NCW chief holds review meeting of govt ICCs in Kerala's Ernakulam
Kochi, National Commission for Women chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Tuesday said that she held a meeting with the Internal Complaints Committees of government departments here to review how they were working and to ensure they do not just remain on paper.
Rahatkar, who is on a three-day visit to Kerala, told reporters here that along with the meeting, efforts were also made to properly complete the training of the members of the ICCs and Local Complaints Committees set up under the Sexual Harassment at the Workplace Act.
"This was done to ensure that the committees do not just remain on paper and function effectively. We also told them it was compulsory to work in accordance with the law. I am sure they will benefit from the review meeting and the training," she said.
Giving details of her other activities during the day, the NCW chief said that a 'Jan Sunwai' or public hearing was held at the Collectorate Conference Hall here to deal with several complaints received from women for whom it was difficult to approach the commission's head office in Delhi.
Rahatkar said that 36 complaints were received by the commission and of them 31 were resolved or closed, while five remain pending.
She said the objective behind the public hearing was to provide relief to women and such efforts will continue.
She said that she also met with the chairperson of the Kerala State Women's Commission and had a good interaction.
The NCW chief said that the women's commission in Kerala was working effectively.
Rahatkar said that later in the day she would be visiting the One Stop Centre for women at Kakkanad here as the NCW has powers to visit such institutions, examine how they were working and give a report to the government about it.
According to her itinerary for the next two days, she would be visiting women plantation workers at different estates in Idukki, hold meetings with estate managers, trade union leaders and labour department officials in Munnar and inaugurate a transit shelter for women and children at Aluva.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
NCW seeks report from DGP on Dombivli girl's abduction, rape, prostitution
MUMBAI: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo-motu (on its own) cognisance of the alleged abduction, repeated rape and prostitution of a 15-year-old girl from Dombivli. NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has directed Maharashtra's director general of police (DGP) to conduct a thorough investigation into the case and submit a report on the action taken within three days. In a post on X on Tuesday, the NCW said it had directed the DGP to ensure a swift and fair investigation. 'Immediate arrest of the main accused and strict action under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act, and other applicable laws is paramount. Victim support and rehabilitation must be ensured,' the post read. The 15-year-old girl was allegedly held captive in a house in a rural area near Dombivli for two months, repeatedly raped, forced to undergo an abortion and also forced into prostitution by a man known to her family, the police said. Four people, including a woman, have been arrested in the case, although the main accused is still at large, the police added. The girl's ordeal came to light after some workers learnt about it and alerted the police. The police then raided the house where the girl was confined and rescued her. According to the police, the girl had walked out of her house after a fight with her mother over her Class 10 exams. The main accused, who knew the girl and her family, then cajoled her into coming with him. He then confined her in a house for two months and sexually assaulted her, following which she became pregnant. The man then took her to another individual for an abortion, after which the girl was kept at a couple's house, where she was forced into prostitution, the police said. A case was registered under sections 137(2) (kidnapping), 65(1) (rape in certain cases), 88 (causing miscarriage), 143 (trafficking of person), 144 (exploitation of trafficked person) of the BNS and relevant sections of the Pocso Act. Four people, including the couple in whose house the girl was held captive, were arrested.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Rupali Ganguly slams West Bengal police over Sharmistha Panoli's arrest, questions her treatment in custody; here's what we know
Actor Rupali Ganguly, known for speaking up on social issues, expressed concern over the treatment of influencer and law student Sharmistha Panoli, who was arrested by Kolkata Police. Ganguly responded to a lawyer's post detailing Sharmistha's health issues and custodial conditions. Questions over custody conditions Sharmistha's lawyer, Md Samimuddin, claimed that his client suffers from kidney stones and alleged that hygiene standards in custody were not being maintained. He also stated that Sharmistha was not being allowed to access newspapers or magazines. A court petition has reportedly been filed requesting basic rights for her. Rupali's criticism of police Responding to the lawyer's post, Ganguly questioned the role of the West Bengal Police, saying, 'Has West Bengal Police, so much under the pressure of Mamata Banerjee, that they have forgotten even basic humanity?' She further asked, 