Expressing his concern over media reports of harassment met by an American student in India, Minister of State for Tourism K. Chiranjeevi has said that his ministry has launched a sensitization campaign called "I respect women" which is about according due respect to women.
In a press statement issued by the Tourism Ministry today, Chiranjeevi informed about the Government of India's efforts in ensuring safety of women tourists in India.
"I was extremely pained when I read about the harassment that a student encountered during her year long stay in India. I have personally taken-up similar issues with several Chief Ministers and have addressed all State Tourism Ministers. Consequently, all state tourism departments have unanimously agreed to put into place, measures to give greater security to all tourists, especially women tourists," said Chiranjeevi.
"Our Ministry has also launched a sensitization campaign called "I respect women" which is about according due respect to women. I am now coordinating with the concerned Union Ministries - firstly, to raise awareness about the need for more sensitive behavior towards women and secondly, to provide greater security. In all cases that are brought to our attention, we will endeavour to take remedial action as appropriate," he added.
Chiranjeevi informed that in the two unfortunate incidents that involved foreign tourists that took place this year, in both cases, the culprits involved were speedily acted against.
"In Madhya Pradesh, the culprits were arrested within two days and sentences of life imprisonment were given to them in 4 months. In Himachal Pradesh the culprits were apprehended within a week," said Chiranjeevi.
"I am also co-ordinating with various Ministries like Ministry of Home Affair, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Justice and Justice etc to bring about further measures for enhancing the security of tourists, especially the women tourists," he added.