Safety has become a key concern for citizens amid rising instances of criminal activity in the country. While the overall state of safety is not quite encouraging in India, some states are doing much worse than their neighbors.  

According to data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in 2016, Delhi recorded the highest number of crimes committed under the various sections of the Indian penal Code (IPC). Following the national capital, was Kerala in this dubious list. A state-wise breakup shows that Uttar Pradesh accounted for 9.5 percent of the total IPC crimes reported in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh (8.9 percent), Maharashtra (8.8 percent) and Kerala (8.7 percent). Of all special and local law (SLL) crimes, Kerala tops the list (24.1 percent), followed by Gujarat and Tamil Nadu (both at 15.5 percent). Incidentally, Delhi has also recorded the highest number of property-related crimes.  

The dubious distinction

How are the Indian states dealing with a crime

What have the authorities in states done to deal with the rising criminal activities?

Travel safety: A new section has been inserted in the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019. Under Section 198 of the Act, authorities, contractors, consultants or concesionaires responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of roads are responsible in case of a mishap resulting in disability or death. The penalty in such a case is Rs 1 lakh.

The northeast frontier of the Indian railways has earmarked a pink coach to help women feel safe. Eight such trains are already operational.

In a bid to ensure women’s safety, the Delhi government is also looking at free rides for women commuters in the Delhi Metro and the Delhi Transport Corporation-run buses.

The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal (PMPML) has come up with the Tejaswini scheme, under which it would launch 100 buses meant only for women.

Surveillance: The Delhi government has directed the public works department (PWD) to buy 1.5 lakh CCTV cameras that would be installed in the national capital’s commercial and residential areas. Over 1.4 lakh CCTV cameras have already been installed in Delhi. The total cost of this project has been estimated at Rs 571 crores. Another Rs 400 crores will also be spent on installing cameras in government schools.

Call for help: By next year, India’s all-in-one emergency helpline number 112 will be launched. Those in distress can be assured of immediate help from the police, the fire department, the health department, etc.

Authorities in several states have also launched various mobile apps for improved safety.