The North-East States of India have myriad traditions and ethnicity, thus, enhancing the cultural heritage of the country. The eight states have made a colossal contribution in putting the country on the global map. However, its inhabitants, to a large extent, continue to feel like strangers in their own land. Perturbed by the deep-rooted concerns of women from the North-East States, the National Commission for Women constituted a North-East Cell in the Commission to address problems faced by them across the country and to take particular steps for their development and empowerment. The Cell processes all the complaints received from the North-East States and also takes suo-motu cognizance in cases related to the states. It also calls for proposals for research studies, seminars/ workshops and legal awareness programmes from the eight states.
NCW has always felt that it is pertinent to apprise women from the North-East of their rights. In view of the escalating rate of crime against women from the North-East, NCW convened a two-day Legal Awareness Programme at the new complex of the Commission in Jasola to sensitise women/ students from the North-East, who reside in Delhi, about laws pertaining to their safety and security. The inaugural session was graced by the presence of Shri Kiren Rijiju, Hon’ble Minister of State (Ministry of Home Affairs); Dr T Meinya, Hon’ble Member of Parliament; Smt. Lalitha Kumaramangalam, Hon’ble Chairperson, NCW, and the Members of the Commission.
The Minister said, “It is perceived that women from the North-East are more vulnerable in the cities, however, women across the country are vulnerable and this is where the NCW needs to take up the issues hands on.” The minister also said social reforms were based on mental reforms.
A session on ‘Cyber crime and Women’ was held on Day 1, wherein the participants were apprised about the vulnerabilities in the cyber world. On Day 2, sessions will be held on ‘Criminal laws and Women’, ‘Sexual Harassment of Women at workplaces’ and ‘Modus operandi of handling complaints at NCW’.
For further information, please contact Mr. J. Shailendar, Under Secretary; or Ms. M. Lilabati, Coordinator, National Commission for Women, 011-26942369 (Extn.: 205, 235, 238)
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