Visakhapatnam: Expressing concern over the paucity of fund for various activities, Women Commission chairperson of Andhra Pradesh Nannapaneni Rajakumari said that they are being forced to dig into their purses when money is required to take up operations. “Even as new Women Commission was formed after the division of Andhra Pradesh, enough fund was not being allocated. So, in case of any enquiry or operation, we have to bear the expenses contributing Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 to meet the expenses,” said the Women Commission chairperson.
She however, admitted that during major issues, the Chief Minster sanctions amount needed from the Chief Minister Relief Fund. She also highlighted the dearth of staff for the commission which requires about 15 to 20 employees and a secretary with IAS qualification and few legal advisors. “During recent Anantapur Lakshmi Prasanna case, Women Commission reacted immediately and the Chief Minister has allotted funds within 24 hours. Chief Minister has sanctioned lakhs from CM relief fund during any kind of emergency,” she added.
There was also need of forming Rapid Action Teams in several districts to check child marriages, child labour. The commission has appraised the Chief Minister about the issue and the latter had assured granting some funds at the earliest. Shortage of fund had been preventing the commission from taking initiatives to curb incidents on girl and women, she added.
