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The recent tragic murder of a doctor in Kolkata has sparked a debate about women's safety and the effectiveness of legal mechanisms in India. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in response to the incident, penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a stringent central law to punish rapists and proposing the establishment of fast-track courts for swift justice. She highlighted the alarming number of rape cases in the country, urging the government to address the issue with urgency.
However, the Centre has responded with a sharp retort, pointing out that West Bengal has received 123 fast-track courts, including 20 exclusive POCSO Courts, but many remain non-functional. While the scheme for these courts was launched in 2019, West Bengal only agreed to participate in 2023, initially committing to start 7 courts. Despite a significant backlog of rape and POCSO cases, the state government has only operationalized 6 POCSO courts, leaving 11 others in limbo. This lack of action has been heavily criticized by the Centre.
Furthermore, the Centre has highlighted the failure of the West Bengal government to implement a national helpline, designed to provide immediate assistance to women and children in distress. This critical resource, which has been implemented across other states, remains inaccessible to those in West Bengal, despite numerous requests from the Central Government. The Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annpurna Devi, emphasizes that the existing legal framework is sufficient to address crimes against women and that the responsibility of effective implementation lies with the state government. She urges West Bengal to take full advantage of the legal and schematic provisions provided by the Centre, to ensure the safety and security of women and girls within the state.
The situation highlights a crucial aspect of the ongoing debate about women's safety in India: while legislative frameworks are in place, their effective implementation at the state level is crucial for ensuring the intended outcomes. The Centre's sharp response to West Bengal underscores the need for robust collaboration and accountability between the central and state governments in addressing the issue of violence against women and ensuring their safety and security.
Source: Centre Replies To Mamata Banerjee's Letter To PM After Kolkata Rape-Murder