The Indian government, in its commitment to ensuring the safety of women, has decided to extend the flagship scheme for women safety until the fiscal year 2025-26. With an approved budget of Rs 1,179.72 crore, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to address the growing concerns regarding crime against women in the country.
According to the latest data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the number of registered cases of crime against women reached 4,45,256 in 2022, averaging nearly 51 FIRs every hour. The decision to extend the women safety scheme comes as part of a comprehensive effort to curb these incidents and enhance the overall safety of women.
The approved proposal from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) outlines a total project outlay of Rs 1,179.72 crore, with Rs 885.49 crore provided by the MHA from its budget and Rs 294.23 crore channeled from the Nirbhaya Fund. The scheme encompasses various projects and initiatives aimed at strengthening mechanisms, enhancing investigation efficiency, and providing institutional support structures for victims.
Projects under the umbrella scheme include the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 2.0, upgrading central forensic sciences laboratories, strengthening DNA analysis and cyber-forensic capacities, and initiatives focused on cyber crime prevention against women and children. Other components involve capacity building and training for investigators and prosecutors, as well as the establishment of women help desks and anti-human trafficking units.
Despite amendments in the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act, crime against women remains a concerning issue. The government’s efforts align with creating stringent deterrence through legal amendments and providing comprehensive support systems to victims.
As per the NCRB data, the rate of crime against women per one-lakh population stands at 66.4, with a chargesheeting rate of 75.8. The data also reveals that the majority of cases under IPC sections are related to “cruelty by husband or his relatives,” “kidnapping and abduction of women,” “assault on women with intent to outrage her modesty,” and “rape.”
The extension of the women safety scheme underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by women and aims to create a safer environment for all.
