Gujarat women’s commission sends notices to clubs across Ahmedabad

AHMEDABAD: After the state women’s commission (SWC) summoned representatives of Rajpath Club to record their statements over the whipping of a teenage girl by the swimming coach employed at the club, the commission also issued notices to other clubs, asking whether they have an internal complaints redressal committee (ICRC) for women’s protection. A letter was sent to six clubs in Ahmedabad, including Rajpath Club, Karnavati Club, Ellisbridge Gymkhana, YMCA and others.
“The incident that occurred at Rajpath Club with a swimming coach whipping a teenage girl is a serious issue. To ensure the safety of women, does your club have an internal complaints redressal cell? If so, you are requested to provide the name, address and contact numbers of the members of this cell to the SWC,” states the letter that was sent on Saturday.
SWC chairperson Leela Ankoliya confirmed this. “We received feedback from Rajpath Club and Karnavati Club, confirming that ICRCs for women’s protection are in place. The other clubs are yet to confirm.”
The Rajpath Club management confirmed that an ICRC had been formed a long time ago and measures to protect women’s interests are in place.
The SWC also issued recommendations to Rajpath Club, suggesting that they deploy women coaches and women security guards. “It is in the interest of women’s safety,” said Ankoliya. Karnavati Club president Jayesh Modi, said, “We did receive a letter from the commission and we have sent a response. A woman director is heading the ICRC for women and children’s safety at Karnavati Club and three other club members are on the committee.” Clubs which do not have a cell in place are mulling their options. “As protocol, staffers at our club have been instructed not to touch any members. We received a letter from the SWC and are mulling over the guidelines,” said John Geevarghese, president, YMCA International Centre.