Centre Responds to Mamata Banerjee’s Letter on Kolkata Rape-Murder Case
26.08.2024: In response to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the alarming rise in rape cases across India, Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annpurna Devi, has issued a pointed reply. The minister’s response addresses the state’s handling of fast-track courts and the implementation of central schemes aimed at protecting women and children.
The Context
The exchange comes in the wake of the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This incident sparked outrage and led Ms. Banerjee to demand stronger central laws to punish rapists. In her letter, she emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive legislation, pointing out that 90 rape cases are reported daily across India, with many resulting in the victim’s death. She proposed the establishment of fast-track special courts to expedite justice, suggesting that trials be completed within 15 days.
Centre’s Response
In her reply, Annpurna Devi expressed her condolences to the victim’s family and highlighted the steps the central government has already taken to combat crimes against women. She referenced the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, implemented last month, which provides stringent punishments for such crimes.
Fast-Track Courts in West Bengal
One of the critical points in the Union Minister’s response was the status of fast-track courts (FTSCs) in West Bengal. She revealed that the state had been allocated 123 FTSCs under a centrally sponsored scheme launched in October 2019. However, as of mid-June 2023, many of these courts were not operational. Despite a backlog of 48,600 rape and POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses) cases, only 6 of the 17 allocated FTSCs had been made functional by June 2024. The minister stressed that the state government needs to take immediate action to operationalize the remaining courts.
Central Helplines Not Implemented
Annpurna Devi also criticized the West Bengal government for not implementing the national helpline services designed to respond to distress calls from women and children. She noted that the Women Helpline (WHL) 181, Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112, Child Helpline 1098, and Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 had been integrated, but the people of West Bengal could not benefit from these services due to the state’s inaction.
Call for Effective Implementation
The minister concluded her letter by emphasizing that the existing legal framework is robust enough to tackle crimes against women, but effective implementation falls within the state’s responsibility. She urged the West Bengal government to fully utilize the legal provisions and central initiatives to create a safer environment for women and girls in the state.
The Centre’s response to Mamata Banerjee’s letter underscores the need for state-level action to complement central efforts in combating crimes against women. As the situation in West Bengal continues to draw national attention, the effective implementation of fast-track courts and helpline services will be crucial in addressing the ongoing concerns about women’s safety in the state.