Former Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, Swati Maliwal, has written a letter to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, highlighting several pressing issues faced by the commission under the current government. Since her resignation from the commission in January 2024, Maliwal has claimed that the government has taken over the 181 helpline number, the budget has been cut, and the salaries of DCW officials have not been paid for the last six months. Maliwal has also raised concerns over the vacancy of the DCW chief position since her nomination to the Rajya Sabha by the AAP.
Maliwal posted letter on X
She also alleged that since her departure from the commission, the DCW has faced discrimination and neglect. "I am writing this letter to bring attention to how the Delhi Government has been systematically dismantling the DCW since my resignation from the position of chairperson in January 2024. It is deeply regrettable that the systems that I painstakingly built since 2015, are being destroyed by the Government," Maliwal stated in the letter which he posted on X. "As the Chief Minister of a city infamous as the 'Rape Capital of the World', it is crucial to safeguard systems that protect women and girls," she added.
Maliwal criticises shutdown of 181 women's helpline
Maliwal expressed strong disapproval over the recent shutdown of the 181 women's helpline, describing the situation as "appalling." She highlighted that for the past 48 hours, survivors of rape and other serious crimes have been deprived of essential support and assistance. Her letter follows an announcement by Delhi's Minister for Women and Child Development, Kailash Gahlot, who stated that the responsibility for operating the 181 helpline would be transferred to his department from the DCW. Gahlot also mentioned that the helpline would be temporarily unavailable for a few days during this transition period.
"The commission has been informed that the order was issued after the approval of the concerned minister and is supposedly in compliance with a Central government directive which states that 181 Women Helpline should be run by WCD departments in states," the letter said. "The DCW works under the aegis of the WCD Department. Hence, there was no need to take over the helpline from the commission," it added.
Maliwal expresses regret over government's decision
In her letter, Swati Maliwal expressed deep regret over the government's decision, stating, "It is quite regrettable that the government wants to destroy the systems which I have built with so much hard work since 2015." Maliwal also outlined the various initiatives and accomplishments of the Commission. The four-page letter provided detailed information on numerous points, highlighting the extensive work and progress made by the DCW under her leadership.
