IIPA, J&K Branch organizes seminar on Domestic Violence

Indian Institute of Public Administration, J&K Regional Branch today organized a Seminar on “Protection of Women from Domestic Violence” which was attended by over 120 participants from Social Welfare Department, J&K Police Department, Information Department, Govt. Degree Colleges, University of Jammu, Education Department, members from Association for Social Health in India J&K Chapter, Members from State Women’s Development Corporation & other NGOs, Academicians, IIPA members and Civil Society. Sh. Sanjeev Verma, IAS Secretary, Social Welfare Department was the Chief Guest during the occasion.

Sh. Sanjeev Verma in his address said discussing this topic of prime relevance today and the Domestic Violence Act 2010 is very progressive and a composite Act. The society and government has to respond and the entire system including citizens and service providers should take proactive role in creating awakening, awareness and sensitizing the public at large including the rural areas of the state.

Sh. B R Sharma, Chairman, IIPA J&K Regional Branch in his presidential remarks said this discussing this issue is critical for the development, peace and harmony of the society. He said that this problem pertains to all segments of the society and that education and economic empowerment can help to minimize domestic violence. He said that though the Act is comprehensive, yet the implementation in spirit is of utmost importance. 

Earlier Sh. A M Watali, Vice-Chairman, IIPA J&K Regional branch introduced the subject and highlighted the key features of The Jammu & Kashmir Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2010. Dr.Naheed Soz, MD, J&K State Women Development Corporation in her address said that it is critical to sensitize women and there is a need to move to women empowerment from mere women development. Prof Abha Chauhan, HOD, Department of Sociology, University of Jammu while speaking about the social implications of domestic violence said that it is critical to involve the women in the decision making process. Smt. Arti Thakur, SHO, Police Station, Women Cell, Jammu while highlighting the role of police in dealing with domestic violence shared that in the year 2014 over 1000 complaints were received and in majority of cases with the intervention of police and through the process of counselling compromises are made in the interest of both the parties. Sh B L Saraf, Former Principal District & Session Judge highlighted the role of judiciary in dealing with domestic violence cases.

Er. J B S Johar, Honorary Secretary, IIPA, J&K Regional Branch formally welcomed the audience, Prof Alka Sharma, Director, Seminar, IIPA, J&K Regional Branch presented the formal vote of thanks. Dr. Komal Nagar, Joint Director (Seminars) conducted the proceedings of the seminar.