Delhi Chief Minister Atishi sent a letter to Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena on Sunday, urging the reappointment of marshals on the city’s buses to ensure the safety of women commuters.
Atishi emphasised the significant role that marshals have played in improving the safety of Delhi’s public transport, particularly in light of the frequent harassment and insecurity women faced on bus journeys in the past.
“Before the deployment of marshals, daily bus travel was a challenge for women. Many feared for their safety, and incidents of harassment or molestation were common. The presence of over 10,000 marshals on buses changed that,” Atishi stated in the letter to Saxena.
The letter highlighted that the marshals, stationed by the Delhi government, played a key role in deterring miscreants and preventing harassment and molestation. However, on October 31, 2023, they were suddenly removed from their posts, with their salaries halted, in what Atishi described as part of a “conspiracy.”
Atishi also accused certain Delhi government officers of acting on the Centre’s instructions to undermine safety measures. She claimed these officers not only faced no punishment but were promoted to higher positions.
Atishi expressed disappointment over the delay in approving the marshals’ reappointment, noting that over two weeks had passed since the Delhi government submitted its proposal for their reinstatement.
“The entire government, the marshals’ families, and the women of Delhi are waiting for your approval,” CM wrote.
The proposal for reappointment, which was unanimously passed by Delhi ministers on November 12, seeks to restore the marshals to their important roles on buses to enhance women’s security, the letter said.
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“By removing these marshals, you not only deprived them of their livelihoods but also weakened women’s safety. This decision has eroded the trust women had gained in public transport,” it added.
The future of the 10,000 marshals and the safety of women in Delhi now depend on the timely approval of the proposal by the Lieutenant Governor, the chief minister concluded.
(With inputs from PTI)
