Union Minister Criticizes West Bengal's Handling of Women Safety Measures

Union minister Annapurna Devi has criticized the Mamata Banerjee government for failing to implement central government schemes to combat crimes against women in West Bengal. Despite having a female chief minister, the state has not operationalized fast track courts or emergency helplines. Devi also highlighted upcoming central government initiatives such as 'Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi' and 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'.

Union minister Annapurna Devi has raised serious concerns over the deteriorating situation of women in West Bengal, blaming the Mamata Banerjee government for its failure to implement crucial central government schemes. Despite being led by a female chief minister, the state lags in operationalizing fast track courts and emergency helplines for women and children.

Devi mentioned that the central government has been pushing for the implementation of fast track special courts and POCSO courts, but West Bengal remains behind. She highlighted that these schemes are fully sponsored by the Centre, yet the state has failed to make them operational. This inefficiency has left women and children without crucial legal avenues for addressing violence and abuse.

The minister also highlighted that emergency support systems like the Women Helpline, Emergency Response Support System, and Child Helpline are non-functional in the state despite repeated reminders from the Centre. In light of these failures, massive protests erupted following the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. Devi also touched upon the upcoming 'Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi' initiative and the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign aimed at improving early childhood care and environmental awareness.

(With inputs from agencies.)