International Day For Elimination Of Violence Against Women
Minister promises relief to rape victims
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 25 2012:
Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai has assured that relief measures would be extended continuously to rape victims under the Scheme for Relief and Rehabilitation of Victims of Rape.
She was speaking at the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women organised by Women Action for Development (WAD) at 1st MR banquet hall here today.
Conveying deep concern over the rising trend of crime against women, Mirabai noted that the most brutal form of violence against women is rape.
Along with introduction of the Scheme for Relief and Rehabilitation of Victims of Rape in Manipur which is sponsored by the Government of India, four rape victims have been provided relief measures.
The Social Welfare Minister further assured that more relief measures would be extended continuously to rape victims.
Apart from rehabilitating rape victims, maximum efforts would be put in to punish the rapists.
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But Government alone would not be enough to control crime against women.
It demands cooperation and coordination with the general public and civil society organisations, Mirabai added.
Earlier giving key-note address, WAD secretary Subita Mangshatabam said that WAD would observed the international fortnight against violence on women from November 25 to December 12 with the primary objective of creating awareness among the Government officials, NGOs, civil societies and the public about the urgent need to check violence against women.
Failure of the State to punish culprits according to law is one fundamental reason for the ever rising cases of violence against women.
In addition to ensuring that all the culprits are punished according to law, the Government should take up necessary measures for properly rehabilitation of their victims, Subita demanded.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Home Minister Gaikhangam noted that violence against women inside family has its repercussions at the society at large.
Reminding that a nation's level of progress in known by examining the status of women and children of the nation, Gaikhangam called upon all womenfolk to reap the benefits of women exclusive schemes launched by the Government of India.
Social Welfare Director G Seityabati said that due considerations have been initiated at the level of Chief Secretary to form a gender policy.
Due efforts have also been initiated to introduce 'gender budgeting'.Moreover, a proposal for rehabilitation of commercial sex workers of the State has been forwarded to the Centre.
To check violence against women, women should be mentally and economically strong, Seityabati said.