Plans under way for sex workers entry into mainstream

Plans under way for sex workers entry into mainstream

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 05, 2015:  Addressing a hearing of representatives of women organisations, NGOs, Sthree Shakti members here, on March 4,   M C Nanaiah, Chairman, Expert Committee, to recommend  amendments to laws related to sexual assault cases and enhancement of punishment for crime, said the committee will recommend to the government to adopt programmes to bring sex workers to the mainstream of the society, now   sex workers are exploited and lead a pitiable life.  Favouring wider discussion on legalisation of prostitution in the country, he said there is a demand from various quarters to legalise prostitution in the country, so there is a need for wider review of the issues.

 

 

He added that  Sex workers have been demanding that their work be considered as employment, so that they can lead dignified life within the frame work of laws.  A detailed survey on sex workers has  not been carried out so far across the country.

Estimates indicate there are over one crore sex workers in the country. Only 25 to 30 per cent of cases pertaining sexual assaults are reported. Often the victim’s family refuses to file complaint fearing society reactions. The incidents of moral policing is reported in Dakshina Kannada district. No one has the right to take law into one’s hand, he added.  Nanaiah said the committee is likely to submit its recommendations to the government within three months.

Taking up other matters, the Sub Committee Chairperson Motamma said the committee will recommend to the government to restart Sweekara Kendra in Dakshina Kannada District. She directed DC A B Ibrahim and SP Sharanappa to organise sensitisation programmes for bus conductors and drivers to ensure that women do not feel unsafe in buses.  Social worker Kamala Gowda said rapists should not be given bail. In several cases of sexual assault cases are solved through mutual understanding. The victim should not be made to wait while registering the FIR.

On the other hand, Mary Pais said stringent action should be initiated against those who indulge in moral policing. It curtails the rights of women. While Rita Noronha said domestic rape by husband should be included. There is a need to organise gender sensitisation programmes in schools, colleges and working places. Sex education should be included in the curriculum. Civic society has to protest when the incidents of rape and sexual assault are reported.  Expressing concern over rise in female foeticide cases in Mangaluru, Marlyn Martis said sex ratio in DK district has come down to 1020:1000. This is an alarming situation which needs to be addressed.  Jyothilakshmi said there is a need to constitute a district-level committee to deal with sexual assault cases. Teachers should create awareness on good touch and bad touch among children. "We have enough laws in the country. The mechanism to implement these laws should be strengthened."   Prof Hilda Rayappan said Sweekara Kendra in Mangaluru is need of the hour. Complaint box should be installed at the washrooms in schools and colleges. Intensive awareness programme needs to be taken up.

SP Sharanappa said ambiguity in IPC Section 376 and POCSO Act relating to rape needs to be addressed by the committee. The IPC Section 376 has given an exception to sexual intercourse if a girl between the age group of 15 to 18 years and is married. However, in POCSO Act, it is considered as a rape. In such a scenario, the police are in confusion while filing the case.

The SP said 14 moral policing cases have been registered in the last four years. The police have initiated stringent action against perpetrators of law. The police beat point will be installed at Santwana-women’s helpline to provide security to the staff who work round the clock.  The committee should recommend, forensic expert team and DNA lab at the range level, to reduce delay in filing chargesheet.