The Hindu : Steps for quick action in eve-teasing, molestation cases

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Mar 13, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Steps for quick action in eve-teasing, molestation cases

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, MARCH 12. In order to check the rising incidence of eve-teasing and molestation cases against women in public places especially in buses and in market places, the Delhi Government has initiated a number of steps to ensure quick intervention and timely redressal. Special instructions have been issued to bus drivers and conductors to take the bus to a nearest police station if an incident takes place in a bus, irrespective of whether a woman complains or not.

Similarly the Federation of Market Associations in various localities of the Capital have been instructed to not only keep an eye on such incidents taking place in the shops but also in the corridors outside the shops. They have also been instructed to check such incidents and report them immediately to the police for further action.

This was disclosed by the Delhi Chief Secretary Shailja Chandra at an event— "Women Power and Power to Women'' -- organised by the Centre for Social Research on Thursday evening. Dwelling on the issue of crime against women, Ms. Chandra said, "I find it really difficult to understand why so many incidents take place in the Capital. We need to develop a culture where the attitude of boys towards girls changes right from the school. It is important that not only schools but also parents give their children good training so that they realise the importance of caring and sharing."

Talking in a similar vein, Ms. Kanwaljit Deol, Joint Commisioner of Police (Vigilance) said, "Police has a big role to play to check such incidents but equally important is for a woman to realise the importance of speaking out. From our experience we feel that such incidents of crime can be checked if a woman breaks her silence and complains immediately."

"Women Power and Power to Women" was organised to learn from the experiences of women achievers and ponder upon how people with power to influence public opinion, can contribute towards bridging the gender gap. It was inaugurated by Dr Najma Heptullah, Vice Chairperson, Rajya Sabha. Other important personalities in the panel of speakers were Social Activist, Nafisa Ali and a professor of Jawaharlal Nenru University, Anand Kumar. The event was followed by a dance performance by renowned bharatanatyam dancer Geeta Chandran.

"We get several phone calls from distressed women at our crisis intervention centres in Delhi, we always encourage them to break their silence and take brave steps. It is important they realise that it ensures not only their safety but also the safety of other women," said Ranjana Kumari, Director, Centre for Social Research.

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