Step taken to enhance women’s safety at Dibrugarh, Assam

A Correspondent

Dibrugarh, July 18: The district administration has taken a noteworthy and decisive step towards the safety and security of women in Dibrugarh. In the wake of a steep rise in the instances of women passengers being subjected to the coarse and unsavoury behaviour of the auto rickshaw drivers, the administration has taken the decision to criminalise such acts of impropriety in a meeting held in this connection at the DC office on Tuesday.

As per sources, the female victims would soon be able to call the Police Control Room at 100, or connect with the immediate Traffic Police to book the uncouth and ill-mannered drivers. Initiating the meeting, Dibrugarh MLA, Prashanta Phukan also gave various suggestions on how to end the disorderliness of traffic in the town. Expressing joy and satisfaction over the decision, a student named Angelika Das said, “I have been there, done that. All this while, I have been at the receiving end of their misbehaviour. Although such a decision was long overdue, I’m still happy that power has now been vested in my hands to put my foot down.” An employee of Assam Medical College and Hospital, Prayag Kashyap, remarks, “I’ve often seen drivers throwing tantrums at female passengers for no good reason. Therefore, this decision would certainly go a long way in empowering the women. It will particularly help the outside patients who come to Dibrugarh for treatment in large numbers.” Moreover, in the meeting, it was also decided to penalise such auto rickshaw drivers who make passengers sit right next to them on their right hand side, a clear violation of the traffic rules which demand the side to remain unoccupied.