Sheila Dixit hints at specific steps to regulate public transport

NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today promised to do everything possible to address safety concerns of women and hinted at specific steps to ensure effective regulation of the public transport in the city.

Seeking better policing, Dikshit also sought deployment of women police personnel in adequate numbers at all police stations to encourage the fair sex to lodge their complaints without any apprehensions.

"My government will do everything possible to provide a conducive atmosphere for the women in the city," Dikshit said while chairing a meeting called to discuss issues relating to safety of women.

The meeting was attended by Women and Child Welfare Minister Kiran Walia, Planning Commission member Sayeeda Hamid, Chairperson of Delhi Commission for Women Barkha Singh, representatives of leading NGOs and Women Rights Groups and top officials of government departments.

Dikshit said Delhi government's helpline -- 181-- has been receiving around 2,000 calls daily and an effective coordination has been established with the police to redress the grivances.

She said the government has started discussion with a security company called 'e-move' to help women in contacting police and other agencies to lodge any complaint.

Emphasing the need for better regulation of public transport, she said specific steps will be initiated to ensure safe environment for women in buses, autos and taxis.

"It has been suggested to train conductors and drivers on being polite with the passengers. The training must be continuous and it should be institutionalized," she said.

Thorough verification of the crew of all public transport vehicles, installation of GPS devices and appointment of lady police personnel are some of the measures the Centre had unveiled yesterday to improve safety of women in the city.