Injustice against women will not be tolerated: NCW member

Member of National Commission for Women Archana Majumdar during her visit to the Government Medical College, in Vijayawada, on Tuesday. A.P. Women Commission Chairperson R. Sailaja can also be seen. | Photo Credit: K.V.S. GIRI

Member of the National Commission for Women (NCW) Archana Majumdar on Tuesday said that the commission was committed to the protection of girls and women and safeguarding their rights.

As part of a three-day visit to Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Majumdar went around Siddhartha Government Medical College and the Old Government Hospital in Vijayawada. She said that injustice against women in any part of the country will not be tolerated.

She said incidents of sexual harassment or assault should be reported to the Women’s Commission and emphasised that every business establishment, educational institution, or office with more than 10 employees, must form an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). These committees should function under the leadership of a senior woman employee, and appropriate measures must be taken accordingly, she clarified.

She said that the commission was available 24/7 and that victims could report complaints at any time. She assured that immediate action would be taken and informed that continuous efforts were being made for safety and empowerment of girls and women across the country.

Dr. Majumdar asked if Siddhartha Government Medical College had an ICC and instructed that it should be formed within a week. She also directed the hospital authorities to place display boards in the college informing the public about the women protection measures being taken. She also wanted them to ensure that helpline numbers were made visible.

Chairperson of Andhra Pradesh Women’s Commission Rayapati Sailaja said that should the ICCs established in various institutions fail to ensure justice to the victim, the matter should be escalated to the State or National Women’s Commission.

Siddhartha Medical College principal A. Edukondalu Rao, officials from the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the medical college faculty and staff were present.

Published - June 17, 2025 11:03 pm IST