National Commission for Women Holds Public Hearing in Dehradun, Receives Over 25 Complaints
Most complaints relate to domestic violence and harassment; police and concerned departments directed to take prompt action
Women urged to know their rights and speak out against abuse
Dehradun: A public hearing for women was organised at the Police Lines auditorium in Dehradun on Friday under the National Commission for Women’s ‘National Commission for Women, Aapke Dwar’ campaign. The initiative aims to address women’s grievances, protect their rights and ensure effective resolution of cases involving violence and harassment.
The hearing was chaired by National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar and received more than 25 complaints, most of which were related to domestic violence and harassment.
Rahatkar listened to the grievances of the affected women and directed police and concerned departmental officials to take prompt and effective action to ensure justice for the complainants.
Violence against women is unacceptable: NCW Chairperson
Rahatkar said that violence and harassment against women are unacceptable under any circumstances. Every woman has the right to live with dignity and equality in society.
She observed that women are making significant contributions across families, society, administration, education and science. Therefore, a positive change in society’s attitude towards women is essential.
Discrimination against women, belittling them or depriving them of their rights is wrong, she said.
The NCW Chairperson emphasised that women’s empowerment requires a respectful environment and a sensitive, timely response to their complaints. She also stressed the need for officials to treat cases of harassment seriously and provide the necessary assistance to survivors.
Women urged to seek help through available helplines
Rahatkar said that the Central and state governments operate various helplines and support mechanisms for women’s safety and assistance. However, many women are unable to benefit from these services due to a lack of awareness.
She urged women not to remain silent in cases of violence, harassment or distress and encouraged them to use the available support services to speak out against abuse.
She said that emergency police assistance can be accessed by calling 112, while the women’s helpline 181 also provides assistance.
The National Commission for Women’s counselling helpline 14490 offers counselling and guidance to women, including those who find it difficult to speak openly about abuse or harassment.
The service aims to build women’s confidence, encourage them to express their concerns and provide the counselling they need.
Helplines and safety applications explained
During the hearing, women were informed about various emergency services and support helplines, including:
- 112 – Emergency police assistance
- 181 – Women’s helpline
- 14490 – National Commission for Women’s counselling helpline
- 1091 – Women’s safety helpline
- 1098 – Child helpline
- 1930 – Cybercrime helpline
- 7827170170 – National Commission for Women’s 24×7 helpline
Information was also provided about mobile applications designed to support women’s safety and access to assistance.
The One Stop Centre app provides information about services available under the One Stop Centre scheme for women affected by violence, including support related to safety, dignity and empowerment.
The 112 app is connected to the round-the-clock emergency response system and enables users to seek assistance during emergencies.
The Raksha app was also discussed. It allows users to share their location with family members and close contacts at the press of a button during an emergency, helping them seek immediate assistance when required.
Collective responsibility to ensure justice for women
Rahatkar said that women should be aware of their rights, legal provisions and the support services available to them.
She emphasised that families, society, police and concerned departments share the responsibility of ensuring a safe environment for women facing harassment and making every possible effort to secure justice for them.
She called for greater awareness about women’s safety and empowerment, along with effective resolution of their complaints.
Officials present
Those present at the programme included Uttarakhand State Commission for Women Chairperson Kusum Kandwal, Inspector General of Police Nilesh Bharne, Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police Parmendra Dobhal, Additional District Magistrate (Finance and Revenue) K.K. Mishra, Superintendent of Police (Rural) Jaya Baluni, officials from the Child Welfare Committee and One Stop Centre, and representatives of concerned departments.
