Delhi Assembly Advocates for Reinstatement of Civil Defence Volunteers to Ensure Womens Safety

The Delhi Assembly discussed the reinstatement of 10,000 civil defence volunteers to bolster womens safety on public transportation. Minister Atishi emphasized their vital role in safeguarding female commuters over the past nine years, highlighting the distressing experiences women have faced while travelling on Delhi buses.

During a discussion in the Delhi Assembly on Wednesday, AAP MLAs raised concerns about the removal of 10,000 civil defence volunteers and alleged that officers have been given special instructions to impede various policies of the Delhi government. Minister Atishi highlighted the significant contributions of these volunteers in ensuring the safety and security of women on buses over the past nine years.

Addressing Women's Safety on Public Transport

Atishi emphasized the distressing experiences faced by women while travelling on Delhi buses for decades. She described the challenges women faced, including lewd jokes, inappropriate stares, and vulgar comments. She highlighted the necessity for women to use DTC buses to reach their schools, colleges, and workplaces, and the lack of attention given to their safety by previous governments.

Initiation of the Bus Marshal Scheme

Atishi credited Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for initiating the Bus Marshal Scheme as a solution to address the safety concerns of women on public transport. She explained that before this scheme, there were several attempts to address the issue, but Kejriwal found a practical solution by ensuring the presence of bus marshals.

Questioning the Removal of Civil Defence Volunteers

Atishi expressed concern over the recent questioning of the Bus Marshal Scheme by the same officials who had initiated it, released funds for it, and appointed marshals for years. She highlighted the inconsistent objections raised by the Finance Department, Revenue Department, and Transport Department, despite the presence of CCTV cameras and panic buttons on buses.

Orders from Transport Minister

Atishi revealed that Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot had issued explicit orders to continue the Bus Marshal Scheme, emphasizing it as the government's decision. She criticized the subsequent removal of civil defence volunteers by the Revenue Department, despite repeated orders from the Transport Minister, Finance Minister, and Revenue Minister.

Allegations of Obstruction by Officers

Another AAP MLA, Saurabh Bharadwaj, alleged that officers have been given special instructions to obstruct the policies of the Arvind Kejriwal government, even if it requires writing illogical remarks on files. He questioned the rationale behind removing bus marshals when CCTV cameras and panic buttons are already installed in buses, drawing a parallel to the security arrangements at the LG House.

Appeal to Civil Defence Volunteers

Bharadwaj expressed solidarity with the civil defence volunteers who had lost their jobs and encouraged them to seek support from BJP MPs. He assured them that the Aam Aadmi Party stands with them and will support their movement.

AAP MLA's Assurance

AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha urged the volunteers to cease their ongoing agitation and assured them of the party's support in carrying forward the movement.

The concerns raised by AAP MLAs in the Delhi Assembly highlight the importance of addressing women's safety on public transport and the need for a consistent approach to implementing policies aimed at ensuring their security. The removal of civil defence volunteers and the alleged obstruction by officers raise questions about the commitment to women's safety and the transparency of decision-making processes within the Delhi government.