Women in peril as Safe City Project ignored

Hyderabad: Scarcity of funds for the Safe City Project has become a hurdle for officials to place Hyderabad on the top of the safe cities index. Central Home Ministry has identified nine states in the country where atrocities on women are gradually coming down. Hyderabad has bagged a place in it.

The central government has sanctioned Rs 100 crore from Nirbhaya Fund Scheme and Rs 270 crore under the Safe City Project. The project works would have started if the State government had deposited its share of 40 per cent of funds. Unfortunately, the State government failed to deposit the amount.

The officials have gathered information on the places where women were facing eve teasing and safety issues. They examined public places including railway stations, bus stations, shopping malls and wine shops on national highways. They came up with proposals for safe transportation facility. All theses aspects have been taken to the notice of central government.

The officials would constitute committees to provide safety to women facing sexual harassment at work place. But, all the officials' proposals would only work if the state government releases its share of funds. The recent rise in crimes against women has brought to the fore the apathetic attitude of the government.