Understanding Women Help Desks in Police Stations: A Step Towards Safer Communities

The Indian government is actively working to create safer environments for women, and a crucial step in this direction is the establishment of Women Help Desks in Police Stations. These help desks are designed to make police stations more accessible, approachable, and responsive to the needs of women. This blog post will explore the purpose, features, and implementation of this vital initiative.

Background and Need for Women Help Desks

Despite existing laws and protections, many women in India feel hesitant to approach police stations due to various factors, such as a lack of female officers, insensitive handling of cases, and the overall intimidating environment. The establishment of Women Help Desks aims to address these issues by:

• Creating a more women-friendly environment within police stations.

• Providing a single point of contact for women seeking assistance.

• Enhancing the approachability of police stations for women to report crimes and seek counseling.

The Nirbhaya Fund and Women Help Desks

The Nirbhaya Fund, set up by the Central Government, provides the financial support for these Help Desks. Recognizing the need for safe spaces for women, the government initiated the Women Help Desk project as a pilot program. It plans to implement these help desks in 10,000 police stations across the country and expand after assessing its effectiveness.

Objectives of Women Help Desks

The primary goals of these Help Desks are to:

1. Increase Approachability: Make police stations more welcoming and approachable for women.

2. Serve as a First Point of Contact: Provide a dedicated point of contact for women seeking assistance upon entering a police station.

3. Trained Officials: Ensure that the officials managing the help desk are perfectly trained to manage all types of women-related cases.

4. Panel of Experts: The help desks are intended to have a panel of experts available (lawyers, psychologists, NGO’s etc.)

5. Register and Follow Up: Register cases, transfer them to the concerned authorities, and provide support and assurance to women who approach the desk.

6. Build Confidence: Encourage more women to visit police stations without fear or hesitation.

7. Reduced Response Time: Enable law enforcement agencies to respond quickly to distress signals and catch criminals.

Key Features of Women Help Desks

1. Female Leadership: Each Help Desk is headed by a woman police officer (preferably of the rank of JSI or ASI, but not below Head Constable).

2. Trained Personnel: All staff associated with the Help Desk are provided with proper training, orientation, and sensitization on women-related issues.

3. District-Level Coordination: States and UTs must assign a Nodal Officer at the district level to coordinate the functioning of these Help Desks.

4. Infrastructure: The Help Desks are equipped with:

   • Office tables and chairs.

   • Computer tables.

   • Almirahs for storing books and records.

   • Mobile phones with running expense budget.

   • Digital camera with memory stick.

   • A two-wheeler (not to be diverted for any other purpose).

   • Landline phone with broadband connection.

   • Desktop/laptop computers with internet connection.

   • Legal and reference books.

   • Awareness generation materials (posters, banners, DVDs etc.).

   • Basic renovation (if required).

   • Legal services.

Implementation and Funding

• One-Time Assistance: The Central Government provides one-time assistance of ₹1 lakh per police station to set up these Help Desks.

• Fund Allocation: The State Home Department allocates funds to police stations with a higher incidence of crimes against women or with a lack of adequate infrastructure.

• States/UTs Responsibility: States and UTs are responsible for the procurement of necessary equipment and personnel.

• Recurring Expenses: All recurring expenses are borne by the respective States and UTs.

• Procurement: States/UTs are expected to procure the equipment through the GeM portal, or by following the requirements under GFR 2017 and other relevant codes if GeM portal procurement is not possible.

Outcomes of Women Help Desks

1. Increased Reporting: A rise in the number of women approaching police stations to report crimes, especially sexual offenses.

2. Enhanced Confidence: Women feel more confident and comfortable visiting police stations to seek help.

3. Quicker Response: Law enforcement agencies are able to respond to crises more quickly and efficiently.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• District Level Monitoring: Nodal Officers at the district level monitor and oversee the functioning of the help desks.

• Periodic Meetings: States are expected to conduct periodic meetings with district nodal officers. They are also expected to conduct half yearly meetings with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

• Audits: The project’s financial records are subject to statutory audits by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), and also by the Internal Audit party of MHA.

• Utilization Certificates: State governments need to provide an annual utilization certificate for the project funds in the prescribed format.

Utilizing the Help Desks

• Women can approach these desks for a variety of issues including:

  • To report crimes including sexual offenses.

  • To seek counselling, legal assistance and other forms of support.

  • To seek help in accessing shelter, rehabilitation and training.

  • To seek information and general advice.

Women Help Desks in Police Stations represent a significant step toward creating a more inclusive and supportive police force in India. By providing a safe and approachable space for women, these help desks aim to encourage greater participation in the justice system and ultimately enhance the safety and security of women across the country.