Concerted efforts needed to make Delhi safer for women: LG

NEW DELHI: Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Friday chaired the seventh meeting of the ‘Task Force on Women Safety Issues’ and reviewed the implementation of recommendations made by the expert group on women safety.

He emphasised the need for gender sensitisation campaigns, community policing, use of technology, increased presence of women police personnel on the ground, more women in the transport workforce and proper street lighting by various stakeholders to make the city safer for women.

The Education Department was advised to take various steps on the actionable points, recommended by the expert group, such as regular safety audits, gender sensitisation and education programmes.

The LG directed senior officers to visit schools regularly, to focus on safety measures taken by schools. The Transport Commissioner apprised the LG about various steps taken by the Transport Department on the actionable points, like the central database of all drivers and staff of public transport, installation of CCTV and GPS devices in consultation with Delhi Police and other stakeholders, and steps being taken for maximum participation of women in the workforce.

Baijal advised the Department to install immediate response platforms and emergency buttons, and to explore the feasibility of after dark ‘between stops’ in public transport to make them safer for women.

Delhi Police informed the LG about various measures undertaken for women’s safety, including increased frequency of patrolling by women police personnel in and around education institutions (especially during change of shifts), and awareness measures to publicise the police helpline number 1091 through various means of communication.

He also directed the police to expedite progress of investigation in cases of crimes against women and children.

Finally, the LG emphasised that all stakeholders must work in a concerted manner to ensure safety of women and children in Delhi.