Andhra Pradesh Mahila Commission holds Jan Sunwai from March 9-13 for women's complaints

The Andhra Pradesh Mahila Commission is holding 5 days of 'Jan Sunwai' public hearings across 5 cities to help women with their complaints. This is like bringing the commission to women who can't travel.
By Newsroom | Womens Rights, Andhra Pradesh |

Public Hearings Aim to Address Women's Grievances Across State

The Andhra Pradesh Mahila Commission has initiated a five-day 'Jan Sunwai' programme, spanning from March 9 to March 13, with the stated aim of addressing and resolving grievances presented by women. This initiative, announced by Commission Chairperson Rayapati Sailaja, is reportedly being conducted across five distinct zones within the state, with scheduled stops in Nellore, Guntur, Vijayawada, Rajamahendravaram, and Visakhapatnam. Officials from district administrations, police, legal services, and relevant departments are expected to be present at these locations to receive petitions and address complaints.

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The programme, described as a 'special drive', is intended to receive and resolve issues ranging from domestic violence and harassment to other forms of injustice. According to reports, the state's 13 districts have been demarcated into these five zones for the purpose of the hearings. The commission has encouraged women facing difficulties, particularly those with long-pending issues or complaints not resolved at the local police level, to participate and present their cases.

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The "Mahila Commission at Your Doorstep" slogan underscores the stated objective of making the commission accessible to women who might find it difficult to travel to the commission's headquarters. The agenda includes reviewing existing petitions and accepting new walk-in complaints. In Nellore, the initial session reportedly saw complaints from 30 women, with some issues addressed on the spot. Common themes among the received complaints include domestic violence, forced labour, and harassment of the elderly.

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Further enhancements to the process are reportedly underway, with plans to introduce a new website and a QR code facility to facilitate access and services for women. An existing toll-free number, 181 for the Sakhi One Stop Centre, is also being highlighted to assist women in distress.

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The 'Jan Sunwai' drive in Andhra Pradesh appears to align with a broader national effort. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has announced similar 'Mahila Jan Sunwais' across numerous districts nationwide during March, with the stated goal of addressing a substantial number of complaints.

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Background

The Andhra Pradesh Mahila Commission's 'Jan Sunwai' initiative, as reported, is scheduled to cover five key locations: Nellore on March 9, Guntur on March 10, Vijayawada on March 11, Rajamahendravaram on March 12, and Visakhapatnam on March 13. This zonal approach is part of a larger effort to engage with women across the state's districts. The programme's existence is partly attributed to directions received from the National Commission for Women. Officials present at the hearings are tasked with accepting petitions and facilitating on-the-spot resolutions where possible, alongside expediting investigations into other complaints.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'Jan Sunwai' program by the Andhra Pradesh Mahila Commission?
The 'Jan Sunwai' is a five-day program from March 9 to March 13 where the Andhra Pradesh Mahila Commission holds public hearings in five cities. They want to listen to and help solve problems faced by women across the state.
Q: Where and when are the 'Jan Sunwai' hearings happening in Andhra Pradesh?
The hearings are in Nellore on March 9, Guntur on March 10, Vijayawada on March 11, Rajamahendravaram on March 12, and Visakhapatnam on March 13. This is to make it easier for women in different areas to attend.
Q: What kind of issues will the 'Jan Sunwai' program address?
The program aims to address various issues faced by women, including domestic violence, harassment, forced labour, and other injustices. Women with long-pending complaints or issues not solved by the police can present their cases.
Q: Who will be present at the 'Jan Sunwai' hearings to help women?
Officials from district administrations, police, legal services, and other relevant government departments will be at the hearings. They will receive complaints, try to solve some problems right away, and help with investigations.
Q: How can women contact the Mahila Commission or get help during the 'Jan Sunwai'?
Women can attend the hearings in their nearest city. They can also use the toll-free number 181 for the Sakhi One Stop Centre. Plans are also being made for a new website and QR code for easier access.