TN draws up 13-point agenda for women's safety

The Tamil Nadu government has announced a 13-point action plan to ensure women's safety and prevent incidents of sexual harassment against them.

Expressing her grief over the death of the 23-year-old Delhi gang-rape victim, chief minister J Jayalalithaa said steps would be taken to amend Goondas Act and to set up fast track mahila courts in each district to investigate sexual assault cases in the state.

Incidents of sexual assault will be treated as a grave crime and top police officials would probe them, she said.

Orders have also been issued to put in place close-circuit television (CCTV) sets in all public buildings to identify those who trouble women, she said.

Police personnel in plainclothes would be deployed at market places and women’s colleges to ensure their safety.

Setting up of a women helpline, engaging women lawyers and hearing of sexual assault cases on a daily basis to ensure speedy justice are some of the others measures.

Jayalalithaa also said she would request the Centre to make necessary changes in the law to provide death penalty and chemical castration to those involved in such crimes.