
‘Pink zones' to come up in urban areas for women's safety
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Bhubaneswar: Odisha govt intends to establish 'pink zones', each spanning a 10-km radius, to enhance women's safety, as outlined in Odisha Vision-2036 & 2047, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi released on June 20.
The 'vision document', developed through public consultation, charts the state's development trajectory. It aligns with two significant milestones: Odisha's centenary as a linguistic state in 2036 and India's century of independence in 2047.
The initiative proposes to implement these 'pink zones' in urban localities in the first phase. These designated women safety areas will incorporate sophisticated CCTV surveillance networks, specialised assistance counters, and continuous monitoring systems to deliver swift support to women facing difficulties.
"Our primary goal is to create a robust security infrastructure that women can rely on at any time of the day. These pink zones will serve as safe havens where women can seek immediate help and shelter when needed," a senior police official told TOI.
"Each pink zone will feature multiple CCTV cameras, emergency response teams, and well-lit streets. The police department will collaborate with local women's organizations and NGOs to staff the help desks and provide support services," the vision document stated.
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These designated areas will be situated alongside crucial services, including police stations, healthcare facilities, and legal assistance centres.
The vision document indicates plans to increase women's representation in the state police force from the current 9% to 15% by 2029, 30% by 2036 and 50% by 2047. The police-to-citizen ratio, currently at 148 officers per one lakh population, is targeted to increase to 165 in 2029, 200 in 2036 and 300 in 2047.
According to the vision document, a specialised 'women safety cadre' will oversee all safety-related programmes in the state. "This cadre will develop and implement district-level safety plans, ensuring a structured and proactive approach to addressing safety concerns. Their responsibilities will include liaising with the police, legal service authorities, NGOs, and community groups to create a coordinated response mechanism.
They will monitor the implementation of safety measures, conduct evaluations, and propose improvements for enhanced effectiveness," the document stated.
The govt plans to protect women from digital harassment, cyberbullying, and monetary fraud. Initiatives include cyber awareness programmes in educational institutions to educate women about online safety. A dedicated 'women cyber security taskforce' will handle complaints and ensure quick prosecution.
An accessible application and website will be created for reporting and swift resolution. Awareness drives will be organised to prevent women from falling victim to fraudulent marriage, employment, or financial security promises.

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