HUBBALLI: In a targeted response to the growing needs of the elderly, the Hubballi-Dharwad City Police have intensified their outreach under the Karnataka State Police ‘Asare’ (Support) scheme. Officers from all local stations are now conducting door-to-door visits, focusing on the core pillars of Safety, Respect, and Care.
The Growing Need for ‘Asare’
With India’s elderly population projected to reach nearly 20% of the total population by 2050, urban centers like Hubballi-Dharwad are seeing a rise in “nuclear-family” setups. Current estimates suggest that over 3.5 lakh senior citizens reside in the twin cities, with a significant percentage living alone as their children work in other metros or abroad.
Critical Statistics driving the Initiative:
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Data: Recent reports indicate that crimes against senior citizens in urban areas have seen an uptick, often involving fraud or physical vulnerability.
Response Time: The ‘Asare’ project aims to reduce emergency response time for elderly residents to under 10 minutes by mapping their locations directly with the nearest patrol vehicle.
Digital Fraud Prevention: With Cyber Crimes targeting seniors increasing by nearly 25% annually, the ‘Asare’ visits include a “Digital Safety Audit” to protect their bank accounts and pensions.
A Shield of Protection
During these visits, police personnel act as more than just law enforcers; they serve as social anchors. By documenting the health and security status of elderly couples and individuals, the department is creating a Real-Time Safety Database.
“The ‘Asare’ scheme is our commitment to ensuring that no senior citizen in Hubballi-Dharwad feels forgotten,” stated a senior official. The initiative ensures that help is just a phone call away, providing the “Asare” (support) they truly deserve in their sunset years.