BJD leader and social activist Minati Behera Tuesday assumed charge as the Chairperson of State Commission for Women (SCW). The post had been lying vacant since the resignation of Lopamudra Buxipatra in November 2018. Behera briefly worked as a lecturer at a college in Tirtol before joining politics. In an interview with Gyan Ranjan Mohapatra of Orissa POST,
Behera revealed her plans and objectives to streamline the commission that is often called
a toothless agency. Excerpts:
The SCW has constantly been accused of being a ‘toothless agency’. What steps are you going to take to change the narrative?
The government has been requested by several women rights organisations to bring some amendments to Orissa State Commission for Women Act to give more teeth to it which is under consideration. However, it would be very fruitful if the government decides to amend the Act.
Several women victims alleged that the accused persons and other stakeholders are not paying any heed to the notice served by the commission.
We are taking steps as per the law; we wrote letters to the SPs regarding the non-appearance of the accused. We also visit the spot and do enquiry. However, strict execution needs some amendments as well.
There are a number of cases still pending with the commission; as a result victims are still awaiting justice despite lapse of several years.
The commission is working tirelessly to solve as many cases as possible. More than 50 per cent of cases have been solved by the commission. I can assure that the commission will take up hearing on the fresh complaints registered at the commission in order to ensure speedy justice.
The role of politicians in suppressing facts to save the culprits involved in crimes against women came to the fore in some high profile cases. How do you see the role of SCW in these situations?
The commission is an impartial agency that never worked under any pressure in the past. As the head of the commission, I will also continue the tradition in future too.
Many false complaints were also lodged with the commission with ulterior motives to implicate the in-laws family.
It is true that there are several cases proving false during the course of hearing. We also initiate several hearings as well as spot enquiries in the cases to know the truth.
What’s the role of women commission amidst the rising cases of crimes against women in the state? It also came to notice that the helpline number 181 is not working properly.
The commission has been doing awareness programmes at the block level at several places across the state. We also need the help of media to bring awareness about the rising menace. I have no knowledge about it, however, regarding the helpline number I will check with the authorities and try to make it work properly soon.