UP Mission Shakti: Pink booths emerge as a reliable shelter for women against domestic discord and harassment

Whether it is the fear of eve-teasers on the streets or everyday conflicts within the four walls of a house, many women still hesitate to cross the threshold of a police station. To break this hesitation and provide a safe environment for the female population, Mission Shakti centers and pink booths are actively operational in Uttar Pradesh. The ground reality and effectiveness of this system in the heart of the capital, Hazratganj, have come to light through the experiences of female police officers stationed there.

A Strong Center for Safety and Counseling

Sub-Inspector Sharda Singh, Mission Shakti In-charge of Hazratganj Kotwali, states that four pink booths are active in her entire area. These have been set up at busy and sensitive points in the city where women's movement is highest. This is not just a place to register complaints, but also a safe shelter. If a girl is alone late at night, waiting for transport or family, and feels uncomfortable, she can directly sit inside the pink booth. Female police personnel are stationed at every booth 24/7.

Cases of Domestic Dispute and Unwanted Calls

The list of cases recorded in the pink booth's diary is quite sensitive. According to SI Sharda Singh, the maximum number of cases pertain to domestic discord, alcoholism, and physical abuse by husbands. Interestingly, most women do not want immediate legal action. They approach the police requesting counseling or a strict warning for their partners rather than filing a formal lawsuit.

Similarly, a large number of complaints come from college students or working women harassed by unwanted calls and messages on their mobile phones. While many seek amicable resolutions through warnings, strict FIRs are registered immediately in cases of severe harassment and molestation when victims demand legal action.

Serving Women from Across the State

Being a VVIP zone, women from various districts across the state visit Hazratganj to seek justice. The Mission Shakti help desk maintains round-the-clock deployment of female constables in day and night shifts. Often, distressed women coming from far-flung areas find a secure haven at these centers where their grievances are heard with utmost safety.