Editorial: A big let-down
The gross underutilisation of the Nirbhaya Fund, meant for schemes aimed at improving the safety and security of women, shows an inexcusable apathy towards the issues concerning women’s safety. A parliamentary panel has pointed out that of the Rs, 9,549-crore allocated under the fund, created by the Central government in the wake of the nationwide […]
The gross underutilisation of the Nirbhaya Fund, meant for schemes aimed at improving the safety and security of women, shows an inexcusable apathy towards the issues concerning women’s safety. A parliamentary panel has pointed out that of the Rs, 9,549-crore allocated under the fund, created by the Central government in the wake of the nationwide outrage over the 2012 Nirbhaya rape-murder case, only Rs 4,241 crore has been released and around Rs 2,989 crore utilised. This is a big let-down for a country where atrocities against women remain high and the conviction rate very poor. The reasons for underutilisation of the funds must be probed thoroughly and appropriate steps must be taken to improve the situation. It is deplorable that both the Centre and the States have fallen short of realising the potential of the Nirbhaya Fund, which envisages the setting up of women’s helplines and the use of CCTV cameras for real-time intervention so as to achieve the twin objectives of reducing crimes against women and increasing the prosecution rate. A pan-India audit is required to determine whether the projects bankrolled by the Nirbhaya Fund have made a visible difference on the ground and what factors are impeding optimum utilisation of the grants. The ministries concerned must develop a robust mechanism for constant monitoring of projects and schemes. The Fund was created in conjunction with the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, commonly known as the Nirbhaya Act.
Regrettably, India continues to be ranked among the ‘most dangerous countries for women.’ What is more alarming is that several cases of sexual assault go unreported for various reasons, including kinship with the perpetrator and lack of trust in the tedious judicial system. The victims are often coerced to marry their violators due to fear of stigma, pressure from family and society. Unfortunately, courts end up giving sanction to such marriages. The 10th anniversary of the horrifying Nirbhaya tragedy offers the governments and the civil society an opportunity to rededicate themselves to ensuring a safe environment for women in public as well as private spaces. Despite the Nirbhaya Act, packed with stringent provisions, there is no improvement in the area of women’s safety. Inordinate delay in punishing the culprits renders the entire system ineffective and the purpose of deterrence is not served. The lessons learnt from the Nirbhaya tragedy must lead towards a criminal justice system that is free from loopholes and stands by the victim at all costs. Stricter law enforcement, harsher punishment and fast courts for quick justice only will instil fear in the minds of monsters. An entire gamut of issues — from filing an FIR in time to proper forensic investigation and meticulous gathering of evidence — needs to be addressed in a professional and impartial way to instil confidence among the people.
