The safety measures, recommended by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, concerning safety of women commuters availing of cab services have been included in the new Taxi Policy Guidelines. The recommendations come in the background of numerous cases of sexual harassment of women in cabs being reported on social media after women took to Twitter and Facebook to flag their ordeal.
Recommendations of WCD Ministry included in the New Taxi Policy Guidelines:
•The taxis should be mandatorily fitted with GPS panic devices.
•For the safety of women and child passengers, the central locking system in the 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.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
