Sunday, November 24, 2013

Women's Convention

 ANNOUNCING
NATIONAL MINORITY WOMEN’S CONVENTION FOR SAFEGUARDING 
DEMOCRACY AND SECULARISM
NOVEMBER 26, 2013
CONSTITUTION CLUB OF INDIA
Rafi Marg, New Delhi


8.00-9.00-Breakfast
9.00-9.30- Registration

Names of speakers are in Alphabetic order--They might be speaking in this order
9.30--12.00
Inaugural Session:
Democracy, Secularism & Growth of Fascist Forces
Chair: Seema Mustafa
Key Note Address: Dr. Syeda Hamid 

Ajeet Cour,  Bader Sayeed,  Cynthia Stephen,  Dr Rokeya Begum,  Dr Sheena Shukkur , Dr. Annie Koshi,  Nafisa Ali,  Nuzhat Hassan,  Ramesa Begum,  Saleha Begum,  Sara Abubaker,  Sheba Varghese, Sister Justine 

12.00-1.30 pm
Session 2
Survivors of Communal Violence: Voices 
Chair: Zakia Soman

Bilkis Bano ( Gujarat),  Khurshida Khatoon(Muzaffarnagar), Madina (Dhule), Mafia(Gopalgarh),  Musarrat Jahan- (Mumbai), Sobhamani Karkaria (Kandhamal), Sultana Shaikh-(Gujarat),  Tahirun Khatoon(Forbesgunj)

1.30-2.30
Lunch

Defending India: Safeguarding Democracy and Secularism

2.30-4.00
Session 3
Breaking the Stereotypes: Women’s Voices: professionals
Chair: Sheba George
Albeena Shakeel,Anusha Rizvi, Arfa Khanum, Meera Rizvi, Nusrat Hussain, Saba Azad, Samina Mishra,  Seema Siddiqui

4.00-5.30
Session 4
Breaking the Stereotypes: Women’s Voices- grass root activists
Chair: Nafisa Barot
Jameela Khan,  Maqsooda Shaikh, Naseem Shaikh, Noorjahan Diwan,NoorJahan Safiya Niaz, Safiya Akhtar
Zeba Khan , Zulekha Jabin

5.30-6.00
Tea and Snacks

Info on Speakers at the NMWC

We are as diverse as India

Seema Mustafa is an Indian print and television journalist. While with the Asian Age, Seema received the prestigious "Prem Bhatia Award for Excellence in Political Reporting and Analysis" in 1999. Seema Mustafa began her journalist career with The Pioneer in Lucknow, moved to The Patriot in 1979. She has worked for The Telegraph, Indian Express,  Asian Age and The Sunday Guardian. She is now the consulting editor of Statesman.
Syeda Hameed is the Member, Planning Commission, Government of India, since 2004. She is holding various other post like Chancellor, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad. She is the founding member of Muslim Women’s Forum (MWF) since 2000, Women’s Initiative for Peace in South Asia (WIPSA), South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR). She is the founding trustee of Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation. She was the Member: National Commission for Women, Govt. of India from 1997- 2000. Dr Sayeda Saiyidain Hameed has won many prestigious awards - Padma Shri, 2007, Al-Ameen All India Community, Leadership Award 2006, Bi Amma Award2012.
Annie Koshi, Principal of St. Mary’s School,Delhi. A devoted social worker, Annie actively advocates the cause of the disabled and has worked hard on introducing an inclusive education system. Ms. Koshi is the Chairperson of Pratham Delhi Education Initiative, Member of the Committee of CABE She is also a Member of the Advisory Committee for Minority Cell-NCERT.
Cynthia Stephen is an Independent Writer , Political Activist and Researcher based focusing on issues of gender, development, poverty and exclusionin Bangalore.
Nuzhat Hassan, an IPS Officer of AGMU-1991 , she is the first Muslim IPS ., awarded Police Medal for Meritorious Service. Nuzhat Hassan has held various posts in the police, including those of S.P. Telecom, Arunachal Pradesh, DCP-Anti Corruption and Additional DCP of New Delhi District. In the year 2005 she became the Director of NBT. She is also the author of a collection of short stories entitled The Marginals. Presently she is the Joint Commissioner, Delhi Police.

Nafisa Ali is an Activist, Actress, Politician .In September 2005, she was appointed the chairperson of the Children's Film Society of India (CFSI). Nafisa Ali has accomplishments in several fields. She was thenational swimming champion from 1972-1974. She won the Miss India title in 1976 and was runner-up at the Miss International contest in 1977. Ali was also a jockey at the Calcutta Gymkhana in 1979.

Bader Sayeed is a legal Lawyer and an activist. She has been doing her independent practice of Law at High Court of Madras since 1986. She has taken up many cases relating to dowry deaths, rape, domestic violence, women in the unorganised sector, prisoner's rights and juvenile children, custodial violence and police atrocities as an Legal Aid Lawyer. 
Dr. Sheena Shukkur is the PRO- Vice Chancellor of Mahatama Gandhi University, Kerala. She has held many important positions like Member, Supreme Court Committee on Pendency and Arrears of High Courts, Chaired by Chief Justice of India , Director and Head of the Department of Law, the School of Legal Studies, Kannur University, Member, Executive Council, Kerala State Higher Education Council, Convener, Review Committee, Kerala State Policy on Higher Education, 2012, Convener, Review Committee on Reforming Legal Education in Kerala State, 2012,Member, Board of Studies in Law (PG), University of Calicut, 2012.
Ramesa Begum is a prominent writer in Assamese Language. She is a Member of Centre For MinorityStudies, Research and Development, Assam, Member, BTAD Citizen Rights Forum. Ramesa Begum is the Victim of BTAD ethnic clenching, 1994.
Ajit Cour is an Indian writer. She has written novels and short stories in the Punjabi Language on social-realist themes such as the experience of women in relationships and their position in society.She was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1985.

