Delhi Police's flagship Prahari scheme expanded to all 15 districts as SBK Singh attends first official event as top cop

Indian Express

6 days ago

By Pranay Singh Dhaka
The Delhi University saw SBK Singh attend his first official event as the new Delhi Police Commissioner, facilitating five Praharis for exceptional work at a gathering of 800. Titled 'Delhi Police Ke Prahari — Har Nazar Desh Ke Liye', the programme was held at the Multipurpose Hall of University of Delhi.
Organised by the Central Range of the Delhi Police, the ceremony was held to mark the relaunch of the Prahari scheme in the North and Central districts of Delhi. The scheme is an initiative by the Delhi Police, involving community members like security guards and chowkidars, to amplify crime prevention and maintain law and order.
The Delhi Police Commissioner was the chief guest at the ceremony where five Praharis — Jitendra, Avdhash, Jagmendar, Suraj and Mohammad Yunus — were appreciated for anwering the call of duty. Three were from the Central Region and two were from the North Region. All 800 praharis, taking part in the event, then took an oath and were distributed complimentary kits consisting of a cap, fluorescent jacket, stick, torch and whistle for their motivation towards their duties.
Speaking to The Indian Express Narveer, a security guard in his mid-thirties and a Prahari, shared that their work requires them to be aware at all times. 'We are people who are passionate about the society's well-being,' he asserted.
Ram Sughar Misra, a prahari in late thirties and also a security guard, shared that they cannot act on a crime on their own. Their job is to pass on the information of any crime that they witness.
Even as they work on a payroll by their employers, praharis voluntarily act upon helping the police eliminate crime from the city, he explained.
Meanwhile, at the event, the Delhi Police chief addressed the gathering, and highlighted, 'It is essential to ensure three key elements: first, that the praharis are fully aware of their duties; second, that they remain vigilant during the performance of their duties; and third, that a written standard code of rules is established.'
At the conclusion of his address, he emphasised the importance of fostering a sense of security among the public. 'Our objective is not only to ensure the safety of Delhi but also to instill a sense of security in all its residents,' he added.
At the end of the ceremony, DCP North Raja Banthia addressed the gathering and delivered a vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude towards the praharis who voluntarily take the initiative of making the society a better place.
He urged the gathering to acknowledge the time and effort the Praharis put in to keep the society informed. He mentioned that the Prahari scheme is being revamped and was earlier established in Rohini.
'Background checks are conducted on the praharis to verify their criminal records before short-listing,' the DCP North said. There are no monthly allowances for the praharis, as this scheme is voluntary, he added. The scheme has been restructured to foster collaboration between the public and the police in combating crime and maintaining law and order.
Apart from the event at the Delhi University, other districts also held their separate programmes, relaunching the scheme, with more than 4,000 praharis in attendance across 15 districts of the Capital.
More than 362 praharis turned up at the Yashobhoomi center in Dwaraka. With the festive season on the horizon, they were asked to keep shared phone numbers of beat officials, division officers and SHOs and report any untoward incident on 112.