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, Ms Dikshit also sought deployment of women police personnel at all police stations to encourage women to lodge their complaints without any apprehensions.
"My government will do everything possible to provide a conducive atmosphere for the women in the city," Ms 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.
Ms 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 grievances.
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.
Emphasising 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.
Officials said Delhi government will issue a draft notification for revising the permit conditions for public transport vehicles incorporating provisions for disallowing use of inappropriate films and tinted glasses, higher punishment for repeat offences and a number of other measures.
The final notification will be issued within a month.
Ms Dikshit said that at the request of her government five fast track courts have been constituted and they have started working but sought more such courts.
The issue of auto drivers refusing to take passengers was also discussed in the meeting and the Chief Minister promised to look into the matter.
A suggestion was also made to have more hostels for working women.
On providing help to the family of the December 16 gang-rape victim, Ms Dikshit said her government has offered a flat to them in Dwarka. She said an employment for brother of the girl is being tried sincerely.
Ms Dikshit said concerned departments of Delhi government have been told to make efforts to improve the safety of women.
The meeting also decided to bring out a booklet on women safety.
The book would be launched on March 8 which is International Women's Day.
A number of speakers suggested that a book on moral values be brought out for school students.