NCW asks Maharashtra govt to ensure SOPs in COVID centres

Rattled by the cases of rape and molestation in COVID-19 centres in Maharashtra, the National Commission for Women has directed the administration to ensure that SOPs are followed to avoid untoward incidents. Sharma inquired whether necessary SOPs and are being adhered to for protection and safety of women at COVID centres.

New Delhi: Expressing concern about the incidents of cases of rape and molestation in Covid-19 centres in Maharashtra, the National Commission for Women has asked the administration to ensure that SOPs are followed to avoid untoward incidents.

NCW's chairperson Rekha Sharma who was on a three-day visit to Mumbai made a courtesy call to Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and met top bureaucrats and police officers.

Sharma inquired whether SOPs have been established and are being adhered to for protection and safety of women at Covid centres.

“She expressed her anguish at the number of reported cases of molestation and rape of women patients and doctors at Covid centres. She has recommended that strict background checks be conducted and CCTV cameras are installed”, NCW said.

It is pertinent to note that, the chairperson inquired into complaints made regarding various issues touching upon the safety of women in the State. The inquiry was conducted under Section 10 of the National Commission for Women act, 1990.

Sharma also pointed out that the appointment of Chairperson and members of the State Commission for women is pending, “The position has been left vacant and should be filled to ensure complaints are addressed promptly”, she added.

She also highlighted that some 4,000 complaints are not being attended to and redressed. “Till such time that the committee is filled, a member from NCW shall visit the state every month to look into concerns raised by women in the state”, she reiterated.

Expressing deep concern, she raised the issue of love Jihad cases in Maharashtra and highlighted differences between consensual inter-faith marriages and love Jihad and said that the latter required attention.

A special reference was laid on the Dr Chitrali’s case Madam who passed away under suspicious circumstances and despite directions from NCW and PMO, the case is still pending. The chairperson also has requested that the case be looked into and closed on priority.

Sharma also pointed out that the Maharashtra government has assured to enact a law akin to the Disha law in Andhra Pradesh early this year. However, no tangible steps appear to have been taken in this regard.

During her visit, she met with several women’s rights groups and NGOs to get a sense of the severity of the issue and the on-ground reality faced by women in Maharashtra.

The chairperson also interacted with Sanjay Kumar, Chief Secretary, State of Maharashtra, Rajendra Singh, ADG (Law and Order), Rajvardhan, IG (Prevention of Crime against Women & Children) and Param Bir Singh, CP Mumbai Police.

She met Bhagat Singh Koshiari, His Excellency, Governor of Maharashtra to get the first-hand information about the issues faced by the women in Maharashtra.