It was after an acrimonious debate in the legislature session on the increasing number of sexual assaults on women in the State that the Karnataka government on July 30 set up an expert committee to study and make recommendations on issues related to the safety of women and children.
While the committee, headed by the former Law Minister M.C. Nanaiah, had a mandate to submit the report within three months, it turns out that the committee has not met even once, more than one-and-a half-months after its formation.
According to official sources, except for an official communication to the members and chairman, things have not moved an inch.
In fact, while some members have received intimation of their inclusion in the committee, some have not even got that.
Terms of reference of the committee have not been specified so far and there is no sign of providing office space for the committee to function.
The file pertaining to the committee has so far moved from the Home Department to the Finance Department and is awaiting approval.
MLC Tara, a member of the committee, said that she had so far not received any communication regarding her appointment as a member.
“The government showed its commitment to the issue by announcing the committee, but does not appear to have the same enthusiasm in expediting the process,” she said.
Journalist and writer Gauri Lankesh, a member, said that she had received no communication beyond a letter stating that she was nominated. “It said that terms of reference will be sent separately,” she said and added that there was a need to expedite the process considering that cases of rape — some involving high-profile accused — were on the rise in the State.
“We need a stringent system that does not let influential rapists go scot free,” she said.
Interestingly, not one of the members belonging to the Congress was prepared to speak on the delay in making the committee functional, as they did not want to “embarrass” the government.
Two Congress MLCs, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they had not received any communication on meetings and expressed their anxiety over the delay in holding it.
‘Additional staff needed’When contacted, Home Minister K.J. George said that grant of additional staff for the functioning of the committee was awaited. “Mr. Nanaiah wanted some additional staff to assist in the working of the committee. We have sent a request to the Chairperson of the Legislative Council on this,” he said. Asked when the committee would start holding meetings, he said, “That Mr. Nanaiah has to decide.”
