The brutal rape and murder case of RG Kar Medical College Rape Case , West Bengal is now the biggest talk of the nation. In response to the repeated protests from the public, the Government of West Bengal is now up with a new Bill. It is formulated keeping in mid the safety for children and women.
Mamta Banerjee, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, emphasized the matter of safeguarding women’s dignity. The unanimous passing of this Bill is expected to have a positive impact on society in the upcoming days.
Aparajita and Child Bill (also referred to as West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024 was introduced and passed in the Legislative Assembly on 3rd Sep 2024. In support of this Bill, the CM expressed her concerns about the present status of the Code of Justice Bill throughout the country.
Concerns of the Chief Minister
West Bengal CM raised her argument against the deliberative issue of the recent tragic incident. She clarified that keeping in view of the rape cases across the country, she has written to the PM a lot of times. However, only she got response only from the minister in charge for the Women and Child Safety Department. Therefore, she expressed how the Central Government has always taken this matter lightly. Speaking about her dissatisfaction with these inadequate approaches, she emphasized the values of the present legislation.
Not only in Bengal but the whole country is right now suffering from a disease. Therefore, Banerjee pointed out several incidents that resulted in safeguarding the culprits in the long run. Moreover, she also brought up the subject of the Bilkis Bano Case and the injustice served. It was the condition of West Bengal years ago during the reign of the Communist Party of India. There was no Women’s Police Station at the time, giving enough chances for the convicts to flee.
Apart from criticizing the past efforts and the negligence of the Central Government, she gave a new assurance. According to the CM, the new legislation will enhance the safety of women and children in Kolkata and nearby areas.
Coincidence With the UN Convention
Assuring the protection of women in Kolkata, Banerjee also clarified one of the passages from the Bill. It coincides with the United Nations Convention’s clause for Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Moreover, it is the 43rd anniversary of this clause, thus making the Bill a safeguarding weapon for all women.
Additionally, the CM has voiced against the heinous crime and expressed her demand for justice in the case. She showed condolences toward the family of the deceased trainee doctor of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Repeating her call for strict punishment for the culprits, she also expressed her wish for the death penalty.
Amidst the chaotic conditions going on in Bengal, this Bill brought relief to many. Moreover, the opposition leader, Suvendu Adhikari, also expressed his support for this Bill. He urged the Government of West Bengal to consider the matter strictly and put immediate implementation of the Bill. It is all about the legal rights of a woman and child to stay and walk safely in a city.
Not only the urban areas, but this Bill will also cover the rights of the women residing in the rural side of West Bengal. Since the past few days, the general public has been gathering at many places to raise their voice against this heinous crime. It is a good sign that the Government is thinking about the issue seriously and has passed the said Aparajita Women and Child Bill, 2024.
