Cochin Discussions

[SP77]

With rising concern over the safety of women in the city, especially during the night, the Kochi Corporation is planning to speed up the procedures for setting up night shelters for women.


The state government has already allocated `50 lakh for cities to set up night shelters and the civic body is planning to utilise the funds for the purpose.


“We have received a letter from the Local Self Government Department (LSGD) asking us to submit a detailed proposal for setting up the night shelter here. Initially, we will have to identify a proper location in the city for the shelter,” said Kochi Corporation Health Standing Committee chairman T K Ashraf.


He said the site inspection by a team led by Mayor Tony Chammany will be conducted in the city to identify a proper spot. “Once the suitable site is identified and after obtaining the nod of the Council, we will submit the detailed proposal to the state. The work of the night shelter will commence as soon as the funds are released,” he said.
The Corporation is planning to identify a location near the Railway Station or bus Station so that it will be of assistance to women who alight in the city during the night.


“Earlier, we had plans to construct the shelter on the Corporation’s land near the Ernakulam North Railway Station. However, we have not finalised the location yet and it will be done only after next week’s inspection,” Ashraf said.


Meanwhile, the Corporation is also planning to form a Women Safety Committee to prevent domestic violence and harassment against women. The proposed Committee will have selected women councillors as its members. The committee will intervene in the problems and atrocities borne by women in work places, public places, educational institutions and households. On the basis of complaints filed, the Committee will bring the issues to the notice of the higher authorities.