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The Lucknow University will soon establish its first centre of excellence to conduct research and surveys on crime against women, and the role of women in the western part of Uttar Pradesh.
The state government has approved the proposal for the centre and it will be set up under the department of public administration.
The centre will also maintain data of crime against women in western Uttar Pradesh. According to reports, the concentration of crime in the state is maximum in the western part and women bear the brunt of this.
Centre to study crime against women
The dowry deaths, triple talaq violence, murders due to interfaith relationship and honour killings are reported maximum from this area where the patriarchal order of society is strongest among the Jats and Muslims.
A senior police official said that the results of the study would help in curbing such crime in the region.
Assistant professor Shraddha Chandra, who has been given charge of the new centre, said, "The centre will maintain data of crime against women in cities like Meerut, Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar and Ghaziabad."
"Based on the data and field reports available, we would find out the reasons and ways to reduce the crime rate. We will also study the reasons for the increase in crime against women in the state."
She said that the proposal was still in a nascent stage and the research program is yet to be drafted.
Initiative aimed at keeping a check on crime against women
The state police will analyse the results of the study and evolve programs that could help in checking crime against women.
Uttar Pradesh, of late, has been hitting headlines for increase in crime against women, though some of the recent such cases have been reported from central Uttar Pradesh, the Unnao rape and burn cases being among them.
UP roadways launches women helpline number
Meanwhile, in a similar effort, UP roadways has also launched a helpline for women. The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has launched a dedicated women helpline, 'Damini', which is a calling and a WhatsApp service for the safety of women.
Unique helpline number 81142-77777
The unique number "81142-77777" has been subscribed for the helpline, which is an extension of the 'Nirbhaya Yojana' that aims to ensure safety of women.
UPSRTC managing director Raj Shekhar said that the helpline is called 'Damini' because of its specific nature and importance.
He said that the UPSRTC will make the number visible by printing it inside buses and at bus stations by January 15.
Helpline service available from 9-6 pm all days
Women passengers can lodge their complaints on the general helpline number, 1800-180-2877, after 6 pm.
Plans to helpline functional for 24 hours
"We plan to make the helpline functional all 24-hours a day after three months, depending on the response," said the official. The performance of the helpline will be reviewed every week.
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