Sara Abubakar was born in a Malayalam-speaking family from Kasaragod . She has written nine novels, also authored five collections of short stories and translated six major works from Malayalam into Kannada. The novel Chandragiri Teeradalli has been translated into Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, English and Hindi and has been widely acclaimed. It has been prescribed as a textbook in Bangalore, Mangalore, Kuvempu and Karnataka Women's universities. She has served in various organizations and bodies like Karnataka Sahitya Academy, Doordarshan preview committee, regional advisory committee of Kendra Sahitay Akademi .

Sheba Varghese is the Vice President of YWCA, India
Saleha Begum is the Member of  BTAD Citizen Rights Forum, Assam and the Secretary, Socio-Economic Environment Society, Chirang, BTAD Assam.
Sheba George is an activist, Director of Sahrwaru, Ahmedabad. She has extensively worked on issues for women and youth's empowerment, gender justice and social reconciliation in Ahmedabad city and adjoining areas.

Sister Justine  joined the Sisters of St Joseph in 1992 and began her ministry as a teacher and then as formator in their program for candidates and those in temporary profession. Justine’s life was dramatically changed on August 23, 2008, when sectarian violence between Hindus and Christians broke out in her native Kandhamal, Odisha. She has worked as Secretary to the Women’s Commission.
Zakia Soman helped to start the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan in January 2007 to empower Muslim women fight communal forces as well as fundamentalist and patriarchal elements within the community, working in 15 states. Zakia is an eyewitness and a victim of the Gujarat carnage of 2002. She and her family had to flee to save their lives. It is an experience which turned her from a genteel working woman to an ardent activist for women's rights.
Bilkis Bano is a survivor of sexual violence of 2002 Gujarat. At that time she was staying in Panchmahal. She fought for over 7 years and finally got her tormentors convicted.
Sultana is from Kalol, Gujarat.  She is a survivor of sexual violence of 2002 Gujarat.  She is still waiting to get justice.

Musarrat Jahan is the sister of Ishrat Jahan. She has been fighting for justice for the past 10 years for her sister who was killed in a fake encounter.
Madina house was attacked during the Dhule riots and her house was totally burnt.

Mafia is from Gopalgarh.  She is a witness to the Goplagrah police firing case

Tahirun Khatoon- Forbesgunj, Tahirun lost her son and grandson in the Forbesgunj police firing in June 2010. She has been fighting since then to get justice.

Khurshida Khatoon is a witness to Muzaffarnagar violence.

Sobhamani Karkaria is a survivor from Kandhamal.

Anusha Rizvi  is an Indian film director and Screenwriter. Her directorial debut was Peepli Live. The movie won the Best First Film award at the Durban film festival and the Gollapudi Srinivas Award. Anusha Rizvi was a journalist before venturing into film direction. She graduated in history from St.Stephen's College, University of Delhi.

Saba Azad is an Indian model, singer and actress working in the Hindi film industry, known for her leading role in the Yashraj Youth Banner film Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge. She has featured in many commercials. She is also trained in dance forms like Odissi, ballet, jazz, Latin as well as contemporary dance forms. Azad started her own theatre company 'The Skins' in 2010 and directed her first play 'Lovepuke' in 2010. She became famous as a singer after her song ‘Dhak Dhak karne Laga” from nautanki Saala became a hit last year. She is part of the two member band along with Imaad Shah- Madboy/Mink a Funk - Nu Disco , which is craze with youth.

Meera Rizvi is an Engineer turned TV content provider, specializing in education-entertainment where presumably, her training in solving equation with multiple variables comes in handy, with shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati, Aap Ki Kachehri, Galli Galliu Sim Sim and Jasoos Vijay under her belt

Arfa Khanum Sherwani is a television journalist for last 13 years, she is a senior anchor with Rajyasabha TV. Hosts a daily analytical show at 9 pm called Desh Deshantar. 
Previously worked with Aamir Khan Productions for Satyamev Jayate and NDTV.

Samina Mishra is a documentary filmmaker, writer and teacher based in New Delhi, with a special interest in media for children. Her work includes The House on Gulmohar Avenue, a film that traces the filmmaker’s personal journey to understand what it can mean to be a Muslim in India, Hina in the Old City, a photographic book for children on the Walled City of Delhi and Home and Away, a multi-media exhibition on British Asian children in London. She has been part of UNESCO's Travelling Literature Festival, Ghummakad Narain, sharing her work with an audience of children in different cities across India.
Albeena Shakeel- Albeena Shakil, a former President of JNU Students’ Union, is women rights’ activist and teaches at Bharati College, Delhi University. .
Nusrat Hussain is an Advocate by profession. She did her L.L.B from Faculty of Law, Delhi University. She has worked as Law researcher with Honorable Justice Gita Mittal , High Court of Delhi from January 2011 – May 2013. Presently Nusrat is working as Editor, Current Tax Reporter with Wolters Kluwer India, (Pvt.) Ltd.  
Dr. Noorjehan Safia Niaz, co-founder of BMMA and founder and managing trustee of Ashana Trust. From 1999 till 2008 she worked in Women’s Research and Action Group [WRAG] as Project Coordinator and thereafter as the Co-Director. Through the years she has concentrated on developing the capacities of marginalized Muslim women, locally and nationally. She is also a visiting faculty with the Centre of Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy; SNDT Women’s University and teaches gender studies and human rights..
Noorjahan Diwan  is an activist presently working with Anhad. Before the 2002 riots she was just a housewife, but 2002 riots was a turning point in her life. Since 2002 she has worked with Bhartiya Muslim  Mahila Andolan, Amana Samodaye. Before 2002 riots she was a school teacher. Noorjahan works with the community, women issues , education. Initially her husband was against her when she came into activism.
Zulekha Jabin is a social activist. She has worked with BMMA an dmany other organizations as well as working independently. She is a fierceless amd prominent voice against every injustice in Chatisgarh as wel as the national level.
Jameela Khan- jameela Khan is the Gujarat Convenor of the BMMA. She is a writer and an active part of all social movements especially regarding the issues of minority women in Gujarat. 

