The state unit of the All India Democratic Women Association (AIDWA)on Saturday urged the State government to speed up the creation of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) at the earliest.
State AIDWA secretary, Sankari said that while Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa recently announced a slew of measures against sex crimes and had published plans for the SCPCR in the gazette in last November, the commission was yet to fructify. Welcoming initiatives taken by the CM to curb offences against women that included expediting pending court cases, close monitoring of cases by senior police officials, establishment of fast track courts and courts for women in all districts, Sankari opined that the state could further reduce and prevent sex crimes by implementing laws in a fair manner. She maintained that free and fair execution of existing laws and more manpower for the police was more than sufficient for protection of women and called measures such as death penalty and chemical castration as unnecessary.
Sankari called for an intensive publicity campaign about various acts pertaining to women and children protection by the State government, including displaying details about such acts at all police stations.
Stressing the importance of the State Commission for Women in containing atrocities against women, she emphasised that such a body should undertake a proactive role to prevent crimes against women.
While conducting enquiry on rape and other heinous crimes, the State should make it mandatory to include close relatives, social activists and representatives of women NGOs. School curriculum should contain lessons on importance of women, their protection and gender equality for the benefit of the younger generation.
Social activist Ruby Nakka suggested a multi-pronged approach to contain sex crimes against children. While Tamil Nadu had taken the lead in establishing social infrastructure, government bodies and institutions such as Child Help Line, district Child Welfare Society and district Child protection office, these must be strengthened and made accountable.
He called for imparting training for school children, teachers and police officials on social rights and their responsibilities.