The Yogi government is taking significant steps to ensure that devotees attending Maha Kumbh 2025 have a positive and respectful experience. In a bid to foster courteous interactions, the administration has launched a comprehensive training program for police personnel, which commenced on October 16.
Focused Training Sessions
The training will be conducted in three sessions, covering seven key areas to prepare officers for service in challenging conditions. The first session, lasting 21 days, is currently underway, followed by a 14-day second session and a final seven-day phase. This structured approach aims to equip officers with the skills necessary for respectful engagement with pilgrims.
Inclusive Training for All Service Providers
In addition to police training, sailors, divers, and drivers of e-rickshaws and tempos will also receive specialized instruction. This includes guidance on charging fixed fares and maintaining professional conduct, ensuring a smooth experience for all attendees.
Key Objectives Outlined
Maha Kumbh Mela SSP Rajesh Dwivedi highlighted that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the police department to develop a strategy focused on respectful treatment of devotees. The training encompasses two categories: internal and external, emphasizing soft skills, gender sensitivity, and stress management.
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The internal training covers interactions with devotees, particularly focusing on gender sensitization, given the expected influx of women pilgrims. Recognizing that deploying female officers everywhere may not be feasible, male officers are being trained to respect women’s privacy and address gender-sensitive issues appropriately.
Enhancing Communication Through Technology
To cater to the diverse crowd expected at Maha Kumbh, which includes devotees from various linguistic backgrounds, the government has developed the ‘Bhashini app.’ Police personnel are being trained to operate this app to facilitate communication and provide clear instructions to non-native speakers. Additionally, officers will learn to utilize chatbots to assist with inquiries from pilgrims.
SSP Dwivedi emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) will play a pivotal role in enhancing security measures and overall event management. Consequently, training will also include education on AI technologies and their applications in a festival setting.
Geographical and Safety Training
As part of the external training phase, officers will receive crucial information about the geographical layout of the Maha Kumbh area, ensuring they are well-prepared for their assigned duties. This training will cover the sensitivity of various duty points and the skills needed to operate effectively under pressure.
Specialized training will also be provided to sailors and divers to ensure safe practices during the holy dip at the Sangam, including the proper use of safety equipment and adherence to safety protocols.
E-rickshaw and tempo drivers will be instructed on maintaining courteous behavior, following designated routes, and ensuring they charge fixed fares, further enhancing the overall experience for devotees.
With these initiatives, the Yogi government aims to create an environment where all attendees feel respected and safe during the auspicious event of Maha Kumbh 2025.
