UP Police introduces rules for 'Mission Shakti' centres at all stations

The Uttar Pradesh Police has issued detailed guidelines to establish Mission Shakti centres in every police station across the state. This move comes as part of the state government’s flagship Mission Shakti campaign, aimed at enhancing women’s safety, dignity, and self-reliance, in line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s directive.

Mission Shakti centres will function like mini police outposts dedicated exclusively to handling cases related to crimes against women. Each centre will be led by an officer-in-charge at sub-inspector level, preferably a woman, supported by 1–4 additional sub-inspectors, 4–15 constables (half of them female), 1–2 female home guards, and counsellors as needed. Officers assigned to these centres will serve for three to five years, following specialised training, with provisions for transfers after this tenure.

Every police station has been instructed to allocate a separate room for the centre. These rooms will come equipped with computers, records, and stationery, along with dedicated women’s restrooms and spaces for counselling and victim support activities. The goal is to create a safe and professional environment for women seeking assistance and guidance.

The core responsibilities of Mission Shakti centres are multifaceted. They will ensure prompt follow-up on complaints by preparing duty rosters for Women’s Help Desks and supervising Anti-Romeo squads and Women Beat plans. They will maintain parallel FIR records for cases involving women and coordinate with one-stop centres, district-level legal aid authorities, probation officers, and family courts. Additionally, counselling, rehabilitation, legal guidance, and compensation support will be provided to victims.

In sensitive cases such as elopement or false allegations, mandatory counselling sessions will be organised to ensure that both parties receive guidance and support. The centres aim not just to address crimes but also to focus on prevention and empowerment.

Awareness, empowerment, and community engagement

Beyond law enforcement, Mission Shakti centres will conduct awareness campaigns to educate communities about women’s safety, cyber security, and social empowerment. By collaborating with government welfare departments and community stakeholders, the centres are designed to act as a bridge between law enforcement and victim support services.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while launching Mission Shakti 5.0, highlighted the progress made in improving women’s status since 2017. He stated that clear intent ensures effective implementation of welfare schemes and reaffirmed that every police station in Uttar Pradesh will soon have a dedicated Mission Shakti centre, with women officers leading the initiative.

The establishment of these centres reflects the government’s strong commitment to women’s safety, empowerment, and legal support. With trained personnel, counselling services, and proactive awareness programs, Mission Shakti centres are set to transform how crimes against women are addressed, ensuring swift justice, rehabilitation, and preventive outreach.

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By placing women officers at the forefront, providing dedicated facilities, and integrating community-based awareness programs, UP Police aims to make Mission Shakti centres a model for effective policing and women-centric support. This initiative is expected to enhance the confidence of women across the state in reporting crimes and seeking help, while also creating a more secure and responsive environment in every police station.

Overall, Mission Shakti centres are not just about handling crimes—they represent a holistic approach to women’s safety, combining legal aid, counselling, rehabilitation, and preventive education. The successful implementation of this program could serve as a blueprint for other states, showing how police and community collaboration can effectively protect and empower women.