Victoria makes case for gender justice cell

Victoria makes case for gender justice cell 
Says State needs new industrial policy
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JULY 22 
The lone woman MLA in the 40-member House Victoria Fernandes on Thursday made a case for establishment of a Gender Justice Cell to check indiscrimination meted out to the fairer sex in the industrial sector.
Victoria said women were discriminated when it came to jobs in the industries. They are rejected on grounds that they can’t work late hours. “Industries should have facilities so that they can work late hours. This has to be checked and industries should not get into discrimination,” she stated.
The Santa Cruz MLA said the State was in need of a new industrial policy like how Karnataka and Punjab had done. “These States are doing well. It is time we review our existing policy,” she mentioned. 
Speaking in support of some of the well-known traders in the State, she also highlighted the need for a new policy on trade and commerce.
Victoria impressed upon the need to form a House Committee to see the implementation of the Factories Act so as to provide safety to women in industries and basic facilities like separate toilets, change rooms, etc.     
She also called for a separate act for unorganised farmers who have no protection. These people should have an insurance scheme, she held. Creation of Labour Welfare Fund and implementation of the Minimum Wages Act were also suggested by the lone woman MLA.    
Talking on tourism, she maintained a lot of wrong publicity was being carried out in the form of ads which are bad in taste. She demanded a ban on night parties stating these created a lot of tension and fearful atmosphere.
She also highlighted the need to review the tourism policy and suggested the State should concentrate on hinterland tourism. The State should also establish an ethical code for international tourists flocking to the State for their own interest, she suggested further. 
On the electricity scenario she said the State should look at the proposition of having a power plant operating on natural gas. The minister concerned should come out with a policy for the next 20 years, she stated.   
She said there was a need to strengthen the Bambolim Sub-Station by bringing in equipment and allotting the requisite manpower. The MLA made case for underground cabling in some pats of her constituency like Chimbel and Merces and recalled such a proposal was made when she was the deputy speaker. 
Victoria also impressed upon the need to have an ITI in Santa Cruz so that local youth will benefit in terms of employment.