BHUBANESWAR: In an effort to turn Sambalpur into a model of a safe, inclusive and fear-free city for women and girls, the state government has planned nine schemes worth Rs 10 crore under Nirbhaya Initiative, including establishment of four dedicated support centres.
They include quick assistance by women police, emergency response system, technology-based surveillance, safe transport, women-friendly public amenities and awareness programmes.
Chief secretary Anu Garg reviewed the plans at a meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan on Tuesday. Official sources said under ‘Shakti Sarathi’ scheme, there is a proposal for patrolling and providing quick assistance by women police by mobilising 15 two-wheelers.
Similarly under ‘Pratikriya’ scheme, the government plans to provide necessary assistance and rescue services to women through 15 emergency response vehicles and drones. Under ‘Drishti’ scheme, plans are afoot to strengthen surveillance system by installing 800 CCTV cameras at 210 locations.
Five police assistance centres are planned to be set up under ‘S-Stop’, while under ‘Sahayatra’, operation of 40 pink e-rickshaws have been proposed to ensure safe and accessible transport for women.
Under ‘Nirbhaya Sadan’ scheme, four assistance centres are proposed at the district court premises, railway station, medical college area at Burla and district headquarters hospital. Similarly, under ‘Sathi’ scheme, six toilets and nursing facilities will be set up, while under ‘Yatra’, there is a proposal to develop a real-time tracking system for buses of 50 educational institutions.
Besides, ‘Sachetanata’ scheme will also be launched for awareness related to women’s safety, self-defence training, health education and community-based programmes.
Garg emphasised involving adolescent boys in the campaign to create awareness about respectful behaviour towards women, gender sensitivity and social responsibility.
