The operation of Bal-Mitra police stations, developed in Bhopal for minors are yet to take off for various reasons. While Model Code of Conduct is the foremost reason, the transfer of director general of police (DGP), who was supposed to inaugurate these police stations, is another reason according to sources.
An NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan is behind the initiative of child friendly stations, in Bhopal and other parts of the state.
Four child friendly police stations were developed to ensure any kid who approaches the police station, should get a child friendly experience. Several other measures including child friendly theme on the buildings were also incorporated in such stations.
These decked up buildings, however, are lying unused for over a year now. These Bal-Mitra police stations are located in Bairagarh, Govindpura, MP Nagar and Hanumanganj. These were announced around March 2018 and after the work began, the buildings were provided and developed by September.
On an average, six to ten children reach a police station in a month and if these stations start working, it will be a spot where they will feel comfortable. A volunteer with the NGO says we are awaiting the director general of police’s (DGP) approval. The facility needs to be inaugurated by some high-level authority and with the transfer of the DGP and the work is in limbo.