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.

'Nirbhaya' has come to represent an idea, in our country. Instead of being a reference to the December 16 rape, this word is a strong stand against the dismal state of women's safety in India. Approximately 92 women are raped, everyday. 'Nirbhaya' is a living reality.

And by downsizing the initiative to institute rape crisis centres, the Government just proved that 'Nirbhaya' has already been forgotten.

Source: Indileak

What, we ask, is the point of creating these centres, if they aren't accessible?

That was the plan, wasn't it? Easy access to support, medical care, counselling and protection. Now, by slashing the number so drastically, is there any point to having these centres at all?

"If a woman is raped in Jaisalmer, say, she will not go to a crisis centre in Jaipur," Jagmati Sangwan of the All India Democratic Women's Association argued.

Source: New Indian Express