Karnataka Women's Commission Chairperson Directs Police to Ensure Dignity for Women
Nagalakshmi Chowdhary, the chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Women (KSCW), has issued a strong directive to officials, stressing the critical need for sensitivity and accountability in policing. Speaking at a public hearing in Mandya, she emphasized that women must be treated with dignity and their grievances addressed promptly at all district and taluk police stations across the state.
Public Hearing Focuses on Gender Awareness and Justice
Chowdhary presided over the Mahila Jan Sunwai, a public hearing held at Cauvery Hall in the zilla panchayat, which was organized under the guidance of the National Commission for Women. During the event, she highlighted the importance of gender awareness and called for regular sensitization programs to ensure women do not face difficulties when seeking justice. She instructed education department officials to raise awareness about internal complaints committees (ICCs) in schools and colleges, mandating quarterly review meetings with reports submitted directly to the commission.
Enhancing Women's Safety Measures
To bolster women's safety, Chowdhary stressed the urgent need to deploy Akka Pade patrol vehicles around key public areas, including schools, colleges, parks, hospitals, and bus stands. She also directed that helpline numbers be prominently displayed in these locations to ensure easy access for women in distress. Additionally, she commended the district police for their effective handling of issues related to microfinance companies, acknowledging their efforts in this area.
Welfare Initiatives and Infrastructure Improvements
Regarding welfare measures, Chowdhary asked authorities to ensure adequate medical facilities in women's and children's hostels, along with proper sanitation, lighting, and security. She urged the setting up of baby care (lactation) rooms at district bus stands to support traveling mothers. These initiatives aim to create a safer and more supportive environment for women and children in public spaces.
District Officials Highlight Awareness Campaigns
Deputy Commissioner Kumara highlighted ongoing initiatives to curb female foeticide and child marriage through awareness campaigns at both district and gram panchayat levels. He noted that school heads have been instructed to visit the homes of students who remain absent for more than three days, ensuring early intervention and support. SP VJ Shobharani shared data on missing persons, reporting a high success rate in tracing cases over the past two years, which underscores the effectiveness of local law enforcement efforts.
Petitions and Complaints from Women Across Districts
During the hearing, more than 250 petitions were received from women not only from Mandya district but also from neighboring districts such as Hassan, Chamarajanagar, Mysuru, and Ramanagara. The complaints covered a wide range of issues, including:
- Housing and site allocations
- Police inaction and insensitive behavior
- Illegal liquor sales
- Domestic violence
- Denial of family property rights
These petitions reflect the diverse challenges faced by women in the region and highlight the need for continued vigilance and action from authorities.
Attendance and Support from Senior Officials
The program was attended by senior officials, including Women's Commission Secretary Roopa and Zilla Panchayat CEO KR Nandini, demonstrating a collaborative approach to addressing women's issues. Their presence underscored the commitment of various departments to work together in implementing the directives and improving outcomes for women.
Overall, the public hearing served as a crucial platform for addressing women's concerns and reinforcing the importance of accountability and sensitivity in governance and policing. The directives issued by Chowdhary aim to foster a more responsive and supportive system for women across Karnataka, ensuring their rights and safety are prioritized in all public interactions.
