West Bengal Launches ‘Rattirer Shaathi’ for Women’s Safety After Tragic Incident at RG Kar Medical College
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 17: Following the tragic rape and murder of a woman trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the West Bengal government has introduced a new initiative named ‘Rattirer Shaathi’ to enhance safety for women working night shifts.
Announcement by Alapan Bandyopadhyay
Alapan Bandyopadhyay, Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister of West Bengal, announced the flagship program during a press conference on Saturday. He stated that the initiative aims to provide better security for women working at night.
Details of ‘Rattirer Shaathi’
The initiative, ‘Rattirer Shaathi’ or ‘Helpers of the Night,’ will involve the development of a special mobile app equipped with alarm devices. This app will be mandatory for all working women and will be connected to local police stations and the police control room. Helpline numbers 100 and 112 will be extensively utilized during emergencies.
Additional Safety Measures
Under the initiative, separate designated restrooms with toilets for women will be established. Safe Zones with full CCTV coverage will be created, and security checks and breathalyzer tests will be conducted at medical institutions. Organizations will be encouraged to set up Visakha Committees on sexual harassment if not already done.
The program will also include sensitization of all government establishments on women’s safety issues, and private organizations will be urged to do the same. Night police patrolling will be carried out in medical colleges, hospitals, and women hostels. Adequate drinking water facilities will be provided, and identity cards will be displayed by all staff. Security officers will be posted for overall supervision, and working hours for women, including doctors, will not exceed 12 hours at a time. Night duty for women will be minimized, and security guards will include both male and female personnel.
Background of the Incident
On August 9, a postgraduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, leading to nationwide protests by doctors and medical professionals.
Doubts Revealed
West Bengal -: West Bengal is a state in eastern India. It has a lot of people and is known for its culture, food, and festivals.
Rattirer Shaathi -: ‘Rattirer Shaathi’ means ‘Night Companion’ in Bengali. It is a new program to help keep women safe when they work at night.
RG Kar Medical College -: RG Kar Medical College is a big hospital and medical school in Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal.
Alapan Bandyopadhyay -: Alapan Bandyopadhyay is a senior government official in West Bengal. He helps make important decisions for the state.
CCTV -: CCTV stands for Closed-Circuit Television. These are cameras that help watch and record what is happening in an area to keep it safe.