NCW criticies Modi Govt for inadequate rehabilitation of riot victim

Ahmedabad, May 7 (UNI) National Commission for Women (NCW) today strongly criticised Narendra Modi's BJP government for improper rehabilitation work done for post-Godhra riot victims and directed it to finish the work within three months.

NCW Chairperson Dr Girija Vyas blasted Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and his government for not providing adequate rehabilitation to women riot victims and for failing to take action against those responsible for the riots.

She told mediapersons here that NCW has directed the Gujarat government to complete rehabilitation work of women victims within three months. The work done by Modi government would be reviewed after three months by a sub-committee appointed by the NCW, she added.

''In majority of the cases, the state government has not even provided basic facilities like schools, medical, sanitation among others to riot victims,'' Dr Vyas said, but appreciated that compensation was given to all, barring one case.

The commission, which met many NGOs and Government agencies, besides unscheduled visits to many riot affected places in Ahmedabad and other parts of the state, has found that in few cases, even an FIR or formal complaints were not registered against the culprits by the local police.

The Commission has also directed the State government to take all necessary measures to ensure recovery of traumatised riot victims to bring them to 'mainstream of society' as soon as possible, Dr Vyas said.

The NCW Chairperson also pointed out that Gujarat has the highest number of cases of domestic violence, many of which have forced women to commit suicides.

The female foeticide rate is also very high in the state and to improve the situation, people's mindset needs to be changed, she said. Those undertaking sex determination tests should be deal with sternly. Only one person had been punished so far, she noted.

Calling for adoption of girl child and gender education to be introduced at primary level in schools, she reiterated that government schemes for women should be implemented and ''not just remain on paper.'' Dr Vyas also said that in order to control the spread of HIV/AIDS, truckers should be made aware of the deadly disease as they are a major factor in the spread of the virus.

In reply to a question, Dr Vyas said that the Commission has demanded that offenders of crimes like rape, gang-rape or sexual harassment should be given severe punishment.

UNI MP KU VD KN1930