PREFACE

The State Commission for Women after spending a second eventful year in office, has already stepped into the threshold of the third year. The Commission while presenting this report have tried to elucidate the programme and activities of the Commission during the past one year, with the sole objective of generating a revolutionary change in Women, especially those who are at the grass-root level of the society. With this aim in view the Commission had under-taken several tour-programme in various districts to apprise and acquaint women with the provisions of legal safe- guards and fundamental rights as guaranteed in the Constitution of .

When women gradually become aware about their fundamental rights, then only, they will be able to assert themselves for taking course of action, which will enable them to forge ahead in the right direction.

The Commission had undertaken several plans and programmes in its various sittings. However, due to its financial stringency, certain programmes had to be curtailed. It is my earnest hope that the Government will release fund to the Commission as earmarked, so as to enable the Commission to carry out its various programmes and activities smoothly.

We hope the will continue to offer all help and co-operation to the Women’s Commission and extend continuous support to enable the Commission to achieve its legal. It is our hope that the 2 recommendations of the Commission made in the First and the Second Annual Report will be given due consideration for its early implementation.

Lastly, I express my sincere gratituate to all Members of the State Commission, NGOs and the State Government Departments particularly the Social Welfare Department who extended support to make the Commission’s efforts successful and most meaningful.

Dated 30th March, 96 Mrs. Mridula Saharia Chairperson Assam State Commission for Women 3

SECOND ANNUAL REPORT

1995-1996

The Assam State Commission for Women have great pleasure in presenting the Second Annual Report (1995-1996). The Assam State Commission for Women has completed another eventful year. In this report the Commission has incorporated its various activities and significant steps taken in the matter of rehabilitation of destitute women.

During the past one year the Commission had several number of sittings including the hearing of the Legal Advisory Committee and the meeting of the Committee for Socio-Economic Development for Women. It may be mentioned that the Commission has already submitted the First Annual Report to State Government in April’95 highlighting all the burning issues related to women. Some of the important recommendations made by the Commission in the First Annual Report are as follows :-

(1) The Pre-Primary education to the rural girl-children should be made compulsory. (2) All Girl’s School fulfilling norms, in the rural areas should be provincialised. (3) Comprehensive measures should be taken for adult education amongst the rural women who are below the poverty line. (4) All Girl’s High School satisfying the norms should be upgraded to Higher Secondary Schools. 4

(5) The Development Departments should organize training of the Members of the Multipurpose Women’s Co-operative Societies, Women Presidents/Secretaries of the Gaon Panchayat and the President/Secretaries of the Non-Governmental Organisations engaged in the field of Welfare of Women. (6) The various Departments should earmark at least 30% to 40% fund for women beneficiaries under the poverty- alleviation programmes of the rural development sectors, so as to benefit the rural poverty afflicted women. (7) The Commission feels that in all Committee, Commission and Boards under the State that women Members should be appointed so as to actively participate in decision- making bodies. (8) The State Govt. had announced that an All Women’s Bank would be established. Therefore, the Commission feels that all efforts should be made to revive the proposal and establish All Women’s Bank immediately in conformity with the earlier commitments. (9) In view of the rising trend in the cost of living it has been decided that section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code should be amended and the maintenance grant of Rs. 500/- per month should be raised to at least Rs. 1000/- per month. (10) Family Court should be set up immediately in the districts of Cachar, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Dhubri to be followed by all other districts gradually. (11) All Women’s Police Station should be established in all District Head Quarters. (12) Immediate recruitment of at least 50 lady Sub-Inspectors of Police and Lady constables should be made. 5

(13) The Commission also felt the necessity of amending the Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code and recommended that all rape cases should be referred only to lady doctors and such cases should be tried by the Lady Magistrates and investigated by the Lady Police Officer. Moreover, in rape cases the statutory period for remand should be extended to six months and the rule of granting bail should be restricted. (14) The Commission strongly feels that 30% reservation of seats for woman should be made both in the Assam State Legislative Assembly and the Parliament. The Commission also suggested that similarly 30% seat reservation for Women should be made in the two Hills Districts Councils and Bodoland Autonomous.

The Commission feels that the State Government should take all steps and efforts to implement the recommendations of the State Women’s Commission, which is expected to bring about a revolutionary change in the upliftment and all-round development of women in the society. During the year under review the Commission made consistent efforts to impress upon the Government to implement the recommendations of the Commission aiming at generating awareness amongst women and raising the status of women socially and economically.

The Commission has been pursuing developmental activities and to some extent has been successful in generating an awareness amongst women especially those who are residing in the rural areas. It is due to the earnest endeavour & strenuous efforts of the Commission that the women are now aware about their fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution and are 6 more confident in asserting their rights to take benefit of the schemes offered by the Government and have shown keen interest to know about the various help and assistance extended by the Legal Aid Agencies to the needy and distressed women.

Activities of the Commission

During the year under report, the Commission held several sittings of the Committee for Socio-Economic Development of Women and also the Legal Advisory Committee. The Legal Advisory Committee held several public hearings from time to time and made sincere and sustained efforts to dispose off the cases by giving counseling and also helping the parties to reach an amicable settlement and reconcile the disputes and disharmony. The legal lacunae impeded the Commission’s efforts on many occasions and led to embarrassing situation. The Commission discussed with the State Govt. to take note of the deficiency of the Act and presently proposes for empowering the Commission to give Judgment in all such cases by amending the Act.

On the 10th sitting of the Commission, held on 7-4-95, it was proposed that the Commission would start a Vocational Training-Cum-Production Centre for helping the economically backward and distressed women who are residing in the rural areas. The Centre will be named as “Mahila Vikash Kendra”. This income generating Centre is expected to be funded from the M.P.’s Development Scheme. As soon as the Commission is in possession of a plot of land in and around the City of , all steps will be taken for its implementation. 7

On the 11th sitting of the Commission held on 6th and 9th May’95, it was proposed to form an Association of the Assam State Commission for Women in collaboration with the National Commission for Women. Since, at the National Level as well as at the State Level the concerns and the activities to deal with the problems of women are the same, the Commission felt such an Association would work for the advancement of the matters relating to mutual interest of the Association and have a forum for generating innovative measures for the development of the status of women in the society.

The National Commission for Women convened several meetings at New-Delhi at New Delhi. The Chairperson Smti. Mridula Saharia attended several meetings of the National Commission.

