Women Commission chairperson calls for action against sale of liquor in rural areas, drug trafficking

Karnataka State Commission for Women chairperson Nagalakshmi Choudhary holding a meeting in Shivamogga on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit:
S.K. Dinesh

Karnataka State Commission for Women chairperson Nagalakshmi Choudhary has asked Shivamogga district administration to take firm action against liquor sales in rural areas and tackle drug trafficking in the district.

In a press conference here on Tuesday, Ms. Choudhary said she received numerous complaints from women about the illegal sale of liquor in rural areas. “Women told me that liquor was available in many petty shops in rural parts. Men addicted to alcohol often consume it and then resort to violence against wives or mothers at home. I am deeply concerned for the safety of women. The district administration should take stern action to stop the sale of liquor,” she said.

Ms. Choudhary learnt about banned drugs being easily available to the youth in the district and discussed the issue with the police officers, who had taken up many actions to stop the sale and consumption of drugs. “The officers of all departments should join hands in addressing the issue. Whoever notices the illegal activity should inform the police officials and ensure proper action is taken,” she said.

Regarding the functioning of the Women Police Station in the city, Ms. Choudhary observed that the station’s ambience was not appropriate for women and children. She also wanted to know if the police staff members at the station were trained with skills necessary to counsel the complainants.

“Women come to the station with various kinds of complaints. The staff need training to talk to them. I have told the officers to ensure they are given suitable training,” the chairperson stated.

Recalling her interaction with the students at Sahyadri College in the city, she said a student reported inappropriate conduct by a faculty member. Every institute should have an internal complaints committee, which is a mandatory body. “The committees should function effectively and address the issues concerned with harassment of women and students,” she remarked.

At McGann Hospital, she said that she noticed women were made to stand in queue for hours to register their names before entering the hospital. “During my visit to the hospital on Monday, I noticed women made to stand in long queues. I insisted the officers to increase the number of counters and two more counters were opened within a day,” she added.

During the two-day stay in Shivamogga, the chairperson visited hostels, Women Police Station, McGann Hospital and interacted with many women. She held a meeting with officers on Tuesday.

Deputy Commissioner Gurudatta Hegde, Superintendent of Police G.K. Mithun Kumar, and others attended the meeting.