Amid nationwide protests over Delhi gangrape case, Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said on Monday that his ministry would convene a meeting of Chief Secretaries and Director General of Police of all the states to review the security mechanism for women safety across the country and will ensure that no such incidents are repeated. The meeting, to be held on January 4, 2013, will also look into speedy trial of rape cases and stricter punishment for crime against women, sources said.
“The Home Ministry will also discuss the status of rape cases registered, functioning of fast-track courts in each states and effectiveness of women helpline services as directed by the Centre,” a Home Ministry official said, adding that public transport system in each state would also be reviewed with the Chief Secretaries.
According to figures quoted by the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), 24,206 cases of crime against women were registered across the country in 2011. Madhya Pradesh registered maximum number of rape cases with 3,406 followed by West Bengal with 2,363 in 2011. Delhi alone recorded 572 rape incidents in the same year.
New Safety Cover
Meanwhile, Union Home Ministry, in statement on Monday said the government has taken innumerable steps to ensure safety of women and girls in Delhi.
“Action has been taken against the transporter whose bus was involved in the crime and a decision has been taken to improve public transport system by increasing the number of buses at night. GPS will be installed on all public transport vehicles to ensure that they do not stray from their scheduled routes. It will be ensure that all personnel deployed on public transport carry identification badges,” the statement said.
The government also issued a statement seeking people’s views particularly from the eminent jurists, legal professionals and women groups suggesting possible amendments in the criminal laws and other relevant laws to ensure quicker investigation, prosecution and trial of cases involving crime against women.
Justice Verma Panel
The three-member committee constituted by the government has already started examining possible amendments to the criminal law for the quicker trial and enhanced punishment for accused committing sexual assault of extreme nature against women. The committee, headed by Former CJI J S Verma, will submit its report within 30 days.