By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi, September 11, 2026: Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta has called for a stronger, more accessible and responsive mechanism to safeguard women and girls, stressing that laws alone cannot ensure safety unless people are fully aware of their rights and available protection measures.
Addressing a meeting of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) at Janseva Sadan on Friday, the Chief Minister directed the Commission to further strengthen its online complaint system and expand its grassroots outreach on issues affecting women and girls.
The meeting was attended by DCW Chairperson Smt. Lata Gupta, Commission members and senior officials.
College campaigns to tackle cybercrime
CM Rekha Gupta stressed the need for dedicated awareness campaigns in colleges to educate young women about cybercrimes, online harassment, misuse of social media, cyber fraud and other digital offences.
She said students should be informed about preventive measures as well as the procedures and platforms available for registering complaints if they face cybercrime or harassment.
Greater awareness on POCSO
The Chief Minister also called for intensified awareness drives in schools and colleges on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
She emphasised that girls must be made aware of their legal rights and the safeguards available to them against sexual offences, exploitation and harassment. The Commission was advised to ensure that students are also aware of assistance and complaint mechanisms available in such cases.
Focus on HPV vaccination
CM Rekha Gupta further highlighted the importance of awareness about HPV vaccination for preventing cervical cancer.
She stressed that eligible adolescent girls, particularly those from disadvantaged and needy sections, should have access to accurate information and free HPV vaccination facilities. The Commission was asked to coordinate with concerned departments to ensure that information reaches families who need it.
Simpler, time-bound complaint disposal
Calling for greater responsiveness in handling women’s grievances, the Chief Minister said the DCW’s online complaint mechanism should be simple, accessible and reliable.
She underlined the need for an effective system covering complaints related to domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual exploitation and harassment. Women should be able to register complaints easily and remain informed about the progress and disposal of their cases.
CM Rekha Gupta also called for sensitivity and promptness in grievance redressal, saying the Commission’s functioning must respond to the actual needs of women.
Review of One Stop Centres and women’s institutions
The Chief Minister directed the Commission to visit and review arrangements at One Stop Centres (Sakhi), which provide support to women in crisis, as well as government and NGO-run women’s shelter and care institutions.
She stressed that women staying at these facilities must receive effective medical care, counselling, legal assistance and rehabilitation, along with a safe and secure environment.
CM Rekha Gupta said the DCW’s role should extend beyond action after a complaint is received. Its presence must be visible across the entire chain of awareness, prevention, assistance and grievance redressal, strengthening the overall safety network for women and girls in Delhi.
