The report by a victim woman should be registered at whichever police station she reaches. Immediate medical examination of the woman should also be made by the police station’s lady doctor or any registered medical practitioner. Investigation of the case by a first class officer should be completed within time-frame. Psychological counselling and medical facilities should be provided immediately to her. If required, medical examination of rape victim should be conducted despite opposition by her parents. A decision to recommend about 25 such recommendations was taken at a policy-related meeting of State Woman Commission here today. Madhya Pradesh State Woman Commission Chairpersons Smt. Upma Rai and members Sushri Jyoti Yevatikar, Smt. Shashi Sinho, Smt. Snehlata Upadhyay, Smt. Vandana Mandawi and senior officers of Police, Law, Woman and Child Development, SC, ST Welfare and Health departments were present on the occasion.
Several other important decisions were also taken at the meeting of the State Woman Commission. It has recommended that the statement of the victim and process of identifying the accused should be undertaken immediately. It will eliminate the chances of pressure on the victim to change her statement. The commission has recommended to install CCTV cameras in all the police stations and making a CD available to the victim. Cases of domestic violence should be put up in the court by government-approved lawyers(PP/APP). Justice is delayed if a victim appoints a private lawyer or an advocate is arranged for her with free legal assistance. It was also decided that one family member should be allowed inside labour room of hospitals with a view to eliminating the chances of child lifting. A special bench will be constituted if report of a case is not sent to the commission within 15 days and summons will be issued to the concerning district collector and superintendent of police.
An under-trial pregnant woman prisoner should be allowed to stay with her family for the birth of child and six months thereafter so that the child does not face the stigma of being born in jail and gets mother’s care for six months. The women who have completed their jail term should be rehabilitated and at least one camp should be organised in jail for reporting against domestic violence. Facilities extended to inmates of girls hostels should be vividly displayed on the hostels’ display boards and they should be provided a toll-free number.
Two and a half years’ maternity leave
On the basis of recommendation of Sixth Pay Commission, the State Woman Commission recommended two and a half years’ maternity leave including six months’ maternity leave and two years’ leave for nourishing the child. The leave should be given with full salary, protection of seniority and eligibility of regular promotion. This leave period is six months in Madhya Pradesh.