Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi strongly criticised the West Bengal government for its alleged failure to implement crucial safety measures for women and girls, particularly regarding the establishment of fast-track special courts. Despite a significant backlog of 48,600 cases related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, the state has yet to operationalise 11 of the allocated courts.

In a letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Devi expressed deep concern over the state’s inability to integrate key emergency helplines such as the Women Helpline (WHL), Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), and Child Helpline. She emphasised that these services are vital for providing immediate support to victims of violence but remain unimplemented despite repeated reminders from the Central government.

Devi argued that this lapse deprives women and children in West Bengal of essential support during crises. She also highlighted the state’s failure to fully operationalise the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) under a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at expediting the trial of sexual offences.

Launched in October 2019, the FTSC scheme was designed to address pending cases of rape and POCSO offenses. Under the scheme, 123 courts were allocated to West Bengal, including 20 exclusive POCSO courts and 103 combined courts. However, as of mid-June 2023, none of these courts were operational.

Minister calls for urgent measures to address violence and discrimination 

Although the state government committed in June 2023 to starting seven FTSCs, Devi noted that by June 30, 2024, only six exclusive POCSO courts were functioning, leaving the remaining courts in limbo despite the mounting backlog.

The minister also underscored the importance of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, a significant legislative measure introduced nationwide in July 2024 to combat crimes against women and children. The legislation mandates severe punishments for offenses like rape, gang rape, and sexual abuse against minors.

Devi urged the West Bengal government to take immediate action to eliminate all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls, stressing the need for a secure environment that promotes gender equality and empowerment.

With inputs from PTI