Staff Reporter
Panaji
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday claimed that Goa is “100 per cent safe” for women, and that the state holds the top position in terms of women’s safety.
In response to media queries during a function at Altinho, Panaji, Sawant said that while some migrants had been involved in criminal activities, strict tenant verification measures have led to the departure of individuals with criminal backgrounds or they are scared to come
to Goa.
“I am not comparing Goa with any other state. But if you compare with any crimes, I am not talking only about detection but safety wise also, Goa is 100% safe,” Sawant
asserted.
The statement was made during the function held to flag off 50 non-geared two-wheelers for the Goa traffic police, alongside three vehicles for the bomb detection and disposal squad and the dog squad.
The event was attended by DGP Alok Kumar, additional DGP Omvir Singh, and other senior police officials.
Sawant explained that many drug-related crimes and arrests had come to people’s attention due to ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking.
He reiterated that, in terms of women’s safety, Goa stands as the safest place.
“Goa is number one when it comes to women’s safety. A woman, even if she is travelling alone, can move freely in Goa and will be safe,” he maintained.
He said the active involvement of the police, including the pink force and the coastal security police, helps ensure safety on the ground.
Acknowledging that some incidents of crime had occurred, Sawant emphasised that these had been swiftly detected and resolved.
The Chief Minister attributed some of these crimes to migrants, and pointed out that tenant verification efforts over the past two months have been made.
“Over 75,000 tenants have been verified, and people with criminal backgrounds have either been scared to stay in Goa or have fled,” Sawant said.
He urged locals to continue cooperating with the ongoing tenant verification drive.
The Chief Minister disclosed that the tenant verification would also be extended to industrial units without causing disruptions.
He clarified that tenant data would be cross-checked between the police and labour departments, and companies would be required to conduct tenant verification for workers, especially labour contractors who hire temporary labourers.
“Tenant verification can now be done online,” Sawant said.
Earlier in the day, president of the Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress Pratisksha Khalap questioned the government’s ‘apathy’ towards rising cases of crime against women in the state, and demanded allocation of funds for women’s safety.
“In 2024, a total of 365 cases of crime against women were reported, which means an average of one case a day. In 2023, there were 288 cases. Apart from these, some cases have been withdrawn, and many are not reported due to shame and trauma the victims face. What is the provision of safety for such women made by the state government?” she asked at a press conference in the city on Thursday.