The National Commission for Women decided to come together and work out strategies for Joint Consultation and Mutual Collaboration to achieve the objectives. With this focus, the National Commission for Women took the initiative to organize a Conference of the State Women’s Commission on 30th March, 1995 at New Delhi. The exercise proved useful in that a minimum programme for networking was finalized in areas of common interest. The Conference decided to constitute a Sub-Committee of the Women’s Commission to examine the modalities of setting-up a forum of Women’s Commissions to functions as a core group for considering issues of common interest. The Sub-Committee met in New Delhi on 28th April’95 and considered various issues. One representative each from the State Women’s Commissions has been made the Member of the Sub- 8

Committee of the National Commission for Women. Smti. Mridula Saharia, Chairperson, Assam State Commission for Women was asked to represent Assam & Tripura Commission.

The following recommendations emerged out of the Conference :-

(1) A forum of the National Commission for Women and State Women’s Commission may be set up for co-ordination of activities and networking in areas of common interest.

(2) An All India Directory of NGOs actively working for Women’s causes should be compiled.

(3) A list of experts in different areas of women’s concerns may be prepared.

(4) There should be periodical meetings of National Commission and State Women Commissions. In view of the financial constraints the National Commission for Women may hold such meetings in States by rotation.

(5) The Commission may hold discussions with NGOs, M.P.s, M.L.A.s from time to time on issues of women’s interests.

(6) There should be financial collaboration between National Commission for Women and State Women’s Commission in conducting studies/research and holding Seminars/Conferences etc. 9

(7) Measures may be initiated for networking in areas such as examination of laws, taking up research/studies etc. so that resources are pooled and duplication of efforts are avoided. These areas may be identified and listed.

(8) All the State Women’s Commissions would take steps to build date- base on the status of women in their respective states.

(9) There is an urgent need to improve library facilities in each Commission and library networking should be given due importance. Being the National Level Body, National Commission for Women should extend financial support to the State Commission to build up libraries.

(10) A Joint Conference of Women’s Commissions, Women’s Development Corporations and Departments of Women’s Welfare should be held to consider issues of common interest to women and evolve combined strategies.

The Commission has decided to prepare a Directory giving the list of N.G.O.s engaged in the welfare activities of women and opined that there should be 30% reservation for women in all the University Courts of Assam. The Commission decided to set-up free Legal Aid Centre and Family Counselling Centre for the needy women in the office of the Commission with financial Assistance from the National Commission for Women. In the 12th sitting of the Commission held on 13th June’95 it was discussed that in 10 order to bring an awareness amongst women, it is necessary to give wide publicity to the activities highlighting the aims and objectives of the State Women’s Commission. Therefore it was resolved that the Commission would bring out a journal and print folders/leaflets. It was also proposed that a mint Library will be set up in the office of the Commission with Financial Assistance from the National Commission for Women. In that sitting it was proposed that the Gauhati University should immediately start the Faculty of Sociology and simultaneously open a Department of Sociology in the affiliated Colleges under the University of Gauhati.

This will open up greater opportunity to the girl students to qualify them to take up profession in the various Departments of the State Government implementing schemes for women and child welfare. The 13th sitting of the Commission was held on 19th September’95. In this sitting it was decided to hold a Seminar on 24th November’95 which coincides with “Women’s Day” during the “Quami Ekta Week”. It was also decided to form a Trust Board which will look after the affairs of the Mahila Vikash Kendra, a Training –Cum- Production Centre to be instituted under the aegis of the State Commission for Women.

The Commission had already initiated mobilization of the women folk by holding the District-Level meetings with active support and co-operative of the various developmental departments of the State Governments in order to reach to the grass-root level and those women-folk who are mostly below the poverty line. The Commission had involved the participation of the representatives of the Gaon-Panchayats, Multipurpose Women’s Co- operative Societies and Women’s Non-Governmental Organization in all the 11

District Level Meetings. On the 8th of September’95 a District –Level Meeting was held at Nagaon. The Deputy Commissioner, Nagaon, Shri. M. Das, I.A.S. Presided over the meeting. The Additional Deputy Commissioner and Chairman Women’s Cell was present besides the Project Director, D.R.D.A. Shri Anil Barua, A.C.S., the Member-Secretary Women’s Cell Ms. Zakia Rahman A.C.S. and the President and Secretary of the Makhuma Parishad, Nagaon. The large gathering of women from the nook and corner of the district who attended the meeting, were benefited by the deliberation.

On 24th of September’95 a public hearing was convened at the Circuit House Mangaldoi. The Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mangaldoi and the Officer-in-Charge of Sipajhar Police Station besides the Inspector of Schools were present during the hearing. Few cases were examined and stringent departmental action was recommended in a few cases. The public hearing created a great impact in the psyche of the public.

The Legal Advisory Committee in one of its meetings held on 1st July’95 adopted few resolutions as stated below :-

The Committee recommended the recruitment of about 50 Lady constables and 25 Asstt. Sub-Inspectors of Police and suggested that a Women’s Task Force should be attached to each Police Station for attending to women related complaints and other similar duties, Smti. Hema Bharali, Chairperson, Legal Advisory Committee Assam State Commission for Women suggested that a Registered Legal Aid Cell may be formed in each district by reputed women Non-Governmental Organisations. For this 12 purpose the Legal Advisory Committee should offer all necessary assistance to the organizations.

The Commission visited Dhemaji and District on 1st and 2nd March’96 respectively. All representatives of Gaon Panchayat, Multipurpose Women’s Co-operative Societies and Women’s Organisations of both the Districts were present in the meeting.

The Chairperson Smt. Mridula Saharia and the Chairperson Legal Advisory Committee Smti. Hema Bharali and the Member-Secretary Smti. M. Hagjer Barman attended the meeting at Dhemaji. The meeting was presided over by the Deputy Commissioner, Shri B.B. Hagjer I.A.S. and in the meeting the Superintendent of Police Shri P.K. Das the additional Deputy Commissioner Shri Bharat Chandra Das A.C.S., the Project Director D.R.D.A. Shri B. Doley and Smti. Barnali Sharma and Smti. Salma Ahmed both E.A.C.S. were present. The Chairperson Smti Mridula Saharia, in her speech, highlighted the significance of the provisions of the Act of the State Women’s Commission and stressed on the education of girls and requested women representatives to avail the benefits of various developmental schemes undertaken by the Government, which would help the women to be economically self-reliant and thereby help in the all –round development of women in all sphere. Smti. Hema Bharali, the Chairperson Legal Advisory Committee, in her speech asked the women to play a more positive role in discharging their responsibilities towards the society and help create a strong nation and a corruption-free and healthy society. 13

The Commission Members visited the Dhemaji Jail and found that there was only one women convict. The report shows that there are altogether 79 convicts as on 1.3.96. The Commission requested the District Administration to help the women-convicts to get financial –aid and also sanction a sewing-machine from any fund available with the D.R.D.A. of Assam Plains Tribal Development Corporation etc. The Dhemaji Jail was found to be well maintained in all respects.

