After free ride scheme in metro and bus, the Delhi Government is set to form a task force for the safety and security of woman in public transport especially in buses. “The Task force will conduct both off and on ground reviewing and monitoring of all existing schemes for women’s safety in Delhi, and propose new plans for strengthening women’s safety in the capital” explained Jasmine Shah, Vice Chairperson , Delhi Dialogue Commission (DDC).
The Task force, constituted with the approval of Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, has been entrusted with the task of evaluating and monitoring of various initiatives taken by the Government in the direction of women safety, including installation of CCTV and panic buttons in buses, and strengthening the Delhi Government’s flagship ‘Bus Marshal scheme’, which has been in place in all Government run DTC buses since 2015.
“The Task force will comprise of representatives from all stakeholders of public transport in the capital as well as eminent experts from civil society working in the field of Women’s safety and public transport in Delhi. It would also include two daily female commuters nominated by transport Minister” said Shah.
The members of the Task force will be appointed for a period of one year, or until the tenure of the present Delhi Government.
One of the key mandates of this Task Force is to recommend and monitor the implementation of all initiatives undertaken by the Transport Department for women safety.
The Task Force will comprise of representatives from the DDC, concerned government departments, Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), Delhi Police, NGOs and two members from the civil society.
According to a statement from Chief Minister Office (CMO), “The Task Force will assess and recommend improvements in the effectiveness of bus marshalls programme. Gender sensitisation of drivers, conductors, measures like installation of panic buttons and CCTVs in buses along with other important women safety measures will be part of the mandate of this Task Force”.