West Bengal Criticized for Women's Safety Failures

Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi has criticized the West Bengal government for its failure to implement crucial safety measures for women and children, particularly highlighting the lack of operational Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) for sexual offenses. Despite the central government allocating 123 FTSCs, including 20 exclusive for POCSO cases, only six have been made operational by mid-2024, leaving a significant backlog of 48,600 cases. Devi's letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasized the urgent need for the state to activate essential emergency helplines like the Women's Helpline and Emergency Response Support System, which remain unintegrated. She stated that these lapses deprive women and children of critical support during distressing situations. The minister reiterated the need for stringent legal frameworks and swift judicial processes to protect women's rights in the state. The issue has gained prominence amidst rising concerns over women's safety in West Bengal.