Synopsis
On March 12, the government reported that it has utilized Rs 5,846.08 crore, nearly 76% of the Nirbhaya Fund, to improve women's safety and security, with various initiatives established across the country.Key Takeaways
- 76% of Nirbhaya Fund utilized for women's safety.
- 14,658 Women Help Desks set up nationwide.
- 802 One Stop Centres operational in 36 states/UTs.
- Emergency Response Support System launched in all states.
- 790 Fast Track Special Courts approved for swift justice.
New Delhi, March 12 (NationPress) The government announced on Wednesday that it has utilized Rs 5,846.08 crore, which constitutes nearly 76 percent of the Nirbhaya Fund, to improve women's safety and security.
A total of Rs 7,712.85 crore has been allocated under the Nirbhaya Fund until the financial year 2024-25.
To ensure that police stations are more women-friendly and accessible, as they serve as the primary contact point for any woman visiting a police station, 14,658 Women Help Desks (WHDs) have been established, with 13,743 of these led by women police officers, as informed by the Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur, in the Rajya Sabha.
Cyber forensic-cum-training labs have also been set up across 33 states/UTs, with 24,264 individuals trained to manage cyber-related cases.
To offer integrated support to women affected by violence and ensure immediate access to services such as police, medical aid, legal assistance, and psychological support, 802 One Stop Centres (OSCs) have begun operations in 36 states/UTs, assisting over 10.80 lakh women so far.
Furthermore, to aid women in distress, the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112) has been implemented in all states and UTs for various emergencies, featuring computer-aided dispatch of resources, the minister stated.
Since its inception, more than 43 crore calls have been managed.
In addition to the ERSS, a dedicated women helpline (WHL-181) is operational, except in West Bengal. The WHL has been integrated with ERSS, handling over 2.10 crore calls and providing assistance to more than 84.43 lakh women, the minister highlighted.
To ensure justice for women and young girls who are victims of severe sexual crimes, the government has been offering financial aid to States/UTs for establishing Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) since 2019.
To date, 790 fast-track special courts (FTSCs) have received approval, with 745 currently operational, including 404 exclusive POCSO (e-POCSO) courts in 30 States/UTs, having resolved over 3,06,000 cases of rape and offenses under the POCSO Act nationwide, Thakur stated.
