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Joining hands for a safe Delhi

They may not be very popular among the Capital's commuters. But a few auto-rickshaw drivers of Delhi have come forward to do their bit to make the Capital a safer place for its women.

Auto-rickshaw drivers belonging to the Bharatiya Tipahiya Chalak Sangh of South Delhi have joined hands with a non-government organisation, Jagori, in its Safe Delhi Campaign.

Harassment

With instances of harassment and violence against women on the rise, Jagori had initiated the campaign to mobilise people of the city to act and make a change.

The campaign also aims at making public places and modes of public transport safe for women.

"The campaign is about public places, and instances of violence and harassment also happen in crowded vehicles of public transport," says Safe Delhi Campaign manager Shrutipriya.

In what was a first step towards involving those associated with the transport system in the campaign, Jagori approached the Bharatiya Tipahiya Chalak Sangh.

Stickers

"They were not only willing to carry our stickers on their vehicles but also wanted us to add that they supported the campaign. We have sent them 5,000 stickers," says Shrutipriya.

So auto-rickshaws bearing the message "Eve teasing is not a joke but a crime. Make Delhi safe for women" will be criss-crossing the city by the end of this month. The Bharatiya Tipahiya Chalak Sangh auto-rickshaw drivers will also add that they support the campaign.

"The auto-rickshaw drivers remain connected to the people," says Laxmi Chand Kashyap, president of the South Delhi Bharatiya Tipahiya Chalak Sangh. "The campaign concerns the issue of safety and we all have sisters and daughters at home," says Laxmi Chand about the union's decision to actively participate in the campaign.

"We have received the stickers and have started sticking them on to the vehicles. Furthermore, we are going to put them up at the auto-rickshaw stands and in our neighbourhood," adds Laxmi Chand.

"The Auto Samaj Welfare Association of Najafgarh has also shown willingness to carry the stickers," says Shrutipriya.

The highlight of the Safe Delhi Campaign is to involve all the public transport stakeholders who are willing to be part of it, adds Shrutipriya. -- P. Anima

-- P. Anima

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