With 1,965 indoor classes and 698 outdoor classes conducted so far, the ‘Youth Connectivity’ initiative launched by Punjab Police under the ‘Student Police Cadet (SPC)’ programme is receiving an overwhelming response from educational institutions across the state.
The programme, which aims to nurture responsible citizens, develop leadership qualities, promote social awareness, and provide a platform for open dialogue between the police and students, has garnered enthusiastic participation from schoolchildren.
The SPC programme was launched by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on August 22, 2023. Under the able guidance of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, nearly 11,200 students from 280 selected schools are benefiting from the initiative.
Speaking on the programme, DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav said, “Under this programme, one indoor class and two outdoor classes are conducted every month for students of Classes VIII and IX with the objective of building responsible citizens. In addition, SPC students are provided opportunities to visit the offices of Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), police stations, Saanjh Kendras, the Punjab Police Academy, and other places of educational interest.”
As part of the initiative, around 450 SPC cadets visited the Punjab Police Academy, where they attended sessions on the SPC framework and cyber safety, participated in interactive discussions, and toured key facilities such as the museum, library, and Phillaur Fort.
“Such educational visits open up new horizons for young minds, helping them explore their surroundings and make informed life decisions. They instill confidence in students and enable them to better understand and respect the policing system. These interactions enhance intellectual growth and create awareness about the functioning of government institutions and the police. They also help remove the fear of police and encourage students to approach government institutions whenever needed,” said Special DGP (SDGP), Community Affairs and Women Affairs, Gurpreet Kaur Deo.
She further informed that a one-day orientation programme was recently organised at the Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur, for SPC students, selected school teachers, and officials from Saanjh Kendras across Punjab. The programme included a tour of the historic Maharaja Ranjit Singh Fort as well as various police training facilities at the academy.
The SPC students also participated in the Republic Day Parade across 11 districts of Punjab—Amritsar, Bathinda, SAS Nagar, Barnala, Hoshiarpur, Sangrur, Malerkotla, Patiala, Fazilka, SBS Nagar, and Gurdaspur. A total of 40 SPC students from each district took part in the parade with great enthusiasm, demonstrating confidence, teamwork, and dedication. To facilitate their participation, uniforms were provided to all 440 students.
“Young minds are often vulnerable to undesirable influences due to peer pressure and a lack of parental guidance. To prevent them from straying onto the wrong path and to inspire a sense of social responsibility, students are encouraged to participate in community service programmes and activities benefiting underserved sections of society. Through the SPC programme, Punjab Police has provided them with a platform to realise their true potential and engage in meaningful dialogue with police officers, who serve as mentors to these young students,” added Gurpreet Kaur Deo.
As part of the SPC initiative, the Punjab Police Department works closely with the Education Department. Regular orientation programmes are conducted for stakeholders, including District Education Officers, principals, teachers, and police officials posted at Saanjh Kendras, which serve as the community policing units of Punjab.
The initiative is also contributing to the Punjab Government’s ‘Gangsteran Te Vaar’ campaign by engaging young minds through positive interventions and promoting responsible citizenship among the youth.