Study group was formed to suggest measures that could help turn Delhi get rid of the tag as the most unsafe city in India.
New Delhi: A committee constituted by the lieutenant governor of Delhi has suggested roping in private players such as cafes, petrol pumps and 24×7 chemist shops to create safe shelters for women in distress.
The study group was formed to recommend measures that could help turn Delhi get rid of the tag as the most unsafe city for women in India.
The ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the opposition BJP often lock horns over women’s safety with the latter accusing the government of not being serious on this issue.
Among the key measures that AAP had promised is the installation of a citywide network of CCTV cameras, but not much has been done on the ground.
The study group constituted by the Delhi LG has now suggested creating a chain of shelters where women take refuge when required.
A senior official said that private players such as Café Coffee Day can contribute to this cause as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.
“All they have to do is offer a seat and water bottle to the victim who comes to them. We would identify a few such CCDs where women in distress could seek shelter till police arrive,” said an official.
“There are instances where a maid could not use phone and neighbours would not help if she seeks any or if a woman is assaulted, not many would come forward to help her,” the official said, stressing the need to set up such shelters in various localities in the city.
Other suggestions
Discussions were also held at identifying nearby chemist shops that remain operational round the clock.
“Nearby chemist shops that remain open 24×7 are a good option. Women can approach these shops in case of any danger,” said the official.
Another suggestion is to set up night-stay lodge at petrol pumps.
“The police often receive complaints of landlord throwing girls students out of PGs at odd hours. We have discussed possibilities of making a stop-gap arrangements for such girls at petrol pumps where they could get shelter for a day,” said a source.
The committee also suggested turning the boys’ schools into co-ed ones.
There are several schools which operate in two shifts. “Evening shift is only for boys as it would be undesirable for parents to send in their daughters as classes continue till late in the evening. But we will find a solution to gradually make every school co-ed,” the source added.