WB introduces ‘Ratirrer Shaathi’ for night shift safety of women workers after Kolkata violation-murder case

New Delhi: In response to the growing outrage following the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital, the West Bengal government, under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, has introduced the ‘Ratirrer Shaathi’ (Night Helpers) program. This comprehensive safety initiative is designed to protect women working night shifts across various government institutions in the state.

What is ‘Ratirrer Shaathi’?

The program, officially announced in a two-page release from the state secretariat, focuses on enhancing the safety of women, particularly those employed in government-run medical institutions. A key feature of this initiative is limiting the working hours for female doctors to a maximum of 12 hours, with efforts to minimize night shifts wherever possible. Additionally, strict security protocols will be enforced, including mandatory checks and breathalyzer tests at medical facilities, covering superspeciality hospitals and district centers.

Key measures and safety protocols

The initiative requires the provision of separate restrooms with attached toilets for women employees and the deployment of female volunteers, known as ‘Ratirrer Shaathi,’ to monitor and ensure safety during night shifts. These volunteers will be responsible for identifying and securing safe zones within colleges, hospitals, and hostels. A dedicated mobile app, named after the initiative, will also be launched, featuring an emergency alarm system directly linked to local police stations. Integration with helpline numbers 100 and 112 is included for immediate response in emergency situations.

Moreover, all institutions must establish Vishaka Committees if they have not done so already, to address cases of sexual harassment. The program also mandates night patrols in medical colleges, hospitals, and hostels, the use of ID cards by all staff, and the presence of both male and female guards in security teams. This initiative was introduced following the horrifying incident on August 9, where the trainee doctor was found murdered inside a seminar hall. Within 24 hours, the accused, Sanjay Roy, a Kolkata Police civic volunteer, was apprehended.