Safiya Akhtar- is the convener of Madhya Pradesh unit of BMMA.  She works on  rights of Muslim women.

Naseem Shaikh- is an activist; She has worked extensively on relief, rehabilitation and for establishing communal harmony. She has worked in Aman samudaya and right now she works with Niswan on the rights of Muslim women.
Seema Siddiqui- Seema is a Public Relations professional who is currently heading the PR and Communications function of a technology MNC based in Gurgaon. She is also a visiting faculty at the Mass Communication Research Center at Jamia Millia Islam University, Delhi. Seema has a Master’s degree in Applied Communication from Coventry University UK.  Following the degree she worked in the London, in Social Care, for about 2 years before moving back to India. Seema has also taught in the Aligarh Muslim University in the Department of English, at the beginning of her professional career. Seema comes from the city of Lucknow and lives in Delhi.
Dr Rokeya Begum is a professor in a college in Siliguri., West Bengal.
Zeba Khan- Zeba Khan is from Tonk, Rajasthan. She works on issues related to the rights of women

ANHAD, BMMA, JTSA, JWP, MWF, NFIW, SAHRWARU, UTTHAN, YWCA

Sunday, September 22, 2013

A Women Delegation from Andhra Pradesh

Delegation led meeting the President
A Women Delegation from Andhra Pradesh led by Smt. Hemalatha meeting the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on September 21, 2013.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Joy of Teej

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 at 3:30 PM
A colorful event at MTSM college
Ludhiana: 8 August 2013: (Rector kathuria): Teej Festival cum Fresher’s Party was celebrated at Master Tara Singh Memorial College for Women, Ludhiana to present an authentic Punjabi Culture with the blends of modern hues. The whole atmosphere was filled with gaiety when college girls dressed in elegant traditional as well as western attires staged their dance performances, skit, folk songs and modeling.
       College Principal, Dr. (Mrs.) Parveen Kaur Chawla gave a hale and hearty welcome to the new entrants and also focused on the significance of Teej Festival in Modern Era.
Arshdeep Kaur was crowned ‘Teeyan di Rani’, Harmandeep Kaur and Navdeep Kaur were titled Miss Punjaban and Miss Majajjan respectively.  Ashwarya was crowned as Miss Fresher Shifali & Harpreet Kaur as first & second runners up respectively. Sukhpreet Kaur got the title of Miss Diva whereas Garima was declared Miss Crowning Glory. The tag of Miss Beautiful smile went to Gurleen Kaur.Various competitions like traditional style of pleating hair, Beautiful Pranda, Ethnic jewelry, Mehndi Application, Beautiful Bangles and were held and the winners were given prizes. S. Swarn Singh Ji (President, College Managing Committee) and S. Kawalinder Singh Ji (Secratery, College Managing Committee) graced the occasion and stressed on the need for maintaining our rich Heritage and culture in the Modern times.
     College Principal, Dr. (Mrs.) Parveen Kaur Chawla stressed on the need of being aware of our elementary traditions and values. The celebration was culminated by adding another leaf in the book of unforgettable memories of the college.

Teej Festival cum Fresher’s Party was celebrated

Save Punjabi as Subject of Study in the Colleges of Delhi

Remembering Sahir Ludhianvi

An Afghan Uniform Police

Saturday, June 8, 2013

First Lady Michelle Obama

 Addresses Young African Women Leaders



First Lady Michelle Obama delivers the keynote address to a U.S.-sponsored Young African Women Leaders Forum from Regina Mundi Church in Soweto, Johannesburg. Forum participants include young women from across sub-Saharan Africa who are leading or involved in social and economic initiatives in their own countries. Visit WhiteHouse.gov/YoungAfrica to follow the First lady's trip.

Friday, May 31, 2013

Still Haunting: 1984 Massacre

A historical TV show

Developing the Buddhist Pilgrimage

Smt. Chandresh Kumari Katoch addressing the Conference
The Union Minister for Culture, Smt. Chandresh Kumari Katoch addressing at the inauguration of the Conference on Developing the Buddhist Pilgrimage (Circuit) in India, in New Delhi on May 31, 2013.  (PIB)          31-May-2013

Thursday, May 30, 2013

The Speaker, Lok Sabha

Smt. Meira Kumar meeting Mr. Borut Pahor
The Speaker, Lok Sabha, Smt. Meira Kumar meeting the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr. Borut Pahor, at Ljubljana on May 29, 2013. (PIB)                    29-May-2013

DRDO Award

Award goes to Nabanita R. Krishnan
The Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony presenting the DRDO Award for best Techno Managerial Services -2012 to Smt. Nabanita R. Krishnan and team, in New Delhi on May 29, 2013. The DRDO Chief Dr. V.K. Saraswat is also seen (PIB)               29-May-2013

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Gym trend attracting women

MLA Bharatbhushan Ashu  distributed the Prizes
Ludhiana, May 4, 2013: When the majority of peoples are after drugs, wine and other addictions then Ludhiana is creating a new record in health and fitness. Swasthya Gym celebrated its 7th Anniversary today. To commemorate the event a competition was held at the gym.  Free Weight Challenge and Power Bench Press were the main attraction of this competition. Among the male & female gym members media persons also participated in this competition. The best achiever was honored with the best achiever award.  Devoted to peoples MLA Bharatbhushan Ashu has distributed the Prizes to winners.
The Detail of winner is given below:
Free Weight Challenge (Male)
Total Participant: 18
Winner: Mr. Vikas Sharma
1st Runner- up: Mr. Parvesh Sharma
Power Bench Press Competition
Total Participant: 08
Winner: S. Ishwar Singh (Only one winner no runner-up)

