Government to deploy women security guards at dark spots across Delhi

NEW DELHI: In order ensure security for women, Aam Aadmi Party government today decided to deploy women security guards at 'dark stretches' across the city which are crime-prone for women.

On the eve of completing one month of AAP government, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said they have also decided to deploy marshals in all DTC buses from 6 PM to 12 midnight.

In its pre-poll manifesto, AAP had promised to set up Women's Security Force made up of a 10,000 strong Home Guard, saying that it would use 5,000 bus marshals to prevent and deter crime on public transport.

"We have asked Delhi Police to give us the list of dark spots where women related crime is on rise. Thereafter, we will set up Women's Security Force consisting personnel of Home Guards and Civil Defence. We will deploy Women's Security Force at these areas," Sisodia told a press conference here.

Government is working on various aspects to ensure security of women in the national capital.

"We did a study on women passenger security in buses. To begin with, we have decided to soon deploy the marshals in all DTC buses from 6 PM to midnight in first phase. Government will train personnel of home guards and civil defence as marshals and thereafter, they would be deployed in all buses," he said.

Government also announced that it will give some more powers to Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) so that they can conduct random checkings inside the buses.

"We have directed SDMs to carry out random checking in buses to get feedback from women passengers about their problems in bus.

"If women passenger complain of molestation and any crime, SDMs will have a power to interrogate the accused on the spot and if needed, SDMs would also ensure that strict action is taken," he added.

Before the Assembly elections, AAP had also promised that if it came to power, its government would provide a Suraksha/SOS button on every mobile phone, saying that it would work towards its connectivity to the police, nearest PCR van, relatives and volunteer community.