in promise no. 61 — Bassi said police has a policy of zero tolerance towards substance abuse. “All the district units and units like Crime Branch, Special Cell have been taking stern action against drug trafficking. As a result, we have made sizeable seizures under this Act,” the written reply from Bassi said.