Give Priority to Welfare of Women and Children – V S Ugrappa
Udupi: V S Ugrappa, chairperson of the Legislature Committee on Women and Child Safety, said his committee would submit the final report within one month to the government on the status of women and children and the atrocities committed against them. He was speaking to the reporters after chairing the review meet in Udupi district on Sunday, February 11.
During the meeting, Ugrappa expressed concern over the low rate of conviction in cases of violence and atrocities on women and children. Going by the number of cases of rape, dowry harassment, dowry deaths and sexual abuse cases against children reported in the district, the low rate of conviction is a matter of concern. The police say that the witnesses turn hostile leading to the acquittal of the accused and they do not prefer an appeal with the prosecution saying that it was not a fit case.
It appears that the police, by and large, have not understood the provisions of the law properly. It is also clear that there is lack of coordination between the police and the prosecution. I have asked the officials to submit a detailed report based on which the committee will come to an opinion on making recommendations to ensure that the accused in heinous crimes are convicted,” he said.
Udupi administration officials have little knowledge about the internal complaints committee and local complaints committee. The sexual harassment Act requires an employer to set up an internal complaints committee at each office or a branch which has more than 10 employees of any gender. However, no department follows it. Officials have no information about central and state government compensation schemes. In this situation, how can we expect help to reach the victim?” he said.
The district-level officials should give more attention to the welfare of women and children. Most of the officials failed to give a proper response to the committee at the meeting. A change in the mindset of the officials is necessary for effective functioning of the administrative machinery, he said.
Members of the Legislature Committee on Women and Child Safety Chandramouli and Joythi, Deputy commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis, Superintendent of Police Laxman B Nimbargi, District women’s and child welfare department deputy director Gracy Gonsalves were present for the meeting.
