The Road Transport and Highways and Shipping Ministry (MoRTH) has approved the measures concerning safety of women commuters availing of cab services, recommended by the Women and Child Development Ministry.
Following numerous cases of sexual harassment of women in cabs being reported to WCD Minister Maneka Gandhi on social media, the minister held a meeting with radio cab service providers.
Based on the meeting, Maneka Gandhi wrote to Road Transport and Highways and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari recommending measures to incorporate in the MoRTH’s regulatory guidelines.
The WCD minister thanked Gadkari for accepting the recommendations to help implement measures for increased safety of women in taxis/cabs.
The WCD Cab Safety measures for Women included in the new Taxi Policy Guidelines consist of the following recommendations:
•The taxis should be fitted with GPS panic devices.
•For the safety of women and child passengers, the central locking system in taxis should not be allowed.
•The driver's identification along with the photo and registration number of the vehicle should also be prominently displayed in the taxi.
•Violation of the stipulated rules by the taxi operators/drivers should be strictly dealt in accordance with law.
•Sharing of seat should be subject to willingness of passengers.
The WCD minister has launched a hashtag, #HelpMeWCD, where any woman or child facing harassment/ violence can directly report their cases by tweeting.