Delhi: Task Force Meets for Safety of Women

New Delhi: The Special Task Force headed by Union Home Secretary to look into the safety issues of women in Delhi and review the functioning of Delhi Police on an ongoing basis had its first meeting last week. The meeting reviewed the status of different Helplines, PCR Vans, DTC/cluster bus service, working hours for discotheques and women help desks in Police Stations among other issues.


While reviewing helpline No.100, the Home Secretary directed that whenever a call is received, a nearest PCR vehicle must reach and investigate the cause except where prima-facie, it is a crank call. It was agreed to increase the number of lines from 60 to 100. Another Helpline 1091 used generally for counselling of women had two lines. It was agreed that this line will be converted into distress helpline for women and the number of lines will be increased from 2 to 10 or more. It was also agreed that invariably ladies should be placed on these lines to attend the calls.

The number of PCR Vans was found inadequate and will be revised suitably to make the PCR Van more proactive and responsive. The position of buses and bus stops was also reviewed with the Chief Secretary and Transport Commissioner of Delhi. It was also agreed that DTC/ cluster buses should be GPS enabled and it should be made functional at a Centralised Control Room by February 01, 2013.


All vulnerable bus routes should be identified by the Delhi Police. Buses plying on these routes must be manned by plain clothes Policemen day and night. All vulnerable pedestrian roads/ pedestrian pathways be identified by Delhi Police and must be properly lit during the night. All permits issued by the Transport Department must be re-verified by the Department with regard to any false information submitted in the old permits. All permits issued by the Transport Department must be re-verified by the said Department with regard to any false information submitted in the old permits.(Source PIB)