HM reaffirms commitment to women’s safety and welfare

State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha has reinforced the government’s dedication to women’s safety and welfare, addressing the challenges faced by female police personnel during an interactive session at the Vizianagaram district police office.
Speaking during an interactive session, ‘Ishta Goshti,’ on the eve of International Women’s Day celebrations, Minister Anitha acknowledged the difficulties of balancing professional responsibilities with childcare. She assured attendees that a proposal for a police department childcare centre would be raised with the Chief Minister. Additionally, she announced that the government is considering extending childcare leave benefits to a third child, beyond the existing provision for two children. The event brought together female police officers, women’s welfare police, and other department staff.
Addressing broader welfare concerns, Minister Anitha stated that the feasibility of granting weekly offs for police personnel would be reviewed, with a decision expected in the near future. In a key policy announcement, Minister Anitha revealed that a Women Child Safety Wing would be established to raise awareness on drug abuse and women’s security. She urged parents to actively monitor their children’s activities and emphasized the government’s commitment to tackling crimes against women.
As part of these measures, she introduced the ‘Shakti’ mobile app, a safety tool that enables women in distress to press an SOS button, instantly transmitting their location details to the nearest police station and emergency services (112). This initiative aims to ensure a swift police response and enhance protection for women.
Minister Anitha also outlined plans to bolster the Women Protection Police and confirmed that the police department would take full oversight of Mahila Police Services (MSPs). Additionally, in response to a suggestion, she expressed support for making NCC, NSS, or Scouts training mandatory for students from Class 6 onwards, stating that the proposal would be presented to the Education Minister for consideration in both private and government schools.
As part of International Women’s Day celebrations, Minister Anitha honoured female police personnel for their dedication, presenting them with mementoes and certificates of appreciation. She also awarded students who excelled in elocution, essay writing, and painting competitions, organized across the district as part of Women’s Empowerment Week.
In a symbolic move, she unveiled a women’s safety logo, designed by the District Police Department. Demonstrating camaraderie, Minister Anitha, alongside District SP and local MLA Aditi Gajapathi Raju, personally served meals to female police employees and joined them for a communal meal.