Kusum Kandwal, Chairperson of the Uttarakhand State Commission for Women, conducted a comprehensive inspection today, Monday, of the ‘Sakhi One Stop Center’ located at Survey Chowk. During her visit, she reviewed the Center’s operational mechanisms, infrastructure, and the facilities being provided to the women currently seeking shelter there. Throughout the inspection, the Chairperson closely examined the living arrangements for the women, the quality of food, and the standards of hygiene within the Center. She personally met with four women residing in the shelter to inquire about their well-being and engaged in direct dialogue with them to gather feedback regarding the facilities they were receiving. The Chairperson also scrutinized the Center’s call records, counseling details, and registers, and held detailed discussions with the counselors and staff regarding pending cases.
Chairperson Kusum Kandwal stated that both the Central and State governments are fully committed to making women self-reliant and empowered. She placed special emphasis on the fact that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami himself is deeply sensitive to the issues of women’s safety and the protection of their rights. Efforts are being made to ensure that the benefits of various welfare schemes operated by the government reach every eligible woman.
“‘Sakhi’ One Stop Center is not merely a shelter; it is a hub of trust and justice for women during times of crisis. It is our resolve that no victimized woman in this ‘Devbhoomi’ (Land of Gods) should have to wander in search of justice due to a lack of information. The administration and the Center’s staff must remain ever-ready to assist victims, acting as a united family. Only when we ensure justice with sensitivity will the dream of an ‘Empowered Woman, Empowered State’ be realized.” — Kusum Kandwal
She directed the Center’s Administrator and counselors to ensure that their interactions with victimized women are extremely gentle and empathetic. While issuing instructions to further enhance the effectiveness of the counseling process, she emphasized that every victim must be clearly apprised of the available legal aid services. The Administrator of the One Stop Center stated that a total of 78 cases were registered last month—some of which have since been resolved, while others remain under consideration. Furthermore, 29 cases have been registered this month, from May 1st to the present date, and counseling is currently being provided for them.
Present during this inspection were OSC Center Administrator Maya Negi, Counselor Meenakshi Pundir, IT Worker Komal Bhatt, along with other departmental staff members.
