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| Why have a toothless Women Commission? | | | early times report
Jammu, Feb 9: Since its coming into being a few years ago, the State Womens' Commission (SWC) has registered 2500 cases but most of the complainants rue the day they chose to approach the commission.
The commission cannot punish anybody and mostly plays a reconciliatory role especially in cases of domestic violence. "This is dangerous.
When a woman approaches the SWC with her woeful tale, she expects some action. But more often than not she is sent back to the husband's place after `reconciliation' through counseling. This adds to the woes of the victim. She is now seen as a person who cannot share family secrets.
The atmosphere becomes all the more hostile for her," said Jameela (name changed on request).
The commission members have candidly admitted the shortcoming. They have urged the government to make the commission stronger by making police act on its recommendations.
Another victim has questioned the quality and mode of counseling offered at the SWC. "Counseling is a highly specialized job and must be undertaken by trained and skilled people. Amateurs only reduce the victim to a psychological wreak," said Asma (name changed).
Jammu Kashmir is a state where harassment of women in home and at the work place is on the rise. In-laws, bureaucrats and even ministers have been found in exploitation and harassment of women. A strong body, therefore, is needed to address the problem. Unless the commission is given teeth, the women shall continue to suffer in one way or the other. |
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