India may soon cease to be regarded as a ‘civilised nation’ if crimes against women continue at the present rate. In a recent study, it has been found that incidents of atrocities against women registered a massive 70.7 per cent growth in between 2001 to 2018. The number of such cases were 59,945 in the year 2001 and the figure rose to 1,33,836 in 2018. The horrifying figure has brought to light two other important factors. First, the number of atrocities is more in states with high socio-demographic index (SDI) like Delhi, in comparison to low SDI states. Secondly, the number of such incidents showed a 56.4 per cent rise after the Nirbhaya gangrape case in 2012, which effectively means that the establishment of stringent laws and awareness drives have all failed to make the country safe for women. Another factor, which may have contributed to this rise, is the dismal rate of conviction, increased filing of reports and delayed trials. Out of all such cases, trial has completed in only 9.6 per cent cases, while 73 per cent accused have been acquitted during the same period. Clearly, India will have to declare zero tolerance on crime against women to fulfill condition number five of the United Nation’s (UN) sustainable development goal which states that member nations have to eliminate all forms of violence against women.
While the situation is going from bad to worse, it is astonishing to see that no concrete plans have been made thus far to protect the women in the country. Atrocities against women are taking place every day due to the lackluster attitudes of those in authority. In 2012, when massive protests were launched nationwide after the unfortunate and barbaric ‘Nirbhaya’ incident, it offered a glimmer of hope that Indians would no longer tolerate any insult to their daughters. But the dream of a safe India disappeared into thin air within a couple of days of the heinous crime. More painful is that many promised steps are yet to be implemented to ensure safety of women. For example, the utilisation of the ‘Nirbhaya Fund’ is pathetic to say the least. The fund is meant to build women police stations, a special and dedicated force to handle such incidents, installation of CCTV cameras in all public places, etc. But all these steps are still on paper as no sincere efforts have been made to transform the promises into reality.
Surely, it’s time to come out of our slumber to wipe out the menace from its root. Check the reality before claiming that the number is high only due to an increased level of awareness. Join hands to ensure a rightful place for women in society. It must be remembered that no society can emerge stronger by neglecting women.