LG takes stock of women’s safety scenario, directs measures

New Delhi, April 18 (IANS) Delhi Lt. Governor Anil Baijal on Tuesday ordered a slew of measures to be taken for the safety of women, which included stringently regulating the sale of acid and reducing the response time on women and anti-stalking helplines.

Expressing his concern over the cases of unregulated sale of acid during the second meeting on 'Task Force on Women Safety Issues', Baijal directed "the Divisional Commissioner and Delhi Police to take stringent action under law with regard to any such violations", a statement from his office said.

He also stressed that response time for the distress calls on Women helpline (1091) and Anti-stalking helpline (1096) be reduced and more awareness be generated through them.

"The Lt. Governor also expressed concern over complaints of alcohol sale to underage customers by bars and restaurants and asked Excise Commissioner to take swift and stern action on such violations," the statement read.

In the meeting, Special Commissioner (Women Safety) said that appropriate measures were being taken to "monitor the progress made in respect of the FIRs related to sexual offences" and that areas near schools and colleges are kept under vigilance through patrolling and "surprise checks" by senior officers.

Moreover, "200 DTC buses have been fitted with CCTV and GPS systems on Pilot Project basis and a Cabinet note shall be put forth regarding the rest," the statement said.

The Lt. Governor also expressed his concern over the training and skill development of the "rescued women" to help them rehabilitate and directed the relevant department to take suitable measures for this purpose.

The first task force meeting was held on March 1.