At the Odisha State level regional meeting organised by the Vasavya Mahila Mandali and the US Consulate General, Hyderabad, here, Inspect General of Police, Crime Arun Bothra cautioned the youths to be very careful while using social media.
Bothra stated the Government of Odisha has provided 33 per cent reservation for women in police force and in 530 police stations throughout the State, there are women and children desks. “There are also anti-trafficking cell and special investigation cell. We have taken up a campaign on child sexual abuse and for any support of police, the victims can call to 1098 helpline and 100 emergency number,” said Bothra.
Bothra added that the situation of gender-based violence is less in eastern India such as Bengal and Odisha compared to Rajasthan from where he hails. The IGP expressed that Vasavya Mahila Mandali has really provided a momentum in Odisha by empowering about 300 youths from 10 colleges in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack by developing a module and such type of sensitisation is required for students, faculty, parents and all other service providers.
Vasavya Mahila Mandali president Dr B Keerthi said that nobody should remain silent when faced with violence.
She added that with the US Consulate’s support, Yuvamitra programme is empowering about 1,000 youths as gender champions in Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad.
Also, issues of transgender rights, dignity and the society’s attitude to them were discussed.
Among others, IIPM founder Arundhati Devi spoke on the occasion. About 300 students and faculty members from 10 colleges, the Odisha Resource Persons Forum and NGOs took part in the meeting.