Alcohol, drug abuse major contributors to crimes against women: women’s panel chief

Karnataka State Women’s Commission Chairperson Nagalakshmi Choudhary on Saturday said that unchecked availability and abuse of alcohol and narcotic substances were among the primary factors contributing to rising incidents of violence against women, including assault, rape and domestic abuse.

Presiding over a Mahila Spandana programme and a district-level review meeting at the J.H. Patel Hall of the Zilla Panchayat in Koppal, she called for strict regulation of liquor and drug sales across Koppal district.

“Alcohol, ganja and other narcotic substances impair judgment and moral restraint. In an intoxicated state, individuals commit heinous crimes against women, including sexual violence and even murder. The sale and consumption of liquor and drugs must be curbed effectively,” she said, directing the district administration and Excise officials to ensure that licences were issued strictly as per norms and to action taken against illegal sale, including in rural grocery and pan shops.

Ms. Choudhary expressed concern over minors falling prey to substance abuse, and asked the district authorities to submit a detailed compliance report on steps taken to regulate liquor and narcotics.

She stressed the mandatory implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace (POSH) Act, 2013, directing that Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) be constituted in all government and private institutions, factories and establishments employing more than 10 persons. “Failure to constitute ICCs and display of related information could attract penalties of up to ₹5 lakh,” she warned, adding that quarterly review meetings should be held under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner, with annual reports submitted to the Women’s Commission.

Following the review meeting, Ms. Choudhary heard public grievances and resolved some cases on the spot. In one instance, she directed officials to ensure financial assistance of ₹6,000 per month under the sponsorship scheme for single women raising children.

Deputy Commissioner Suresh B. Itnal, Superintendent of Police Ram L. Arasiddi and other senior officers were present.

Later, addressing a press conference at a government guest house, she briefed her findings in her three-day visit to the district and reiterated that the Women’s Commission remained fully committed to addressing women’s grievances, ensuring legal support and strengthening institutional mechanisms for women’s safety.

She said instructions had been issued to ensure regular health check-ups every three months in all student hostels, provision of quality food and basic infrastructure, and improved safety measures. She also highlighted the need for increased awareness among citizens about government welfare schemes and directed officials to conduct mandatory women’s gram sabhas in every village to address local issues.

She appreciated facilities at the district mother-and-child hospital and Morarji Desai residential schools, and instructed officials to replicate such standards across all hostels in the district. She directed that at least 50% of job cards under VB-G RAM G be issued to women and that more employment days be ensured for them.