Rahatkar cites trust in law and NCW initiatives to speed justice delivery

In remarks reported from the visit, NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar stressed the need to boost women's confidence in the legal and administrative system, stating that such trust is vital for timely justice. She highlighted the NCW At Your Doorstep initiative as a significant step toward improved grievance redressal. Rahatkar cited data from the National Crime Records Bureau indicating Maharashtra's high crime rates against women and called for stronger preventive measures. She proposed district-level weekly grievance hearings and emphasized coordinated action among protection officers, local committees, One Stop Centres, and police authorities, along with regular joint reviews by district collectors and police officials. The article notes ongoing review of women-centric schemes and enforcement mechanisms across the Konkan region via video conferencing, including the implementation of PM Awas Yojana, Har Ghar Jal Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Lakhpati Didi Yojana, with directives to address bottlenecks. Rahatkar reiterated the NCW’s 24x7 helpline 14490 and expressed optimism that outreach would foster greater trust and quicker resolution of grievances.

The hearing, conducted under the National Commission for Women at Your Doorstep initiative, addressed 28 cases on Tuesday at Belapur in Navi Mumbai. Officials reported that 63 applications were received for the hearing, including 28 already registered with the NCW and 35 fresh complaints submitted during walk-ins. Proceedings in 28 cases were completed, with directions issued to resolve the remaining complaints within eight days. The cases included one on rape/attempt to rape, five on sexual harassment, three on assault, 14 on domestic violence, three on dowry harassment, one on cyber crime, and one on kidnapping. Some cases pending before courts may take longer. Rahatkar urged weekly fixed grievance hearing days by district police leadership, stressed coordination among protection officers, local committees, One Stop Centres and police authorities, and called for regular joint review meetings by district collectors and police officials. She also directed authorities to ensure timely access to free legal aid and counselling and to verify the functioning of internal and local complaints committees. The NCW helpline 14490 remains operational, and the outreach was presented as a means to build trust and accelerate grievance resolution.