SRINAGAR, DEC 06: Jammu and Kashmir reports around 12 cases of crimes against women on an average daily as the Union Territory has registered around 7700 cases over the last two years.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 3900 crimes against women were registered during 2021. During 2022, 3800 cases were registered. These cases have been registered including modesty of women, rape, cruelty by the husband or his relatives, abductions of women and kidnappings.
Among the states, Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of crimes against women at 65,743 and among the Union Territories, Delhi reported the highest number of crimes against women at 14,247.
A woman professor from Srinagar emphasizes the necessity for committees in every college in Jammu and Kashmir, recounting an incident where a colleague faced harassment without recourse due to the absence of a sexual harassment committee. She said such cases go unreported in the valley.
Expressing concerns about the lack of workplace security for women in the region, a female doctor notes that advocacy for women’s rights often fades after incidents, and questions how women can feel safe in their native land if workplaces are not secure.
An employee in a government department highlights the prevalence of institutionalized harassment within the system, where individuals in positions of power take undue advantage of women.
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, mandates the formation of ICCs in institutions or organizations with ten or more women employees. The act defines sexual harassment and outlines strict penalties for the guilty, emphasizing the importance of a safe and respectful workplace environment.
