Centre directs states to implement Domestic Violence Act

New Delhi, Mar 5 (UNI) The Centre has directed the states to reach out and implement the domestic violence Act by appointing protection officers, identifying magistrates and sensitising police and NGOs about the law.

Minister of State for Women and Child Development Renuka Chowdhury told reporters here today that she has already written to the state governments asking them for full compliance and would soon send another communication setting up a deadline for it.

''The states are required to write back giving details of the steps taken by them to implement the Act. If they fail to provide feedback, then it will be deemed that they have already implemented the law.'' Regarding the possibility of women oriented laws being misused, Ms Chowdhary said only one to two per cent women misuse the laws that would deter the government to enact and implement laws which benefit thousands of women. Citing data of a large number of women facing harassment, foeticide, infanticide and domestic violence, dowry deaths, Ms Chowdhary said the goverment would take steps for their empowerment.

Asked about the Women Reservation Bill, the Minister said she was sure it would be implemented one day. The male bonding that we see in Parliament on this issue, was just the reflection of what we face in the society, she pointed out and said empowerment of women is happening at the grassroots level as over 40 per cent women get elected to Panchayats despite reservation being only for 33 per cent.

''Change has started. It is taking place. We women have changed.

Men take a little longer to realise and change accordingly,'' she said.

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