Hyderabad: The Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC), in association with Hyderabad City Police, certified the first batch of volunteers under the Margadarshak Programme and launched its second cohort at TGICCC Auditorium in Banjara Hills on Saturday.
The programme aims to build a network of trained volunteers who can support community safety initiatives and strengthen citizen participation in public safety efforts.
Participants receive training in public safety, emergency response, women’s safety, cyber awareness and community engagement.
More than 80 participants successfully completed the prescribed training modules and received certification under the inaugural batch.
The organisers said the first cohort demonstrated the effectiveness of structured community engagement and citizen participation in safety initiatives.
Margadarshak Programme receives strong public response
The newly certified volunteers are expected to serve as safety ambassadors and promote awareness across various communities in Hyderabad.
Meanwhile, organisers formally launched the second cohort during the event.
The new batch has already attracted 280 participants, reflecting growing public interest in community policing initiatives.
Senior officials, community leaders, partner organisations, trainers and participants attended the certification ceremony.
The Pokarna Group supported the initiative by sponsoring the Margadarshak Programme.
Addressing the gathering, Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar said public safety is a collective responsibility.
He stated that programmes such as Margadarshak help strengthen cooperation between law enforcement agencies and citizens.
Sajjanar said trained volunteers can act as force multipliers by connecting citizens with support systems such as SHE Teams, Bharosa Centres and Cyber Crime units.
He also announced the launch of a Police Mentors Programme.
Under the initiative, a designated constable in every police station will guide and support Margadarshak volunteers.
The Police Commissioner said the programme, along with the Spandana All Women First Responder System, would help create a stronger safety network across schools, colleges, gated communities and workplaces.
He also reiterated the department’s commitment to involving retired officers, educationists and experienced professionals in community safety initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, HCSC Secretary General C. Shekar Reddy said public safety requires active participation from both citizens and law enforcement agencies.
He added that Hyderabad continues to set an example in collaborative approaches to urban safety through initiatives such as the Margadarshak Programme.