from daijiworld's special correspondent

Panaji. Feb 26: The National Commission for Women has recommended changes in the definition of rape in the proposed sexual assault bill to include assaults other than penetration.

"We have submitted the sexual assault bill to the government. In that, we have changed the definition of rape. We call it sexual assault," NCW Chairperson Girija Vyas said on the sidelines of a seminar here.

"It means not only penetration but other kind of assault also comes under the definition," said Vyas, who was talking to alongside the regional conference on "integrated plan of action to prevent and combat human trafficking with special focus on children and women".

The NCW is optimistic that the Sexual Assault Bill and sexual harassment at workplace bill will come through.

"Last year we gave 22 bills, of which 7-8 were passed by parliament," Vyas said.

The NCW also plans to nail down erring officials, who adopt casual approach towards rape cases. "We have demanded severe punishment to the culprit even if he is a police officer. If police don't file firs they should be fined."

The NCW has suggested an annual mandatory training course for police on various laws related to women.

"There should be a separate 24-hour desk in each police station to entertain complaints related to women," she said.

Vyas said due to the lack of a comprehensive law to ensure rehabilitation of devdasis, they were returning to the practice.

Talking about human trafficking, Vyas said Goa was becoming a hub for such activities. "Laws should be stringent to curb trafficking," she said.