Here’s good news for those who wished to pass on crucial information to the authorities but did not do so fearing consequences.
The city police are all set to start a unique programme with an NGO to get feedback from the people and protect their anonymity.
Public grievance-cum-suggestion boxes will come up in all corners of the city soon. Two boxes will be installed in each of the five to six beats in every police station limit. A total of 2,000 complaint boxes will be installed.
M Sheriff (92), a former army education officer, who is also the founder of the Dedicated Servants of India Society, is the brain behind the concept. Sheriff, who commutes everywhere on a bicycle, says: “People don’t like the system being misused. But often they can’t come forward openly. Suggestion boxes will carry their message to the authorities concerned. Matters related to security, terrorism, corruption, misuse of power and other issues could be addressed.”
DG & IG Lalrokhuma Pachuau had directed then Police Commissioner Jyothi Prakash Mirji to look into the plan last year itself. The office of the police commissioner had instructed all DCPs and ACPs to collect the complaint boxes from Sheriff in February 2013. Police inspectors started communication with Sheriff in April 2013.
Accountability: The system will work in such a way that every complaint is taken seriously and documented. The beat constables will decide on where to install the box. They will unlock the boxes, collect complaints and submit them to the station writer who will be an officer of the rank of assistant sub-inspector.
The writer will sort out complaints and note them. Tapalwalahs of different departments will submit them to the officers concerned, who will handle the messages.