Free Weight Challenge (Female)
Total Participant: 08
Winner: Miss Taranjeet Kaur

Friday, March 1, 2013

SRI LANKA: A woman is tortured

ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION-URGENT APPEAL PROGRAMME
Urgent Appeal Case: AHRC-UAC-030-2013


28 February 2013
------------------------------------------------------
SRI LANKA: A woman is tortured by Rajanganaya Police and laid with false charges
ISSUES: Violence against woman; torture; impunity; rule of law
------------------------------------------------------
Dear friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information that Ms. Punchibandage Indrani was severely tortured by the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of Rajanganaya Police Station. On this day police officers including the OIC came to Indrani's home and assaulted her brother- in-law. Prior to the beating neither the OIC nor any of the officers present gave any reason for the assault. Indrani has been falsely charged with obstructing the police and having illegal liquor. She has made a complaint to the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka but to-date no action has been taken. This case is yet another illustration of the exceptional collapse of the rule of law in the country.
CASE NARRATIVE:
Ms. Punchibandage Indrani of, 6th Yaya, Angamuwa, Rajanganaya (Near the pump house) in Anuradhapura District is 45 years of age, married and a farmer by occupation.
On 7 November 2012, at about 7.30 in the evening, Indrani was at her house with Nimalka Krishanthi, her 3rd daughter and Nimalka's husband Anil Wijerathne. Three people in black coats approached her kitchen asking for the whereabouts of the people living in the house. Indrani recognised two of them as Sergeant Amarasinghe and Liyanarachchi who were from the Rajanganaya Police Station,
Anil Wijerathne, Indran's son-in-law was in the toilet at that time he came out inquiring as to who they were. The three men directed a torch beam into his face and introduced themselves as officers from Rajanganaya and then without any cause they started to beat him. Anil managed to return to the toilet to escape further beating. The officers stood outside guarding him. One of the men phoned the Officer-in-Charge of the police station and said "He is here. We captured him."
Kumarasena, the OIC and three other officers came by a three-wheeler. Two officers were wearing uniforms and four including the OIC were in civilian dress. The officers who were guarding the toilet told the OIC that he Anil was in the toilet. The OIC took him out, and began to beat him severely. Once again Anil ran away because the beating was unbearable.

After that the OIC got a pole and said, "No need to worry about his running away. We can take these two harlots instead of him". Then they forced Indrani and her daughter into the jeep. They were taken to the Raganganaya Police Station at around 8.30 pm. Only male police officers accompanied them in the jeep.
After they were taken to the police station, the OIC made them enter a nearby room and asked an officer to bring two cans of illicit liquor (Kasippu). The OIC tried to persuade Indrani to place her fingerprints on one of them. She asked the OIC "Why should I accept illicit liquor without doing any wrong?" The OIC was angry and told her, "I know how to prosecute and how to handle the case" and went away.
A few minutes later, the OIC came back with a two and half feet long hose pipe and threatened her to put her finger prints on the can. He began to beat her six or seven times on her back, thighs and head. Due to the attack against head Indrani was made temporarily blind. When Indrani collapsed to the floor the OIC made ready to beat her daughter. At that time Indrani pleaded with the police officer not to beat her daughter and promised him to place her finger prints on the can. She then did so although it was entirely against her will.
Her Daughter and Indrani were put into separate cells at 10.30pm by a women police constable. Indrani started screaming at about 12 midnight due to the pain caused by the severe beating, but none of the officers took any notice of her. She asked for water but none was provided.
On 8 November 2012 at about 5 am Indrani's daughter was placed in the same cage as Indrani. Then at around 9 am Indrani was taken out by officer Liyanarachchi and was brought to an officer at the section where complaints are recorded.
She was forced to sign a complaint which was written earlier. When Indrani refused to do so an officer (His name was unknown, but she could still recognize him) threatened and said that if she refused to sign she would undergo further beatings. Then Indrani asked for the statement to read, but it was refused. Finally she signed it out of fear. She was then replaced in the cell with her daughter.
At about 11 am they were taken to the Magistrate's Court and two cases were filed against them. One case was under the false charges of obstructing the official duty of police officers against both of them and the other was against Indrani under the false charges of keeping 25 bottles of illegal alcohol. Indrani vehemently states that police did not take any of those bottles from her custody or from her house. Indrani reiterates that she is not involved in any illegal activity, nor is any of her daughters or son-in-laws.
Indrani was remanded for 14 days. When she was at the Anuradhapura Prison she was admitted to the prison hospital due to the pain in her hands.
Indrani was released bail of Rs. 35,000.00 in cash Rs. 200,000.00 surety on the 20 of November. However she was Indrani was arrested on the same day due to the charges of obstructing to the official duty of police officers. She was set free again on the 21 November on case bail of Rs. 6,000.00 and Rs. 100,000.00 surety.
Indrani's health deteriorated and on the 22 of November she was admitted to the Thambuththegama Government Hospital. She was discharged on 26 November. Now she cannot raise her hands due to the severe pain. She said that she was taken by the police for no reason and was tortured by the OIC, whose name is Kumarasena.
Indrani made a complaint to the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission (HRC) just after she was discharged from the hospital but does not know if any inquiries have been made into the violation of her rights. Indrani appeals for justice.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
The Asian Human Rights Commission has reported innumerable cases of torturing innocent by the Sri Lankan police which are illegal under international and local law which have taken place at different Police Station in the country over the past few years.
The State of Sri Lanka had signed and ratified the Convention Against Torture on 3 January 1994. Following its obligation as a state party to the CAT Sri Lanka adopted Act number 22 of 1994. The law adopted by the Sri Lankan parliament making torture a crime that can be punishable for minimum seven years and not less than ten years on being proven guilty. The Attorney General of Sri Lanka is supposed to file indictments in the case where credible evidences are found on torturing people by state officers.
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Please send a letter to the authorities listed below expressing your concern about this case and requesting an immediate investigation into the allegations of illegal arrest, illegal detention and torturing by the police perpetrators, and the prosecution of those proven to be responsible under the criminal law of the country for misusing powers of a state. The officers involved must also be subjected to internal investigations for the breach of the department orders as issued by the police department. Further, please also request the NPC and the IGP to have a special investigation into the malpractices of the police officers for abusing the state officers' powers.
Please note that the AHRC has also written a separate letter to the Special Rapporteur on Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment on this regard.
To support this appeal, please click here: 
SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear ________,
SRI LANKA: A woman is tortured by Rajanganaya Police and laid with false charges
Name of the victim: Ms. Punchibandage Indrani of 6th Yaya, Angamuwa, Rajanganaya (Near the pump house), in Anuradhapura District
Alleged perpetrator: Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of Rajanganaya Police Station and several other police officers attached to the Rajanganaya Police Station
Date of incident: 7 November, 2012
Place of incident: Rajanganaya Police Division
I am writing to express my serious concern over the case of Ms. Punchibandage Indrani of, 6th Yaya, Angamuwa, Rajanganaya (Near the pump house) in Anuradhapura District. Indrani is 45 years of age, married and a farmer by occupation.
On 7 November 2012, at about 7.30 in the evening, Indrani was at her house with Nimalka Krishanthi, her 3rd daughter and Nimalka's husband Anil Wijerathne. Three people in black coats approached her kitchen asking for the whereabouts of the people living in the house. Indrani recognised two of them as Sergeant Amarasinghe and Liyanarachchi who were from the Rajanganaya Police Station,
Anil Wijerathne, Indran's son-in-law was in the toilet at that time he came out inquiring as to who they were. The three men directed a torch beam into his face and introduced themselves as officers from Rajanganaya and then without any cause they started to beat him. Anil managed to return to the toilet to escape further beating. The officers stood outside guarding him. One of the men phoned the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the police station and said "He is here. We captured him."
Kumarasena, the OIC and three other officers came by a three-wheeler. Two officers were wearing uniforms and four including the OIC were in civilian dress. The officers who were guarding the toilet told the OIC that he Anil was in the toilet. The OIC took him out, and began to beat him severely. Once again Anil ran away because the beating was unbearable.

