Union Minister Annapurna Devi Criticizes West Bengal’s Efforts on Women’s Safety
New Delhi, August 27: Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi has criticized the West Bengal government for not implementing essential safety measures for women and children. This response came after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the establishment of fast-track courts for sensitive issues.
Fast Track Special Courts
In her letter, Annapurna Devi pointed out that 123 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC) were allocated to West Bengal, but none are operational. She highlighted that as of June 30, 2024, 752 FTSCs, including 409 exclusive POCSO Courts, are functional in 30 states and union territories, having resolved over 253,000 cases since the scheme’s inception.
West Bengal was allocated 123 FTSCs, including 20 exclusive POCSO Courts and 103 combined FTSCs for rape and POCSO Act cases. However, none of these courts were operational by mid-June 2023. Despite a backlog of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases, the state has not taken steps to start the remaining 11 FTSCs.
Emergency Helplines
Annapurna Devi also criticized the state government for failing to implement key emergency helplines like the Women Helpline (WHL), Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), and Child Helpline. Despite multiple requests and reminders from the central government, these facilities have not been put in place in West Bengal.
She emphasized the importance of these helplines as first responders in emergencies, noting that WHL-181, ERSS-112, Child Helpline-1098, and Cyber Crime Helpline-1930 have been established in recent years. However, the people of West Bengal cannot use these services due to the state government’s inaction.
Mamata Banerjee’s Letter to PM Modi
On August 22, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the central government to establish fast-track courts for sensitive issues to ensure speedy trials. She highlighted the increasing occurrence of rape cases and called for stringent central legislation to prescribe exemplary punishment for such crimes. Banerjee suggested that trials in such cases should be completed within 15 days to ensure justice.
Doubts Revealed
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a person who is in charge of a specific department in the central government of India. They help make important decisions for the country.
Annapurna Devi -: Annapurna Devi is a politician in India who is currently serving as a Union Minister. She is responsible for certain government duties and policies.
West Bengal -: West Bengal is a state in eastern India. It has its own government and Chief Minister who looks after the state’s affairs.
Fast Track Special Courts -: Fast Track Special Courts are special courts set up to quickly handle certain types of cases, like those involving women and children, so that justice is served faster.
Backlog of cases -: A backlog of cases means there are many legal cases waiting to be heard and decided in court. It can cause delays in getting justice.
Emergency helplines -: Emergency helplines are phone numbers you can call when you need urgent help, like the police or an ambulance. They are very important for safety.
CM Mamata Banerjee -: CM Mamata Banerjee is the Chief Minister of West Bengal. She is the head of the state government and makes important decisions for the state.
PM Modi -: PM Modi, or Narendra Modi, is the Prime Minister of India. He is the head of the central government and makes important decisions for the whole country.