Smriti Irani urged to give nod to Disha bill

VIJAYAWADA: Women MPs from YSR Congress, including G. Madhavi, Vanga Geetha, Chinta Anuradha and BV Satyavathi met union minister for women and child development Smriti Irani in New Delhi on Wednesday and urged her to approve Disha Bill.

The MPs said that Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly had passed the Andhra Pradesh DISHA (Special Courts for Specified Offences against Women and Children) Bill 2020 last December and the Andhra Pradesh Disha-Criminal Law (Andhra Pradesh Amendment) Bill 2019 in December 2019. The bills are landmark legislations aimed at completion of investigations within seven days and trial within 14 days in heinous crimes of sexual offences against women and children where substantial and conclusive evidence is available. The bills also provide for establishment of special courts for speedy justice and stringent punishment.

They said that the state government has already taken steps in the interest of the safety and security of women and children under which two officers each from the IAS and IPS will oversee the implementation framework of DISHA bills. There are 18 DISHA women police stations headed by DSP's in 18 police units. The DISHA app and emergency SOS app were launched as an emergency response system to offences against women and children. The app has become popular among women with 19.83 lakh downloads.

They told the minister that forensic capabilities are also being strengthened, both in terms of infrastructure and manpower. Women help desks have been set up in 700 police stations. Around 900 patrols have been launched.

The MPs asked Irani to approve comments and send a favorable response to the Ministry of Home Affairs in order to ensure safety and security of women and children.