After that the OIC got a pole and said, "No need to worry about his running away. We can take these two harlots instead of him". Then they forced Indrani and her daughter into the jeep. They were taken to the Raganganaya Police Station at around 8.30 pm. Only male police officers accompanied them in the jeep.
After they were taken to the police station, the OIC made them enter a nearby room and asked an officer to bring two cans of illicit liquor (Kasippu). The OIC tried to persuade Indrani to place her fingerprints on one of them. She asked the OIC "Why should I accept illicit liquor without doing any wrong?" The OIC was angry and told her, "I know how to prosecute and how to handle the case" and went away.
A few minutes later, the OIC came back with a two and half feet long hose pipe and threatened her to put her finger prints on the can. He began to beat her six or seven times on her back, thighs and head. Due to the attack against head Indrani was made temporarily blind. When Indrani collapsed to the floor the OIC made ready to beat her daughter. At that time Indrani pleaded with the police officer not to beat her daughter and promised him to place her finger prints on the can. She then did so although it was entirely against her will.
Her Daughter and Indrani were put into separate cells at 10:30pm by a women police constable. Indrani started screaming at about 12 midnight due to the pain caused by the severe beating, but none of the officers took any notice of her. She asked for water but none was provided.
On 8 November 2012, at about 5 am, Indrani's daughter was placed in the same cage as Indrani. Then at around 9 am Indrani was taken out by officer Liyanarachchi and was brought to an officer at the section where complaints are recorded.
She was forced to sign a complaint which was written earlier. When Indrani refused to do so an officer (His name was unknown, but she could still recognize him) threatened and said that if she refused to sign she would undergo further beatings. Then Indrani asked for the statement to read, but it was refused. Finally she signed it out of fear. She was then replaced in the cell with her daughter.
At about 11 am they were taken to the Magistrate's Court and two cases were filed against them. One case was under the false charges of obstructing the official duty of police officers against both of them and the other was against Indrani under the false charges of keeping 25 bottles of illegal alcohol. Indrani vehemently states that police did not take any of those bottles from her custody or from her house. Indrani reiterates that she is not involved in any illegal activity, nor is any of her daughters or son-in-laws.
Indrani was remanded for 14 days. When she was at the Anuradhapura Prison she was admitted to the prison hospital due to the pain in her hands.
Indrani was released bail of Rs. 35,000.00 in cash Rs. 200,000.00 surety on the 20th of November. However she was Indrani was arrested on the same day due to the charges of obstructing to the official duty of police officers. She was set free again on the 21 November on case bail of Rs. 6,000.00 and Rs. 100,000.00 surety.
Indrani's health deteriorated and on the 22 of November she was admitted to the Thambuththegama Government Hospital. She was discharged on 26 November. Now she cannot raise her hands due to the severe pain. She said that she was taken by the police for no reason and was tortured by the OIC, whose name is Kumarasena.
Indrani made a complaint to the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission (HRC) just after she was discharged from the hospital but does not know if any inquiries have been made into the violation of her rights.
I am aware that Sri Lanka had signed and ratified the Convention Against Torture on 3 January 1994. Following its obligation as a state party to the CAT Sri Lanka adopted Act number 22 of 1994. The law was adopted by the Sri Lankan parliament making torture a crime that can be punishable for minimum seven years and not less than ten years on being proven guilty. The Attorney General of Sri Lanka is supposed to file indictments in the case where credible evidences are found on torturing people by state officers. If the authorities leave the law without implementing it for ensuring justice to the victims and protecting the citizens from torture, then what is the use of making a law against torture? I assume that the authorities bear the spirit of the law, which was legislated by the parliament, and responsibility to administer justice to the aggrieved persons who suffer from torture endlessly in a flawed policing and criminal justice system of the country.
I further request your urgent intervention to ensure that the authorities listed below instigate an immediate investigation into the allegations of illegal arrest, illegal detention, torture by the police perpetrators, and the prosecution of those proven to be responsible under the criminal law of the country for misusing powers of state officers and for wrongful prosecution. The officers involved must also be subjected to internal investigations for the breach of the department orders as issued by the police department.
Yours sincerely,
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PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:
1. Mr. N K Illangakoon
Inspector General of Police
New Secretariat
Colombo 1
SRI LANKA
Fax: +94 11 2 440440 / 327877
E-mail: igp@police.lk
2. Mr. Sarath Palith Fernando
Attorney General
Attorney General's Department
Colombo 12
SRI LANKA
Fax: +94 11 2 436421
E-mail: ag@attorneygeneral.gov.lk
3. Secretary
National Police Commission
3rd Floor, Rotunda Towers
109 Galle Road
Colombo 03
SRI LANKA
Tel: +94 11 2 395310
Fax: +94 11 2 395867
E-mail: npcgen@sltnet.lk or polcom@sltnet.lk
4. Secretary
Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission
No: 165 Kynsey Road,
Borella, Colombo 8.
SRI LANKA
Fax: +94 11 2694924
Email: sechrc@sltnet.lk
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrc.asia)

