Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), Vijaya Rahatkar, on Thursday lauded the achievements of Tripura's women across various fields, saying their success has earned nationwide recognition and expressing confidence that they would continue to excel in the years ahead.
Addressing a press conference at Sonartori Guest House in Agartala after concluding her three-day visit to the state, Rahatkar said the accomplishments of Tripura's women reflect their determination and the impact of sustained efforts towards women’s empowerment.
Sharing the outcomes of her visit, the NCW Chairperson stressed the need for the effective implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act in every government office. She said the legislation is essential for ensuring the safety and dignity of working women and emphasized that adequate measures should also be taken to safeguard women serving in the police force.
Rahatkar said she held discussions with the Chief Secretary, senior officials of the state administration, and Border Security Force (BSF) officials on strengthening measures to combat human trafficking. She also met Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha and discussed various welfare schemes being implemented by the state government for the benefit of women.
During her visit to Gomati district, the NCW Chairperson participated in programmes aimed at promoting women's safety and enhancing their participation in different sectors of society. She interacted with Lakhpati Didis, listened to their experiences and challenges, and reviewed the products manufactured by women entrepreneurs.
She also attended a review meeting with women public representatives, where discussions focused on the status of women in society and measures to further strengthen their role in governance and development.
Rahatkar later attended a programme on the prevention of child marriage at Rajarshi Hall in Udaipur in the presence of Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy. Schoolgirls from various educational institutions also participated in the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, she said the Central Government has launched a nationwide campaign to make India free from child marriage by 2030. She expressed confidence that the objective could be achieved through collective efforts and urged state governments to actively support the initiative.
Earlier in the day, the National Commission for Women organized a workshop on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 at Sukanta Academy in Agartala, where Rahatkar attended as the chief guest.
Addressing the workshop, she underlined that providing a safe, secure and respectful workplace for women is the responsibility of every institution. She urged all organizations to constitute Internal Committees (ICs) under the POCSO Act, conduct regular awareness programmes, ensure prompt and impartial disposal of complaints, and maintain strict confidentiality for complainants.
She said preventing sexual harassment at the workplace requires not only effective implementation of the law but also the creation of a culture based on sensitivity, mutual respect and accountability.