National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar praised Tripura women’s achievements, emphasized effective POSH Act implementation, workplace safety, anti-trafficking measures, women’s empowerment, and the nationwide campaign to eliminate child marriage by 2030 during her three-day visit to the state.
Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), Vijaya Rahatkar, has lauded the remarkable achievements of women in Tripura, stating that their contributions across diverse fields have earned recognition and appreciation at the national level. She expressed confidence that women in the state would continue to scale greater heights through determination, empowerment, and supportive government initiatives.
Addressing a press conference at Sonartari Guest House in Agartala on Thursday after concluding her three-day visit to Tripura, Rahatkar shared her observations and experiences from interactions with women, government officials, law enforcement agencies, and community representatives across the state.
She emphasized that the implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act must be strengthened in every government office and workplace. According to her, the law is one of the most significant tools for ensuring a safe and dignified working environment for women. She stressed that all institutions should establish Internal Committees under the POSH Act, conduct regular awareness programmes, ensure prompt and impartial handling of complaints, and maintain strict confidentiality for victims.
Rahatkar remarked that preventing workplace harassment requires more than legal enforcement. She said creating a culture based on sensitivity, mutual respect, accountability, and gender equality is equally important for ensuring long-term safety and confidence among working women.
The NCW Chairperson also underlined the importance of ensuring the safety of women serving in the police force. During her visit, she held discussions with the Chief Secretary of Tripura, senior officials of the state administration, and Border Security Force (BSF) authorities regarding stronger coordination and more effective measures to prevent trafficking of women, an issue she described as requiring continuous vigilance and collective action.
She also met Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha and reviewed various welfare schemes being implemented by the state government for the benefit of women. Their discussions focused on expanding opportunities for women’s development, improving safety mechanisms, and strengthening social welfare initiatives aimed at empowering women in both urban and rural areas.
During her visit to Gomati district on Wednesday, Rahatkar participated in several programmes dedicated to women’s safety and increasing women’s participation in different sectors of society. She interacted with members of the “Lakhpati Didi” initiative, listening to their experiences, understanding their challenges, and examining products manufactured by them. Appreciating their entrepreneurial efforts, she encouraged them to continue contributing to local economic development while becoming financially independent.
The NCW Chairperson also attended a review meeting with women public representatives, where discussions focused on the present status of women in society, challenges affecting their progress, and measures required to further strengthen their role in governance and community development. She offered suggestions and guidance to the concerned authorities to enhance women’s participation in decision-making processes.
Another major event during her visit was her participation in a programme on child marriage at Rajarshi Hall in Udaipur. The event was attended by Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy along with schoolgirls from different educational institutions. Rahatkar highlighted the Central Government’s commitment to making India free from child marriage by 2030 and appealed to state governments, educational institutions, families, and civil society organizations to work together in achieving this national objective.
On Thursday, she attended another programme organized by the Tripura Commission for Women before participating in a POSH workshop at Sukanta Academy in Agartala. Addressing representatives from various institutions, she reiterated that every workplace carries the responsibility of ensuring women can work in a secure, respectful, and discrimination-free environment.
She called for regular awareness training, effective grievance redressal mechanisms, and strict adherence to the provisions of the POSH Act. According to her, protecting women from workplace harassment is essential for building a stronger, more inclusive society where women can contribute confidently to every sector.
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The workshop was attended by Tripura Women’s Commission Chairperson Jharna Debbarma, Special Secretary of the State Social Welfare and Social Education Department Tapan Kumar Das, Deputy Director of the National Commission for Women, and several senior officials, who reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening women’s safety, empowerment, and legal awareness across the state.
Rahatkar concluded her visit by expressing optimism that Tripura would continue to serve as an example of women’s progress and empowerment, while encouraging all stakeholders to work collectively towards ensuring safety, equality, and greater opportunities for women throughout the state.