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Sexual Harassment prevention Bill passed

27-February-2013 18:49 IST
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace 

(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2013 Sexual Harassment of Women
Courtesy Photo
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2012 was passed by the Rajya Sabha on 26th February 2013. Lok Sabha has passed it in September 2012.Sexual Harassment at workplace is a violation of women’s right to gender equality, life and liberty. It creates an insecure and hostile work environment, which discourages women’s participation in work, thereby adversely affecting their economic empowerment and the goal of inclusive growth. However, there is no domestic law to address this issue except a few provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Supreme Court Guidelines in the case of Vishaka vs. State of Rajasthan. The increasing work participation rate of women has made it imperative that a comprehensive legislation focusing on prevention of sexual harassment as well as providing a redressal mechanism be enacted.
The salient features of the Act are as follows:
(i)        It defines “sexual harassment at the workplace” in a comprehensive manner, in keeping with the definition laid down in the Vishaka judgment, and broadening it further to cover circumstances of implied or explicit promise or threat to a woman’s employment prospects or creation of hostile work environment or humiliating treatment, which can affect her health or safety.
(ii)       The definition of “aggrieved woman”, who will get protection under the Act is extremely wide to cover all women, irrespective of her age or employment status, whether in the organised or unorganised sectors, public or private and covers clients, customers and domestic workers as well.
(iii) While the “workplace” in the Vishaka guidelines is confined to the traditional office set-up where there is a clear employer-employee relationship, the Act goes much further to include organisations, department, office, branch unit etc in the public and private sector, organized and unorganized, hospitals, nursing homes, educational institutions, sports institutes, stadiums, sports complex and any place visited by the employee during the course of employment including the transportation.
(iv)      Definition of employee covers regular/temporary/ad hoc/daily wage employees, whether for remuneration or not and can also include volunteers. The definition of employer includes the head of the Government department/organisation/institution/office/branch/unit, the person responsible for management/supervisions/control of the workplace, the person discharging contractual obligations with respect to his/her employees and in relation to a domestic worker the person who benefits from that employment.
(v) The redressal mechanism provided in the Act is in the form of Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and Local Complaints Committee (LCC). All workplaces employing 10 or more than 10 workers are mandated under the Act to constitute an ICC. The ICC will be a 4 member committee under the Chairpersonship of a senior woman employee and will include 2 members from amongst the employees preferably committed to the cause of women or has experience in social work/legal knowledge and includes a third party member (NGO etc) as well.
(vi)  Complaints from workplaces employing less than 10 workers or when the complaint is against the employer will be looked into by the LCC. A  District Officer notified under the Act will constitute the LCC at the district level. LCC will also look into complaints from domestic workers.
(vii) LCC will be a five member committee comprising of a chairperson to be nominated from amongst eminent women in the field of social work or committed to the cause of women, one member from amongst women working in block/taluka/tehsil/manicipality in the district, two members of whom at least one shall be a woman to be nominated from NGOs committed to the cause of women or a person familiar with the issues related to sexual harassment provided that at least one of the nominees should preferably have a background in law or legal knowledge. The concerned officer dealing with the social welfare or women and child development shall be an ex officio member.
(viii)  A complaint of sexual harassment can be filed within a time limit of 3 months. This may be extended to another 3 months if the woman can prove that grave circumstances prevented her from doing the same.
(ix) The Act has a provision for conciliation. The ICC/LCC can take steps to settle the matter between the aggrieved woman and the respondent, however this option will be used only at the request of the woman. The Act also provides that monetary settlement shall not be made a basis of conciliation. Further, if any of the conditions of the settlement is not complied with by the respondent, the complainant can go back to the Committee who will proceed to make an inquiry. 
(x)  The Committee is required to complete the inquiry within a time period of 90 days. On completion of the inquiry, the report will be sent to the employer or the District Officer, as the case may be, they are mandated to take action on the report within 60 days.
(xi) In case the complaint has been found proved, then the Committee can recommend action in accordance with the provision of service rules applicable to the respondent or as per the rules which will be prescribed, where such service rules do not exist. The committee can also recommend deduction of an appropriate sum from the salary of the respondent or ask respondent to pay the sum. In case the respondent fails to pay such sum, district officer may be asked to recover such sum as an arrear of land revenue.
(xii) In case the allegation against the respondent has not been proved then the Committee can write to the employer/district officer that no action needs to be taken in the matter.
(xiii) In case of malicious or false complaint then the Act provides for a penalty according to the Service Rules. However, this clause has a safeguard in the form of an enquiry prior to establishing the malicious intent. Also, mere inability to prove the case will not attract penalty under this provision.
(xiv) The Act has provisions for providing reliefs to the aggrieved woman in the interim period including leave and transfer during the pendency of the inquiry.
(xv) The Act prohibits disclosure of the identity and addresses of the aggrieved woman, respondent and witnesses. However, information regarding the justice secured to any victim of sexual harassment under this Act without disclosing the identity can be disseminated.
(xvi) The Act casts a responsibility on every employer to create an environment which is free from sexual harassment. Employers are required to organize workshops and awareness programmes at regular intervals for sensitizing the employees about the provision of this legislation and display notices regarding the constitution of Internal Committee, penal consequences of sexual harassment etc.
(xvii) An employer will be liable to a fine of Rs 50,000 in case of violation of his duties under the Act and in case of subsequent violations the amount of fine will be double together with penalty in the form of cancelation of his licence, withdrawal or non-withdrawal of the registration required for carrying out his activity.
(xviii) In case of domestic worker the procedure is different considering the nature of employment. A domestic worker can approach the LCC in case of any complaint. If the complainant wishes then conciliation may be carried out. However, in other cases if the complaint is proved prima facie then the LCC can forward the complaint to the police for registering the case and taking appropriate action under the relevant provision of IPC. 
(xix) Regarding monitoring, the Act provides that the State Governments will monitor implementation and maintain data for all State Government establishments as well as private establishments in their territory. For establishments of the Central Government this duty is cast on the Government of India.  All ICCs have to submit Annual reports to the employer who inturn will submit it to the district officer. All LCCs shall submit their annual report to the district officer. The district officers will submit the report annually to the State Governments.
(xx) The Central and State Governments are mandated to develop relevant IEC and training materials and organise awareness programmes to advance the understanding of the public on the provisions of this Bill.
(xxi) The Central Government will provide financial assistance to the States to meet the expenditure of fee and allowances payable to the members of the Local Complaints Committee. (PIB)  Sexual Harassment prevention Bill passed
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Friday, February 22, 2013

