Madhya Pradesh is facing a grave crisis concerning the safety and security of women from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). Recent data presented in the state assembly reveals a disturbing pattern of relentless crimes against these marginalized communities. Between 2022 and 2024, an alarming 7,418 cases of rape were registered involving women from SC/ST communities. This horrifying statistic translates to an average of seven Dalit or Adivasi women being raped every single day in the state over the past three years.
The data paints a broader picture of pervasive violence. During the same period, 558 SC/ST women were murdered, and 338 were victims of gang rape. Furthermore, 1,906 SC/ST women faced domestic abuse, which means that nearly two women from these communities were subjected to violence in their own homes each day. In addition, 5,983 cases of molestation were reported, indicating that approximately five SC/ST women faced sexual harassment daily.
These statistics expose deep-rooted issues of caste and gender-based violence in Madhya Pradesh. Scheduled Castes comprise approximately 16% and Scheduled Tribes 22% of the state's total population, making up a significant 38% of the population. The vulnerability of these communities to violent crimes is a matter of serious concern.
The alarming rise in rape cases is not limited to SC/ST women alone. Overall, rape cases in Madhya Pradesh surged from 6,134 in 2020 to 7,294 in 2024. In 2024, an average of 20 rape cases were reported daily across the state, marking a 19% increase compared to previous years. This surge is particularly noticeable in tribal areas.
Several factors contribute to this distressing situation. Impunity for perpetrators remains a significant problem, with low conviction rates in rape cases. For cases involving Scheduled Castes, only 23% resulted in convictions, while 77% of the accused were acquitted. Similarly, in cases involving Scheduled Tribes, 22% of the accused were convicted, and 78% were acquitted.
Underreporting of cases is another critical issue. Congress MLA Pankaj Upadhyay accused the government of underreporting rape cases in official documents, claiming that the actual number of rape cases involving women in 2023 was 40% higher than reported. He also stated that SC/ST rape cases were 3.5 times higher than the figures published in the annual report.
In response to mounting concerns, the Madhya Pradesh government has initiated several measures aimed at improving women's safety. These include the establishment of all-women police stations, women's helplines, and "Nirbhaya" police patrol vehicles. The state government has also formed "Shaurya Dal," comprising 22 lakh women and girls, to prevent crimes against women.
Madhya Pradesh has also launched district-level committees to ensure a secure environment for women travelers and address their grievances. Furthermore, the government is conducting skill training programs through the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojana to empower women and make them self-reliant.
However, challenges remain in effectively implementing these initiatives. Police officers often face high stress levels, long working hours, and heavy workloads, which can hinder their ability to prioritize women's safety. Institutional reforms are difficult to sustain due to historical inattention to crimes against women, cultural practices, and other factors.
To address these challenges, experts emphasize the need for institutionalized training for gender-based policing, regular updates to training content, and the active involvement of senior officers. They also stress the importance of encouraging interaction and coordination among various agencies working for women's safety.
