Public safety in India has become a serious issue in India, which not only reflects the law and order situation but also impacts the overall health and development of the society. Although governments and security agencies are making efforts in this direction, the ground reality tells a different story.
Crime Rate and Security Situation
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Public safety in India crime rate in 2024 was 445.9 per 100,000 population, a decrease compared to 2020. While this decline is a positive sign, the 4% increase in crimes against women and other serious crimes remains a concern.
There has been an increase in crimes against Scheduled Castes and Tribes, especially in BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. For example, in 2023, 15,130 cases were registered against Scheduled Castes in Uttar Pradesh.
Policing and Technological Challenges
The lack of police force numbers and resources is a major problem in Public safety in India. Many states have a shortage of police personnel, and they also lack the necessary training and equipment. As a result, prevention of crimes and identification of criminals become difficult.
Apart from this, lack of technical resources in the police force is also a big challenge. While the use of technologies like CCTV and face recognition has increased in some cities, their use remains limited in rural areas.
Road Safety and Inconsistent Regulations
Road accidents are one of the major public safety issues in India. The sale of helmets without ISI certification, sold illegally in cities like Madurai, poses a safety risk to two-wheeler riders. Despite this, there is no effective control on the sale of these illegal helmets.
Additionally, the poor condition of roads, especially during the rainy season, causes accidents. New technologies are being used to solve the problem of potholes in cities like Bhopal, but the problem is widespread across the country.
Women’s Safety: A Serious Concern
The increasing number of crimes against women is a serious concern for Public safety in India. Women in urban areas experience a lack of security in public spaces, and police response is often unsatisfactory. As a result, women hesitate to exercise their rights.
Political and Administrative Failures
Political and administrative failures also impact the state of public safety. The recently published NCRB 2023 crime data in Rajasthan has generated political controversy, raising questions about the reporting of crimes and the reliability of the data.
Additionally, in some states, crime prevention is difficult due to shortage of police force and lack of resources. This points to administrative failure.
Conclusion
Public safety in India is a serious and complex issue that needs to be understood not only from a law and order perspective, but also from a social, political, and economic perspective. Governments and citizens together will have to take concrete steps in this direction. Data and plans alone will not suffice; Collective efforts are necessary to bring about change at the grassroots level.
