National Commission for Women member Dr. Archana Majumdar warns of stern action

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Women’s protection and empowerment are the foremost priorities of the National Commission for Women (NCW), asserted Dr. Archana Majumdar, a member of the Commission, during her visit to Vijayawada on Tuesday. Speaking on the first day of her three-day visit to Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Majumdar made it clear that any assault or harassment against women will not go unpunished, and stressed the availability of the Commission 24/7 to support victims.

Dr. Majumdar toured Siddhartha Government Medical College and the Old Government General Hospital in Vijayawada, where she reviewed women’s safety measures and internal grievance mechanisms. She emphasized that every institution or organization with more than 10 employees must set up an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), led by a senior woman employee, to address issues related to harassment and abuse.

“The National Commission for Women will take swift action wherever injustice is meted out to women or girls across the country,” Dr. Majumdar said. “No organization is exempt from the requirement to establish ICCs. This is the first step in ensuring a safe and dignified workplace.” She added that the NCW helpline is active round-the-clock, and any woman in distress can reach out at any hour. “Immediate action will follow every genuine complaint,” she assured.

At Siddhartha Medical College, Dr. Majumdar inquired whether the ICC was functional. Upon learning it wasn’t yet established, she directed the college administration to form the committee within a week. She also recommended that the campus install display boards with helpline numbers and awareness materials regarding women’s rights and protection.

Dr. Rayapati Shailaja, Chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh State Women’s Commission, echoed Dr. Majumdar’s message, stating that if a woman is denied justice through her institution’s ICC, she can escalate the matter to the state or national commission. “Whether it is dowry harassment, sexual harassment, or any form of abuse, action is guaranteed. No woman should feel unsafe in her workplace,” she said.

Dr. Shailaja also emphasized the commission’s role in creating a peaceful working environment for every woman, and urged all institutions to take their responsibility seriously.