Dr. Charu WaliKhanna, Member, National Commission for Women, Delhi, went to Bangalore and paid courtesy call to Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka, Dr. Hans Raj Bhardwaj, on 29.06.2013 and discussed gender issues. 

Hon’ble Governor has been the former Law Minister, Govt. of India and instrumental in the passing of historical legislation for the protection of women specifically PWDV Act, 2005, amendment in Hindu Personal Law or inclusion of property rights of women’s in the Hindu Succession Act. 

Hon’ble Governor stressed on the need for enlightenment in society including politicians and creating greater sensitivity towards women who are destitute elderly and uncared for. Hon'ble Governor recommended a Special Law for Prevention of Violence against Women. In the context of prevention of sexual harassment at workplace as Chancellor of a number of Universities in Karnataka he suggested training and sensitization in the universities specially training of the Members of the Internal Complaints Committees on how to proceed. 

Hon’ble Governor suggested that in view of the fact that a large number of crimes against women are taking place in public transport hence while giving the license to bus, taxi and auto drivers they should be made to undergo a training module on gender sensitization and only those who have certificate for the same should be employed. Hon’ble Governor said that NCW has a very important role to play in safeguarding women’s rights and it should work very actively and that NCW should take up women’s issues in one voice because women face similar problems but they are divided on grounds of caste, creed and religion etc. India is a secular country with the uniform system of courts which adjudicates upon issues in an impartial manner without prejudice to caste, creed and religion. 

NCW report on ‘Initiative on Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace’, Guidelines for Service Providers in case of Violence against Women especially Rape/Sexual Assault for Police, Medical Professionals, Prosecution, Courts, Social Workers, Counselors and Media etc.’, and ‘Engaging Male Politicians, Youth and Student Organizations on Violence Against Women’ were presented to the Hon’ble Governor by the Member.

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