The construction of ‘Sakhi’ — a one-stop centre for providing medical, legal and rehabilitation facilities for women subjected to any kind of violence — is in the final stages. It is being built close to the State Home.
Chairing a meeting of officials at the District Offices Complex here on Wednesday, Priyanka Mary Francis, Deputy Commissioner, said that already ₹37.68 lakh has been released for the building. The construction work is almost complete but electrification is still to be done, she said. She directed officials of Nirmiti Kendra to complete the work soon. She also directed the joint director of Women and Child Welfare Department, Gracy Gonsalves, to take steps for the centre’s inauguration.
She told Ms. Gonsalves to collect information of women from other States staying at the State Home and to provide their details along with photographs to the State police control room. The women living in the State Home should be given training in tailoring so that they can stitch cloth bags and earn a living, she added.
She also directed the police to immediately register cases in instances of atrocity against a woman. A copy of the FIR and medical report should be sent to the Mahila Santwana Kendra, she said.
She urged the Health Department to spread awareness on the ill-effects of consumption of tobacco products and drugs among school and college students.
Separate workshops should be held for police officers, officers of other government departments and voluntary organisations on Mahila Santawana Scheme, issues of protection of women from domestic violence, and the anti-dowry Act, Ms. Francis added.
