Bangalore: Shobha Leads Charge Against Shettar on Women's Safety
From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Jan 3: As if preparing the ground for quitting the Jagadish Shettar ministry and also dumping the ruling BJP, former chief minister and KJP leader’s staunch supporter Shobha Karandlaje on Thursday virtually lambasted the Shettar regime by openly alleging that ''there is no safety for women even in the Chief Minister’s constituency.”
The Energy Minister, who had written a three-page letter to the Chief Minister on the steps needed to reassure the women over increasing incidents of sexual atrocities and rape cases and immediately released it to the media in a bid to hog limelight, continued her campaign on women’s issues and sought to put the Shettar regime on the mat on the day the Deputy Chief Minister R Ashok, who is also holding the all important Home and Transport portfolios, announced a series of measures to ensure safety of women in Bangalore and other parts of Karnataka.
Shobha, who had won from the Yeshwanthpur assembly constituency in Bangalore in the 2008 assembly polls and is rumoured to be weighing the options of contesting from the same constituency again after reportedly considering shifting to her native Dakshina Kannada district or Mysore district in search of a safe constituency, is apparently angling to get the backing of the women and younger generation of voters who dominate the largely urban Yeshwanthpur constituency.
Given the fact that the Delhi gang rape incident and similar incidents of sexual crimes against women across the country, including Karnataka, which have created a nation-wide upsurge among the public with the continued support from print and visual media, Shobha seems to be trying to create an atmosphere and public image as a champion of the cause of women by virtue of being the lone minister in the BJP Government in the State.
The minister alleged that “law and order has totally collapsed in the State and
the police are declining to register cases of sexual assault on women,” which is seen as a public indictment of both the Chief Minister and her colleague Ashok and create a groundswell of support of Yeddyurappa’s newly formed KJP in Karnataka.
''Rape Cases in Shettar’s Dharwad District Too”
''More than 20 cases of rape were being reported in the last one month from different parts of the State,” she said adding in a damaging broadside: “Cases of rape are also being reported in Dharwad district, represented by the Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar.”
“When there is no safety for women in Hubli-Dharwad, how can you expect in other areas of the State,” she asked and urged Shettar and Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister S Suresh Kumar to take steps to amend the relevant laws in the State during the ensuing Budget session of the State legislature to provide stringent punishment for those indulged in sexual and molestation cases.
Shobha on Wednesday wrote a three page letter to Shettar claiming that the State ''police have become a mute spectator to violence against women.”
In her 8-point suggestions in the letter, she also demanded amendment of laws concerned for‘surgical castration’ as a punitive measure for the rapists.
Ashok Failed to Effectively Handle Home: Shobha
Shobha openly castigated the Deputy Chief Minister R Ashok for not handling the Home Department and not taking action against the police, who failed to register cases involving sexual assault and molestation.
Ashok, who addressed a separate press conference to announce the series of measures taken by the State Government to ensure women’s safety and speedy investigation of their complaints, however, declined to join issue with his cabinet colleague.
''Let us not inject politics in women’s issues. We know how to respect women and safeguard their interests and need learn from anybody,” he said pointing out that the State Government must protect the interests of all sections of society, especially women, downtrodden and all weaker sections.
''My performance as a minister has to be judged by the chief minister and our central leaders, including party high command. Ultimately, it the people, who are our masters, will give their verdict,” he said and mentioned that he would come out with facts and figures at the appropriate time.
''Your Safety is Our Responsibility,” Ashok Tells Women
Releasing a specially brought booklet, ''Your Safety is Our Responsibilty,” the Deputy Chief Minister said the State Government has made police verification for all drivers of vehicle transporting women employees of call centers and information technology firms.
Ashok said the Home Ministry has issued advisory to all BPOs, IT companies and MNCs on steps to be taken to protect women employees at their workplace.
“The cab drivers must ensure that women employee should not be picked firstand dropped last,” he said holding a threat that the management would be held responsible for any complaints of sexual assault.
Usage of Global Positioning System (GPS) has been made mandatory in
autos and taxis for all vehicles transporting women employees of call centers/IT companies and multinational firms, he said
All firms have been told to provide suitable security for women on night duties. Women employees have to inform the police control room in the event of breakdown of vehicles during the night.
Mandatory GPS in Private and Even BMTC
Global Positioning System (GPS) in 6,000 city buses run by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) would be introduced soon, he said announcing that BMTC would float a global tender within a week inviting interest from private companies to install CCTV cameras and GPS in city buses.
The final bidder will be announced in 45 days. Installation of cameras in 1,000 buses would cost Rs 20 crore. The cost for installing GPS device is yet to be finalised.
“The government has not yet finalised terms and conditions for the tender, Ashok said.
He said training would be given to drivers and conductors of public transport system to behave with courtesy with women.
24x7 Helpline to Handle Women’s Complaints
Ashok announced launch of a dedicated helpline for Bangalore City. Women in distress and those facing threat of attack, including molestation, could call on toll free phone number 1091.
The helpline in Bangalore would work 24x7 and would be operated by policemen, who would register cases regarding complaints of sexual crimes against women.
The police would be rushed to the spot for providing protection to women.
“Call the helpline number 1091 if you feel intimidated by strangers. The helpline will intimate Hoysala patrol and your will receive assistance,” he said.
A special squad would be created to address exclusive issues of security and safety, he said.
Special Bandobust Around Schools, Colleges in City
Ashok said the police would map out isolated places in campuses of universities and outskirts of the city and step up security patrolling though Hoysala.
About 110 Hoysalas (4-wheeler) and 367 ‘Cheetah’ squads (2-wheelers) would be patrolling the city round the clock.
Special bandobust arrangements near all schools and colleges within the Bangalore city police station limits to prevent eve-teasing and also stringent action against habitual eve-teasing offenders.
CCTVs would be installed in public places in the City, he added.