The Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, responded on Monday to a letter from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Devi urged the state government to create a safe and gender-equal environment for women and girls. Her response comes after Banerjee requested stronger central laws and the establishment of fast-track special courts (FTSCs).
In her letter, Devi pointed out that despite the backlog of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases in West Bengal, the state has not taken steps to set up 11 FTSCs. The centrally sponsored scheme, launched in October 2019, aimed to expedite trials for rape and POCSO cases. As of June 30, 2024, 752 FTSCs, including 400 POCSO courts, are operational nationwide. West Bengal was allocated 123 FTSCs but has only made 6 exclusive POCSO courts functional, leaving the rest pending.
ALSO READ: Amit Shah's bold 'Drug-Free India' mission: focus on dismantling entire drug network
Devi also highlighted that the state has not fully utilized various helplines, including Women Helpline 181, Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), and Child Helpline. She stressed that while the legal framework is strong, effective implementation of these laws and central initiatives is the responsibility of the state government.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash