Increase in the Number Of Sexual Harassment Cases Being Reported In Greater Mumbai

A report in the Maharashtra legislature shows that the number of cases of sexual harassment have increased in the year 2014 compared to the past three years in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). According to the report by the 15-member legislative committee on rights and welfare of women, there were 32 cases of sexual harassment in 2014 alone whereas only 53 cases were registered between 2010-2013.

Last year 80% of the cases were resolved with strict action initiated against the accused stated the committee. Also in order to safeguard the interest of the victims, the committee directed the heads of the 71 sexual harassment grievances redressal committees in the civic body.

In each of the BMC wards, the committee has recommended setting up restrooms for women known as Mahila Aadhaar Kendra. These kendras are setup already in 5 wards till now. The civic body are to submit status reports on the recommendations in two months as directed by the committee.

The inadequate number of public toilets for women in the city is also pointed out by the report. The committee was appraised by the civic body about changes in the government policy that does not allow the corporators from using the civic body’s funds for construction of toilets and setting up temporary toilets in slums. However, the Urban development department has told the committee that the state government has sought permission from the Center to abolish the condition that requires the no-objection certificate from the land owners of the toilets.

The civic body has not adhered to the mandatory reservation reservation of 30% to women in recruitment as 3,804 positions reserved for women are vacant stated the committee. Adequate amount of awareness about the recruitment was suggested by the committee.

Manisha Chaudhary, head of the legislative committee, said, “We have been pursuing the important issues, recommended in the report, with the BMC. The issues of the public toilets for the women, recruitment of the women in jobs, regular medical check-ups for women will be taken up.”

Source-Medindia