USCW asks DMs to provide pink toilets for female pilgrims on Char Dham Yatra routes

PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun

The chairperson of the Uttarakhand State Commission for Women (USCW), Kusum Kandwal, has asked the district magistrates in the State to ensure the availability of pink toilets for female pilgrims along the Char Dham Yatra routes. She emphasised the importance of Uttarakhand as a significant tourist destination, attracting pilgrims and tourists from across the country and abroad.

To enhance the convenience of women in public places, Kandwal highlighted the need for pink toilets, which should prioritise cleanliness to prevent any inconvenience for female pilgrims during the Yatra. She said that while many public toilets have been constructed, they often do not operate smoothly or lack proper hygiene.

Further, there is a lack of special facilities for women, leading to various challenges and increasing the risk of health issues due to unsanitary conditions. In light of these concerns, Kandwal said that she has instructed the DM’s concerned to either construct new pink toilets at key public locations and Yatra routes or ensure the proper functioning of existing ones. She also said that the direction has also been given that these pink toilets should be equipped with essential amenities.

She further added that to ensure safe and secure services for female pilgrims, she announced plans to commence inspections and monitoring of the pink toilets before the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra.

USCW mandates ICC in workplaces

DEHRADUN : The Uttarakhand State Commission for Women (USCW) chairperson Kusum Kandwal stated that workplaces with more than four female employees must establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) on their premises. She said that the commission has been receiving several complaints from women regarding incidents of eve-teasing and harassment at their workplaces.

In light of this situation, she has directed all district magistrates across the State to ensure that an ICC is established in their respective districts, whether in government or non-government departments or offices. She also added that she has consistently sent reminders to all district magistrates regarding this matter.

Kandwal emphasised that if any female employee experiences teasing at work, they should consult their ICC. She assured that if the ICC fails to take action, the USCW will provide support to them.