Tamil Nadu Declared Safest State for Women and Children
In a significant statement at the assembly on Thursday, Chief Minister M K Stalin of Tamil Nadu asserted that the state is the safest in India for women and children, based on data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). This declaration came as a direct response to allegations made by BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran, who claimed that crimes against women had surged by nearly 50% over the past three years in Tamil Nadu.
BJP's Allegations and Counterarguments
Nagenthran referenced the 2025 NARI survey, which indicated that only 54% of women in Chennai feel safe during nighttime hours. However, Stalin firmly countered these charges, highlighting that BJP-ruled states are currently experiencing widespread protests and demonstrating poor safety indicators. He emphasized that Tamil Nadu's safety record stands in stark contrast to these trends, underscoring the state's commitment to protecting its citizens.
AIADMK's Concerns on Drug Menace
Adding to the debate, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami raised concerns about the drug menace as a key factor contributing to crimes in the state. He pointed to social welfare minister Geetha Jeevan's statement, which revealed that the government had disbursed 104 crore rupees as compensation to 6,690 survivors of sexual violence under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. Palaniswami argued that these substantial numbers reflect the gravity of the situation and indicate underlying issues that need urgent attention.
Government's Explanation on Compensation Figures
In response, Social Welfare Minister Geetha Jeevan clarified that the compensation payments covered cases registered not only during the current administration but also during the tenure of the previous AIADMK government. She further explained that the high number of Pocso cases includes instances of child marriages, whether with or without parental consent, which contributes to the elevated statistics. Law Minister S Regupathy supported this view, noting that increased awareness and improved reporting mechanisms have encouraged more survivors to come forward and lodge complaints, thereby leading to higher recorded numbers.
Key Takeaways:
- Tamil Nadu is identified as the safest state for women and children based on NCRB data.
- BJP allegations of a 50% rise in crimes against women are countered by the state government.
- AIADMK highlights drug-related issues and high compensation figures under the Pocso Act.
- Ministers attribute high case numbers to broader definitions and increased awareness.
