Medipally becomes Telangana’s first child-friendly police station

Hyderabad: In what can be an apt Children’s Day gift, Rachakonda police has allocated an exclusive room for children visiting Medipally police station.

With colourful paintings, curtains and a bed to rest, Medipally police station falling under Rachakonda commissionerate is Telangana’s first child-friendly police station. The room has a separate board comprising names, phones numbers and other details of officials working at the station.

Speaking to NewsMeter, Rachakonda Commissioner Mahesh Bhagwat said, “The room is aimed at providing a cheerful environment for children coming to the police station. The project is the brainchild of ‘Bachpan Bachao Andolan’ (India’s largest movement for the protection of children). The room will welcome children on November 14.”

The child-friendly room has very friendly décor, and houses books, toys, indoor-games and more. “The objective is to provide a friendly environment for visiting children. Police will be present to help them have a positive behavioural change, and counsellors will be employed as well,” added Mahesh Bhagwat.

Meanwhile, police stations across the country are creating an inclusive and inviting atmosphere for children to have an open dialogue with police officers.

In Rajasthan, a police station created a child-friendly décor that instantly makes a child feel relaxed and at ease. While in Kerala, the law and order team are working on transforming at least one station in every district into a child-friendly station. The department is looking at every station housing toys, colourful posters and comic books. Besides indoor activities, the garden area is equipped with a seesaw and other outdoor games.

In Dungarpur police station, a unique space is created for children who are victims of sexual abuse. These children are kept away from regular criminals, and others brought to the station. The entire intent is to meet their needs.

Meanwhile, on account of Children’s Day, Rachakonda police are organising a special camp for children with autism and their parents. The child-friendly police station room will be inaugurated on the same day.