Special Forces for Everyone… Except Women

Protect the Powerful, Forget the Vulnerable

In recent years, India has witnessed a disturbing series of brutal crimes against women, from the Nirbhaya case in Delhi to the horrors of Unnao, Hathras, and, most recently, the RG Kar College rape and murder case in Kolkata. Each incident ignites public outrage and leads to demands for stricter laws. Yet, despite legal reforms, including the introduction of fast-track courts and amendments to existing laws, the question remains: why do these atrocities continue?

The Need for a Specialized Force

India has specialized agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which tackles financial crimes under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), which focuses on combating smuggling, and the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) that addresses corporate frauds. The Special Protection Group (SPG), responsible for protecting the Prime Minister and high-profile individuals, incurs an annual cost of around ?592 crores. Additionally, Z+ security for about 40 VIPs, including politicians and business leaders, costs up to ?20 crores per individual annually. Despite these substantial investments in protecting financial interests, national borders, and VIPs, there is no equivalent force dedicated solely to women’s safety amid a persistent crisis of gender-based violence.

The recent brutal rape and murder at RG Kar College underscores the urgent need for a dedicated task force focused on safeguarding women. By reallocating a fraction of the funds currently used for VIP security and the budgets of these specialized agencies, India could establish a national task force equipped with advanced training, technology, and resources to proactively prevent and address crimes against women. This would ensure that women's safety receives the same level of priority and investment as other critical national security concerns, creating a safer environment for millions across the country.

Education and Societal Change: The Need of the Hour

While law enforcement is crucial, the root causes of gender-based violence must be addressed through societal change. Education at all levels—schools, workplaces, and communities—must focus on respect, consent, and gender equality. Public awareness campaigns and workshops can help shift societal attitudes that perpetuate violence against women.

The recent case in Kolkata highlights the deep-seated misogyny and lack of respect for women that still persists in many parts of society. To truly eradicate violence against women, we must start with education that instills values of equality and respect from a young age.

The Role of PoSH Law

The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, commonly known as the PoSH Law, is a significant step in the right direction. It mandates the creation of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in workplaces to address sexual harassment complaints. However, PoSH Law primarily focuses on the workplace environment, leaving a gap in addressing crimes against women in public spaces or domestic settings.

Integrating the principles of PoSH Law into a broader framework that addresses all forms of gender-based violence could be transformative. For instance, just as ICCs are mandated in workplaces, a similar structure could be developed at the community level, where women can report crimes in a safe and supportive environment. These community-level institutions could work in tandem with the proposed special task force, ensuring that every complaint is addressed with the seriousness it deserves.

Community-Level Interventions

Instituting community-based programs that involve local leaders, NGOs, and law enforcement could create a more immediate and localized response to potential threats. These programs could also provide support systems for survivors, making it easier for them to report crimes and seek justice. Community interventions are vital for creating an environment where women feel safe and empowered to speak out against violence.

The RG Kar College incident serves as a grim reminder of how community vigilance and localized response mechanisms could potentially prevent such tragedies. A community-based approach would ensure that women are not only protected but also feel confident in seeking help when needed.

Investment in Technology and Data

Technology can play a pivotal role in preventing crimes against women. Surveillance systems, mobile apps for reporting crimes, and data analytics can help in identifying high-risk areas and predicting potential threats. A specialized task force could leverage these tools to monitor and respond to crimes in real-time, thereby reducing response times and increasing the likelihood of preventing assaults before they occur.

In the wake of the RG Kar College case, the use of technology to enhance safety measures on campuses and public spaces is more critical than ever. Implementing technology-driven solutions can act as a deterrent and provide quicker responses to incidents.

Moving Beyond Laws to Action

Laws, no matter how stringent, are only as effective as their enforcement. To truly create a safer society for women, India must move beyond just drafting laws. The establishment of a specialized task force, integration of PoSH Law principles into broader societal frameworks, investment in education and technology, and community-level interventions are essential steps toward this goal.

The fight against gender-based violence is not just a legal battle; it is a societal one. By investing in a multi-faceted approach that combines law enforcement, education, technology, and community support, we can begin to address the deep-seated issues that allow such crimes to persist. It is time to act, not just react, and create a society where women can live without fear.

The RG Kar College case, like many others, should serve as a catalyst for meaningful change. It is a stark reminder that while laws are necessary, they are not sufficient. It’s time to prioritize the safety of women with the same urgency we give to other national security concerns. Only then can we hope to build a society where every woman is truly safe.

ALT INDIA LEGAL

#WomenSafety #GenderEquality #CrimePrevention #PoSHLaw #SocialChange #SpecialTaskForce #WomenEmpowerment #CommunitySupport #TechnologyForSafety #JusticeForWomen