Senior Citizens’ Security Cell Out of Reach for the Elderly in Berhampur

Manoj Kanta Dash, Odishabarta

Berhampur: The Senior Citizen Security Card, issued by the Superintendent of Police (SP) in  Odisha Police’s community policing initiative, was introduced to ensure the safety and well-being of elderly residents, particularly those living alone or in vulnerable situations.

The card serves as an identification document and provides senior citizens with direct access to police assistance through the Senior Citizens’ Security Cell (SCSC).

Under the scheme, police maintain a database of registered senior citizens and assist them in matters such as verification of

Housemaids, drivers, and security guards employed by elderly households. Registered senior citizens are also linked to local police communication networks for rapid assistance during emergencies.

The concept was introduced in Berhampur during the tenure of former SP Dr. Sarthak Sarangi, IPS, following the shocking murder of a professor couple at Godavari Nagar by their domestic servant and the subsequent murder of Bijoy Behera at Alakapuri.

In response to these incidents, the Berhampur Police strengthened measures for the protection of senior citizens.

In 2017, Senior Citizens’ Security Cells were established in every police station under the Berhampur Police district. Each cell functioned under the supervision of a designated nodal officer and assistant nodal officer. Surveys were conducted to identify senior citizens aged 60 years and above, who were then issued Senior Citizen Security Cards.

Special emphasis was placed on elderly persons living alone. Nodal officers were directed to visit their residences every fifteen days, enquire about their well-being, address grievances, and submit reports to the Superintendent of Police. Quarterly meetings were also organized to provide a platform for senior citizens to raise issues such as family disputes, neglect by children, security concerns, and other social problems.

However, residents allege that the system has gradually become inactive. According to several senior citizens, the designated cells are no longer functioning effectively, and the contact numbers of many nodal and assistant nodal officers previously provided to elderly residents are either unavailable or non-functional.

They further claim that police personnel no longer conduct regular home visits or organize meetings to address their concerns. As a result, many elderly residents feel neglected despite being registered under the scheme.

Under the guidelines of the Senior Citizen Security Cell, designated nodal officers—usually Sub-Inspectors or Assistant Sub-Inspectors—are expected to visit registered senior citizens regularly to assess their physical security, living conditions, healthcare needs, and overall well-being. This responsibility becomes even more important when elderly couples reside in isolated or peripheral areas.

Senior citizens point out that local police stations bear the primary responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of registered cardholders. Regular interaction and monitoring are intended not only to prevent crime but also to provide emotional support and reassurance to elderly residents.

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Questions are also being raised about the adequacy of night patrolling in certain areas of Berhampur. Residents argue that visible police presence during night hours is essential to deter anti-social elements, prevent burglaries, and ensure prompt response during emergencies.

Their concerns have intensified following a recent incident in which miscreants allegedly entered the house of a senior citizen during the his absence by breaking grills and doors from the rear side of the building. After failing to achieve their objective, the intruders reportedly set full of the house on fire. While the victim expressed satisfaction with the efforts being made by the Superintendent of Police to detect the culprits, concerns remain regarding preventive policing measures.

Experts and residents alike maintain that routine night patrolling and periodic visits to registered senior citizens are essential components of the Senior Citizen Security Cell framework. Odisha Police guidelines require nodal officers and beat personnel to document their visits and maintain records of interactions with elderly residents.

As Berhampur continues to witness a growing elderly population, many senior citizens are urging authorities to revive and strengthen the Senior Citizen Security Cell system so that the initiative can once again serve its intended purpose of providing safety, security, and dignity to the elderly.