Mahila Satta demands police reforms

Andhra Pradesh has the dubious distinction of figuring among the top five States in the country in the number of atrocities committed against women and children, a conference organized by the Mahila Satta pointed out today.

According to the National Crime Bureau, Andhra Pradesh during 2007 recorded 613 dowry deaths and 2097 kidnappings and abductions, apart from thousands of cases of sexual and other types of harassment.

The conference pointed out that the Andhra Pradesh had not carried out police reforms despite recommendations by experts at both the national and State levels. The State Government had not honored its commitment to the Supreme Court on introduction of a new Police Act.

The conference demanded implementation of the Malimath Committee recommendations which among other things wanted kidnapping of women and children to be treated as atrocities warranting capital punishment. The conference demanded immediate police and judicial reforms, establishment of fast track women’s courts in every district headquarters, establishment of village courts and decentralization of power through formation of ward governments.

In another resolution, the Mahila Satta demanded immediate closure of unauthorized liquor outlets known as belt shops, ban on open drinking at liquor shops, removal of liquor shops along highways and an effective campaign against liquor consumption.

“Instead of taking government to people’s doorsteps, the authorities have succeeded in making liquor available at their doorsteps. People may not have access to medications but they have access to liquor round the clock,” the resolution said.

Mrs. N. Saroja Devi, State Mahila Satta President, welcomed the gathering. Mrs. Mahalakshmi Vice President, presided. Mrs. K. Geetha Murthy, General Secretary, introduced the resolutions.

Among the participants were GHMC President Padmaja Rani, Madhura Devi, Kantimati Kannan, Chandana Chakravarty, Noorjehan, Anuradha, Ramanarasimha Rao and CVL Narasimha Rao.