'Why is this girl being treated as if she is a murderer or a gangster?' She tagged the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), requesting them to step in. Background of the arrest Sharmistha Panoli was arrested by Kolkata Police from Gurugram on May 30. The arrest followed a video where she allegedly made communal remarks while replying to a post about Operation Sindoor. Following criticism, she deleted the post and issued an apology. Has West Bengal Police, So much under the pressure of Mamata Banerjee, that they have forgotten even basic humanity? why is this girl being treated as if she is a murderer or a Gangster? I Request @NCWIndia & @India_NHRC to intervene in this matter#sharmistha Apology issued In a post on X, Sharmistha wrote, 'I do hereby tender my UNCONDITIONAL APOLOGY. Whatever was put are my personal feelings and I never intentionally wanted to hurt anybody... Henceforth, I will be cautious in my public post. Again, please accept my apologies.' Police response to allegations Following criticism of the arrest being termed 'unlawful', Kolkata Police reportedly stated that due legal procedures were followed during the arrest. Sharmistha remains in judicial custody until June 13.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Making UP safer for all; force moreprofessional, among priorities: DGP
Lucknow: Pledging to work towards taking the UP Police to "unprecedented heights of excellence," Rajeev Krishna, the newly appointed director general of police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh, on Monday outlined a comprehensive 10-point roadmap for policing reforms. Addressing his first media interaction since taking charge, the DGP said that law and order will remain a top and non-negotiable priority for the police force, which will take decisive steps to create a safer environment for all citizens. Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for reposing faith in his leadership, the DGP said the opportunity to lead the world's largest police force was a "significant responsibility." Listing zero-tolerance on crime, deeper citizen engagement, enhancing law enforcement efficiency through widespread use of technology, and ensuring accountability as his priorities, the DGP said, "Crimes against women will be met with sensitivity and urgency. Women's safety will be at the core of the policing strategy, with renewed efforts both to prevent such crimes and to respond effectively through legal and enforcement mechanisms. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo " The DGP emphasised that the police would also engage in community outreach to foster a sense of security and empowerment among women. The DGP also confirmed that recruitment for more police personnel is in advanced stages and will be rolled out soon. "This large-scale recruitment is aimed at strengthening ground-level policing and bridging critical manpower gaps to ensure quicker response and better reach in urban and rural areas alike," he said. Public grievance redressal will also be placed at the heart of the police-citizen interface, said the DGP while assuring that every citizen's voice would be heard and addressed promptly. The platforms such as the Integrated Grievance Redressal System (IGRS) and Jan Sunwai portals will be made more effective and citizen-friendly, he said. As part of efforts to modernise policing, the DGP placed strong emphasis on the use of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and predictive technologies. Acknowledging that cybercrime has become one of the most pressing challenges in recent times, he assured that the UP Police is already working to enhance its digital crime-fighting capabilities. The DGP stressed the need to identify and deploy officers with specialised skill sets in cybercrime, forensics, counterterrorism, and community policing to professionalise the force and improve its effectiveness across all domains. He added that continuous in-service training would be treated as a strategic imperative to keep the force aligned with evolving law enforcement challenges. Internally, the welfare of police personnel will be given focused attention. The DGP said that resolving both administrative and personal issues faced by personnel would be a top priority to ensure they remain motivated, efficient, and ready for duty. The DGP also spoke about the need to strengthen anti-terror capabilities and border coordination. Referring to his own role in the formation of the UP Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) in 2007 following a spate of serial blasts, he said the ATS's structure and technology would be upgraded to meet new and emerging challenges. "The coordination with central agencies and border forces like the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) along the Nepal border will be deepened to counter trans-border terrorism and trafficking more effectively," he said. The DGP also promised to look into the problems and challenges posed by traffic in cities. "Besides, we also aim to make the DGP headquarters more citizen-friendly, where people can come and get their grievances addressed," he said. "Under the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister, we are ready to set new benchmarks in law enforcement. Our mission is clear — to serve the people of Uttar Pradesh with integrity, discipline, and excellence," he said.
