JOIN USCops to take care of senior citizens
For Krishnamurthy and Lakshmamma couple from Veerangere (Eerangere) on Ashoka road, old age pension is the only source of income. The octogenarian couple not only fend for themselves, but also their only son who is disabled. Generous neighbours support them at times.
The couple was part of the larger narrative of ‘Abhaya’ a programme devised by the police for the welfare and safety of the senior citizens, launched at the office of police commissioner in the city on Saturday.
The programme stemmed from the fact that three senior citizens who were either residing all alone or found alone at the time of being killed by miscreants raiding their houses.
Taking into cognisance the safety and welfare of such vulnerable section of the society, the police surveyed the populace and found 822 such denizens here. It includes couples like Krishnamurthy and Lakshmamma and widows and widowers irrespective of class who live a life of recluse.
As many as 400 such citizens are reside at Krishnaraja sub-division comprising oldest localities of the city like Krishnaraja Mohalla, Fort Mohalla, Chamundipuram, Vidyaranyapuram, K G Koppal and the new Kuvempunagar, Vivekananda Nagar, Ramakrishna Nagar among several others. The remaining are spread in Devaraja and Narasimharaja sub-divisions.
Beats
The personnel who will be split into different beats on a daily basis, have been entrusted with the task of keeping tab on the beneficiaries of the new programme like making frequent visits to their houses and be abreast with developments in the surroundings. In case of any help, the beneficiaries are instructed to contact the police personnel on their cell phones. Even if the senior citizens find it difficult to pay their electricity and water bills, the men in khaki will lend a helping hand.