Assam: Day-long legal awareness camp for women conducted in Hailakandi -Watch Video

Inaugurating the camp at SK Roy College auditorium on Thursday, Vice Chairperson, Assam State Commission for Women, Dr. Hemoprava Borthakur urged the women to be aware of the various provisions of the law to assert their rights.

Borthakur said the women must assert their rights by taking help of the statutory bodies and civil and police administration and not to suffer any atrocities or discrimination silently.

“All are equal in the eyes of the law and the oppressed and subjugated women must come forward to register their complaints either with the women commission or the district level women cell or the police against all sorts of atrocities,” she said.

Giving an outline of the activities of the Assam State Commission for Women since its inception in 1994, Borthakur said it has been in the forefront in safeguarding the interest and rights of women through legal aid against all forms of atrocities.

The Vice Chairperson acknowledged that backward Hailakandi district has least number of crimes against women and lauded the womenfolk for being conscious of their rights and the district administration for acting swiftly against any cases lodged for crimes perpetrated against the fair sex.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner, Adil Khan said the administration accords top priority whenever there is any crime against women. Citing an instance, Khan said the police nabbed the accused in the murder of a tribal girl in south Hailakandi within 24 hours and filed the chargesheet in a record time. Trial is about to be completed and quantum of sentence to be awarded shortly, he quipped.

Khan urged the women to be aware of their rights given to them by various provisions of law for their protection in society. He also urged them to avail the various government schemes to make themselves socio-economically resilient and for leading healthier lives.

Khan appealed to the women to extend their support and cooperation to the ongoing Measles Rubella vaccination campaign to protect the children from the deadly diseases that snuff out thousands of lives every year.

The Deputy Commissioner said the administration has been working relentlessly and assiduously for empowering the women through the Mahila Shakti Kendra, the first to be set up in the entire State.

Earlier, in his address, Superintendent of Police, Mohneesh Mishra said women have to be the torch-bearers in bringing about the desired change in society. Mishra said the doors for justice are open for women against whom offences have been committed and for that they have to be aware of their rights to assert themselves in society. “Knowledge is power. Do not fear or hide anything. Voice your concern and we are with you, always,” he added.

Government pleader and resource person, Ashutosh Paul dwelt at length on the legal provisions available under the IPC to victims of rape and offences outraging the modesty of women.

Member of District Level Women Cell and resource person, Dr. Rehena Begum spoke on health related issues concerning women and facilities available at the SK Roy Civil Hospital.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Amalendu Roy, District Development Commissioner, FR Laskar, Member of Assam State Commission for Women, Maya Rani Sarkar and Principal of SK Roy College also addressed the gathering.

The camp, which was attended by ANMs, Anganwadi workers, SHGs and students, was organised by the Assam State Commission for Women in collaboration with the District Level Women Cell.