The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 15th August 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Violence, Most Foul 

Why in News?

The recent horrific rape and murder of the Kolkata postgraduate medical student in a state-run hospital she was working in is tragic and appalling. The state and circumstances in which the body was found leave no room for any doubt that it was a most dastardly violent act, and brazen in that it occurred within a hall in the supposedly safe confines of the government medical college hospital.

Key Facts of the case

• Delays by the enforcement agencies: They seem to wait for public anger before taking action on crimes against women.
• Misrepresentation of the Facts: The parents of the murdered doctor were initially told she had killed herself, which was a clear lie.
• Public outcry: It was obvious to everyone at the crime scene, especially medical professionals, that a terrible assault and murder had occurred.
• Administrative lapses: Mistakes were made even though the Chief Minister of the State was in charge of both home and health matters.
• Delay in government response: The slow reaction from the government caused public anger as the horrific crime could no longer be politically contained.

People’s response to the heinous act and silence of the government

• Protests: Emerged in Kolkata and nationwide, primarily led by medical students and post graduates in hospitals.
• Safety and Security Requests: Doctors, as the initial caregivers involved in treating people, asked for measures to ensure their safety.
• Doctor's Anxiety and Frustration: Have been increasing due to various violent incidents against doctors disrupting the harmony between medical professionals and patients in the country for several years.
• Similar Incidents: The recent history includes the killing of Dr. Vandana Das in Kerala by a mentally ill patient last year, alongside frequent attacks on healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic or following unfavorable health outcomes.
• The Indian Medical Association: Indicates that challenging working conditions, excessive workloads, and workplace harassment are the stark realities medical practitioners face.

What are the Challenges with Women Workforce Participation?

• Sexual Harassment: 
  • In recent times, harassment of women at work has become a major issue globally.
  • During 2022, the National Commission for Women (NCW) received around 31,000 reports of crimes against women, the highest since 2014.
  • Uttar Pradesh accounted for about 54.5% of the complaints, with Delhi reporting 3,004 cases, followed by Maharashtra (1,381), Bihar (1,368), and Haryana (1,362).
• Gender Discrimination: 
  • Women often face unfair treatment in the workplace in areas like hiring, pay, promotions, and opportunities.
• Lack of Diversity: 
  • Companies with limited diversity may not fully understand or empathize with women's workplace experiences.
• Inadequate Support for Working Mothers: 
  • Mothers who work encounter challenges in balancing their job and family duties.
• Occupational Segregation: 
  • Women often work in lower-paid and traditionally female-centric fields, while men tend to be in higher-paying industries and professions.

What are the Major Legal Frameworks for Welfare of Women?

• Constitutional Safeguards:
  • Fundamental Rights: It ensures that all Indians have the right to fairness (Article 14), no unfair treatment by the State based on gender (Article 15(1)), and the State must create special rules to support women (Article 15(3)).
  • Fundamental Duties: It makes sure that actions that disrespect women are not allowed under Article 51 (A).
• Legislative Framework:
  • Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
  • The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
  • The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013
  • The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO), 2012
• Women Empowerment Schemes:
  • Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme
  • One Stop Centre Scheme
  • Ujjawala: A Comprehensive Scheme for Prevention of trafficking and Rescue, Rehabilitation and Re-integration of Victims of Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation
  • SWADHAR Greh
  • NARI SHAKTI PURASKAR
  • Mahila police Volunteers
  • Mahila Shakti Kendras (MSK)
  • NIRBHAYA Fund

Conclusion

The decision to abandon the 2019 proposal aimed at protecting doctors and healthcare workers was a misstep that must be rectified promptly. It is essential for authorities to take proactive measures to prevent incidents of rape and ensure that the penalties act as a significant discouragement. We cannot risk the safety of any more medical practitioners who are dedicated to saving lives. It is high time for our community to be more vigilant and insist on severe actions against wrongdoers.