The West Bengal government has introduced a comprehensive set of measures aimed at enhancing the safety of women in workplaces, particularly in state-run hospitals where night shifts are common.
Chief Advisor to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Alapan Bandyopadhyay, revealed these initiatives during a press briefing on Saturday.
The new safety protocols come amid ongoing protests by doctors across the state following the alleged rape and murder of a female medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Key measures include the establishment of designated retiring rooms and CCTV-monitored 'safe zones' within hospitals and medical colleges.
Additionally, a flagship programme titled 'Rattirer Sathi – Helpers of the Night' will extend its reach to hostels and other locations where women work night shifts.
According to the government, the initiative will be supported by volunteers aimed at providing additional safety and support.
A new mobile application with alarm devices is also in development.
This app will enable women to quickly contact local police stations in emergencies.
To further bolster safety, employees in both state and private sectors will be encouraged to form two-member teams to keep each other informed during night shifts.
The government has mandated a proper ratio of male to female security staff at workplaces.
Furthermore, 'breath analyser tests' will be conducted at medical colleges and hospitals, and night police patrols will be established at these facilities and women’s hostels.
Bandyopadhyay also noted that efforts will be made to minimise night duties for women wherever feasible, aiming for swift implementation of these new safety measures.
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