Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) under Nirbhaya Framework

• 24 Jun 2025

Why in News?

In a significant move to enhance safety on public transport, the Haryana government has decided to equip all public transport vehicles with Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs). 

Key Points

Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs)

• About: 
  • Developed under the Nirbhaya framework by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, VLTDs provide real-time location tracking and emergency alert features.
• Integration: 
  • The system will be integrated with the emergency response service (112) for swift action in distress situations.
• Significance: 
  • The introduction of VLTDs is expected to be a milestone in creating a safer transport environment for women and children, offering an additional layer of security and accountability.

Nirbhaya Framework

• The Nirbhaya Framework refers to a series of safety initiatives introduced by the Indian government to enhance the safety and security of women, particularly in the wake of the 2012 Delhi gang rape incident. 
  • Nirbhaya Fund: The Government established the Nirbhaya Fund to support projects enhancing the safety and security of women. 
    • The Ministry of Women and Child Development serves as the nodal authority for reviewing and recommending proposals and schemes for funding under this fund. 
  • 112 Helpline Service: An initiative under the Nirbhaya funds scheme for ensuring the safety of women and children. Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) is a pan-India single-number-based emergency response system for citizens in emergencies.
    • It is an integration of police (100), fire (101) and women (1090) helpline numbers.
  • Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013: Also known as the Nirbhaya Act, it strengthened penalties for sexual offenses, introduces the death penalty for repeat rape offenders, and enhances provisions for the protection of survivors, including stricter definitions and punishments for crimes such as rape, stalking, and harassment.

 Initiatives Related to Women Safety in India 

• International Conventions: India ratified key international conventions, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1993.  
  • India also endorsed the Mexico Plan of Action (1975) aimed at full gender equality and ending gender discrimination and the UN General Assembly Session on Gender Equality and Development and Peace for the 21st century. 
• National Policy for the Empowerment of Women, 2001: Aims for women's advancement and empowerment, addressing violence against women and providing mechanisms for prevention, assistance, and action. 
• Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: Provides support for women victims of domestic violence, including shelter and medical facilities, with mandatory Protection Officers. 
• Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) (PoSH) Act, 2013: The POSH Act addresses sexual harassment faced by women in the workplace, aiming to ensure a safe work environment.  
• Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012: Protects children from sexual offences, providing a legal framework for their protection and ensuring strict penalties for offenders.