Delhi gang-rape: CMs seek effective steps for women safety

Condemning the rape of a 23-year-old woman in Delhi, a number of chief ministers on Thursday expressed concern over the issue of safety of women in the country and sought more effective steps in this regard.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said the issue of women's safety was important and be addressed after rising above party politics.

"It is an issue of concern. I don't want to enter into a blame game. This issue should be above party politics," Modi told reporters after attending the National Development Council (NDC) meeting in Delhi on Thursday.

He said Gujarat performed well as far as the status of women in the state was concerned, but said it is not an issue whether a state performs well or not.

"A holistic approach should be taken. Every incident of this kind is painful," said Modi.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said action needs to be taken against the culprits of crime against women.

"In Uttar Pradesh, we have taken steps to address the issue of crime against women. We have started a special helpline also. This is a continuing process and one needs to be vigilant to prevent such crimes," Yadav said.

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, in his speech at the NDA meeting, also referred to the gangrape in Delhi and said his government has initiated effective measures to check crimes against women.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan admitted there are lapses in handling rape cases in states and said "we all have to do our bit to change the situation".

"In our respective states, we are taking steps to review. Things are not good (in all states). Lot of pending cases," said Chavan.

"What people really want is speedy justice", he said adding Maharashtra government has decided to set up fast-track courts in all parts of the state to ensure speedy justice in rape cases.