NCW Member urges women to fight domestic abuse

Member of National Commission for Women (NCW) Mamta Kumari has called for a strong willpower among the women of Himachal Pradesh to fight domestic violence and abuse. She was listening to the grievances of the local women and later presiding over a meeting of civil and police officials under the ‘Commission at your doorstep programme’ here today.

She asked the state government to appoint district-level nodal officers for timely disposal of cases related to domestic violence and abuse of women in the hill state. A total of 25 registered complaints and five new cases were taken up during the hearing. Kumari reviewed each case and directed the departments concerned to ensure prompt action. She said that district-level hearings allow quicker resolution as many women cannot reach the Commission’s office in Delhi. She highlighted that domestic violence accounts for nearly 70 per cent of complaints received by the commission’s office.

She said the commission was setting up counselling centres titled “Tere Mere Sapne” for pre-marital counselling in collaboration with district administrations. Over 100 such centres have already been opened across the country, and one is planned for Kangra district soon.

Mamta directed officials to appoint district-level nodal officers for timely disposal of cases and to introduce skill development programmes for women at ‘nari niketans’. She also instructed that regular motivational sessions and counselling be conducted for women inmates. Kumari asked the police not to call women to police stations after 5 pm in cases related to them and to accord priority to their complaints. She also stressed that while the commission supports women in justified matters, the law should not be misused by the police.

She said the NCW was promoting women’s participation in public life through its panchayat to parliament programme aimed at strengthening women’s leadership.

Earlier, on Monday, Mamta inspected several institutions in Dharamsala to assess women’s safety systems and welfare facilities. She visited the One Stop Centre, Lala Lajpat Rai Rehabilitation Home and the Zonal Hospital, where she reviewed support services, available infrastructure and operational procedures. She asked the officials to improve service delivery and ensure better protection for women.

She also inspected the Old Age Home at Dadhi. She interacted with the elderly residents, heard their concerns and examined the care arrangements. She suggested measures to strengthen facilities and enhance the overall comfort of the residents.