Need to change mindset to curb crimes against women: CM

Bhopal: Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired the first meeting of State Security Council here today. Information regarding efforts made by the State Government in the context of general security scenario, increase in police force and complaint redressal was given that the meeting. The council unanimously laid emphasis on more stringent laws for taking strict action against anti-social elements.

Home Minister Shri Umashankar Gupta, Chief Secretary Shri R. Parasuram, Additional Chief Secretary Home Shri I.S. Dani, DGP Shri Nandan Dube, non-government members of the council and other officers were also presented on the occasion.
The Chief Minister said that apart from ensuring strict action for curbing crimes against women, it is also necessary to change people’s mindset. The State Government has taken effective steps in this direction. National-level workshops are also being held.
It was informed at the meeting that action is being taken for curbing crimes against women in the state by constituting Women’s Crime Branch at PHQ since June 2012. Challans in rape cases are put up in courts within 15 days. So far, 3,875 complaints have been received by Women’s Crime Helpline of which 3,828 complaints have been disposed of. District-wise special action plans are being chalked out to sensitise kotwars at village level, members of village security committees and town security committees. During last 4-5 months, courts have awarded death sentences to 8 rapists.
It was informed at the meeting that out of one lakh 55 thousand 478 complaints received through Jan-Sunwai programmes, District Complaint Redressal Boards, Tele-Samadhan Yojana and public grievances redressal website, one lakh 55 thousand 463 have been disposed of. The police launched campaign against brewing hooch and registered 8,241 cases. Fines to the tune of Rs. one crore, 58 lakh 51 thousand 210 were also recovered. Under identified crimes yojana launched in the state from year 2008, quantum of fine has been increased from 50 percent to 70 percent. As many as 21 thousand police personnel are to be recruited in the state. Process is on for recruitment on 5000 posts and 10000 posts are under processing. Police training capacity in the state has also almost doubled.
At the meeting, information was also given about status of anti-Naxal campaign, law & order, crime control, further increase in police force, training acquisition weapons etc.