The next meeting of the Commission was held on 2nd March’96 at North Lakhimpur. In this meeting also the Deputy Commissioner of North Lakhimpur Shri Paromesh Dutta, I.A.S. president over the function. The Project Director D.R.D.A. Shri Pegu and the District Social Welfare Officer Shri A. Rajkhowa was also present in the meeting. The Chairperson of the ASCW Smt. Mridula Saharia urged the representatives of the Women’s Organisations present to work hard for creating a healthy society because the role of women is more important in nation-building than that of a man because when a man is educated he educates himself only when a women is educated, she educates the family. The Chairperson, Legal Advisory Committee Ms. Hema Bharali highlighted the importance of providing Legal Aid to the needy women and requested the Deputy Commissioner to constitute a Women’s Cell immediately, so as to give legal aid and necessary assistance to the women in distress. The Commission Members also visited the North Lakhimpur Jail and met the few female inmates. The Commission suggested to the Jail authorities that the women inmates should be given priority and should help them to b engaged in weaving and handicrafts etc. 14

The Chairperson attended the meeting of the women representatives of the SAARC Countries on 21st & 22nd August’95 held at New Delhi and presented a paper entitled “The Role of Women Politicians and Parliamentarians in National Development and Regional Co-operation”. She suggested that the role of women Parliamentarians and politicians should be in confirmity with the decision of the SAARC taken at the second Summit held at Bangalore to set-up Technical Committee under SAARC umbrella on women’s participation in development and drug abuse and drug-trafficking. In political and economic issues the women politicians and Parliamentarians should constantly call upon States not to allow their territories to be used for terrorist activities against another state.

On 21st July’95 the meeting of the Zonal Consultation on the Platform for Action, 4th World Conference on Women, Beijing (4th to 15th Sept, ’95) was held at the Rama Krishna Mission Institute of Culture, Gole Park, Calcutta. The meeting was organized by the authorities of the Social-Legal Aid Research and Training Centre, Lake Terrace, Calcutta-29. The paper submitted by the Chairperson in this meeting stated that our resolution should aim at adequate reservation and representation in Apex Bodies of the Country like the State Legislative Assembly, Rajya Sabha & Lok Sabha. The literacy of women should be given the top priority. The meeting observed that economic emancipation largely depends on literacy of the women which will provide opportunities to the women for gaining economic advancement & status. 15

On 24th November, 1995 on the occasion of Women’s Day coinciding with the “Quami Ekta Week”, the Women’s Commission observed the day by holding a meeting in the State Home for Women, Jalukbari. The significance of this meeting is that four destitute women-inmates of the Home were given appointment, as Anganwadi Workers and Helpers. The Department of Social Welfare extended all help and assistance in issuing the appointment letters. The Commission feels that the inmates of the Homes should be appointed into any Govt. Services if found suitable so as to make them economically self-reliant. The Commission contemplates that all the inmates should be rehabilitated in due course in the near future to make running of such Homes meaningful and really beneficial to the distressed and destitute and needy women.

In the last part of 1995 i.e. on 8th and 9th December, 1995, the Commission Organised a Seminar and the theme of the Seminar was the “Role of Women in Preventing Terrorism & Violation of Human Rights in the Present Day Society” at the Assam Administrative Staff College, Khanapara, Guwahati.

In the Inaugural Session, the key-note address was delivered by Smt. Puspa Lata Das Ex. Member of Parliament and a renowned social worker. In her illuminating speech, she reiterated the high status enjoyed by women in the golden past.

Smt. Puspa Lata Das observed that women wanted to give her children an identity, therefore, she had great responsibilities at home, as well as in society. At this stage Smti. Puspa Lata Das stated that the Rishis used 16 to sing a Hymn in praise of the mother who is the first teacher of the child and they were the persons who can save this world from catastrophy. A Society can be involved by three powers i.e. Parents, Teachers and the Media. Blindly intimating the West have made us more slave than before. India is fast becoming Super Power in the Third World-Developing Countries and to weaken her progress money as well as armaments have been smuggled to our country to disturb peace of young men, whose patriotism has been exploited by vested interests and foreign elements for their own selfish end.

During the Freedom Struggle the womenfolk played a decisive role and this silent force of women ultimately enabled the country to win freedom. Now it is time again for women to re-awaken their spirit to fight terrorism and violation of Human Rights, she said in her highly acclaimed speech.

The Chairperson, ASCW in her Welcome Speech reiterated that the role of women in preventing terrorism and violation of Human Rights is tremendous and significant and it is time for women to raise their voice effectively to survive with dignity, sanity, security, peace and harmony.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister Assam, Shri Hiteswar Saikia in his speech as the Chief Guest said that the Government effort is directed towards improvements of the over-all socio-economic conditions of the vast masses of the women folk from the various strata of society. The Chief Minister observed that women are the embodiment of all that is sublime in human society and it is only the women who can mobilize the society in 17 annihilating the deadly disease of terrorism and human rights violation . The Hon’ble Chief Minister in his speech also mentioned that the women of Assam have a significant role to play in containing terrorist violence and have been contributing in their own way in restoration of peace in Assam and re-initiation of the process of all –round development. The Hon’ble Chief Minister stated that Govt. will not be lacking in providing support to the Commission in this regard and expressed the view that the Women Commission will take a lead and inspire various Women Organisations of the State of Assam to organize effective protests against terrorism.

The Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, Smti. V. Mohini GIri, in her inaugural speech said that the role of women NGOs is very important for development of the society. She held that The National Commission for Women cannot do anything without the help of the NGOs, who are the eyes & ears of the society. Therefore, the Commission and the NGOs should co-operate the work together and try to build a strong and healthy society.

The Mayor of Guwahati Municipal Corporation Dr. (Mrs.) Hemo Prabha Saikia, observed that the subject of the Seminar chosen by the Assam State Commission for Women was very timely, as the problem of insurgency and terrorism have been disturbing the people particularly the mothers very much. She stated that the mothers would play a unique role in drawing the youths towards the mainstream and guide them to lead a harmonious life in the family fold. 18

In the two-day Seminar, the following four papers were presented by the Four Resource Persons.

(i) “Role of Women in Preventing Terrorism” by Dr. (Mrs.) Anuradha Dutta, Deptt. Of Political Science, Gauhati University.

(ii) Role of Women in Preventing Violation of Human Rights by Mrs. Jarjum Ete, Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society, Itanagar.

(iii) Constitutional Provision and legal safeguards against terrorism and violation of Human Rights by Dr. Jeuti Baruah, Director Law Research Institute, Gauhati High Court.

(iv) Involvement of media in preventing Terrorism and Violation of Human Rights by Shri Naren Deka, Editor, The Assam Tribune, Guwahati.

