Post the horrific Delhi gang-rape incident of 2012, Nirbhaya Fund was launched in 2013 which is to be a dedicated fund to be utilized for projects specifically designed to improve the safety and security of women.
It is a non-lapsable corpus fund, being administered by the the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance.
Issues
In last 5 years (2014-19), Rs. 1656 crore has been released by the centre to states of which only 20% has been utilized by states making utilization rate extremely dismal.
Six states and UTs - Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Tripura and Daman & Diu - have not spent a single rupee from the Nirbhaya Fund.
The states must ensure proper utilisation of funds in ensuring a infrastructure where women feels safe.
