‘Rattirer Shaathi’, restrooms: Bengal lists safety measures for women docs amid Kolkata rape-murder

NEW DELHI: The West Bengal government has introduced a range of initiatives to enhance the safety of women in the workplace, especially in state-run hospitals where night shifts are required. Chief Advisor to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Alapan Bandyopadhyay, outlined these measures during a press conference, amidst ongoing protests by doctors across the state in response to the alleged rape and murder of a medic at RG Kar hospital.

The initiatives include designated retiring rooms and CCTV-monitored 'safe zones' in hospitals, medical colleges, hostels, and other establishments where women work night shifts. These locations will now be covered under the flagship programme 'Rattirer Sathi – Helpers of the Night', which involves volunteers.

Furthermore, the state government plans to develop a mobile app with alarm features that women can download and use to communicate with local police stations in case of emergencies. Employees in both state and private establishments will be encouraged to form two-member women teams during night shifts to keep each other informed about their activities. Bandyopadhyay also mentioned, "We have also recommended maintaining the right ratio of male and female security staff at workplaces."

In addition, "breath analyser tests" will be conducted at medical colleges and hospitals in the city and districts. Night police patrolling will be implemented at all medical colleges, hospitals, and women's hostels. "Wherever possible, night duty may be avoided for women. We hope these measures are implemented at the earliest," Bandyopadhyay added.

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