The Indian government has expressed serious concerns regarding the West Bengal government’s lack of action in implementing vital safety measures for women and children. Despite a significant backlog of 48,600 rape and POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) cases, the state has failed to operationalize Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) allocated to it. This failure has been highlighted by Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi in a letter addressed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on August 25.
The letter emphasizes the urgency of establishing strict legal frameworks and judicial processes to ensure the safety of women and children in West Bengal. The central government, under a centrally sponsored scheme launched in October 2019, had allocated 123 FTSCs to West Bengal, including 20 exclusive POCSO courts and 103 combined FTSCs. The scheme aims to expedite the trial and disposal of pending cases related to rape and POCSO violations.
Despite the state’s communication of willingness to participate in the scheme in June 2023, only 6 exclusive POCSO courts have become operational as of June 30, 2024, leaving a backlog of 48,600 cases. The state government has been criticized for not taking steps to operationalize the remaining 11 FTSCs despite the significant case pendency.
Furthermore, the Union Cabinet Minister Devi has also criticized the West Bengal government for failing to implement key emergency helplines, including the Women Helpline (WHL), Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), and Child Helpline. These helplines are crucial as first responders in emergency situations for women and children in distress. The government has integrated the WHL and Child helplines with the ERSS, but West Bengal has not implemented the WHL, despite repeated requests and reminders from the central government.
The central government’s letter to the West Bengal Chief Minister highlights the critical need for the state government to prioritize the safety and security of women and children by implementing the allocated FTSCs and emergency helplines. These measures are essential for addressing the alarming backlog of cases and ensuring swift and effective responses to emergency situations.
