Udupi: Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa TK on Friday described ‘Akka Pade’ as one of the most ambitious initiatives undertaken in Udupi district to strengthen women’s safety, security and empowerment. The programme was formally launched at the Deputy Commissioner’s office premises with the objective of providing immediate assistance to women in distress and acting as a strong preventive mechanism against crimes such as harassment and eve-teasing.
Addressing officials and members of the public after inaugurating the initiative, the Deputy Commissioner said Akka Pade has been designed to encourage women to approach the police and support systems without fear or hesitation. “This initiative is meant to instil confidence among women and girls and to ensure that public spaces become safer for them,” she said.
Immediate help and preventive approach
DC Swaroopa TK said Akka Pade focuses on both quick response and crime prevention. She explained that women facing any kind of difficulty, threat or harassment can directly approach the Akka Pade team for assistance.
A dedicated team of four trained home guards, supported by police personnel, has been deployed under the initiative. The team will function in two shifts to ensure round-the-clock availability. “The idea is to provide immediate support at the ground level and prevent situations from escalating into serious crimes,” the Deputy Commissioner said.
She added that the visible presence of trained personnel would itself act as a deterrent against offenders and help create a safer public environment across the district.
Police-led coordination and training
Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar said the concept of deploying home guards specifically for women’s safety was first introduced on an experimental basis in 2020. Based on the experience gained, the programme has now been strengthened and formally rolled out as Akka Pade.
He said the home guards deployed under the initiative are trained jointly by the police department and the Women and Child Welfare Department. “They are equipped to handle emergency situations involving women and children with sensitivity and efficiency,” the SP said.
The patrol vehicle used under Akka Pade has been fitted with a wireless communication system. In case of distress calls received from women, this vehicle will be dispatched immediately, even before the 112 emergency response team, the SP explained.
Focus on urban areas, district-wide coverage
While the Akka Pade initiative covers the entire Udupi district, special focus will be given to urban areas within city limits, where the likelihood of harassment and other offences is comparatively higher.
SP Hariram Shankar said the initiative had already been tested during the New Year celebrations in Malpe and Manipal. “The response from the public was very positive. We observed that visible patrolling itself acted as a deterrent, helping curb offences like eve-teasing,” he said.
Officials believe that consistent patrolling and easy accessibility to assistance will significantly reduce incidents of harassment, especially in crowded public places.
Regular patrolling and awareness programmes
As part of its mandate, Akka Pade will regularly visit schools, colleges, parks, cinema halls, markets and other public places. These visits are aimed at preventing harassment and eve-teasing and ensuring that women and children feel safe in everyday settings.
The team will also conduct awareness programmes for students, focusing on concepts such as good touch and bad touch, the importance of personal safety and the need to remain cautious of strangers. Special emphasis will be placed on educating young people about their rights and available support mechanisms.
Legal awareness and social outreach
In addition to patrolling, Akka Pade will play an important role in spreading awareness about various laws and social issues. These include the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, child marriage, child labour, trafficking, drug abuse and violence against women and children
The initiative will also educate the public on the dangers of narcotic substances, cybercrimes and the importance of following traffic rules. Information about emergency helplines such as 1098 (Childline), 181 (women’s helpline) and 112 (emergency services) will be widely disseminated.
Monitoring and rehabilitation efforts
Officials said the Akka Pade team will closely monitor suspicious elements around educational institutions and hostels. Efforts will also be made to prevent children from begging at traffic signals and other public places.
The team will assist in the rehabilitation of women and children rescued from trafficking and other exploitative situations, working in coordination with the police, district administration and welfare departments.
“All emergency calls received by the Akka Pade team will be responded to promptly,” the SP said, adding that cases of harassment against women will be reported to the respective jurisdictional police stations for further action.
Conclusion
The launch of Akka Pade marks a significant step towards strengthening women’s safety in Udupi district through proactive policing, community engagement and awareness-building. With trained personnel, round-the-clock availability and a strong preventive focus, the initiative aims not only to respond to distress but also to foster a culture of safety and confidence among women and girls. District authorities expressed hope that Akka Pade would serve as a model for similar initiatives in other regions.