The government has decided to continue the umbrella scheme on ‘safety of women’ till 2025-26. The decision was taken during the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. The Union Cabinet approved the proposal of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of continuation of implementation of Umbrella Scheme on ‘Safety of Women’ at a total cost of Rs 1179.72 crore during the period from 2021-22 to 2025-26. Out of the total project outlay of Rs 1179.72 crore, Rs 885.49 crore will be provided by MHA from its own budget while the remaining Rs 294.23 crore will be funded from Nirbhaya Fund.
The projects under the umbrella scheme for women safety are 112 Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 2.0; Upgradation of Central Forensic Sciences laboratories; Strengthening of DNA Analysis, Cyber Forensic capacities in State Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs); Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children; Capacity building and training of investigators and prosecutors in handling sexual assault cases against women and children; and Women Help Desk & Anti-human Trafficking Units.
The umbrella scheme for women safety is a significant step in ensuring the safety and security of women in the country. The allocation of funds from the MHA budget and the Nirbhaya Fund highlights the government’s commitment to addressing the issue of women’s safety. The continuation of the scheme till 2025-26 is a testament to the government’s long-term vision in this regard.
The decision has been hailed by women’s rights activists and organizations working towards the empowerment and safety of women. The projects under the umbrella scheme cover various aspects of women’s safety, including emergency response system, forensic science laboratories, cyber crime prevention, and capacity building of investigators and prosecutors. The allocation of funds for these projects reflects the government’s holistic approach towards women’s safety and protection.
Overall, the decision to continue the umbrella scheme on ‘safety of women’ till 2025-26 is a positive development in the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of women in the country. The allocation of funds and the approval of various projects under the scheme demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing the issue of women’s safety in a comprehensive manner. This move is expected to have a positive impact on enhancing the safety and security of women across the country.
