One-stop centre for women languishes for want of facilities

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, June 24

The scheme of one-stop Sakhi centres launched by the Union Ministry for Women and Child Development (MWCD) for victims of sexual assault, finds itself in an unenviable situation in Bathinda.

A Sakhi Centre has been set up near the residence of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in the city but has failed to serve its purpose as there is no first aid box and food for the affected women.

Even from the security point of view, if any clash takes place at the Sakhi centre, there are no women constables posted there to sort out the mess.

Moreover, half the employees at the Sakhi centre haven’t gone through the training session organised by the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD), a government agency in New Delhi under the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development.

The centre became operational on May 2 this year for women affected by any form of violence. They will be provided medical, legal, psychological and counselling facilities under a single roof round the clock.

Since May 2, 23 cases of the women victimised have been registered so far. Of this, half the cases are still pending.

According to sources, the authorities concerned are not fully aware of it.

Moreover, the sensitive case of a woman gang-raped in which she was forced to undergo two abortions was brought to the Sakhi centre on June 13. She had come to the centre as despite the registration of a case, no action had been taken by the police even after a month had passed.

On the other hand, in case of an emergency, the officials at the centre do not even have the contact number of the District Programme Officer of Sakhi Centre, Rakesh Walia.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Dr Shena Agarwal said, “I was not aware of the issues related to the one-stop centre and soon all problems would soon be resolved.”

Rakesh Walia, District Programme Officer, refuted the charge of not providing the mobile number to the employees. “We will soon sort out the problems of Sakhi centre,” he said.

Senior Superintendent of Police Naveen Singla said, “We have not received any notice for security from the Sakhi centre. It it is genuine, we will provide security after we receive a request from the officials there.”

No food, security

A Sakhi Centre has been set up near the residence of the IGP in the city but has failed to serve its purpose as there is no first aid box and food for the affected women. Even from the security point of view, if any clash takes place at the centre, there are no women constables posted there to sort out the mess. Moreover, half the employees at the centre haven’t gone through the training session organised by the NIPCCD, a government agency in New Delhi under the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development.