Goa police use multilingual app to help tourists, hasten response

Panaji: Goa police have covered most tourist areas by using an app for better communication between international and domestic tourists, locals, and cops. Through the app, Goa police have set a national example of inclusive, tech-enabled public service.

Currently, Goa police are among the largest users of the Bhashini app, developed by the Union ministry of electronics and information technology.

Police cited the example of a Russian tourist’s experience to demonstrate the efficacy of the app. The tourist was lost on Candolim beach due to some family issues.

“Upon seeing her in distress, the inspector of the tourist police unit, with his subordinate, tried to communicate with her using the Bhashini app,” police said. “It turned out to be a valuable tool for bridging linguistic diversity and promoting digital inclusivity.” In Jan, chief minister Pramod Sawant launched the app in the state.

Bhashini congratulated Goa police for embracing technology to eliminate language barriers and enhance citizen-centric policing.

“By using this app, we can translate anything in real time and interact with citizens easily and effectively,” DGP Alok Kumar said. “It has become easy to communicate with people who don’t understand the local language.”

Kumar said that during the DG/IG conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon state police forces to use the Bhashini app developed by the IT ministry to converse with citizens and tourists who may not speak the local language.

“This app has been downloaded by police stations, the PCR, the Pink Force, and tourist police personnel so that any language barrier between the citizen/tourist in need of assistance is removed to provide quick relief,” Kumar said. “The app can translate most Indian languages and five foreign languages. It can be a path-breaking tool, making an effective bridge for languages between people who seek our assistance and the police personnel on the ground.”

Bhashini said, “From the vibrant beaches of Baga to the cultural hubs of Panaji, Goa police have seamlessly integrated the Bhashini app to communicate with citizens and tourists in their own languages. Real-time translation is empowering officers to respond faster, understand concerns better, and serve more effectively.”

It added, “The app is transforming policing in Goa — where language is no longer a barrier to safety, service, and trust.”

DIG Varsha Sharma said, “The app is very much required for Goa police as we have a high footfall of tourists around the year. The tourists speak different languages.”

Sharma said, “We were able to use the app in creating awareness on the implementation of new criminal laws, cybercrime, and the ill effects of drugs.”