By Firstdespatch Desk Jul 30, 2026
Agartala, July 30 (FD) National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Thursday called for stricter implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act, greater gender sensitisation within the police force, and coordinated efforts to eliminate child marriage and human trafficking in Tripura.
Addressing a state-level workshop on the POSH Act at the State Guest House here, Rahatkar said the Commission was working closely with state governments to ensure safer workplaces and strengthen institutional mechanisms for women's protection.
She expressed confidence that Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) under the POSH Act would become fully functional across the state within the next three to four months, following discussions with the Chief Secretary and senior officials. Stressing the need for gender-sensitive policing, Rahatkar urged police departments to organise regular sensitisation programmes to ensure respectful and victim-centric handling of complaints involving women.
Referring to crimes against women, she said the increase in reporting reflected growing confidence among women to approach law enforcement agencies. She encouraged survivors of domestic violence and other forms of abuse to seek legal assistance, assuring them of institutional support.
Highlighting the vulnerability of border states to human trafficking, the NCW Chairperson said specialised awareness and training programmes had been organised for the Border Security Force (BSF) to strengthen anti-trafficking measures.
Describing child marriage as a serious social challenge, Rahatkar said the practice deprives girls of education, exposes them to early motherhood and health risks, and limits their future opportunities. She expressed confidence that the Tripura government would work towards achieving the national target of eliminating child marriage before 2030.
Sharing her observations from a three-day visit, she lauded the progress made by women in Tripura, particularly members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), saying financial empowerment had enhanced their social status and decision-making role within families.
She highlighted the NCW's "She Serves" initiative to encourage young women to join the armed forces and paramilitary services.
On women's political representation, she reiterated her support for reservation for women in legislatures and expressed hope that the long-pending legislation would be implemented soon, paving the way for greater participation of women in governance and decision-making. FD JK