Maharashtra to form women legislators' panel on harassment and forced conversion concerns, says Fadnavis

Devendra Fadnavis

AMID growing concerns over harassment, atrocities, and alleged forced religious conversions of women, CM Devendra Fadnavis said the state government has decided to constitute a committee of women legislators from both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council to examine the issue in detail and recommend measures to strengthen women's safety and protection across the state.

Leaders seek strict action

The issue was raised by BJP MLC Chitra Wagh and Shiv Sena MLCs Neelam Gorhe and Manisha Kayande. The members expressed concern over incidents of harassment, forced religious conversion, and crimes against women at workplaces. Referring to recent cases from Nashik and Pune, they urged CM Fadnavis to take action against those responsible and ensure accountability of organisations where such incidents happen.

Need overhaul: CM

Responding to the concerns, Fadnavis said that legal provisions and workplace regulations aimed at protecting women are already in place. However, he noted that many of these rules were framed in a different era. "The changing work environment requires a new set of rules to address emerging challenges and ensure the safety of women employees," Fadnavis said.