A review meeting focused on women’s welfare and crime prevention was held on Friday at the conference hall of the Administrative Complex under the chairmanship of Archana Majumdar, Member of the National Commission for Women. The session concentrated on the progress of women beneficiaries under various government schemes and measures to prevent crimes against women and girls.
The meeting began with a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the tragic airplane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
Majumdar shared insights from her recent visits to the women’s ward of the Central Jail in Ujjain and the Sevadharam Ashram. She highlighted the urgent need to spread awareness about domestic violence and stressed the importance of establishing pre-marital and post-marital counseling centers. These centers, 80 of which have already been established across the country, provide counseling for both bride and groom starting from three months before marriage up to one year after marriage. She pointed out that with the increasing number of violence-related cases, especially a recent murder in Indore, such centers play a crucial role in early intervention.
Emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in eradicating practices like dowry, Majumdar said that there is a pressing need to change societal mindsets through greater awareness campaigns.
Further addressing the issue of healthcare at the Sevadharam Ashram, she called for immediate attention to the seriously ill residents by referring them to the district hospital and organizing regular health checkups, especially for senior citizens.
On the issue of adolescent girls, Majumdar expressed concern over the rising school dropout rates and their exposure to harmful influences on social media. She advocated for ensuring that girls marry only after reaching the legally defined age and urged for more public awareness and community engagement to prevent child marriages, particularly in rural areas. She also called for increased efforts to promote higher education for girls and help them plan their careers.
The Member of the National Commission also emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of cyber laws to combat the growing issue of cybercrimes.
District Panchayat CEO Jayati Singh assured that all directives issued by Majumdar would be implemented promptly.
Additional SP Pallavi Shukla informed the meeting about the ongoing initiatives in the district to prevent crimes against women and girls. She explained that "Urja Women Help Desks" had been established in all 29 police stations, with female officers addressing complaints empathetically and promptly. Additionally, under "Operation Eye," all police stations in the district are being equipped with CCTV surveillance, particularly in areas like schools, colleges, markets, and religious sites.
The Nirbhaya squad conducts regular patrols around sensitive locations, interacting with the public, visiting educational institutions, and resolving complaints from students and staff. Moreover, e-rickshaw drivers have been instructed to ensure safe travel for women from railway stations, bus stands, and temples to their homes.
Regular awareness campaigns are being conducted to prevent cybercrimes, and the city is actively promoting helpline services.
A notable initiative, “Beti Ki Peti” (Daughter’s Chest), offers a confidential platform for girls and women to share their issues when they may be hesitant to confide in family or friends.
Among those present at the meeting were Sevadharam Ashram Director Mr. Sudhir Bhai Goyal, District Program Officer (Women and Child Development) Mr. Brijesh Tripathi, District Health Officer Dr. Sunita Parmar, Assistant Director (WCD) Mr. Guru Dutt Pandey, CDPOs, and women doctors.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by District Program Officer Brijesh Tripathi.