At a time when the entire country has been shocked by the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the West Bengal government on Saturday announced the ‘Rattirer Sathi (night companion)’ initiative to ensure safety and security of women in their workplaces.
Following the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital incident, the West Bengal administration has convened multiple meetings to address the safety of working women, especially healthcare workers, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally stepping in.
On Saturday, Alapan Bandyopadhyay, the chief minister’s chief advisor, announced, "Multiple departments will jointly run the Rattirer Sathi initiative. Regular police patrols will be conducted at medical colleges, and no nurse or healthcare worker will be allowed to work more than 12 hours at a stretch.”
An app by the same name will also be launched by the state government. All working women would be required to download the Rattirer Sathi app, which will have alarm devices and be connected to local police stations.
Women can dial 100/112 in case of any emergency. Bandyopadhyay further informed that dedicated toilets and restrooms for women will be provided in every hospital.
Additionally, CCTV surveillance will also remain in place to ensure security. Every hospital has been asked to implement security checks and a breathalyzer test system.
Women workers have been asked to stay in groups during night shifts and inform their colleagues about their movements and whereabouts.
The government will undertake a sensitisation programme at all government establishments in every district of West Bengal to address the issue of women’s safety. Private organisations have also been urged to do the same.
Meanwhile, the ongoing Durand Cup’s Kolkata Derby was cancelled on Saturday after a meeting between the organisers of the competition, the Indian Armed Forces, and the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate.
Given the ongoing protests and rallies in Kolkata following the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital incident, the police stated they won't be able to allocate sufficient personnel for the match between East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan Supergiants.
Meanwhile, the CBI continued questioning the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Saturday. He was detained from the road on Friday after he had skipped summonses by the central agency.
His role as the head of administration in the aftermath of the death of the trainee doctor had been questioned by the victim’s family and protesting students.
