QR code system and WhatsApp group among the measures suggested
PANAJI
A delegation of women's organisations met Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Varsha Sharma on Friday, urging to resume regular meetings with NGOs and stakeholders on crimes against women.
One of the members, Sabina Martins, informed the media that the DIG tasked with engaging these groups, spoke about the use of a QR code system across police stations, allowing women to provide direct feedback if they face difficulties.
The discussions also included the formation of a WhatsApp group comprising the DIG, designated personnel, women’s organisations, and key community members. This platform, with specific SOPs and profiles, is to facilitate swift responses to issues faced by women at police stations.
With a meeting scheduled on February 25 at Police Headquarters, the women’s groups have been asked to submit specific issues and/or cases and other procedural lapses observed and complaints raised, notably in the last three months, in writing.
“The delegation also raised concerns with the DIG regarding the public disrobing of women during cremations, an act ordered to be stopped by the Goa Human Rights Commission. We also discussed the attitudes of police towards marginalised and vulnerable women from different communities,” Martins said.
The DGP assured the delegation that necessary actions would be taken per the law, with a focus on collaborative measures, feedback mechanisms, sensitisation programmes, and regular reviews involving grassroots organisations. The DIG further stated that the department has already initiated workshops for police personnel.
