An innovative ‘Tags with QR Code’ system at the Kanaka Durga temple has been a resounding success, particularly during the busy Dasara festivities on Indrakeeladri Hill. District Collector G. Lakshmisha reported that this initiative has already helped reunite approximately 12 children and three senior citizens who had become separated from their families.
To implement this vital program, 25 dedicated teams were mobilized. These teams consisted of personnel from Anganwadi centers, the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), and several non-governmental organizations. Their mission was to tag children and elderly devotees, with a focus on those under 10 years old. Collector Lakshmisha, who personally oversaw the operation, proudly stated that nearly 14,500 individuals have been tagged on Indrakeeladri, noting the immense relief and gratitude expressed by parents.
Meenakshi, a relieved parent, shared her experience: ‘My son got lost in the crowd, but within minutes, we received a call informing us he was safe at the Model Guest House. We hurried over and were so grateful to have him back. This QR Code Tagging System is truly a blessing.’
Sk. Ruksana Sultana Begum, Project Director for Women Development and Child Welfare in NTR District, elaborated on the process. She explained that trained staff securely embed essential details like the child’s name, father’s name, contact number, gender, and age directly into the QR Code.
If a child becomes lost, law enforcement can quickly scan the QR Code, instantly accessing the parent’s contact information and notifying them. An automated message is also sent to the father’s phone immediately after the scan, Ms. Ruksana Sultana added.
Police Commissioner S.V. Rajashekara Babu confirmed the system’s effectiveness, stating, ‘Over the past three days, twelve children and three senior citizens who went missing were successfully located. Most children were reunited with their families within just ten minutes.’
Ms. Ruksana Sultana further assured that dedicated teams will continue patrolling the temple’s queue lines 24/7, operating in three shifts, to ensure every child visiting from the Vinayaka temple to the Kanaka Durga temple receives a safety tag.