Tue Dec 03 17:34:45 UTC 2024: ## Union Minister Criticizes Delhi, West Bengal Over Women’s Safety Implementation

**New Delhi, December 4, 2024** – Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi on Tuesday sharply criticized the Delhi and West Bengal governments for their alleged failure to fully implement women’s safety measures, despite receiving substantial central funding. The minister specifically cited the underutilization of One Stop Centres (OSCs) and Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs).

According to Devi, the Delhi government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party, has not paid the staff of its 11 operational OSCs per district. While the Centre has released ₹3.14 crore in funding this fiscal year, the Delhi High Court recently intervened, ordering the government to address salary arrears and take action against responsible officials. OSCs, launched in 2015 under the Nirbhaya Fund, provide integrated support to women affected by violence. Currently, 802 OSCs are operational nationwide.

Further, Devi stated that the Trinamool Congress-led West Bengal government has failed to operationalize FTSCs designed to expedite cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. This centrally-sponsored scheme, implemented since October 2019, aims to swiftly resolve cases of rape and child sexual abuse.

Devi emphasized the Centre’s consistent support through initiatives like the Nirbhaya Fund, expressing disappointment at the alleged state-level implementation delays. She highlighted the contrast between central funding and the apparent lack of action in these two states.

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