K Chiranjeevi, Minister of State with Independent Charge for Tourism, Government of India, has expressed concern over media reports of harassment faced by an American student in India, as per a PIB release. “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.”
He said that the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) has launched a sensitisation campaign, ‘I respect women’, to accord due respect to women. “I am now coordinating with the concerned union ministries — firstly, to raise awareness about the need for more sensitive behaviour 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.”
Dr Chiranjeevi stated that in the two unfortunate incidents, earlier this year, involving foreign tourists, speedy action was taken against the culprits. “In Madhya Pradesh, the culprits were arrested within two days and sentences of life imprisonment were given to them in four months. In Himachal Pradesh the culprits were apprehended within a week,” he informed.
He further added, “I am also coordinating with various ministries like Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Justice, etc., to bring about further measures for enhancing the security of tourists, especially the women tourists.”
