Latest news with #WomenHelpline
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Over 200 women in Maharashtra's Beed underwent hysterectomies between 2022-25: Centre
New Delhi, More than 200 women in Maharashtra's Beed district have undergone hysterectomy surgeries in the last three years, with the Centre attributing the procedures to medical necessity and affirming that they were carried out under strict state supervision. Over 200 women in Maharashtra's Beed underwent hysterectomies between 2022-25: Centre A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur acknowledged media and research reports suggesting that some women sugarcane workers, particularly in Beed, have undergone hysterectomies. The reports raised concerns that menstruation-related challenges during harvesting may be influencing such decisions. While clarifying that health is a state subject, Thakur said the Maharashtra government has assured the Centre that all hysterectomy procedures in the district are performed only after mandatory pre-approval by the district civil surgeon and the medical superintendent of the respective area. "Surgeries are allowed only after a detailed gynaecological examination and clinical justification, such as uterine fibroids or abnormal bleeding," the minister said in a written response. According to the government, a total of 211 hysterectomies were carried out in Beed from 2022 to March 2025. These included 49 surgeries in 2022, 89 in 2023, 55 in 2024, and 18 up to March 2025. In response to concerns over economic coercion and labour rights, the state government has implemented several initiatives, including biannual health check-ups for migrant sugarcane workers and awareness campaigns on reproductive health and the risks of unnecessary hysterectomies. "The government of Maharashtra has regularly conducted health rights awareness campaigns at village and PHC levels to educate women on reproductive health, risks of unnecessary hysterectomy surgeries, menstrual hygiene and family planning methods," the minister said, adding that screenings for anaemia, reproductive tract infections, and cervical cancer have been included in the outreach. Responding to another question, Thakur said women helplines are operational in 35 states and Union Territories and are also integrated with the Emergency Response Support System ERSS-112. "Government of West Bengal is not implementing Women Helpline. Through WHL, over 88.24 lakh women have been assisted across the country since the inception i.e. 01.04.2015 till 31.05.2025," Thakur said. In another response, she said as of date, 843 one-stop centres are operational in the country, including 55 in Maharashtra. "Since inception, i.e. 1st April, 2015 up to 30th June, 2025, over 11.94 lakh women have been assisted in the country including Maharashtra," she said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
NDTV
19-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Odisha: Higher Educational Institutes Directed To Display Women Helpline Number On campus
The Odisha Higher Education Department on Friday directed all state public and private universities, as well as government, aided, and unaided degree colleges under its jurisdiction, to take urgent steps to ensure that Women Helpline number is displayed prominently at important locations on their respective campuses. The department through an official letter issued on Friday instructed all the higher educational institutions to ensure the mandatory and prominent display of the women's helpline number "181" at strategic locations within their campuses. The department also shared a soft copy of the display design instructing immediate compliance of the order. This apart, the higher educational institutions have also been asked to organise sensitisation workshops on of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 and UGC Regulations, 2015. These workshops must involve teaching and non-teaching staff, Internal Committee (IC) members, and students. The department also directed the educational institutions to ensure that a pledge will be taken by the participants to abide by the principles enshrined in the POSH Act, 2013 and the UGC regulations during the sensitisation programme. The universities and colleges have been asked to organise the sensitisation programmes within three days of issuance of this official letter. Notably, the Odisha Higher Education Department has a few days ago issued an urgent directive to all state public and private universities, as well as government, aided, and unaided degree colleges to submit reports regarding the constitution and functioning of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013. The issue of women's safety on the campus of higher educational institutions has recently taken center stage in Odisha after the tragic death of a girl student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, following self-immolation attempt over alleged sexual harassment by one of the faculty members.
