For the first time in India, a drone surveillance system will be introduced to deter crimes against women, with this unit serving as an essential resource to ensure their safety, according to the chief minister.
The personnel of this special unit are women who will don distinctive khaki trousers and blue shirts. He introduced the emblem (depicting a lioness alongside a police officer) for the special force, unveiled specialized patrol vehicles, and personally drove one for a brief distance.
The name ‘Singappen’ translates to ‘woman as brave as a lioness.’
In his speech, Vijay mentioned that the force will actively address offenses such as stalking, sexual harassment, targeted harassment, attempted abductions, public indecency, and harassment in crowded places and public transport.
With its emphasis on fieldwork and preventive actions, regular All-Women Police Stations (AWPS) will be able to concentrate more effectively on investigating cases and securing convictions.
The government plans to allocate over Rs 354 crore in the initial phase for this Singappen special force, with an additional 2,500 posts to be created in the second phase, CM Vijay noted.
To enhance women’s safety, vehicles with modern features, advanced equipment, and devices will be provided. He asserted that true progress in women’s safety is only achievable through the eradication of the drug problem.
The interconnection of drug prevalence, crimes against women, and law enforcement has persisted for years, he added.
Expressing his satisfaction with the launch of “Singappen,” Vijay pledged that the commitment to ensuring the safety of every “grandmother, mother, sister, and female child in every home,” was not merely an election rhetoric.
“This reflects a genuine and heartfelt intention. Our policy is one of ‘zero tolerance’ towards atrocities against women, and we are steadfast in this commitment,” the CM stated.
He noted that this initiative was realized swiftly following his assumption of office, marking an essential first step towards guaranteeing the safety and self-assurance of all women and children in Tamil Nadu.
While this initiative brings a sense of accomplishment, reports of violence against women have caused significant concern, Vijay acknowledged.
Through analysis, the CM pointed out that the root causes often lead back to a singular source: drugs, underscoring the necessity to tackle this issue.
The CM remarked: “This issue has not emerged overnight; it has persisted for years. Due to negligence, its roots have grown deep. There is no need to reiterate who overlooked it. Discussing that now serves little purpose. The eradication of the drug menace must come first.” This comment seemingly targeted previous administrations led by the DMK and the AIADMK.
In this context, Vijay reiterated that women’s safety can only be truly assured once the drug crisis is resolved.
The interplay of drug abuse, crimes against women, and law enforcement has long been a complex challenge that must be addressed. Women’s safety extends beyond law enforcement; it is fundamentally linked to societal norms and individual ethics, he noted.
If individuals adopt self-discipline, it will lead to a natural transformation of society and many related issues can be managed, he added.
The primary aim is to foster an environment where women can engage in daily activities—be it studying, working, or traveling—without fear and with dignity.
He warned: “I have expressed these sentiments gently thus far. But to those who think they can harass women and evade consequences, I issue this strict warning. Any threat to women’s safety will not be tolerated.” The police will take decisive action, and charge sheets will be filed swiftly.
However, he advised police officials to ensure that no innocent person is wrongly accused in this urgency.
It is imperative to secure strict penalties through legal channels for anyone found guilty, which should serve to instill fear in potential criminals.
The government is keenly aware of the aspirations and expectations of women, the CM emphasized, highlighting that the dignity and respect of women remain the foremost priority for the government.
Vijay commended the police department for bringing this special force into existence within a short timeframe.
He concluded: “For me, the true measure of a government’s success is not solely in infrastructure development or economic progress but in whether the women and children of the state can live with dignity and respect.”
