New Delhi (Agency): Facing criticisms from opposition parties over an increase in crimes against women, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has announced a strong measure to combat street harassment. Men arrested for harassing women and girls on streets, and outside schools and colleges will be barred from obtaining government jobs, and their pictures will be displayed in police stations.
“Hamein manchale logon ka ilaaj karna chahiye (we should do something about the ‘romeos’),” Gehlot said while addressing young people at an event in Rajasthan. He informed that in the last 15 days, the Rajasthan Police have arrested 300 people as part of the campaign against those engaging in street harassment.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the campaign is an essential step to free the state from this crime. He also launched ‘Rajasthan-Mission 2030,’ aiming to make Rajasthan a leading state in India.
The measure comes at a time when opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have been vocal about the rise in crime against women in the state. The outrage was further intensified following the alleged gang rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district on August 2.
Responding to the outcry, Gehlot had previously announced on August 8 that his government had decided to “ban” people accused of rape and other sex crimes from government jobs. A record of such individuals would be maintained at police stations, and it would be mentioned on character certificates required for government employment.
“Social boycott of such anti-social elements is necessary,” Gehlot had tweeted earlier, emphasizing the government’s determination to take a strong stand against crimes of sexual harassment.
The move is likely to send a stern message to potential offenders, reflecting the government’s commitment to the safety and dignity of women in public spaces. Critics, however, may scrutinize the policy for its potential impact on the presumption of innocence, due process, and potential misuse.
Overall, the campaign marks an unprecedented effort by the Rajasthan government to tackle street harassment and other related crimes. Its effectiveness and reception will be keenly observed, given the wider societal implications and the need to balance law enforcement with individual rights.
