Bihar Governor Satya Pal Malik on Thursday said women studying in state’s universities can send complaints of molestation or sexual harassment on campus directly to the Raj Bhavan, PTI reported. The governor, who is also the chancellor of state’s universities, said special officers deputed to Raj Bhavan will attend to such complaints.

“It is our dharma to ensure that our women live with honour,” Malik said during a conference organised by students’ unions of all state universities. “Girls in universities can report any incident of teasing or molestation directly to the Raj Bhavan.”

He said the officers at the Raj Bhavan have been given special telephone numbers to deal with complaints of molestation and sexual harassment. “Once they receive a complaint, they would provide all possible help to the victims, including help with registering First Information Reports.”

The governor said almost all campuses in Bihar have been equipped with CCTV cameras to deter miscreants from behaving badly and make detection of perpetrators easier.

Opposition reacts

Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Tejashwi Yadav on Friday claimed the governor’s statement was a reflection on the law and order situation in the state under Nitish Kumar’s government. “The Governor was forced to appeal that women and girl students can register their complaints at Raj Bhawan over phone if they face harassment before approaching a police station,” Yadav, former Bihar deputy chief minsiter, said, according to IANS. “This is a shame.”