Internal committees in organisations where women are working should introduce a proper system for women to file complaints which should be redressed properly, chairperson of Karnataka State Commission for Women Nagalakshmi Choudhary said in Udupi on Tuesday.

During a review meeting at the office of the Udupi Deputy Commissioner in Udupi, Ms. Choudhary said as per the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, every workplace, where more than 10 people work, should have an internal committee to hear complaints of sexual harassment.

There are 345 government offices and 444 private firms in Udupi district, and hence a total of 789 internal committees should be set up. In the She-Box Online Complaint Management Portal of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, only details of 346 committees are available. She asked officials to ensure that details of the remaining committees are incorporated on the portal.

She directed the Ports Department to ensure that washrooms for women are maintained properly at the Malpe fishing harbour. Women should be paid proper wages at the harbour. A drive should be held to make these women aware about State welfare schemes.

Pointing out at complaints on Byndoor police not responding properly to complaints filed by women, the chairperson said the police should hear problems of the oppressed women with patience and help them get justice. Action should be taken to stop the sale of narcotic drugs near schools and colleges. She will ask the government to have more hostels for women in Udupi district. Ms. Choudhary asked officials to immediately respond to complaints filed by special teachers about non-receipt of honorarium.