Despite having a woman chief minister, situation of women in West Bengal worsening: WCD Minister Annapurna Devi

NEW DELHI: Union minister Annapurna Devi criticized the West Bengal government, led by Mamata Banerjee, for its deteriorating situation in women's safety.

She pointed out that central schemes, such as fast track courts and emergency helplines, have not yet been implemented in the state. These comments were made amid protests over the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata.

Annapurna Devi, the Women and Child Development minister, highlighted that although West Bengal has a woman chief minister, the state has been lagging in implementing schemes aimed at protecting women and children. She specifically mentioned the fast track special courts (FTSCs) and POCSO courts meant for handling cases of sexual offenses and crimes against children.

"There are states like West Bengal where we are trying to get the central government schemes implemented but it is not happening. There are central government schemes, such as fast track special courts and POCSO courts, that have been established to deal with crimes against women and children but the state (West Bengal) is lagging behind in it," Devi said.

Devi further added that while 752 fast-track special courts, including 409 exclusive POCSO Courts, are functioning across 30 states and union territories and have disposed of over 2,53,000 cases since the scheme began, West Bengal's allocated 123 FTSCs are yet to become operational.

"There are 752 fast-track special courts (FTSCs), including 409 exclusive POCSO Courts, functioning across 30 States and Union Territories and they have disposed of over 2,53,000 cases since the scheme began. West Bengal was allocated 123 FTSCs under this scheme, with 20 dedicated POCSO Courts and 103 combined FTSCs handling both rape and POCSO Act cases. However, none of these courts had become operational," she said.

The minister did not only stop at fast track courts but also pointed fingers at the state's lack of emergency helplines. Devi emphasized the importance of services such as the Women Helpline (WHL), Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), and Child Helpline, which she says are vital for providing immediate support to victims of violence. Despite multiple reminders from the Centre, these services are yet to be operational in West Bengal.

Reflecting on these issues, Devi stated, "We are sponsoring the scheme so you don't have to spend money but the state has to implement it. We have been giving suggestions to the state to implement schemes related to women and children."

These remarks emerged in the midst of massive protests in West Bengal after the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The incident has sparked widespread unrest and has led the BJP to call for a 12-hour shutdown on Wednesday, challenging the police action against demonstrators who had marched to the state secretariat.

In addition to addressing these grave issues, Devi also spoke on the upcoming nutrition month in September. The focus this year will be on the central government's 'Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi' initiative, aimed at enhancing the capacity of anganwadi workers to provide early childhood care, education, nutrition, and services to children under six years old.

"Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign will also be a significant part of the celebrations. This initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day, June 5, proposes that some 140 crore trees will be planted across the country. Anganwadis have been advised to carry out a plantation drive under this campaign.

Overall, Devi’s comments underscore ongoing concerns about the safety and well-being of women and children in West Bengal.