Unhappy over the law and order situation, Delhi govt on Tuesday launched a novel initiative under which area-based community groups with special powers will be formed to combat incidents of eve-teasing, violence and harassment of women. Launching the ambitious scheme on the occasion of International Women's Day, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said the unique initiative has been taken to support those women who are unable to raise their voice against violence and atrocities.
The community groups will act swiftly on noticing any incident of violence or verbal assault against women and coordinate with police and concerned agencies.
Any woman facing any kind of harassment may contact the community group of her locality for help and redressal of problem.
Under the 'Awaz Uthao' initiative, the government has already set up community groups for 25 localities comprising youth members, NGO representatives, educationists, Anganwari workers and police of the area.
"Awaz Uthao is an effort to ensure safety of women through engaging with the community and with relevant authorities and to bring perceptible change in mindset of the society towards gender issues," Dikshit said.
Dikshit said the programme is being implemented as a pilot project in 25 localities, mostly comprising families from weaker sections.
Under 'Awaz Uthao', the community groups will bring awareness through handouts, street plays, and work with schools and NGOs to identify safety issues for girls, besides liaising with local police stations to redress safety concerns of women.
The groups will also liaise with local health centres and coordinate with transport authorities to address safety issues in respect of women. It will also train women for self defence
Women's insecurity in capital a matter of shame: Dikshit
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said that it is a matter of great shame that women do not feel safe in the capital of the country in the presence of city's top cop who blamed of indifferent attitude of Delhites towards crime against the fair sex.
At a function to celebrate International Women's Day, the Chief Minister almost snubbed Police Commissioner B K Gupta when she rejected his claim of improvement in law and order situation, saying the women in the city were living in an "atmosphere of insecurity".
"We invited you here to convey our great concern over the feeling of insecurity among the women in the city. Leaving aside the statistics, I want to ask you do we feel safe in the city. If women in the capital do not feel secure and safe then is it not a matter of shame," Dikshit said.
Earlier, in his address Gupta, citing statistics, claimed improvement in law and order situation and blamed lack of sensitivity among people for increasing cases of violence against women.
"In cities like Kolkata, people react very strongly when they see crime against women. Here there is no such reaction. We are very passive. Why people do not react when they see harassment of women. The incidents will come down if people react strongly against them," said Gupta.
Rebutting Gupta's argument, Dikshit said, "It is a matter of shame for each one of us that the capital city of India is considered most unsafe for women. This is not acceptable."
"You talked about Kolkata. Of course, women are safe in Kolkata. There are two reasons for it. You must remember that police in Kolkata as well as the civil society are sensitive," the Chief Minister said.
Giving an account of steps taken by police, Gupta said all the new PCR vans will have one lady police officer while a women desk has been set up in each police station across the city.
"Do not be a silent sufferer of these incidents. Protest them with full vigour. Police will extend all cooperation in ensuring your safety," Gupta told the gathering which included representatives of various leading NGOs, government officials and RWAs.
Gupta said the BPOs have been told to strictly follow the norms prescribed for dropping of women employees who work in offices at night.
"We have already filed FIRs against 15 violations."
The top cop also said he has written a letter to Chief Justice of Delhi High Court to set up fast track courts to take up rape cases so that the victims do not have to wait longer for getting justice.
Dikshit said the city government will provide all required support to the police to make the city safe and secure for women.
"If police becomes sensitive and cases are solved promptly, then the dream of having a safe society will come to reality. The society has also a role to play in ensuring safety of women in the city," Dikshit said.
"The biggest challenge in front of us today is to make women feel safe and secure in the city. I want to ask, why it is that all the boys, all the fathers, all the males feel secure, but women do not feel the same way, why," she questioned.
Speaking on the occasion, Social Welfare Minister Kiran Walia ask police to put more efforts in making women feel secure in the city.
"If police really acts, then we will not have this feeling of insecurity. Police must ensure safety of women. We have a role but our role is limited," she said.
Gupta said police have increased its vigil in areas where women are more prone to face harassments.
"We have also increased our presence in areas where students from North Eastern states reside. We are doing everything possible to make the city safe and secure," he said.
The function was organised by Social Welfare department to celebrate the International Women's Day.