Jammu and Kashmir Sees Decline in Crimes Against Women for Third Consecutive Year

New Delhi, India Jul 25, 2026 ALN: Cases registered under crimes against women in Jammu and Kashmir have seen a notable decline, falling to 3,366 in 2024 from 3,653 in 2023. This continues a downward trend that commenced after a peak of 3,937 cases in 2021, according to data presented to the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur. This reduction marks the third consecutive year of decline in reported crimes against women in the region, which is a significant development in the context of ongoing efforts to improve women's safety and security in Jammu and Kashmir.

The figures were shared in response to an unstarred question posed by Anil Yeshwant Desai, a member of the Lok Sabha representing Mumbai South Central and affiliated with the Shiv Sena (UBT) party. Desai's inquiry focused on whether there had been a significant increase in crimes against women across the country and requested state and Union Territory-wise details for the past five years. This highlights the growing concern regarding women's safety in India, a nation that has grappled with various forms of violence against women.

The minister clarified that the data was compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs and published in its report titled “Crime in India,” the latest edition of which encompasses statistics for 2024. This report serves as a critical resource for understanding crime trends and informing policy decisions aimed at enhancing women's safety.

Five-Year Trend

Examining the five-year trend, the data shows that cases registered under crimes against women in Jammu and Kashmir stood at 3,405 in 2020, rose to 3,937 in 2021, then eased to 3,716 in 2022, 3,653 in 2023, and finally to 3,366 in 2024. The latest figure represents a reduction of approximately 14 percent from the peak observed in 2021. This decline is particularly noteworthy when juxtaposed with the national trend, which has seen a consistent rise in crimes against women across India during the same period.

Nationally, cases registered under crimes against women increased from 371,503 in 2020 to 441,534 in 2024, reflecting an increase of nearly 19 percent. This stark contrast emphasizes the unique situation in Jammu and Kashmir, where various socio-political factors may influence crime rates differently than in the rest of the country. The decline in reported cases in Jammu and Kashmir could suggest improvements in law enforcement, increased awareness of women's rights, or a combination of both.

In contrast, Ladakh, which was carved out as a separate Union Territory, recorded an increase in reported cases, rising from 9 in 2020 to 34 in 2024. While these numbers remain relatively small in absolute terms, they indicate a growing recognition of issues related to women's safety in the region, as well as possibly an increase in reporting due to heightened awareness and legal frameworks.

Workplace Harassment Cases

In discussing workplace harassment, Minister Thakur highlighted the launch of the Sexual Harassment Electronic Box (SHe-Box) portal on August 29, 2024. This initiative aims to assist complainants in tracking cases filed with Internal Committees and Local Committees established under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act of 2013. By July 21, 2026, the portal had logged 510 complaints nationally, of which 208 had been resolved. This digital platform serves as a crucial resource for women seeking to report harassment and seek justice in the workplace.

However, Thakur emphasized that the portal is not a statutory oversight mechanism but rather an informational aid. The responsibility for monitoring the implementation of the POSH Act lies with the respective State and Union Territory governments. This delineation of responsibilities is essential for ensuring that the legal framework is effectively enforced and that women are protected from harassment in their workplaces.

Schemes Cited

In her response regarding measures taken for women's safety, Minister Thakur listed several initiatives, including the Women Helpline (181), the Emergency Response Support System (112), One Stop Centres, and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative. Additionally, she mentioned the Mission Shakti Portal, which was launched in January 2025, as part of a broader strategy to empower women and enhance their safety across the country.

Thakur noted that there are currently 657 One Stop Centres across India that have been integrated with the Women Helpline. This integration aims to facilitate faster transfers of cases that require on-ground intervention, thereby streamlining the response to women's safety concerns. The One Stop Centres serve as crucial resources, providing support and assistance to women facing violence or harassment.

The minister also pointed to the National Commission for Women's 24x7 helpline, numbered 14490, which is available for women in distress. Furthermore, she highlighted the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre's portal at cybercrime.gov.in for reporting cyber offences against women and children. It is important to note that action on such complaints falls under the jurisdiction of State and Union Territory law enforcement agencies, underscoring the need for effective collaboration between different levels of government in addressing crimes against women.

This decline in crimes against women in Jammu and Kashmir, juxtaposed with the national increase, raises important questions about the effectiveness of local policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing women's safety. The ongoing efforts by the government to bolster legal frameworks, improve reporting mechanisms, and provide support services are critical components in the fight against gender-based violence. As these trends continue to evolve, monitoring and analyzing the effectiveness of these measures will be essential for ensuring that the safety and rights of women are prioritized in both Jammu and Kashmir and across India as a whole.