Even though I am the Home Minister, I remain worried about my daughter’s safety: Anitha

Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha has expressed deep concern over the prevailing conditions regarding the safety of women and girls in society. Speaking candidly, she stated that despite holding the position of the state's Home Minister, she still fears for the safety of her children when they step out.

Vangalapudi Anitha made these remarks on Tuesday in Visakhapatnam during the launch of the programme "United for Women's Safety."

“The current situation is so dire that we hesitate to send our daughters out after 6 PM. I am the Home Minister of the state, yet when my children go somewhere, I ask them to immediately share their live location. That is how dangerous the conditions in society have become,” Vangalapudi Anitha stated with concern.

She further highlighted alarming statistics related to POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) cases in the state, expressing grave worry. According to her, it is particularly disturbing that a majority of the accused in these cases are young people and minors.

“In nearly 60 percent of POCSO cases, the accused are under 18 years of age. Another 20 percent are below the age of 20. This means 80 percent of the accused are under 20 years old,” she detailed.

Vangalapudi Anitha stressed the urgent need to address rising criminal tendencies among the youth and the declining respect for women. She announced plans to widely raise awareness about the POCSO Act within educational institutions.

She also revealed that the government is considering introducing self-discipline as a formal part of the curriculum to instil moral values and a sense of responsibility among students. Emphasising the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of women and girls, she assured that strict action will be taken against offenders.