Witchcraft biggest social menace in J'khand: Koda

Ranchi, Feb 16 (UNI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda today expressed concern over the rising menace of witchcraft in the tribal state and said several women were being killed every year by mobs branding them as witches.

Not only women but their family members were also lynched by these villages just because of ignorance and illiteracy, Mr Koda said stressing the need for a special drive to root out the problem.

The Chief Minister was not alone to talk on the matter as Supreme Court Judge S B Sinha, Jharkhand High Court Chief Justice Karpaga Vinayagam who atended a three-day interactive session, organised by Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra (RLEK), also echoed the same view and urged for immediate remedy.

Mr Koda said his government was taking major initiatives for women literacy as giving bi-cycle to all girls, irrrespective of their caste, creed and religion.

Earlier, the bi-cycle was only meant for girl belonging to SC/ST but from this year the programme would cover all categories.

He said his government was fully committed to holding the Panchayati Raj elections within six months once the Supreme Court gives its verdict on the issue.

He said a minimum of 33 per cent of seats would be reserved for women in the PR polls.

UNI PRS KK MS KN1820