Aasare initiative reaches Vijayapura's vulnerable

Vijayapura: In a significant community-policing initiative aimed at safeguarding elderly citizens and single women living alone, the Karnataka police are implementing the 'Aasare' programme across the state. The initiative seeks not only to ensure the safety and security of vulnerable groups but also to reduce loneliness and instil confidence through regular police interaction.

In Vijayapura district, the programme has been rolled out across all 28 police station limits, covering 329 police beats. As part of the initiative, beat constables are conducting door-to-door visits to identify elderly citizens and single women living alone in both rural and urban areas. During these visits, police personnel interact personally with beneficiaries, listen to their grievances and guide them on welfare schemes and legal protections available under govt provisions.

The programme also focuses on creating awareness about the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, and Article 41 of the Constitution, which provides for social security and public assistance to senior citizens.

Through coordinated efforts with various departments, police personnel have helped beneficiaries access pension schemes, identity cards, electricity connections, healthcare services and banking facilities. The welfare measures include old-age pensions, widow pensions, the Manaswini scheme for unmarried and divorced women, pensions for widows of deceased farmers and assistance for acid attack survivors.

According to official data, 73 beneficiaries in the district have received assistance under different schemes through the Aasare programme so far. Fourteen persons were enrolled for old-age pensions, while 16 women benefited from widow pension schemes. Eight beneficiaries received disability pensions and six were covered under the Indira Gandhi National Pension Scheme. Identity cards were issued to 10 senior citizens, six beneficiaries received support under the Sandhya Suraksha Scheme and electricity connections were provided to six households under the Bhagya Jyothi scheme. In addition, three persons underwent free eye surgeries and four beneficiaries were assisted in opening bank or post office accounts.

Vijayapura superintendent of police Laxman Nimbargi said the district police have accorded priority to the Aasare programme and are working with dedication to ensure welfare schemes reach deserving citizens.

"The objective is not just to provide security but also to reassure elderly citizens and single women that the police stand with them in times of need. Our beat staff have made sincere efforts to personally connect with vulnerable individuals and help them access government benefits," he said. He added that steps are being taken to expand the programme further so that more elderly citizens and single women across the district can benefit.