HIGHLIGHTS

60 per cent complaints are still pending, the claims of officials proved futile l Heinous crime such as rape, gang rape and murder continue to happen consistently

15 per cent increase in complaints in 2018-19 as compared to 2017-18

RAVINDER SINGH MALIK

Chandigarh

In a state like Haryana where patriarchy is still deep rooted in the society and cases of crime against women are increasing consistently, the situation gets more problematic that the disposal of complaints by the State Women Commission (SWC) is very slow. It raises questions on the functioning of the commission. To some extent, it indicates the non-serious attitude of the government towards the women safety and other related issues. The commission failed to solve 60 per cent cases so far. The claims of the commission of better functioning seem futile as it could solve only nearly 35 per cent cases of crime against women. Though the officials are of the view that they are committed to sort out the cases at a fast pace. It is learnt that a total number of 1,887 complaints were received by commission and out of these only 650 complaints were settled. It came to light that a total number of 1,611 cases had been reported in 2017-18 whereas a spurt in cases was witnessed the following year. The SWC and the state government boast of women safety, however, the situation is getting murkier with each passing year.

It is horrible that heinous crime such as murders and gang rapes continue to happen overshadowing the improving sex ratio. “The commission expects to dispose of 70 to 75 per cent complaints this year and we are committed to dispose of complaints at a fast face,” said vice chairperson of the commission Preety Bhardwaj. The commission has come up with many improvised steps for the fast disposal of cases. The commission receives the complaints of rapes, honour killings, family disputes, sexual harassment, domestic violence and murders etc. Even heinous crimes against the women are increasing. The data from April 1 to September 30, 2018 revealed that 59 cases of gang rape and 82 of abductions were reported. Besides, 119 complaints of sexual harassment had also been reported. Meanwhile, a total of 199 dowry complaints were also reported followed by 98 complaints of harassment in state during above said period. It is pertinent to mention that 15 per cent spurt in cases of crime against women has been witnessed in 2018-19 as compared to 2017- 18 which is a matter of serious concern. A total number of 1,611 complaints had been received by the SWC which went up to 1,887 in 2018-19 constituting 15 per cent increase in total cases.

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