After the orders to run ladies special buses, the Central government has now asked the state governments to improve street-lighting to check crimes against women. Issuing a circular, Union ministry of urban development made these directions to state government advocating improvement of street-lighting in cities and towns to curb women crimes.
The orders, which come in the wake of the Delhi gangrape in December last, also ask the states to come up with an action taken report on revamping street-lighting.
“Research and evidence suggest that improved street-lighting deters potential offenders as it increases risk for them to be identified and recognised easily. Needless to say, we feel safer in a well-lit street,” said Sudhir Krishna, ministry’s secretary in a letter to UDH.
Held in January, the meeting of the committee of secretaries decided, “There is a need for increased focus on street-lighting in public places. Civic bodies must undertake a review of the existing facilities and strengthen these where required.”
The recent report of the committee on Amendments to Criminal Law (Justice Verma Committee) has also emphasised the importance of street-lighting in view of the safety and security of women. The direction is a follow up of the report. JMC public lighting commissioner Mukesh Meena said most areas are covered with public lighting. “We still have to maintain public lighting in JDA colonies. Here, we need a plan.”
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