Dr. (Mrs.) Anuradha Dutta, in her paper observed that the terrorism was the outcome of internal economic problems like backwardness, exploitation, feeling of alienation etc.

Regarding role of Assam in prevention of terrorism, she suggested that, women could contain domestic terrorism by linking youth to the people of mainstream. The paper has suggested that the code of conduct for military and para military is sine qua non as these create atrocities on women in the name of prevention of terrorism. 19

Dr. (Mrs.) Anuradha Dutta presented her paper in the first Working Session of the Seminar. This Session was Chaired by Mrs. V. Mohini Giri, Chairperson, National Commission for Women ; Prof. Vimjiani, Faculty Member, Assam Institute of Management & Dr. S. Chatterjee, Faculty Member, NIRD, Guwahati acted as Rappoteurs.

Mrs. Jarjum Ete, in her paper has advocated to established State Commission for Women in all the North Eastern States and emphasized on the necessity of establishment of State Human Rights Commission for each & every State of North East. She has also suggested extension of all legal rights meant for women and children in the Sixth Schedule areas vis-à-vis other tribal areas. Lastly, the paper has suggested in order to achieve peaceful solution for any problem, that there should be dialogues and negotiations and not state reprisals.

Mrs. Jarjum Ete spoke at the Second Working Sessions of the Seminar. This Session was presided over by Miss. Bonoj Senapati, Ex- Member National Commission for Women, Prof. Madhav Medhi of B. Barooah College, Guwahati and Dr. Mrs. Minakshi Kalita performed as Rappoteurs.

Dr. Jeuti Barooah in her paper, with facts and figures has highlighted the rate of crime against women as well as atrocities on women in Assam. In this paper over all problem in Jail has also been highlighted. She suggested that Jail environment had to be improved and facilities for recreation for women in the Jail should be provided. She has also stated in her paper that Section 12(b) of the Protection of Human Rights Act 1993 sets before the 20

Commission the responsibility to ‘spread human rights literacy among various sections of society and promote awareness of the safeguards available for the protection of those rights through publication, the media, seminar and other available means”.

The third Working Sessions of the Seminar was Chaired by Justice Mr. D.N. Baruah, Gauhati High Court where Smti. Suniti Sonowal, Advocate, Gauhati High Court and Asstt. Secretary Women’s Legal-Aid Cell and Smt. Dipti Barua of I.C.C.W. Guwahati, acted as rappoteurs.

Sri Naren Deka in his paper suggested that media should come forward with proper facts and figures about terrorism and violation of human rights. He has also suggested that congenial atmosphere should be created through T.V. about the educational and recreational programme for children as a result of which they can be motivated towards rights direction.

At the fourth Working Session of the Seminar Shri Jatin Hazarika, IAS, Adviser to the Chief Minister was the Chairman and Mrs. Rehana Saikia of S.S. Road, Guwahati and Mrs, Lakhimi Baruah, I.C.C.W. Guwahati were the Rappoteurs.

The following were the recommendations of the Seminar :-

(1) Unemployment is the root cause of terrorism. To eradicate unemployment, industrial development may be undertaken. 21

(2) Small scale & cottage industries should be developed for creation of employment opportunities.

(3) Manpower development is a must for the development of Industry, otherwise people will join from other parts of the Country & Local people will not get the opportunity.

(4) Core group may be formed for the purpose.

(5) Change of educational curriculum is required.

(6) The house recommends that there should be network of women’s organizations vertically and horizontally. The Women’s Commission is to take the lead. This networking should be for dissemination of all sorts of information and for a strong and collective voice.

(7) The house strongly felt articles related to Violence and Terrorism should be identified and strengthened by a forum of lawyers.

(8) The house also recommended that targets of women and gender disparity be identified by the women’s Commission so that an action plan can be taken up for sensitization and orientation of the society.

(9) The house strongly felt the importance of parent and children’s bond. Education, literacy and awareness were the main thrust areas. 22

(10) The house strongly felt that there should be strong condemnation of all violence by all women’s organizations.

(11) State Commission for Women should make a systematic record of violence against women so that the magnitude of violence becomes clear for facilitation of policy intervention.

(12) A request from a widow on behalf of all widows of Govt. official is that the family pension ratio should be revised from 1/3rd of the husbands last pay and the Commission should places this request before pay Commission.

(13) As pen is mighter than the Sword, the group felt that, the media both print and electronic can provide proper coverage on terrorism and violation of Human Rights correctly and in appropriate manner.

(14) The group also felt that, proper atmosphere should be created for the children, where the parents and the society have important role to play and the Women Commission can take up this challenge on priority basis.

(15) The group felt that, the lack of proper ad healthy educational and recreational programmes for children in media coverage particularly the television – lead to the increase in incidents of delinquent behaviour of your children. 23

(16) The group recommended that the uncovered naked dead bodies are not to be published or telecast in media, as it violates the Human Rights.

(17) Recommended that Assam State Women Commission should be forum a special cell & formulate guidelines for the media so that the media coverage on Terrorism and positively pictured.

All the above suggestions/recommendations have been accepted by the house. The Seminar generated a great enthusiasm amongst Women. The Women from all walks of life participated in the Seminar.

Another innovative scheme initiated by the State Women Commission is the Mahila Adalat. The Idea was launched by National Commission for Women in December’95 when Mrs. V. Mohini Giri, Chairperson of National Commission for Women sent S.O.S. to each State Chairperson to make immediate endeavour for sponsoring Mahila Adalats on the occasion for celebration of International Women’s Day falling on 8th March’96. The main objective of organization Mahila Adalat is for disposal to the maximum extent possible number of back-log of cases pending in Courts all over the Country through the process of our of Court Settlement. This would also be in consonance with the spirit of maximizing the channels of justice delivery system with regard to needy women, women in distress and victims of violence and manifold forms of atrocities against them.

The Assam State Women Commission without loss of time moved the Gauhati High Court and the State Govt. and also held a number of sittings 24 emphasizing on the necessity and urgency of separate Mahila Adalat advised the State Women Commission to take the benefit from the Lok Adalat held in the Districts from time to time. But the State Women’s Commission felt that the aspirations of the Women will be fulfilled and justice to victim will be ensured only after a full-fledged Mahila Adalat is held.