Smt. Chandresh Kumari Katoch

Lighting the lamp to inaugurate an exhibition
The Union Minister for Culture, Smt. Chandresh Kumari Katoch lighting the lamp to inaugurate an exhibition ‘The World of Khusrau’, in New Delhi on February 22, 2013. (PIB)

Jayashree Muralidharan lighting the lamp

Bharat Nirman Public Information Campaign
The District Collector, Smt. Jayashree Muralidharan lighting the lamp to inaugurate the Bharat Nirman Public Information Campaign, at Tiruchirappilly, in Tamil Nadu on February 22, 2013.   (PIB)

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Smt. Sonia Gandhi launched the micro-ATM

ATM based payment service for the ASHA volunteers
The Chairperson, National Advisory Council, Smt. Sonia Gandhi launched the Aadhar enabled micro-ATM based payment service for the ASHA volunteers, at Palghar, Dist. Thane on February 06, 2013. The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Prithviraj Chavan are also seen. (PIB photo)                            06-February-2013

Saturday, January 26, 2013

The 64th Republic day was celebrated at CMC

Remember the responsibility towards the nation--Darshan Arora
A grand celebration at CMC hospital
Ludhiana, 26th Jan, 2013(Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria):The 64thRepublic day was celebrated at Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana with Patriotic spirit. The program started with thanks giving service for the country at college chapel, followed by Flag hoisting, March past and cultural events by staff and  students of various colleges at Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest Sh. Darshan Arora emphasized the responsibility of every citizen towards the nation and then to enjoy the freedom, brought to us by our martyrs. Earlier Sh. Darshan Arora was welcomed and introduced by the Director, CMC - Dr. Abraham G. Thomas. Present on the occasion were the Administrative team, staff and students to mark the celebration. At this occasion staffs who had completed 35 years of dedicated service were honoured. The Program was organized by College of Physiotherapy and Vice Principal thanked everyone for the help extended.
Associate Director, Dr.Kim Mammen, Principal CMC, Dr S.M. Bhatti, Principal Christian Dental College, Dr.Abi M.Thomas, Principal College of Nursing Prof.(Mrs.) Ponnamma R. Singh, Principal College of Physiotherapy, Dr.Jeewan S.Parkash, Principal IAHS, Dr.Anup Benjamin were also present on the occasion.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Republic Day 2013//Women’s Voice

Now being Heard through The Panchayats 
Feature on Panchayati Raj                      Dr. Hrusikesh Panda*                          
Gram Sabha is the deepest form of Decentralized Governance where every voter of a Gram Panchayat is a member and can participate in decision making, approval of plans, rejection of plans and selection of beneficiaries.

The Gram Sabha is being increasingly modelled to be the ideal institution for social audit.  The reason is that the Gram Sabha consists of people who are beneficiaries of schemes and programs and are at the spot when a program or a work is taken up and are the best judges of the quality of implementation of schemes and works.  Therefore, Gram Sabha should be the best agency for social audit.

A problem with Gram Sabha has been that in many places, the attendance is poor.  To begin with the agenda items are often limited to works taken up by the Panchayats and therefore many people have no interest to participate in the meeting.  There is the question of wage loss for a day.  In order to increase participation in Gram Sabha, it should have the time and wherewithal to take up a wide range of subjects.  These subjects should be of interest to the majority of population.  Examples of such subjects are: primary schools, mid-day meals, drinking water systems, sewerage systems, primary health care, child and mother care programs including Anganwadi and immunisation.  Most of these problems are faced by women and not by men in the villages.  Therefore, these subjects can be discussed only if there is sufficient participation of women.

