Pune Police’s Mission Parivartan: 250 Juveniles Offenders Reformed, More on the Path
Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Pune, 25th January 2025: Time and time again, Pune Police have proven that although they are strict when taking action against crime, they also believe in second chances. As part of this thinking, an initiative called “Mission Parivartan – A New Direction, A New Journey” has been launched. Through this program, Pune Police have managed to transform the lives of hundreds of juveniles who, due to various circumstances, were introduced to the world of crime.
Led by the Pune City Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar, the initiative was conceived by the Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma. JCP Sharma shared valuable details about this program with Punekar News. He explained, “Juveniles of all types are provided counselling and training by us. Although we prefer to focus on needy juvenile accused with poor backgrounds, as the major reason they turn to crime is due to their need.”
The program teaches participants to prepare simple things like bags, clothes, and other essential items. “By teaching them to make these things, we are making them self-sufficient,” IPS Ranjan Kumar Sharma told Punekar News. Counselling is being conducted by Shantidoot Parivar, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) working hand in hand with Pune Police.
Together, they have provided training and counselling to over 550 juvenile offenders who have been released from remand homes and come voluntarily. IPS Sharma proudly stated that they can confirm over 250 cases showing positive signs of never returning to the world of crime, although others are still a work in progress.
JCP Ranjan Kumar Sharma said, “Mostly people who come from slum areas or who have single parents or none at all move to the world of crime at early ages. However, if we make them self-sufficient, and give them the required skills and jobs, they will never commit crime, and rates of juveniles committing crime will fall significantly. Today the rate is high; however, with our current initiative, the rate of juveniles committing crime will drop.”
Juvenile Program Expands To Skill Training
This training and counselling is given to them over 1-2 days, teaching them to make essential items. IPS Sharma mentioned that they have received orders from businessmen from time to time, including the Punit Balan Group and some government institutions like Maha Metro. He added that the juveniles earned around Rs 5,000 each, which is worth much more to them. In the coming months, the program aims to provide skill training for expert jobs like plumbing and mechanics to help participants find employment. “We are looking at companies to collaborate with. Along with that, we will provide them training in whatever sector they want,” IPS Sharma said.
Initiative Launched in Ahilyanagar
This initiative dates back to the 2017-18 period when IPS Sharma was the Superintendent of Police for Ahilyanagar Police. There, he managed to transform a couple of hundred kids, with the focus being mostly community-based. In a surprising detail, he revealed that around seven of those juveniles went on to join the Police Service. The results of this initiative in Pune will be seen in the coming days, as it is an investment in the future. Preventing crime and addressing it at its root is our motive as policemen, and this initiative will ensure that the goal is achieved.