On 8th March’96 the International Women’s Day was observed by the State Women’s Commission in collaboration with the Directorate of Social Welfare in the premises of the Bal Bhawan. The Hon’ble Minister Social Welfare Assam Shri Kul Bahadur Chetri attended the function as the Chief Guest, besides renowned Social Workers namely Smti. Amaya Chaliha, President, I.C.C.W, Smti. Kamal Kumari Barua, President Pradeshik Mahila Samity, Dr. Deepali Dutta and few other renowned, personalities were also present in the function. To mark the occasion, a Sales Counter named “Navarupa” was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, the Hon’ble Minister, Social Welfare. The Sales Counter has been opened to create an out-let for marketing the goods/materials produced by the inmates of the State Home for Women Jalukbari/Nagaon and the Vocational Training and Rehabilitation Centre, Beltola, Guwahati and NGO’s of the City. The profit earned from the sales will go a long way in the rehabilitation of the inmates of the Destitute Home.

On that day the State Women Commission Organised a visit to the District Jail, Guwahati. The team consisted of Women’s NGO’s of the City and the team was led by Smti. Mridula Saharia, Chairperson of the State Women Commission. The Inspector General of Prisons, Shri. M.L. Nath, A.C.S. accompanied the team around the Jail and met the female inmates of 25 the Jail. The Members talked to the inmates and also listened to the problems and deficiencies of the Female Enclosure. The team observed that the facilities for craft training was utterly limited and the ling space, sanitation and bath and toilet facilities were poor. During an after-visit discussion with the I.G. Prisons the Members of the team came to know that the released prisoners did not receive any rehabilitation grants for the last one year and after-care services were totally absent. The activities of the Prison Welfare Officer, who is controlled by the Social Welfare Deptt. are almost absent. The I.G. prisons informed the Team that a meeting of the NGOs the experts and officers of the concerning departments will be held on 22nd March, 96 at the Assam Administrative Staff College, Khanapara, as desired by the National Human Rights Commission, to discuss about formulation of comprehensive law of Prisons. The Members later visited the State Home for Women in Jalukbari.

In the above meeting, organized by the Jail Deptt. and held on 22nd of March’96 at the Administrative Staff College, Khanapara, was attended by Shri S.K. Dey, Consultant of the State Women Commission, as representative of the Commission. Shri S.K. Dey presented at the meeting the comments and suggestions of the Commission on the proposed Indian Prisons Bill, 1995. The meeting was Chaired by Shri A.K. Chowdhury, I.A.S. and addressed by Sri Nurul Huda, Ex. Minister Jails, Dr. Hira Singh, Consultant NHRC, Shri M.L. Nath, I.G.P., Assam Dr.(Mrs.) Jeuti Baruah, Director, Law Research Institute, Guwahati High Court and others.

Some of the important comments and suggestions are mentioned below :- 26

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS ON PROPOSED INDIAN PRISONS BILL 1995 (1) To ensure safe and secured prison-life all Women’s Jails may be set- up in the State. The Women prisoners should be treated with greater care and should not be discriminated & looked down upon since the needs of women are different from that of man. To enable the women prisoners to communicate, the prison authorities should try to give education to the inmates.

(2) The sanitation, health and hygiene is far from satisfactory. Therefore all measures should be taken to improve the poor sanitary conditions in most of the Jails. Running in the toilets should be ensured in all the Jails, by the authorities.

(3) Every prisoner must have access to her records maintained by the Jail Officers and must be given the legal counseling by the Law Officer of the Jail.

(4) The right against the arbitrary punishment embodied in the Jail Manual be ensured, so that a cordial relationship with the prisoners and the Jail authorities exists.

(5) Recreational facilities must be adequate and regular so that it may be used as a therapy for reformation. For moral and spiritual development a special programme can be undertaken with the help of social workers/social activities. 27

(6) Open Air Prisons are necessary. Women prisoners with children, who can’t be separated from the mothers need the atmosphere of an Open Air Prison to give an appearance of a home, so as to give a homely atmosphere for the young children.

(7) The prison staff at all levels of prisons administration must have minimum training from recognized Institutes. Each prison must have qualified women welfare officer. All Women’s prisons must be manned by women staff only.

(8) In each prison there must have a Psychiatrist, a Social Worker –Cum- Case Worker and a Probation Officer.

(9) An Officer of the Industries Dept. should be attached to Jail for development of Jail Industries and for imparting vocational training.

(10) The After-Care service both institutional and non-institutional services be vigorously activitised.

(11) After- care Officer must endeavour to narrow down the gap between the prisoners and the society.

(12) Women prisoners should be provided with equipments and machineries to continue their daily engagements like weaving, knitting and tailoring etc. 28

(13) Children of the women convicts when fit to be conveniently separated from their mothers should be transferred to institutes like – Children Home, SOS Children’s Villages for all round development of children.

(14) Under trial period must be reduced to minimum.

(15) Review committee must include women experts/social workers.

(16) Vocational training must be effective, useful and productive, wage payment system should not be in name only.

(17) Prison discipline must be enforced through human approach. Incentive Award System be introduced to enable the prisoners to co- operate with the jail’s disciplinary measures.

(18) Grievance redressal system be entrusted to the prison welfare officer who should be under the Prison Department.

(19) The Prisoners should not be transferred to an alien atmosphere against his/her wish and this should not be taken as a measure of punishment.

(20) The State-Level Advisory Committee of Prisons must include women experts.

Being highly alarmed at the rising incidence and growing menance of prostitution and Immoral Traffic in Women and Girls in the city of 29

Guwahati and in the sensitive areas of the district of Nalbari, Kamrup, Barpeta, Cachar and the Industrial Town of Tinsukia the City Social activities under the leadership of the prominent Social Workers, Sm. Sakuntala Choudhury raised the united voice against the prostitution.

The State Women Commission also joined hands with NGO’s in highlighting the evil effects of prostitution and raised demanding voice to cleanse the society from this menance and build up a society for women where they can led a life of dignity, honour, security and protection.

To make Commission’s endeavour effective and to enlist the support of community and active participation of the enlightened women a meeting of the prominent women Social Welfares of the City was convened on 18th December’95 at Women Commission’s Office. The meeting was presided over by Smt. Mridula Saharia, Chairperson, State Women Commission, among others Chairperson, LAC, Sm. Hema Bharali & renowned workers like Smt. Sakuntala Chowdhury, Smt. Priti Goswami, Smt. Girji Barua were present. The Social menance, hitherto not posed as a gasping problem, has of late, appeared as a widely discussed social menancec threatening the social values and moral values. The presence of Sri R.M. Singh, I.P.S. Supdt. Of Police (City), Guwahati added the importance to the discussion. The meeting apprised the S.P. regarding the magnitude of the problem. The meeting made a request to the S.P. (City) to take measures to contain/eradicate prostitution and Immoral Traffic most rampantly practiced in the Beauty Parlours and Posh Hotels and openly solicited by girls and women on the busy streets and vulnerable market places and railway station premises of the city. Also, the unscrupulous traders deal with pornographic 30 books, Magazines and blue films drawing the youths to moral degradation and degeneration.

