Swati Maliwal Writes To Arvind Kejriwal, Claims Delhi Government Made DCW Weak (image-instagram/swati_maliwal)
Former chief of the Delhi Commission for Women and Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on Tuesday wrote to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accusing the Delhi government of systematically dismantling the body after her resignation.
She urged the Delhi chief minister to address the shutting down of the 181 helpline and the “systemic erosion” of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW). In her letter, she highlighted many issues that are being faced by the DCW, including lack of funding, cuts in budget, and removal of staff.
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The helpline established during her eight-year tenure was taken over by the government and then closed down on July 1. According to Maliwal, “Since over 48 hours, survivors of rape and other crimes have been left without crucial assistance”.
She claimed that the annual budget has been reduced by Rs 10 crore and funds have been halted for six months. She added that the contractual staff who form most of the commission are being removed which left the body unable to function.
“Over the past 8 years, my team and I have painstakingly built the commission from scratch, which has resulted in it becoming the most efficient women’s commission in the country,” she said.
Maliwal also asserted that several vacancies in leadership positions such as the role of chairperson are not being filled which has affected the smooth running of the Commission. The requirement of having at least one Dalit member in an essential position is also not completed, she added.
“As the Chief minister of a city infamous as the ‘Rape Capitol of the World’, it is crucial to safeguard systems that protect women and girls,” the AAP leader said.
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Maliwal urged CM Kejriwal to stop the ‘deliberate disintegration’ of the DCW by the Delhi government. Maliwal has recently accused a staff member of Kejriwal of harassment, and after that the relation between the AAP leadership and the Rajya Sabha MP is shaky.
