Karnataka State Commission for Women Chairperson Nagalakshmi Choudhary inaugurating a training and awareness workshop on POSH Act in Koppal on Friday.
Karnataka State Commission for Women Chairperson Nagalakshmi Choudhary said on Saturday that the uncontrolled availability and abuse of alcohol and narcotics are among the primary factors contributing to the rising number of cases of violence against women, including assault, rape and domestic abuse.
She chaired the Mahila Spandana program and district level review meeting at JH Patel hall of Zilla Panchayat, Koppal and called for strict regulation of sale of liquor and drugs in Koppal district.
“Alcohol, ganja and other intoxicants impair judgment and moral restraint. When intoxicated, individuals commit heinous crimes against women, including sexual violence and even murder. The sale and consumption of alcohol and drugs must be effectively curbed,” she said, directing the district administration and excise officials to ensure that licenses are issued strictly according to norms, including measures against illegal sale in rural areas.
Expressing concern over minors falling victim to substance abuse, Ms. Choudhary asked the district authorities to submit a detailed compliance report on the steps taken to regulate alcohol and narcotics.
She highlighted the mandatory implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace (POSH) Act 2013, which mandates that Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) be set up in all government and private institutions, factories and establishments employing more than 10 persons. “Failure to set up ICC and display related information could lead to penalties of up to ₹5,000,” she warned, adding that quarterly review meetings should be held under the deputy commissioner and annual reports should be submitted to the Commission for Women.
After the review meeting, Ms. Choudhary heard the public’s complaints and resolved some cases on the spot. In one case, she directed officials to provide financial assistance of ₹6,000 per month under a sponsorship scheme for single women raising children.
Deputy Commissioner Suresh B. Itnal, Superintendent of Police Ram L. Arasiddi and other senior officers were present.
She later briefed her findings during her three-day visit to the district at a press conference at the government guest house and reiterated that the Commission for Women remains fully committed to address women’s grievances, ensure legal support and strengthen institutional mechanisms for women’s safety.
She said instructions have been issued to ensure regular health check-ups every three months in all student hostels, ensure quality food and basic infrastructure and improve security measures. She also emphasized the need to create awareness among citizens about the government’s welfare schemes and directed officials to conduct mandatory women’s gram sabhas in every village to address local issues.
She appreciated the facilities of District Mother and Child Hospital and Morarji Desai Boarding Schools and instructed officials to replicate these standards in all hostels in the district. It ordered that at least 50% of the VB-G RAM G job cards should be issued to women and that they should be provided with more working days.
Published – 07 Feb 2026 19:43 IST