India Gazette
12-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"We want women to have trust in police": DIG Shridhar Patil on 'BHAROSA' initiative in Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban
Ramban (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 12 (ANI): Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban (DKR) range, Shridhar Patil, on Saturday said the BHAROSA initiative is aimed at building trust between women and the police. Speaking to ANI, DIG Patil explained that the program includes specially trained female officers posted at every police station to provide support and counselling, especially for victims of harassment and adolescents facing mental health challenges. 'The government is sensitive regarding women's security. The Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban area is very remote, and women here are reluctant to come forward with their complaints. To resolve this, we took an initiative and named it 'Bharosa' because we want women to have trust and confidence in the police...' he said. 'We trained a special segment of female police officers to address women in this area... We want women to act as a symbol of confidence for women around them. If they face any harassment at home or in the workplace, women must approach their nearest police station or dial the police helpline. A woman officer is posted in each police station... A lot of adolescents step towards committing suicide, but they must instead reach out to the nearest officer; they will be provided with counselling,' he added. Police Sub-Inspector Tania Sharma highlighted that the Jammu and Kashmir Police's 'BHAROSA' initiative is also focused on educating women about their legal rights and breaking the stigma that visiting a police station is harmful. 'This initiative has been by DIG DKR range... Women must be aware of the criminal laws and how BNS and other laws sensitise their voice... Women have a myth that it will not be good if they go to the police station, and we must break this myth... A lot of things have been launched by the government, like the government and the National Commission for Women,' Sharma said. In a landmark move to strengthen women's safety and public confidence in policing, the Jammu and Kashmir Police launched the BHAROSA initiative in the DKR Range on Wednesday, under DIG Shridhar Patil. The comprehensive programme is aimed at addressing the under-reporting of crimes and enhancing awareness of women's rights, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. According to an official release, a three-day capacity-building programme was held in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, which trained 95 women police personnel in gender sensitisation, effective complaint handling, and community engagement strategies. As part of its extensive outreach efforts, 94 awareness programmes have been conducted, benefiting over 4,400 individuals, said the release. The release highlighted that response mechanisms have been strengthened through the 24x7 Women Helpline (112), the JK Police eCOP app, and rapid response teams. On the empowerment front, more than 4,700 people have benefited from cyber awareness and legal aid initiatives. In a significant step, police officials are also reaching remote areas to educate people, especially women, about their legal rights, delivering awareness directly at their doorsteps, added the release. The initiative has led to a notable increase in crime reporting, improved public trust in police services, and the adoption of advanced technology, including AI-powered surveillance and GPS-enabled patrols. It has also ushered in critical reforms, including digitised FIR systems, an e-FIR facility, SOPs for crimes against women, and the enforcement of the POSH Act, which have further added. (ANI)
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- India Gazette
J-K Police launches women safety and empowerment initiative 'BHAROSA'
Ramban (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 9 (ANI): In a landmark move to strengthen women's safety and public confidence in policing, the Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban (DKR) Range, under the leadership of DIG Shridhar Patil, launched BHAROSA comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing the under-reporting of crimes and enhancing awareness of women's rights, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas on Wednesday. According to an official release, this was a three-day capacity-building programme, held in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, which trained 95 women police personnel in gender sensitisation, effective complaint handling, and community engagement strategies. As part of its extensive outreach efforts, 94 awareness programmes have been conducted, benefiting over 4,400 individuals, said the release. The release highlighted that response mechanisms have been strengthened through the 24x7 Women Helpline (112), the JK Police eCOP app, and rapid response teams. On the empowerment front, more than 4,700 people have benefited from cyber awareness and legal aid initiatives. In a significant step, police officials are also reaching remote areas to educate people, especially women, about their legal rights, delivering awareness directly at their doorsteps, added the release. The initiative has led to a notable increase in crime reporting, improved public trust in police services, and the adoption of advanced technology, including AI-powered surveillance and GPS-enabled patrols. It has also ushered in critical reforms such as digitised FIR systems, e-FIR facility, SOPs for crimes against women, and the enforcement of the POSH Act, which further added. (ANI)
Time of India
04-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Defunct state women commission a concern in J'khand: Union min
M inistry of women and child development minister and Koderma MP Annapurna Devi talks to Kritika Tiwary on her agenda and ongoing efforts to uplift women and children nationwide. Excerpts: How many women and child development projects are currently active in Jharkhand? At present, there are over 37,815 anganwadi centres in the state. Of them, more than 16,700 centres have been approved under the Saksham Anganwadi initiative, which includes facilities like clean drinking water with RO systems, LED lights, Poshan Vatika (nutrition gardens), and water harvesting structures. These upgrades aim to provide a healthier environment to children and mothers. How effective is the women and child related schemes in the state? Twenty four districts have active 'One Stop Centres', and approval has been granted for 11 more in large or underserved districts. These centres support women in distress. Women can call the 181 Women Helpline. Upon receiving the call, the team tracks the location and immediately dispatches support. We also have counsellors and legal aid (DLSA) tied up with every centre. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Every district has a dedicated women empowerment hub. Are there specific projects for children in need of protection? Yes, there are over 50 Child Care Institutions (CCIs) in the state that cater to both CNCP (children in need of care and protection) and CCL (children in conflict with law). Separate facilities exist for boys and girls, and we also coordinate with Childline 1098. What financial schemes are provided under the PMMVY in state? Under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, the state has provided benefits to approximately 9.3 lakh women. For the first child, mothers receive Rs 5,000, and for the second child (if a girl), they receive Rs 6,000. In the last financial year alone, Rs 421 crore was disbursed directly to beneficiaries. Beneficiaries can now self-register digitally for schemes. Are any new infrastructure projects sanctioned recently? Seven new working women hostels have been sanctioned in Jharkhand. We've also approved Palna-cum-creche facilities at anganwadi centres. Has the Centre assessed Jharkhand's performance? Yes. Performance varies across schemes. States like Haryana (Palna), Tamil Nadu (hostels), and Gujarat (nutrition) are doing well in respective areas. In Jharkhand, despite progress, the absence of a state women's commission for the past 6 years is a concern.
