Kudumbashree to now watch out for criminal activities

Kakkanad, Kochi: The Kudumbashree has been foraying into multiple ventures of late. The self-help group has now formed vigilante groups here to empower women to recognise and deal with criminal activities. In other words, the members of the group will act similar to the intelligence wing of the police. The other duties of the vigilante group include serving in trouble-prone areas and reporting on suspicious as well as illegal activities in their locality.

The groups will function at the ward level. Its members have been selected from among women who have keen observation powers. The training for the group members was inaugurated by Ernakulam district panchayat president Asha Sanil.

The members have been tasked with reporting on drugs and hooch sales and other issues adversely affecting women. The report will be submitted to the 'gender corner' and 'jagrutha samities' at the local self-government bodies. The reports will be examined before forwarding them to police and excise departments. Regular drug users, anti-social elements and those exploiting women will also be identified by the group members.

The group will function in a discrete manner. Its members can obtain information and other help from trusted local people, social activists, office-bearers of various organisations and residents’ association members. The report submitted to the gender corner and 'jagrutha samithies' will be kept confidential.

Grave issues reported by the members will be investigated by a team of higher police officials. The group has been given instruction to give more focus on exploitation of women. It is now planned to set up the vigilante groups at all local body wards in the state.

Read: She News