Hyderabad Police launch ‘Margadarshak’ community guidance initiative for women’s safety
HYDERABAD: Hyderabad City Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar on Thursday launched “Margadarshak”, a community based guidance initiative aimed at strengthening support systems for women, children and other vulnerable individuals in the city.
Sajjanar, who also serves as chairman of the Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC), said the programme seeks to improve access to institutional assistance while encouraging community participation in ensuring women’s safety.
Community volunteers to guide victims to institutional support
Addressing the gathering, Sajjanar emphasised the role of responsible citizens in supporting individuals facing harassment or distress.
He said volunteers must guide victims towards official support systems such as police authorities, legal experts and counselling services.
“Responsible citizens can play a crucial role in guiding victims toward appropriate institutional mechanisms,” Sajjanar said. He advised volunteers to provide guidance and counselling but refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
Initiative targets hesitation in reporting harassment cases
Police officials said many women facing harassment, intimidation, domestic disputes, stalking, workplace pressure or relationship-related issues often hesitate to approach authorities. Fear, social stigma and lack of awareness about legal remedies were cited as major reasons.
The Margadarshak initiative seeks to address this gap by introducing trained community volunteers known as Margadarshaks, who will function as referral guides.
These volunteers will offer initial guidance and direct individuals in distress to police authorities, legal services, counselling support and emergency response systems.
𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐤 : 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞
Sri V.C. Sajjanar, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad City and Chairman of the Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC), launched “Margadarshak”, a community-based guidance initiative aimed at… pic.twitter.com/9ECPgOe8Yl
— Hyderabad City Police (@hydcitypolice) March 5, 2026
Programme to strengthen existing safety ecosystem
Officials said the volunteers will also create awareness on women’s safety mechanisms, relevant legal provisions, cyber safety and available helplines. The initiative aims to encourage victims to report incidents early so that situations do not escalate.
The programme follows a public–private partnership (PPP) model and promotes collaboration between Hyderabad City Police and civil society through the Hyderabad City Security Council.
It will complement existing support systems such as the Women Safety Wing, SHE Teams, Bharosa Centres, legal services authorities and emergency helplines operating in the city.
The launch event was attended by Shekar Reddy, Secretary General of HCSC; N. Swetha, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order); Lavanya NJP, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Women Safety Wing, Hyderabad City Police and Convenor of the Women’s Forum, HCSC; and Khyati Naravane, Joint Secretary of the Women’s Forum, HCSC, along with other dignitaries and volunteers.
