The Women Safety Division came into being on 28 May 2018. The Division functions as a key institutional mechanism to strengthen the safety and security framework for women through a coordinated, technology-driven, and justice-oriented approach. The Division has the responsibility of policy formulation, strategic planning, inter-agency coordination, and implementation of schemes that support States and Union Territories in preventing and responding to crimes against women and other vulnerable groups. Its mandate emphasizes timely justice delivery, improved law-enforcement capabilities, and modernization of supporting systems, particularly in the domains of crime data management and forensic science.
The Division oversees critical functions related to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS), including national databases and digital platforms that aid investigation, tracking, and identification of offenders. It also manages administrative and project-related matters of the Directorate of Forensic Science Services and Central Forensic Science Laboratories, coordinates forensic capacity-building at the State level, and supports the National Forensic Sciences University. The Division also implements projects such as Emergency Response Support Systems and Safe City initiatives to enhance preventive and responsive infrastructure for women’s safety.
In addition, the Women Safety Division also deals with issues relating to prison reforms and international cooperation on Transfer of Sentenced Persons. It also deals with issues relating to human trafficking and engages in bilateral and multilateral cooperation. The Division also handles matters relating to crimes against women, children, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the elderly, and other vulnerable sections.
