Nirbhaya funds: IP based video surveillance in railways & Fast Track Courts

The Indian Railways has enhanced security in major railway hubs by installing IP based video surveillance system. The surveillance has been installed in parking areas, entrance and exit platforms, waiting hall and over bridges.

Highlights

The surveillance system is to be installed in 983 stations at a budget of Rs 250 crores. The budget is being allocated from Nirbhaya funds. The surveillance is to be extended to other stations and coaches soon. The project implementation is to begin with south Western Railways.

Nirbhaya Funds

Nirbhaya fund was announced in the Union Budget 2013 by the then Finance minister P Chidambaram. Rs 1,000 crore had been allocated. The Ministry of Women and child Development prepares the scope and application of the fund. Ministry of Finance is responsible for the application of the fund.

For a long time, several entities complained that the fund was kept unutilized. Recently, the accused of Nirbhaya case were sentenced with death by the Delhi High Court.

Nirbhaya Fund usage so far

The GoI sanctioned Rs 1000 crores from the fund to implement women help desks in police stations. Also, anti-trafficking units are to be set up in all districts with the funds. A “Safe City Programme” was implemented at a cost of Rs 194.44 crores. SAECK (Sexual Assault Evidence Collection kits) were distributed with Nirbhaya funds. Sakhi centres (One Stop Centres) were set up through Nirbhaya fund under National Mission for Empowerment of women.

1023 Fast track Courts

On January 9, 2020, GoI has begun fast track special courts under Nirbhaya funds. The aim of the courts is to dispose pending cases registered under POCSO act and rape faster. Around 389 courts have been planned where the pendency of cases is more than 100.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2020