Visakhapatnam Celebrates Tag as Safest City for Women

Source: Deccan Chronicle

Relevance: GS Paper I (social issues — women’s safety)

Why in News?

Visakhapatnam has been recognised as the “Safest City for Women in India” in the NARI 2025 Report.
The city celebrated the achievement with a rally and a programme at AU Convention Hall.

Background / Present Status

Recognition given based on women’s safety indicators, rapid police response, and technology-enabled policing.
Police Commissioner Sankhabrata Bagchi emphasised women’s safety as a key pillar of urban development and investment.

Key Government Measures Highlighted

1. Innovative Policing for Women’s Safety

Shakti Teams deployed for women’s safety.
Shakti App enables real-time distress alerts.
Police reach time: 15 minutes (urban) and 10 minutes (rural).

2. Launch of Health Insurance Scheme for Police

First-of-its-kind health insurance scheme for police personnel in India.
Coverage:
- ₹2–15 lakh for personnel below 55 years
- ₹3–30 lakh for personnel above 55 years
Premium up to ₹2,499; first-year premium paid by police department.
Covers entire police family (spouse + 2 children).
2,576 police families (10,304 beneficiaries) covered in the first year.

3. Strengthened Law and Order Framework

Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha highlighted strict enforcement of POCSO Act.
Several offenders received up to 25 years imprisonment in recent cases.

Significance of the Achievement

For Andhra Pradesh

Enhances AP’s image as a safe state for women, tourists, investors.
Boosts confidence in law enforcement institutions.

For Visakhapatnam

Improves prospects as a hub for tourism, IT, and investments.
Reinforces the city’s branding as a safe, progressive, and citizen-friendly urban centre.

Challenges / Concerns

Maintaining consistent rapid response times across all localities.
Need for sustained manpower, training, and technological upgrades.
Continued monitoring of crime patterns and women’s safety indicators.

Way Forward

Expand Shakti teams/app with AI-enabled emergency prediction.
Strengthen community policing and women safety volunteers.
Regular safety audits of public spaces.
Increase CCTV coverage and integrated command control systems.
Enhance awareness programmes on women’s safety and cybercrime.

CARE MCQ

Q. Which initiative significantly contributed to Visakhapatnam being recognised as the ‘Safest City for Women’ in the NARI 2025 Report?

A. Nirbhaya Volunteer Programme
B. Shakti Teams and Shakti App
C. Suraksha Kavach Scheme
D. Praja Sadhikara Survey

Answer: B

Explanation:

Shakti Teams and the Shakti App enabled swift response to women’s distress calls—15 minutes in urban areas and 10 minutes in rural areas—greatly improving women’s safety metrics used in the NARI 2025 Report.