The Union Cabinet on Wednesday granted approval to continue the implementation of several crucial projects aimed at bolstering the safety of women. These initiatives are designed to strengthen mechanisms for swift intervention and investigation into crimes against women, while also enhancing overall efficiency in crime prevention.
The approval for the implementation of the umbrella scheme on ‘Safety of Women’ comes with a budget allocation totaling Rs. 1179.72 crore, spanning the period from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
Within this scheme, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will allocate Rs. 885.49 crore from its budget, with an additional Rs. 294.23 crore drawn from the Nirbhaya Fund.
Safeguarding the well-being of women entails a multifaceted approach, encompassing stringent legal frameworks, expeditious justice delivery, responsive complaint resolution mechanisms, and accessible support networks for victims. To this end, the government has enacted amendments to key legislations such as the Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and the Indian Evidence Act, reinforcing deterrence against crimes targeting women.
Key projects earmarked for continuation under the Umbrella Scheme for Safety of Women include:
1. Enhancement of the 112 Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 2.0
2. Modernization of Central Forensic Sciences Laboratories, including the establishment of a National Forensic Data Centre
3. Strengthening DNA Analysis and Cyber Forensic capabilities in State Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs)
4. Targeted initiatives to combat Cyber Crimes against Women and Children
5. Capacity building and training programs for investigators and prosecutors handling cases of sexual assault involving women and children
6. Establishment of Women Help Desks & Anti-Human Trafficking Units