PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Uttarakhand State Commission for Women (USCW) will promptly take notice and offer necessary guidance in cases of crimes against women under its zero-tolerance policy, the USCW chairwoman Kusum Kandwal said.
Recently, Kandwal acknowledged an alleged dowry death case in Rishikesh. Regarding this issue, she emphasised that the commission has implemented a zero-tolerance policy for crimes against women, prioritising the delivery of justice for the victim’s family.
She said that in light of the Rishikesh incident as well as various other cases concerning crimes against women, the USCW has adopted a zero-tolerance policy. Kandwal said that under this policy, the commission will ensure that action will be prioritised in any future incidents involving suicide, dowry deaths or other crimes against women. The commission will act swiftly, directing the police to investigate and take stringent action against those responsible for these offenses.
She stated that the commission has noted a decline in the occurrence of dowry cases in the State. However, such incidents have not been entirely eradicated. The USCW continues to encounter such issues. She highlighted that in comparison to the mountainous region, the plains of the State report a higher incidence of dowry cases, where women often face suffering or become victims of intolerable acts. This disparity arises because dowry practices have never been a part of the culture in the mountainous areas, while the plains are home to a diverse population with varying cultural backgrounds, some of which engage in dowry practices. She said that the commission views such activities as disgraceful.
She encouraged the women in the State to overcome their fear and to report any crimes committed against them, including cases of eve-teasing, dowry harassment or any other incidents, by reaching out to the USCW through their website or contact number. The commission will promptly take strong action regarding these matters, she added.
