5 Questions: What environment have we created for sportswomen, asks CPM MP P K Sreemathi
P K Sreemathi
CPM Lok Sabha MP P K Sreemathi tells The Indian Express that the suicide attempt by four Kerala athletes is an issue larger than being about just the SAI hostel
Why did you say in the House the issue is not just about the SAI hostel?
I wanted to take up the matter as an issue relating to women. Every women’s hostel, especially sports hostels, faces serious security issues. Even in girls’ hostels, there are incidents of sexual harassment, of seniors disturbing juniors.
The government has assured it will look into the matter.
SAI is run by the Government of India and it should act, not just give assurances.
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What should the government do?
This happened to a national sports star. This shows what kind of an environment we have created for these sportswomen. There are no facilities to help them deal with difficult situations.
You sought a committee to look into the conditions of hostels.
Like my fellow-MP M B Rajesh said, it should be an eye-opener. The government should seriously look into the conditions in sports hostels, including those run by SAI.
Should the government in your view treat it as a women’s issue?
It’s not just a women’s issue; it’s a national issue. We have not done anything in the last two decades to improve infrastructure in sports hostels. The number of sportspersons has gone up. But there is not even a proper mechanism for complaints.
Source:: Indian Express