July 07 : Himachal Pradesh Government would be implementing the Protection of Domestic Violence Act, 2005, in letter and spirit to protect women from domestic violence incidents while the department of Information and Public Relations in collaboration with department of Social Justice and Empowerment, would be educating the masses about the provisions of the Act. This was revealed by Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, while delivering his keynote address on the one-day inter-active seminar organised by Ashadeep, a Shimla based NGO here today.
Chief Minister said that the State Government was alive to the problems of women, especially relating to domestic violence and out of 448 cases registered in the State 193 had been decided in favour of victims of domestic violence. He said that special training capsules had been incorporated in the Police Training College curriculum to train the law and order enforcing agencies to also work towards protection of domestic violence incidents within their operational areas. He said that the State police had been directed to take strong note of any domestic violence case taking place within their jurisdiction and take stern action against the errants. He said that 14 NGOs had been lending their helping hand in creation of social awareness and supplementing the implementation of the Protection of Domestic Violence Act, 2005, in the State.
Prof. Dhumal said that the State was extending free legal aid in domestic violence cases to protect them against any violence. He said that 381 protection officers had been appointed and given responsibility to guard women against any domestic violence while additionally 400 more supervisors were being appointed in the near future under the ICDS programme who would also be required to function as protection officers within their jurisdiction. He said that it would go a long way in providing women, especially in rural areas, protection from any domestic violence incidents. He said that the State government had set up a Nari Niketan at Mashobra to provide shelter to the victims of grave domestic violence in the State. He said that no endeavour of the State Government could achieve its objective unless supported by the society. He underlined the need for mass awakening amongst people from all walks of life to strengthen the social system and provide women its due honour in the society. He gave a clarion call to all and sundry to actively involve themselves with such social welfare activities and contribute significantly therein.
Prof. Dhumal assured that the rights and interests of women would be protected. He said that with the protection of women the society as a whole would be strengthened. He also responded to the querries raised by women participating in the Seminar.
Dr. Kiran Bedi, former IPS officer and a renowned social reformer, detailed the contents of the Protection of Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and underlined the need for intensive training to the law enforcing agencies. She said that every uncivil behaviour against the women was an act of domestic violence and attracted provisions of the Act. She said that with the mass awakening the entire social system would get strengthened and women would be getting fair treatment. She also shared her experiences as police officer and domestic violence cases she dealt with.
Dr. Kiran Bedi thanked the Chief Minister for directing the law enforcing agencies to deal with such cases sternly and deliver justice to the aggrieved women folk. She also appealed for volunteer services by the awakened society towards such a noble cause.
Dr. Lovlin Thadani, an eminent social worker, gave a picture presentation and said that she had dedicated her services for the cause of women.
Shri Susheel Tanwar, President, Ashadeep, welcomed the Chief Minister and detailed social welfare, environmental, health and other activities of the NGO.
Smt. Monika Singh, Member of Ashadeep, presented vote of thanks.
Shri Satpal Singh Satti, MLA, Shri Ganesh Datt, Vice Chairman, HIMUDA, Prof. Sunil Gupta, Vice Chancellor, HP University, Prof. Vepa Rao, an educationist, senior officers from various departments and Members of Mahila Mandals from different parts of the State attended the Seminar besides elite of the town