With the passing away of Suzette Jordan who did not want her identity to be reduced to the 'Park Street rape victim', and the BBC film on the unimaginably brutal rape and murder of a Delhi student, the discourse on rape has rightly took centre stage in the state, with the Fadnavis government rolling out measures to effectively deal with crimes against women.
With the passing away of Suzette Jordan who did not want her identity to be reduced to the 'Park Street rape victim', and the BBC film on the unimaginably brutal rape and murder of a Delhi student, the discourse on rape has rightly took centre stage in the state, with the Fadnavis government rolling out measures to effectively deal with crimes against women.
What are the key measures?
The most important measures - aimed at increasing crime conviction rate - include a comprehensive review of security for women in public spaces; a woman officer in every police station to deal with complaints of crimes against women; and overhaul of the forensic science laboratories.
Speaking in the state legislative assembly on Friday, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said a committee - under the secretary (special) of the home department - would be established in each police commissionerate and district police headquarters to stop street crimes against women, and review the security of women in public spaces.
How will work towards women's safety be rewarded?
A Nirbhaya award consisting of Rs1 lakh in cash and a certificate of commendation will also be given to citizens who do noteworthy work for ensuring security for women.
For crimes that fall under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act of 1994 (PCPNDT), the chief minister's medal will be given to a police official for outstanding investigative work, and to an assistant government pleader for the prosecution who has a substantial conviction rate.
What has been done to improve the conviction rate?
Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, said the department will appoint all government pleaders and assistant and special pleaders for a period of two years, raher than on a permanent basis to ensure competence. Before reappointing them, it will be mandatory for them to have an average conviction rate of 25% or more. Assistant government pleaders will need a conviction rate of more than 25% to be eligible for promotion.
There will be a review of all pending cases, and the directorate of prosecution will oversee all government pleaders.
Are there any other measures?
The commissioner of police, special inspector general of police, and superintendent of police will get the authority to appoint a panel of lawyers in their jurisdiction for a fee prescribed by the government. Fadnavis said a committee will screen the chargesheet before it is filed. The stipend for witnesses will be increased, it said.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}