In response to the outrage over the rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the West Bengal government, led by Mamata Banerjee, has implemented new safety measures for women across the state. This includes a mandate that female doctors and other women should not work more than 12 hours at a stretch.
The government has launched a review process and committed to its flagship programme, ‘Rattirer Shaathi,’ aimed at enhancing the safety of women working night shifts. Measures include providing separate designated restrooms with toilets for women at government hospitals, medical colleges, and hostels.
“Rattirer Shaathi or woman volunteers will be on duty at night. Safe zones will be established with full CCTV coverage and monitoring. A special mobile app with alarm features will be developed for all working women, linking directly to local police stations and control rooms,” the government stated.
Helplines 100 and 112 have been emphasized for use during emergencies. Additional measures include security checks and breathalyser tests at hospitals, establishment of Vishaka Committees on sexual harassment in workplaces, and encouraging women to work in pairs or teams during night shifts.
The government will also conduct night patrols at medical colleges, hospitals, and women’s hostels. “Adequate drinking water will be provided on all hospital floors. All faculty, staff, and security personnel must display identity cards. A security officer will be assigned to each medical college, hospital, and district hospital for overall supervision,” the government announced.
Furthermore, security guards at these institutions will be required to include both male and female personnel.
