Set up internal complaint committees to address women’s issues: KSCW

Udupi: Dr Nagalakshmi Choudhary, chairperson, Karnataka State Commission for Women (KSCW), directed officials to establish Internal Complaint Committees (ICC) in organisations and offices where women work, to facilitate the filing of complaints in cases of sexual harassment. She stressed the need for effective functioning of these committees to provide justice to women.

Speaking at a review meeting organised by the Commission, in collaboration with district administration, ZP, police department, and women and child development department, Udupi district, she highlighted the importance of forming ICCs in govt and private institutions with more than 10 employees, as per govt orders. These committees should meet every three months, and awareness about their functioning should be created. The names of the committee chairperson and other members should be displayed prominently, she said.

In the district, 789 internal complaint committees have been established, including 345 in govt offices and 444 in private offices. Information on 346 committees has been entered into the portal, and the remaining 443 committees’ information needs to be indicated. She stressed that the sexual harassment of women at workplace (prevention, prohibition and redressal) act, 2013, must but be implemented effectively to address women’s issues.

During a visit to Malpe port, she found women deprived of govt facilities due to a lack of awareness. She suggested organising special camps to inform them about govt facilities and report back to the commission. She instructed port department officials to ensure cleanliness in Malpe port area, install CCTV cameras, and maintain clean toilets.

Complaints were received about inadequate response to women's complaints at the Brahmavar police station. Due to a shortage of gynecologists in Karkala taluk hospital, women have had to travel to other taluks or districts for deliveries for the past year. Gynecologists should be appointed immediately, she instructed.

During the program, 54 cases registered with the State Women’s Commission were reviewed, and relevant officials were instructed to resolve the issues. Commission secretary Roopa R, deputy commissioner Swaroopa TK, SP Hariram Shankar, and others were present.

Report on Dharmasthala case

KSCW chairperson said that the Commission had sought a progress report on the investigation into the suspicious deaths and cases of missing women in Dharmasthala, but the report is yet to be submitted. She said no report has been furnished to the Commission so far and added that the investigation is still ongoing.