Mahila Vahini to crèches,a Ladies’ Special

Stressing on the safety aspect of women passengers,the Union minister,in her budget speech,said that the security of women passengers will be strengthened by raising 12 companies of women RPF personnel,which will be named ‘Mahila Vahini’.

The Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) will also be strengthened and priority will be given to women,especially those belonging to the minority section,SCs/STs,OBCs and economically backward classes,she said.

The Railways will run 21 special trains under the banner of Matribhoomi Special for women during the next financial year in Kolkata,Chennai,New Delhi and Mumbai.

Another six trains will be run in the suburban sections of the major metropolis,of which two would be run in the Sealdah suburban division.

In another proposal,Banerjee announced a scheme for the benefit of women employees of the Railways — 50 crèches for their children and 20 women hostels. The CPM,however,is not very happy with the initiatives. “The Railway Budget could have stressed on the recruitment drive. This would have secured jobs for the women. How many women will benefit from the special RPF force?” said Shyamali Gupta,CPM central committee leader.

The Trinamool Congress,meanwhile,said that the initiatives for women have been well thought of to help women across the country. “The creche scheme will help women employees look after their children. The ladies specials will help women come out and work during rush hours. These measures have been taken to bring more women to work and aid the economy,” said Kakoli Ghosh-Dastidar,Trinamool MP from Barasat.

On the whole,railway employees and women commuters have welcomed the proposal of the railway minister. “The decision regarding separate women RPF will help women commuters feel safer in trains,” said Archita Chowdhury,a regular commuter in the Suburban line of Howrah.