Swati Maliwal, a Rajya Sabha MP and former Chief of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), has raised serious allegations against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi.
She claims that the Delhi government is determined to shut down the DCW and has already terminated the 181 women helpline, a crucial support service for women in distress.
Maliwal highlighted the significant role DCW has played over the past eight years. The commission has handled around 170,000 cases, offering support and justice to countless women.
However, since her resignation from the chairperson's post, Maliwal alleges that the Delhi government has been consistently undermining the commission's efforts.
She stated that the government has not released any funds for the DCW for the past six months and has also slashed the commission’s budget for the year by 30%.
Maliwal expressed deep concern over the leadership vacuum at DCW, noting that the chairperson's position has been vacant for six months, along with two other critical positions.
She described the closure of the 181 Helpline as a particularly shameful act, given Delhi's reputation as a city with high rates of violence against women. The 181 Helpline served as a vital lifeline for many women facing abuse and harassment, providing them with immediate assistance and support.
In an attempt to address these issues, Maliwal has written a letter to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, urging him to reconsider the government’s stance. She questioned how the women of Delhi can feel safe and protected if the state’s women’s commission is incapacitated.
Maliwal suggested that the government might be uncomfortable with women who speak out and challenge the status quo. Maliwal also took to social media to voice her concerns. In a post on 'X,' she lamented the systematic dismantling of the DCW since her resignation in January 2024.
She described how the systems she had built with great effort since 2015 are being eroded by the government, expressing her deep regret over these developments.
This situation has sparked a broader debate about the government’s commitment to women's safety and empowerment. Many see the alleged actions against the DCW as a step backward in the fight for women's rights and protection in Delhi.
The closure of the 181 Helpline, in particular, has raised alarm among activists and the general public alike, who fear that this could lead to an increase in unreported and unaddressed cases of violence against women.
The ongoing conflict between Swati Maliwal and the Delhi government underscores the need for robust support systems and leadership within organisations dedicated to women's safety.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these allegations and what steps will be taken to ensure the protection and empowerment of women in Delhi.
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