In a decisive move to enhance women’s safety in the national capital, the Delhi Police has launched a specialized initiative called ‘Shishtachar’ Squads—a fleet of 30 dedicated teams tasked with tackling eve-teasing, harassment, and public misconduct across the city.
The name ‘Shishtachar’, meaning etiquette or decorum in Hindi, reflects the initiative’s dual focus: enforcing the law and promoting respectful behavior toward women in public spaces.
What Are ‘Shishtachar’ Squads?
These all-gender, specially trained police squads are being deployed in markets, metro stations, parks, schools, colleges, and other high-footfall areas where women often report harassment or feel unsafe. The teams are equipped with body cameras, mobile surveillance equipment, and quick response vehicles to monitor suspicious activities and act swiftly.
“The aim is to build a culture of zero tolerance toward harassment. We are not only taking action against offenders but also raising awareness about appropriate public conduct,” said Special Commissioner of Police (Women Safety), Shalini Singh.
Key Features of the Initiative:
- 30 Mobile Teams across all 15 police districts of Delhi.
- Plainclothes officers deployed to detect and catch offenders red-handed.
- Instant action mechanism through coordination with local police stations.
- QR code posters placed in public spaces for women to report incidents instantly.
- Regular outreach campaigns in schools, colleges, and communities.
Community Involvement and Awareness
To complement the enforcement drive, the squads will also engage in community policing—holding workshops and awareness drives in collaboration with NGOs, RWAs (Resident Welfare Associations), and student groups. The initiative is designed to instill both deterrence and dialogue.
Delhi Police has also launched a public helpline and mobile app where women can share their experiences anonymously or request assistance.
Delhi, often criticized for being unsafe for women, has witnessed a spike in street harassment complaints in recent years, especially near educational institutions and transit hubs. According to a 2024 NCRB report, over 1,800 cases of sexual harassment were registered in Delhi alone, with many more likely going unreported due to stigma.
The launch of ‘Shishtachar’ is being seen as a preventive rather than reactive measure—an effort to change the behavioral ecosystem in public spaces.
So far, the response has been cautiously optimistic. Women’s rights groups have welcomed the initiative but emphasized the importance of sustained implementation and sensitivity training for officers.
The Delhi Police has stated that the performance of the squads will be monitored weekly, and the initiative could be expanded if successful. As the city prepares for the summer rush and increased outdoor activity, women in Delhi are hopeful that ‘Shishtachar’ will mark a new chapter in reclaiming public spaces with dignity and safety.