The BJP government has approved a plan to build only 36 of the initially proposed 660 rape crisis centres in the country, The Telegraph reports. Union women and child development minister, Maneka Gandhi had originally suggested that each of the 640 districts be equipped with one 'Nirbhaya' centre, in addition to 20 more in the six metros. Instead, these centres will now be limited to one per state and Union territory - a grand total of 36.

Rather than being standalone buildings, these centres will operate out of government

hospitals. Why 'waste money', officials in the PMO wonder.
The original proposal for double-storey centres that would set the government back by Rs. 36.98 lakhs each has been scrapped. The government came up with a cheaper alternative, instead.

"As of now, the centres will be built or rented near hospital buildings," a senior ministry official said.

The government can now breathe easy because they will only be spending Rs. 18 crore, as opposed to Rs. 244.48 crores.

Source: Freeandpublichealth.org

Haven't we learnt our lesson? Victim shaming is still an unfortunate reality.

These centres were conceptualised as safe spaces for victims of sexual assault. Ministry officials feel that reducing them to a limited space, part of a large government hospital, will make these centres too public.

"Our information is that the PMO (Prime Minister's Office) has remarked that the police are sensitive enough and that there is no need for such centres," Sangwan remarked.

Source: Eventbanget.com