The meeting put forward a few suggestions to contain the unchecked growing menance. Some suggestions are stated below :-

1) S.P. City will prepare a list of the Beauty Parlours possessing licenses of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation.

2) The Beauty Parlour Proprietors will also furnish the names of the Parlour girls mentioning if they possess Certificates/Diploma qualifying them to be members of this dignified profession.

3) S.P. will identify the ill-reputed localities, dens, houses, parlours, hotels and hostels of the city. He shall make regular and surprise raids and inspect such places accompanied by lady police officers and the Women Social Workers.

4) The Procurers and the Pimps, who are know and habituals, must be apprehends and awarded exemplary punishment including social condemnation.

5) Such stringent measures and steps proposed and suggested by the meeting must be given priority and proper publicity to enlist the co- operation and support of the Community and neighbours. 31

6) The Officer-in-Charge of all Police Stations, particularly of Paltan Bazar, Fancy Bazar and Pan Bazar, may be alerted and advised to be constantly vigilant.

The meeting also suggested that such Girls and Women who are active a regular in Sex & Flesh trades and rescued must get an opportunity to led an honest and respectable life with gainful economic rehabilitation being trained in vocations suitable to their qualifications, aptitude and other backgrounds.

The Supdt. of Police expressed happiness at the discussion and welcome suggestions of the Meeting and the Social Workers at large. He assured his best possible and sincere efforts and attentions to fight out the menance in collaboration with the NGOs.

During the year of the report, the Assam State Commission for Women was successful in holding a State Level Workshop on Immoral Traffic in Women and Child Prostitution on 16.3.96 at the Pensioner’s Bhawan, Chandmari Colony, Guwahati.

The Workshop was organized jointly by the Assam State Commission for Women and the Social Welfare Department, Govt. of Assam. The participants in the Workshop held at Pensioner’s Bhawan, Chandmari, Guwahati comprised of the NGOs from Guwahati City and the various districts of the State besides the representatives of the Police and Social Welfare Dept. from different districts. The theme of the Seminar was Immoral Traffic in Women and Child Prostitution – a social menace and its 32 remedies. The Workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Mrs. Hemo Prabha Saikia, Mayor, Guwahati Municipal Corporation and Shri Kul Bahadur Chetri, Minister, Social Welfare Deptt. attended as Chief Guest. Ms. Yasmin Hazarika, I.P.S. Deputy Commissioner of Police Women Cell, New Delhi participated in the workshop as the Resource Person.

Smti. Mridula Saharia, Chairperson, Assam State Commission for Women welcoming the distinguished guests and the participants in the workshop expressed that the outcome of the discussion would be very meaningful and valuable and the recommendations of the workshop will be helpful in containing the problems of immoral traffic in women and girls. Smti. Saharia gave a brief background of the problem and its magnitude and stated that if measures are not taken right now the problem will go beyond control.

Dr. Hema Prabha Saikia in her inaugural address mentioned the immoral traffic in women and child prostitution as a growing social malaise and urged upon the participants mainly the NGOs, the Police and the officers of the Social Welfare Deptt. to play the vital role in generating awareness in the Society and to take appropriate steps for rescuing the women, giving them vocational training and open up avenues for rehabilitation and social assimilation of the victim women and girls. The meeting was also addressed by Smt. Yasmin Hazarika, I.P.S.

Amongst the distinguished guests Mr. C.R. Sammadar, I.A.S., Principal Secretary, Deptt. of Social Welfare, Smt. Santa Agarwalla, Chairperson, Assam State Social Welfare Advisory Board, Chairperson, 33

L.A.C. Smti. Hema Bharali and Mr. S.P. Kar, I.P.S. D.I.G. (CID) and Shri Kuladhar Saikia, IPS S.P. were present.

The Working Session was chaired by Smt. Hema Bharali, the Chairperson of the Legal Advisory Committee. She highlighted the role of NGOs and requested the Govt. to extend all possible help. She requested Dr. C.R. Sammadar I.A.S., Principal Secretary, Social Welfare Deptt. Govt. of Assam to initiate the deliberation.

The Principal Secretary, Social Welfare expressed hope that the participants would reach messages of the Workshop to the messes. He stressed that all concerned should study the Acts relating to Immoral Trafficking on Women & Child Prostitution. He spoke elaborately about the Committees constituted by the Govt. at different levels for the purpose and requested all concerned to hold the meeting of the Committee regularly.

Representative of one NGO of Guwahati expressed unhappiness over the role of police personal in dealing with such cases. One participants cited one example of how a girl rescued and handed over to police was thereafter found missing. In reply to this Sri. S.P. Kar, I.P.S., D.I.G. (CID) told that according to Immoral Traffic (Prevention )Act, an Officer not below the rank of DSP is authorized to investigate such matter and advised to approach higher authority by the NGOs in such matter.

The Representative of Lakhimpur Mahila Samity informed that there are places in Lakhimpur where girls/women are engaged in immoral 34 activities. She said that they have to face insecurity and are threatened by those people once their activities are informed to police.

The Chairperson requested the participants to restrict discussion of the problem in broad perspective instead of citing solitary case so that the Workshop could offer some concrete recommendations to the Govt.

The DIG (CID) sought help from the NGO for rescuing the prostitutes, identifying the places where such activities go on and also accompanying the police personnel while conducting raids etc.

The Chairperson requested the Principal –Secretary, Social Welfare, to extend all possible help from his Deptt. to the NGOs and the Principal Secretary, Social Welfare, expressed satisfaction over the good job done by the Women’s organisations and assured all help. They pressed for immediate expansion of the State Homes run by Govt. with accommodation for about 50 Women initially and also recommended for setting up of SHORT STAY HOME in each District.

The Principal Secretary, Social Welfare, informed the participants that the Govt. too had limitations and asked the participants to identify Non- Govt. Agencies for funding. He cited example of Gujrat, Maharastra, Tamil Nadu etc. where many organisations were surviving on Non- Govt. funding only.

Ms. Yasmin Hazarika, I.P.S. Delhi Police told that as she was working with Women’s Cell of Delhi Police for many years, she had the opportunity 35 to interact with many NGOs of Delhi. According to her most of those organizations are funded by Non-Govt. agencies and even the Women’s Cell of Delhi Police prefer such organization to those run by Govt. money.

Mr. K. Saikia, SP(SB) placed the following points :-

1) Identifying : Survey of prostitutes on priority basis – so that they could be identified.

2) Prevention : Enforce different Acts related to Immoral Trafficking in Women. Educate the people about its darker side.

3) Detection : He stressed that the NGOs may play a vital role and in many cases their help is a must.

