DCW chief hails reports of installation of cameras in train coaches

New Delhi:  Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal on Thursday welcomed reports that CCTV cameras were being installed in train coaches to ensure women's security, but said the Centre should use funds from the budget amount allocated to Railways and not from the Nirbhaya Fund.

In her letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the DCW chairperson has also recommended spending money from the fund for building fast track courts and appoint judges so that victims get justice on time.

"The Nirbhaya fund was allocated for safety and empowerment of women after December 16 Delhi gang-rape incident.

"Installing CCTV cameras at train coaches is a good move but we are not sure if it is right to use money from the Nirbhaya Fund for that as that can done from the budget amount allocated to Railways," said Maliwal in her letter to PM.

Maliwal, in her letter, suggested some initiatives on which the money could be utilised.

"I feel the reason behind rise in crimes against women is that majority of the guilty do not get punishment. Criminals do not have fear of committing such crimes. As per the Delhi police statistics, 31,446 FIRs have been registered since 2012 till now in connection with crimes against women.

"In 2014, 11209 FIRs were registered," she said.

She also said that the fund should be utilised to rescue and rehabilitate victims of trafficking.

"At GB Road which is situated at a distance of three kms from Parliament, women and children from various parts of India are brought and sold. The fund could be used for their welfare," she said.

Maliwal further said that the fund could be used to improve the conditions of Nari Niketans across the country where women who are rescued are kept.