COIMBATORE: As part of its efforts to make police stations accessible to differently-abled, senior citizens and pregnant Coimbatore police on Monday launched Sugamya, an inclusive system.
Launched at Ukkadam police station, the project will provide dedicated facilities for PwDs, senior citizens, and pregnant women in all police stations in the city. Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner of Police V Balakrishnan said police will be working with Swarga Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, to offer services. The project envisages provision of wheelchairs, ramps, sign language interpreters, and special educators.
“Project Sugamya has been made possible with contribution from CRI Pumps and will ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant women, “ the commissioner said.
According to sources, police stations will have facilities such as wheelchairs, ramps, a buzzer system, and other amenities. The NGO will also arrange sign language interpreters and special educators for those in need. Volunteers will help the visually impaired individuals in filing FIRs in audio format. This initiative has been launched for the first time in Coimbatore and there are plans to extend it to 39 police stations in the city and the police Commissionerate.
Swarga Foundation’s founder, J Swarnalatha, stated, “We have made all police stations and establishments, 10 government schools, and the railway station accessible in Coimbatore.”
Balakrishnan added that future police stations will be designed with ramps and lifts, while existing ones will be modified to enhance accessibility and facilitate convenience for complainants.
“We hope this initiative will bridge the gap between police and disabled people. The facilities will encourage many to seek help of police. Especially those who are deaf, unable to speak, or visually impaired, cannot file complaints without assistance. It will be of great benefit to those with such disabilities,” said T Sadasivam, Coordinator of the National Federation of Blind (NFB).