Major steps will be taken to make Delhi safe: Dikshit

NEW DELHI - In the wake of the recent rape incidents in the capital, a “very much concerned” Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Monday held a meeting with top officials, including the city police chief, and assured the people of major measures to make the capital a safe place.

The meeting was attended by Delhi Police Commissioner B.K. Gupta, Delhi Women’s Commission chairperson Barkha Singh, representatives from many NGOs and the North-east Forum.

We are very much concerned and so are the police. The meeting decided on some major issues so that women feel safe in the capital. The meeting discussed in detail the major measures to tackle the law and order situation in the capital and elaborated on the role of NGOs, the chief minister later told reporters.

The Delhi government is also launching a campaign, asking Delhiites to respect women as they respect their mothers and sisters.

We will come out with posters (in English and Hindi) with this message. The posters primarily will be on DTC buses and published in newspapers, a Delhi government official said.

Referring to the gangrape last month of a BPO employee, Gupta said that NGOs and police should work hand in hand for gender-sensitisation at police stations and in vulnerable colonies.

The NGOs should also cooperate in keeping us informed about any suspicious person. The NGOs and police will also hold regular meetings at the interval of three months to discuss the situation, Gupta said.

He said Delhi Police will also monitor PCR Vans during night under its operation ‘Black Rose’.

In the BPO employee’s rape case, her friend was not able to communicate properly with the police constable who did not understand English.

Staff who know English will be put on duty at police helplines so that there is no miscommunication. Efforts should be made to increase the number of English-speaking staff, Gupta added.

Claiming that there has been no increase in crime, Gupta said: The police will proactively work out each and every case.