4) Prosecution :- It becomes very difficult to prove cases relating to Immoral Trafficking in Women. Most of the convicts get away due to lack of witnesses. Here the NGOs could play a vital role.

5) Rehabilitation : A Technical Committee, at State-Level Comprising of Members from Depts. like Industries, Co-operation, Handlooms & Textiles, Veterinary, Social Welfare, Bank etc. should be formed to search for more avenues for rehabilitation.

Mr. S.K. Dey, Consultant, Women’s Commission, gave a brief account of the topics for group discussion and divided the participants from the Districts into 4 groups. 36

The topics for group discussion are listed below together with the recommendations of the groups.

Group -1 Topic :- Measures for containing/eradication of prostitution – Enforcement of provisions of Act, Amendments – Role of Executive, Judiciary and Police.

Recommendations : Prostitution can’t be eradicated but it may be controlled through following measures.

(a) Social Awareness (b) Economic upliftment (c) Family environment (d) Intensive educational Programmes in Rural areas (e) Proper and successful implementation of Adult Literacy Progrmme (f) Active co-operation and collaboration of Police and Judiciary. (g) Liberal and broad mentality of the youth of the society. (h) Stringent action against persons running Brothels and abusing girl child. (i) Amendment of the Acts. (j) Exemplary punishment of the offenders.

37

Group -2 Topic : Care, After – care & rehabilitation of rescued Women and Child Prostitutes – Role of NGOs.

Recommendations :- Identified and rescued women can be provided with shelter, counseling, guidance etc. There should be separate accommodation for rescued women and child prostitutes.

(i) Adequate facilities for a good physical and mental development. (ii) Keep them busy through job oriented training etc. (iii) The women could be provided with job of foster-care in family. (iv) Protection of the rescued women and nurturing her potentialities. This may be non-institutional and institutional. (v) Social stigma attached to prostitutes should be eradicated from the Society. (vi) Group felt that non-institutional care and efforts for social & economic rehabilitation needs to be stressed and given priority. (vii) It is the ardent responsibility of parents to guide their children.

Considering all aspects of the Problems the Work-Shop came into conclusion that the matters of Immoral Traffic and Child Prostitution is one of the alarming social evils. For tackling this problem stress and priority must be on social and economic rehabilitation of rescued women and girls. Since this requires a high volume of funding which the Govt. can not alone provide, it is proposed to raise funds from persons, firms and institution b organizing a Trust under the Women’s Commission. This Trust shall be 38 accountable to the Commission for proper accounting of the funds this raised for the rehabilitation programme for rescued women.

Group -3 Topic : Care and Protection of Children of Prostitutes.

Recommendation : (1) Survey of the Children of the Prostitutes should be done to know the magnitude of the problem.

(2) After detention and rescue immediate Health checkup should be done.

(3) Organise integration camp and cultural programme during holidays and competitions among them to divert their mind.

(4) Organise awareness programme in the rural areas about Health Education. (5) To find out the main reasons and identify the factors for forcing the women and girls to resorts to flesh trade.

Preventive Measures 1) Education and Motivation of the mother 2) Spiritual and moral Education to the Children. 3) Economic Development of Women 4) Early marriage should be abolished 5) Removal of Social stigma 6) Free legal aid should be provided. 39

Group -4 Topic – Registration and Licencing of prostitution vis-à-vis creation of Red Light Areas and toleration zones.

Recommendations :- In the present social environment of Assam if prostitution could be prevented at this stage there is no need to provide Licence and to create a red-Light Areas.

If circumstances arise in future then a Red-Light Areas could be declared with Licence subject to the conditions mentioned below :-

1) The Licence could be given only to the sex workers above 21 years and the areas should be away from human habitation.

2) The area must be strictly under supervision and control of the Municipal Board or Municipal Corporation where regular and through health check up could be done so that the society could be saved from threat of serious socially transmitted disease.

3) Law and order must be maintained with strong hand in the Red Light Areas.

Later each group leaders presented a brief report on the topic assigned to them along with their respective recommendations, before the House. 40

Thereafter DIG (CID) also spoke and said that we must provide safeguard to the sentiments of the women rescued from brothel etc. as they undergo a trauma. He also requested the house to be atleast acquainted oneself with changes in the Acts. For example earlier the punishment for rape was maximum 7 years imprisonment before amendment of the Act but now 7 years is the minimum term of imprisonment.

Mr. S. Sarmah, APS from Morigaon requested the participants not to misunderstand all police officers as there are many officers who take interest and care for Women’s issues. The Police Officers with the help and co- operation of the public will be able to do a great deal in this field.

The representative of S.P. Nalbari informed that they find it very difficult to conduct successful raids in parts of Nalbari, i.e. Darrang Mela as the culprits take shelter across the border in Bhutan. Therefore the Police is facing some difficulties in taking action against these category of people engaged in flesh –trade.

Ms. Yasmin Hazarika, I.P.S. Delhi Police requested the Women’s Cells of different Districts to work in close relation with the NGO’s.

On her concluding remarks, the Chairperson thanked all for making the Workshop successful and said that we must have patience and work untiringly for women’s cause even if it take time to solve the problem. 41

In her opinion degeneration of moral values is a vital factor for prevalence of such anti-social activities and not the economic factor only responsible for prostitution as expressed by many participants.

She requested all concerned to work hand in hand for the cause of women. The Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission expressed concern at the growing menance of Drug Abuse and its concomitance HIV/AIDS in the State, which have been silently eroding the morality and disturbing the Social fabric. In the Workshop these problems found place in the deliberation. The Commission therefore evinced interest in the activities of the leading NGOs like Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses and the Association for Social Health in India which are engaged in tackling this area of Social malaise.

Smti. Mridula Saharia, Chairperson, Assam State Commission for Women offered the vote of Thanks and expressed her gratitude to all those participants who came all the way from various districts and made the workshop a great success.

************** 42

Dated Dispur the 25th January’94

No. SWD 79/93/64 :- In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 3(I) of the Assam State Commission for Women Ordinance, 1993, the Governor of Assam is pleased to constitute the Assam State Commission for Women with the Chairperson and other members as mentioned below for a period of 3(three) years from the date of issue of this Notification :-

1. Smt. Mridula Saharia, Tangla - Chairperson 2. Smt. Hema Bharali, Guwahati - Member 3. Smt. Sabita Das, Silchar - Member 4. Smt. Anandi Bala Rabha, Dudhnoi - Member 5. Smt. Aleya Kurmi, Dibrugarh - Member 6. Smt. Abola Gohain, Jorhat - Member 7. Dr. (Ms) Shahnaaz Rahman - Member MA, LL.B, Phd, Advocate Gauhati High Court, Guwahati

8. Ms. Joshomayee Devi, M.A., M. Phil - Member 9. Professor (Dr) Lakshyahira Dutta - Member M.A., Phd, Gauhati University

Sd/- D.B. Chetry Secretary to the Govt. of Assam Social Welfare Department 43

No SCW (V) 15/94/57 Dated Guwahati the 30th November’94

ORDER It exercise of the powers conferred under section 8(1) of the Assam State Commission for Women Act, 1994, the Chairperson of Assam State Commission for Women is please to constitute the Committee for Socio- Economic Development of Women with the following member shall further orders.

