Hyderabad launches ‘Margadarshak’ to guide women in distress

Hyderabad City Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar on Thursday launched the ‘Margadarshak’ programme, a community guidance initiative aimed at helping women, children and other vulnerable individuals access timely support and institutional assistance.

The programme was launched in the presence of Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC) Secretary General Shekar Reddy, Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) N. Swetha, DCP Women Safety Wing Dr Lavanya NJP and Women’s Forum Joint Secretary Khyati Naravane, along with volunteers and other dignitaries.

The initiative has been introduced as a public–private partnership model where police and civil society collaborate to strengthen safety mechanisms for women both at workplaces and within communities.

Officials said the programme was conceptualised by Commissioner Sajjanar to address the gap where many women facing harassment, stalking, intimidation, workplace pressure or domestic conflicts hesitate to approach authorities due to fear of retaliation, social stigma or lack of awareness about available support systems.

Under the programme, trained community volunteers known as ‘Margadarshaks’ will act as ethical referral guides to help victims navigate the support ecosystem. They will guide individuals to appropriate institutional platforms, provide initial counselling support and connect them with police authorities, legal services, counselling facilities and emergency response systems.

The initiative will also help victims access services such as the Women Safety Wing, SHE Teams, Bharosa Centres and various emergency helplines more effectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Sajjanar said volunteers must responsibly guide victims to official systems and ensure timely reporting so that issues are addressed before they escalate into serious offences.