The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : NCW to submit report on harassment

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Sunday, Sep 24, 2006
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

NCW to submit report on harassment

Staff Reporter

Cases involve workers in Corporation ward, police chief's office

CHENNAI: The National Commission for Women will soon submit a report to the State Government highlighting two cases of harassment of women conservancy workers in the city.

NCW Member Nirmala Venkatesh conducted an enquiry into the harassment of sanitary workers in Corporation ward 31 (Basin Bridge) and in the office of the Police Commissioner.

Women's Struggle Committee, a voluntary organisation for the downtrodden, had forwarded complaints from the workers to the NCW.

Ms. Venkatesh said Thanikachalam, a conservancy inspector, demanded bribe from the sanitary workers, used abusive language and sought sexual favours.

Rama Devi, who made the complaint, said he threatened to withhold salaries or give extra work if the women protested.

Mr. Thanikachalam denied the charge but based on reports from some workers, the NCW would submit a report that harassment did take place.

It would be sent to Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and Minister for Local Administration M.K. Stalin, Ms. Venkatesh said.

At the Police Commissioner's Office, the NCW Member met temporary sweepers.

They had complained that Ganesh, a sub-inspector, used foul language and prevented them from signing the attendance register. Ms. Venkatesh spoke to Police Commissioner Letika Saran on the issue of safety of workers and increase in pay.

The sweepers, who work about four hours every day, are paid Rs. 900 a month.

"A separate register or desk for crime against women should be maintained in all police stations across Tamil Nadu," she added.

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