1. Smt. Bonol Senapati Adviser Member, National Commission for Women

2. Smt. Mridula Saharia Chairperson, Assam State Commission for Women Chairperson

3. Smt. Hema Bharali Member Member, Assam State Commission for Women

4. Smt. Sabita Das Member Member, Assam State Commission for Women

5. Smti Anandi Bala Rabha Member Member, Assam State Commission for Women

6. Smt. Aleya Kurmi Member Member, Assam State Commission for Women

7. Smt. Abola Gohain Member Member, Assam State Commission for Women 44

8. Dr.(Ms) Shahnaaz Rahman, M.A., LL.B., Phd. Advocate, Gauhati High Court, Guwahati Member, Assam State Commission of Women Member

9. Ms. Joshomayee Devi, M.A., M.Phil, Faculty Member Member NEIBM, Guwahati & Member, Assam State Commission for Women

10. Professor (Dr.) Lakshyahira Dutta M.A., Ph.D. Gauhati University & Member, Assam State Commissioner for Women Member

11. Smti. Santa Agarwalla Member Chairperson, Assam State Social Welfare Advisory Board

12. Smt. Hemaprova Saikia Member President, Assam Seva Samiti, Guwahati

13. Smt. Kamal Kumari Barua Member President, Asom Pradeshil Mahila Samiti Guwahati

14. Smt. Gayatri Hazarika Member Nari Adhikar Samiti, Guwahati

15. Director of Social Welfare & Probation Member Assam

16. Registrar of Co-operative Societies Member Assam

17. Director of Panchayat & Rural Development, Member Assam

18. Director of Industries, Assam Member

19. Director of Handloom & Textiles, Assam Member

20. Director of Sericulture, Assam Member 45

21. Director of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Member Assam

22. Director of Elementary Education, Assam Member

23. Director of Adult Education, Assam Member

24. Director of Health Services, Assam Member

25. Inspector General of Prisons, Assam Member

26. Director of Agriculture, Assam Member

27. Director of Fisheries, Assam Member

28. Mrs. M. Hagjer Barman Member Member-Secretary Secretary Assam State Commission for Women

Sd/- Smt. Mridula Saharia Chairperson Assam State Commission for Women 46

No. SCW(W) 15/94/50 Dated Guwahati, the 22nd July, 1994

ORDER

In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 8(1) of the Assam State Commission of Women Act, 1994, the Chairperson of the Assam State Commission of Women in pleased to constitute the Legal Advisory Committee with the Chairperson and Members as mentioned below until further orders.

1. Shri Dambarudhar Pathak Adviser Ex. Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, Assam

2. Smti. Hema Bharali, Member, Assam State Chairperson Commission for Women

3. Smt. D.B. Devi Member Judicial Magistrate, Gauhati

4. Dr. (Smti) Deepali Dutta Member Ex. Principal, Guwahati Medical College & Principal Mental Welfare Society

5. Shri Bhargav Chowdhury, Advocate Member Gauhati High Court

6. Smti. M. Kakati, APS, D.S.P., All Women’s Member Police Station, Guwahati, Panbazar

7. Dr. (Smt.) Shahnaaz Rahman, Member, Assam Member State Commission for Women Convenor

Sd/- Smt. Mridula Saharia Chairperson Assam State Commission of Women 47

No. SCW(W) 15/94/65 Dated Guwahati, the 10th May, 1995

ORDER

In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 8(1) of the Assam State Commission of Women Act, 1994, the Chairperson of the Assam State Commission of Women in pleased to nominate Shri Pranab Pathak, Advocate, Gauhati High Court, as a member of the Legal Advisor, Committee constituted vide Office Order No SCW(W) 15/94/50 dated 22.7.94.

Sd/- Smt. Mridula Saharia Chairperson Assam State Commission of Women

No. SCW(W) 15/94/67 Dated Guwahati, the 8th Feb, 1996

ORDER

In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 8(1) of the Assam State Commission of Women Act, 1994, the Chairperson of the Assam State Commission of Women in pleased to nominate Dr.(Ms) Jeuti Barua, Director Law-Research Institute Gauhati High Court, as a member of the Legal Advisor, Committee constituted vide Office Order No SCW(W) 15/94/50 dated 22.7.94.

Sd/- Smt. Mridula Saharia Chairperson Assam State Commission of Women 48

No. SCW(W) 15/94/68 Dated Guwahati, the 30th Jan, 1996

ORDER

In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 8(1) of the Assam State Commission of Women Act, 1994, the Chairperson of the Assam State Commission of Women in pleased to nominate Dr. (Mrs) Geeta Basumatary, Head of the Dept. of Zoology, Pragjyotish College, Guwahati, as a member of the Committee for Socio-Economic Development of Women constituted vide Office Order No SCW(W) 15/94/57 dated 30.11.94.

Sd/- Smt. Mridula Saharia Chairperson Assam State Commission of Women 49

STATEMENT

RECEIPT PAYMENT ACCOUNT OF THE COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 1994-95 Receipt Expenditure 1. Grant-in-Aid from Social 1. Salaries to the Staff …… Rs. 47,796.00 Welfare Deptt. Govt. of Assam Rs. 4,00,000.00 2. Sitting allowances Rs. 7,950.00 to Members 3. T.A., D.A. of Chairperson Rs. 34,354.00 and Members ……. 4 Purchase of Vehicle …. Rs. 1,88,223.00 5. Maintenance of Rs. 14,514.21 Vehicle….. 6. POL (Vehicle) …. Rs. 20,252.27 7 Office equipment Rs. 35,206.00 8. Office Stationery Rs. 6,220.25 9. Arrangement of holding Rs. 21,706.40 meetings 10 Telephone expenditure …. Rs. 6,091.00 . 11 Postage Stamp …. Rs. 300.00 12 Newspaper ….. Rs. 389.00 Total Total Receipt = Rs. 4,00,000.00 Expenditure Rs. 3,83,002.13 Opening Balance Nil Closing balance Rs. 16,997.00 Grand Grand Total Rs. 4,00,000.00 Total = Rs. 4,00,000.00

A.G.P. 479/96 (A.S.C.F.W.) 700