11 November, 2024; In a recent development aimed at enhancing the safety of women in Delhi’s public transport, Chief Minister Atishi has urged the Lieutenant Governor (LG) to formulate a policy for the permanent employment of bus marshals. She emphasized the critical role these marshals play in ensuring passenger security and preventing harassment, particularly for female passengers.
In her appeal, CM Atishi highlighted the significance of the marshal program, which currently includes around 10,000 bus marshals deployed across Delhi’s extensive bus network. These individuals act as on-the-ground security personnel, providing a reassuring presence for women and acting promptly in cases of any disruptive behavior.
“We are writing to the LG to make a policy to permanently employ bus marshals for the safety of women,” stated CM Atishi. She further advocated that until a comprehensive policy is developed, the existing bus marshals should be reinstated on an “as-is, where-is basis.” This call aims to ensure that the safety of commuters, especially women, is not compromised while policy discussions take place.
The Bus Marshal Initiative: An Overview
The bus marshal program was first launched by the Delhi government as part of its ongoing efforts to curb harassment and improve safety in public spaces. Marshals are deployed in public buses, where they act as deterrents to potential offenders and offer immediate assistance in case of harassment or violence. This initiative, among others, reflects the Delhi government’s commitment to fostering a safer environment for women in public spaces and encouraging the use of public transport as a secure means of travel.
However, the program has faced challenges due to its temporary nature, leaving bus marshals uncertain about their employment status. CM Atishi’s latest appeal seeks to address this by requesting the LG’s intervention in establishing a clear and permanent employment structure for bus marshals. This would not only provide job security for the marshals but also ensure uninterrupted safety services for the city’s commuters.
Women’s Safety and Public Transport: A Continuing Priority
The Delhi government has implemented several initiatives over the past decade to improve women’s safety. The introduction of the bus marshal program, the installation of CCTV cameras in public buses, and the free ride scheme for women are a few of the measures that underscore the government’s focus on this issue.
The deployment of bus marshals has had a measurable positive impact, with many women reporting feeling safer and more willing to use public transport. This initiative has also been lauded for providing women with a stronger sense of security, especially during nighttime commutes.
The Call for Immediate Action
In her address, CM Atishi emphasized the urgency of reinstating the marshals on an immediate basis while a policy is formulated. She also pointed out the importance of prioritizing women’s safety in public policy discussions.
With increasing attention on public transport safety and its role in supporting women’s freedom and mobility, the Delhi government’s request for a permanent bus marshal policy may serve as a significant step toward sustainable safety measures in public spaces. The outcome of CM Atishi’s appeal to the LG will be closely watched, as it has implications not only for the employment of marshals but also for the broader goal of making Delhi a safer city for women.
