Union Cabinet approves extension of women safety scheme till 2026

The government proposed to continue the several projects under this scheme, which include 112 Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 2.0, upgradation of central forensic sciences laboratories, including the setting up of a national forensic data center, and strengthening of DNA analysis and cyber forensic capacities in state forensic science laboratories (FSLs), the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday evening.

Cybercrime prevention against women and children, capacity building and training of investigators and prosecutors in handling sexual assault cases against women and children, the women's help desk, and anti-human trafficking units are also among the projects that will continue under this scheme, the statement said.

The Cabinet approved MHA’s proposal for the continuation of the implementation of the umbrella scheme on ‘Safety of Women’ at a total cost of Rs1179.72 crore during the period from 2021–22 to 2025–26.

Out of the total project outlay of Rs1179.72 crore, a total of Rs 885.49 crore will be provided by MHA from its budget, and Rs294.23 crore will be funded from the Nirbhaya Fund, the Ministry added.

In its efforts towards women's safety, the government, in collaboration with States and Union Territories, has launched several projects aimed at strengthening mechanisms in States and Union Territories for timely intervention and investigation in cases of crime against women, ensuring higher efficiency in investigation and crime prevention in such matters.