Strengthen criminal justice system: HM tells CMs

"Keeping the issue of crimes against women in mind I have written to all state CMs advising them to strengthen the criminal justice system," Singh tweeted.

"There is an urgent need to strengthen investigation, prosecution and trials by courts to deal with the issue of crimes against women," he said.

The Minister said, " MHA has come up with a proposal to set up Investigative Units on Crimes against Women (IUCAW) in 20% of the districts of all the states."

He said the IUCAW will help the investigative machinery of the states in cases like rape, dowry death, acid attack and human trafficking.

MHA has proposed to set up 150 such IUCAW units initially on pilot basis in most crime prone districts of each state.

Elaborating the IUCAW, the Home Minister mentioned that these units may consist of 15 personnel, preferably five of them women.

The states will have full flexibility on whether to create new posts or to designate from the existing strength.

Each IUCAW will be headed by an officer of the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police assisted by two DSPs.

Out of the total 2250 personnel required for the 150 IUCAWs, 750 will be women. This will involve a total expenditure of 84 crore rupees annually, out of which 42 crore rupees will be provided by the Centre.