The state government of Goa is forming a police battalion, 50 of whom will be women, specifically to counter increasing concerns about the safety of tourists in India.
The government’s Department of Tourism says it is introducing "strict measures to safeguard tourist safety, especially women travellers".
The measures include surveillance officers with powers to inspect any hotel or place of business; flying squads with executive magistrate powers, and a tourist police force of 200-250 drawn from the Indian Reserve Battalion.
Goa, a favourite with young Europeans, has become a trouble spot in recent years.
Goa tourism minister Dilip Parulekar said that the department might also launch an all-female police team for night patrolling to instil confidence among women tourists.
Also under consideration is a list of authorised "safe" private hotels on the Goa Tourism website, and details of accredited travel vendors, including tour operators and travel agents.
