How is the Maharashtra government addressing the escape of women and children from reform homes?
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Synopsis
In a recent council meeting, Maharashtra Minister Aditi Tatkare outlined the state's commitment to bolstering security in reform homes to prevent escapes by women and children. With current escape rates under scrutiny, the government plans to implement vital measures to ensure safety and security in these facilities. Stay informed about the latest developments in this crucial issue.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra government prioritizes safety for women and children in reform homes.
- Current escape rates are being closely monitored.
- Plans to enhance security include training for staff and increasing wall height.
- Minister Aditi Tatkare emphasizes the need for immediate action.
- Measures will be taken to prevent further incidents in the future.
Nagpur, Dec 9 (NationPress) Aditi Tatkare, the Maharashtra Minister for Women and Child Welfare, addressed the state council on Tuesday, stating that the government is making earnest efforts to prevent women and girls from fleeing reform homes.
She emphasized that immediate actions are being prioritized in response to a query from BJP legislator Chitra Wagh, who raised concerns about incidents of escape linked to inadequate security and management at women and children's reform hostels across Maharashtra.
Minister Tatkare highlighted that ensuring the safety of reform home residents is of utmost importance. “Currently, the escape rate for children stands at 0.29 percent, while for women, it is three percent. We will implement special initiatives to reduce escape incidences to zero percent. We have directed that proper training be provided to staff recruited through external channels. Actions will be taken within a month to fill the vacant posts,” she stated.
Discussing a recent incident at the Shanti Sadan hostel in Ulhasnagar, she revealed that 12 women had escaped. Among them, three were from Bangladesh, one from Bihar, one from Gujarat, one from West Bengal, and six from Maharashtra. Although the hostel can accommodate 100 individuals, only 21 women were present at that time. Security comprised one guard and one female police officer. According to the FIR, the women overpowered the security personnel, locked them in, and scaled a six-foot wall to escape, with the incident captured on CCTV.
Of the 12 women who fled, 11 were later rescued from various locations in the Kalyan-Dombivli area and were re-admitted under the Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act (ITPA). The ages of the women ranged from 19 to 50.
“We have proposed to increase the height of the wall to enhance hostel security in Ulhasnagar. A comprehensive meeting will be convened to discuss security, amenities, and staffing at the hostel. We are committed to implementing measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. The hostel has 12 sanctioned positions, with only seven filled and five currently vacant. Four staff members have been appointed through external means,” Minister Tatkare added.
Additionally, she announced that the department has requested an increase in police deployment to bolster security measures.
Point of View
The urgency to address safety measures in reform homes is paramount. The government's recognition of the need for improved security is a positive step towards safeguarding vulnerable populations. However, the implementation of these measures will be critical in ensuring the desired outcomes are achieved. We must continue to monitor the situation closely.
NationPress
09/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What measures is the Maharashtra government taking to prevent escapes from reform homes?
The government is prioritizing security improvements, including staff training and increasing physical barriers, to ensure the safety of women and children in reform homes.
What are the current escape rates from reform homes in Maharashtra?
Currently, the escape rate for children stands at 0.29 percent, while for women, it is three percent.
What happened at the Shanti Sadan hostel?
Twelve women escaped from the hostel, overpowering security personnel. Eleven were later rescued under the Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act.
