Mission Jyotirgamaya transforms lives in Visakhapatnam
More than 200 destitute persons have been shifted to shelter homes and 243 reunited with their families under Mission Jyotirgamaya, a rehabilitation initiative launched by the Visakhapatnam City Police Commissionerate in November 2024.
Conceived by City Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi, the programme aims to provide shelter, healthcare, skill development, and livelihood opportunities to homeless and vulnerable persons living on roadsides and footpaths in the city.
With the support of voluntary organisations and members of Vizag Volunteers, beneficiaries are provided haircuts, bathing facilities, fresh clothes, and medical check-ups before being enrolled in rehabilitation measures. Police officials said persons willing to return to their families are counselled and reunited, while those whose identities are unknown are shifted to shelter homes across the district.
As part of the initiative, younger beneficiaries in the 18-30 age group are being linked to jobs and skill training, while those aged between 31 and 60 are being assisted with self-employment opportunities. Senior citizens above 60 years are being provided permanent shelter and medical care.
The programme has also extended support to transgender persons in collaboration with organisations such as Nee Thodu and Bright Life. Around 40 transgender persons have been provided livelihood opportunities through milk vending centres, sanitation work, and auto-rickshaw assistance. A canteen named Jyotirgamaya was recently set up on the premises of the Women Police Station.
Officials said Aadhaar enrolment and identity cards have also been facilitated for several beneficiaries to help them access welfare schemes.
The initiative has received wider recognition and has entered the race for the prestigious SKOCH Award.
Mr. Bagchi said the idea for the programme emerged after seeing destitute persons living in distress on pavements and roadsides, adding that compassionate intervention could help restore dignity and reconnect many of them with their families.