Dr. Charu WaliKhanna, Member, NCW as Chief Guest inaugurated Bal Mela at Vrindavan organized by Shri Vrindavan Bal Vikas Parishad on 04.11.2012, in which about 300 children presented their dance in the theme “Braj Sanskriti”. Inaugurating the Mela, in Vrindawan she said that there is no shortage of talent and capability among women, but what they lack is self confidence as a result of which they are not able to move ahead. She complimented the organizers for giving children specially young girls a platform to display their talent which will help them become confident women.
The programme comprised 3 days ie. 03-05 November, 2012. On the first day, 3rd November, 2012 a rally was organized for protection of environment in which about 2000 children participated in the rally and created awareness on pollution and environmental issues, including the need to stop using polythene bags.

Member, NCW also visited the Mahila Thana at Mathura. She was accompanied by Mr. D.P. Yadav, Deputy Probation Officer, Sh Satish Sharma Member CWC, Smt Hemwati member CWC and other officials. The Station Women Officer informed her that the Thana had around 20 women constables on duty daily. On inspection of the case register, she observed that 83 cases had been registered from January 2012 upto 29 October, 2012 and most of the cases related to harassment of married women under Sections 498A, 323, 506 IPC and under Section 3/4 Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. Twice a month Parivar Paramarsh Kendra is held with view to settle matters between matrimonial disputes.

Thereafter Member, NCW interacted with women constables and asked about their problems. They said that mostly they faced problem of transportation & conveyance. It was suggested that they be provided vehicle alongwith training and driving license. Another problem faced by them was that of wireless sets not working in rural/urban areas making the constable dependent on their personal mobiles.

On enquiring about the cases under The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. Mr. D.P. Yadav informed Member, NCW that there is no dedicated Protection Officer under the Act and he is dealing the matters. Some complaints directly approach the court; some give the application to the police who forwards it to the court; he also informed her that no Service Provider has been nominated under the Act till date.

There after Dr. Charu WaliKhanna, Member, NCW went to inspect the Short Stay Home, though according to the board of the Home, the title is “Rajkiya Mahila Sharanalaya, Mathura” being run by Women Welfare Department, Lucknow, U.P. and the board stated that it is the Home under being run under (1) Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1986; (2)The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 and (3) For period specified by Court.

Dr. Charu WaliKhanna, Member, NCW was informed that about 35 girls were presently staying in the Home, being mostly those who had married against the wishes of their parents and being under-age/minor they were placed in the home by Court Orders; and some of the girls were those who had married against the wishes of their parents but had been deserted by their spouses/boy friend. An other category was abandoned, mentally disturbed women/girls found in neglected condition in public areas like railway station etc.

Dr. Charu WaliKhanna, Member, NCW observed that adult women and minor girls were being kept together in violation of the Act.

A girl from minority community abandoned by her family requested Dr. Charu WaliKhanna, Member, NCW that she was not comfortable in the Home and want to continue her education. Discussion was held with Probation Officer and decided that court order be procured immediately so that she can go to hostel at Kanpur and continue her education.

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