Moves To Tackle Molestation In Modern India Launched

The Central government of India is taking serious note of the rise of crimes against foreign tourists, especially women.


As part of the move, state governments have been asked to deploy a force of ex-servicemen in prominent tourist destinations. This is to provide adequate protection to visitors from unscrupulous elements.

This suggestion was made by the tourism ministry at a meeting of state tourism secretaries in view of the shortage of police personnel to undertake such tasks and the reluctance of most state governments to set up a special police force for tourists.

The ministry visualized the creation of a “trained, dedicated and disciplined” watchdog force consisting of ex-servicemen to solve this problem.

The tourism ministry has offered to help state governments in setting up such special units by coordinating between them and the Directorate General of Resettlement (DGR) which is under the defense ministry. The expenditure incurred will have to be borne by state governments , says Union Tourism Secretary S Banerjee.

“Here is a bank of completely trained and disciplined personnel. We are asking states to make use of their services,” Banerjee was quoted. The DGR has proposed a model in which ex-servicemen will function as tourist wardens or “tourist buddies” in each state after proper training for the job. The suggestion has received a favorable response from state officials, so far