Another set of subjects which affect women are cash income for management of household and food security.  Public Distribution System is one part of food security.  The other part of food is cash security, economic activities like agriculture, horticulture, dairy, fisheries, handlooms etc.  Some of the activities incidental to these activities are irrigation, land management and soil conservation.  Again, effective supervision over these programs by Gram Sabha is possible only if women participate sufficiently in the Gram Sabha meetings since they are witness to these activities and have to manage food security more often than men.  It has not always been possible to ensure women’s participation in many parts of the country where women do not speak before men.  Sometimes, the men would like women to attend to household chores and not attend meetings which they would consider wastage of time.  As a result of this vicious cycle, participation of women becomes negligible in Gram Sabha meetings, Gram Sabha does not take up issues which affect most of the people, and then the participation further declines.  To stem these problems, Ministry of Panchayati Raj has been taking up with the States to have special Gram Sabha meetings with a wider range of subjects.

Special Gram Sabha meetings to discuss nutrition were held in August, 2011 and again in August, 2012.  These meetings were attended by functionaries incharge of women and child care, health, sanitation, drinking water, PDS, education, mid-day meal, agriculture, horticulture, dairy and fisheries.  These meetings have seen greater participation of women and have also taken up issues which benefit a larger number of people and particularly women.

During October, 2012 special Gram Sabha meetings relating to women were held.  The issues which had been flagged are Anganwadi Centres, health, sanitation, drinking water, prevention of violence against women & children, prevention of dowry and female foeticide.  States have also been advised to have separate quoram for women in Gram Sabha in order to raise the attendance as well as participation of women.  Among others, the States of Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Tripura, Rajasthan and Odisha have responded on special Gram Sabha on women issue. 

However, in addition to these efforts, it is necessary to have Mahila Gram Sabha meetings for various reasons.  First, in a Mahila Gram Sabha meeting, presence and participation of women is much better than in a Gram Sabha meeting.  Second, the Mahila Gram Sabha meeting also takes up more sensitive topics such as dowry, domestic violence, substance abuse, violence in public space, female foeticide and trafficking of women and children. Some States like Maharashtra have been holding Mahila Gram Sabha meetings before Gram Sabha meetings.  We have been advising the States to constitute Mahila Sabha meetings in addition to Gram Sabha meetings.  Recently, States like Rajasthan, Odisha and Karnataka have notified for holding Mahila Sabha meetings.  Our experience shows that with increased participation of women in Gram Sabha meetings or Mahila Sabha meetings, for example, expenditure from MGNREGS is going for activities like irrigation and creation of water bodies which helps in raising income through agriculture, horticulture and fodder and also helps in improving drinking water supply.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj had advised the States to have Special Gram Sabha and Mahila Sabha meetings to discuss gender issues with special focus on  female foeticide and the social impact of having a larger number of men than women. It was  advised that these meetings should also be organised to discuss the issue of adverse Child Sex Ratio and female foeticide.  In the areas where Mahila Sabhas has not been constituted, they should be constituted and Mahila Sabhas should take up the matter of CSR.  Since the monitoring committee of Anganwadis have been put under the control of Panchayat / Ward member and Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committee (VHSNC) has been made a sub-committee of GP, Panchayats will have access to information on registration of pregnant mothers, birth of boys and girls and IMR/CMR. Therefore, Panchayats will be able to monitor sex ratio at birth and prenatal sex determination. I have attended several meetings of Gram Sabhas, Mahila Sabhas and workshops of elected Panchayat Representatives and seen how women are able to take up the problem of female foeticide upfront, discover the real reasons behind this mindset (violence against women in public space is a major concern) and how to face this. 

Accordingly, Special Gram Sabha on gender issues were held in various states.  In Haryana, in a programme 1500 women participated, at Julana Block on 1st September 2012.  This programme was represented by people from seven Gram Panchayats.  They took a solemn oath that they will make all efforts support to eradicate the social menace of female feticide. The women of these seven villages   largely discussed the impact of having a lower number of women on public order and the well being of adults.

Special Gram Sabha on Gender issues was organized by Namunaghar, South Andaman on 30th October 2012 which was attended by 30 women and young girls. Among other issues, prevention of violence against women and children, prevention of dowry and female feticide were discussed.  During this meeting, the people decided to organize Mahila Sabha to discuss women issues was emphasized.

A meeting in Mararikula South Gram Panchayat, district Alappuzha, Kerala was organised on 5th March, 2012 on “Mapping of violence against women”. About 2000 people, most of them women, attended this meeting. During this meeting, the findings and recommendations of the Mararikula South Gram Panchayat regarding crimes against women were discussed.  This Gram Panchayat had undertaken a mapping of crimes against women, particularly in public space and educational institutions.  The Gram Sabha found a few solutions too : keeping men engaged in gainful activities, particularly marine fishermen who remain inactive during their stay on shores, ensuring cash earning activities for women like dairy, establishing helplines and, providing counselling in schools to address confidence building measures so that students are able to stand up to violence. The Government of Kerala has adopted this concept and is in the process of replicating this in the state under a programme called NIRBHAYA.

The reservation for women among the elected representatives to Panchayats has increased the number of elected women representatives after 1993.  This has helped in great extent in increasing political leadership of women in Local Self Government.  The efforts of the Gram Sabha to take up issues which affect women and the constitution of Mahila Sabhas are empowering of women irrespective of whether they are elected or not.  The enthusiasm of women in Mahila Gram Sabha meetings in some parts of the country where their participation earlier had been next to nothing is something to be seen to be believed.
(PIB Feature) 
16-January-2013 17:26 IST
Click here to see Photos
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*Additional Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj. SS-08/SF-08/16-01-2013RTS/HSN