Mandya: Stressing sensitivity and accountability in policing, Nagalakshmi Chowdhary, chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Women (KSCW), Friday directed officials to ensure women are treated with dignity and that their grievances are addressed promptly at all district and taluk police stations.She was speaking while presiding over the Mahila Jan Sunwai, a public hearing held at Cauvery Hall in the zilla panchayat, organised under the guidance of the National Commission for Women.Emphasising gender awareness, Chowdhary called for regular sensitisation programmes to ensure women do not face difficulties when seeking justice. She also instructed education department officials to raise awareness of internal complaints committees (ICCs) in schools and colleges and to hold quarterly review meetings, with reports submitted to the commission.To strengthen women’s safety, she stressed the need to deploy Akka Pade patrol vehicles around schools, colleges, parks, hospitals and bus stands, and directed that helpline numbers be prominently displayed in public places.Regarding welfare measures, she asked the authorities to ensure adequate medical facilities in women’s and children’s hostels, along with proper sanitation, lighting, and security. She also urged the setting up of baby care (lactation) rooms at district bus stands.She commended the district police for effectively addressing issues related to microfinance companies.Deputy commissioner Kumara highlighted initiatives to curb female foeticide and child marriage through awareness campaigns at the district and gram panchayat levels. He said school heads have been instructed to visit the homes of students who remain absent for more than three days.SP VJ Shobharani shared data on missing persons and said the success rate in tracing cases over the past two years has been high.During the hearing, more than 250 petitions were received from women from Mandya district and neighbouring districts of Hassan, Chamarajanagar, Mysuru and Ramanagara. Several applicants sought housing and site allocations, while others complained of police inaction and insensitive behaviour. Complaints also related to illegal liquor sales, domestic violence and denial of family property rights.The programme was attended by senior officials, including Women’s Commission secretary Roopa and zilla panchayat CEO KR Nandini.
