The Pune police has decided to rope in 5,000 students from the Pune University to keep an eye on the upcoming Ganeshotsav festivities. The students will also help them maintain law and order during the festival.
The police has been conducting workshops for students, instructing them about the do’s and don’ts as well as steps they should take in case they witness any suspicious activities.
Speaking about the initiative, Pune police commissioner Gulabrao Pol said that there were more than 10 lakh students in the city and they were the ones who were most susceptible to being influenced by anti-social elements. “Students will act as our eyes in places, where our personnel cannot be present. As a lot of youngsters take part in the festivities, we want them to couple fun and responsibility by keeping an eye on any activity that will lead to untoward incidents,” said Mr Pol.
He added that the initiative had been possible largely due to the cooperation of the Pune University authorities, who realised the seriousness of the situation, and spread the word among the student community.
“The workshops will conclude on September 14, and will be wrapped up in the presence of university authorities,” he said. A senior official from the Pune University said, “We sent circulars to affiliated colleges, and students were shortlisted.”