The incidence of gender violence has been on the rise since formation of Uttarakhand State. The State Government however, appears apathetic towards women related issues. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) district secretary Rajendra Purohit said this at a gathering organised by All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) on the occasion of international women’s day in Dehradun on Sunday.
Purohit said the condition of the State women’s commission and failure to appoint a full time protection officer for domestic violence cases point at the apathy of the State. Gender sensitisation committees have not even been formed in work places and educational institutions and wherever they have been formed, they have been ineffective. Purohit also condemned the Central Government led by prime minister Narendra Modi for making substantial cuts in gender budgeting and budget for Bhojan Matas, Anganwadi and ASHA workers. He said that the AIDWA can be strengthened to boost the women’s movement.
The district head of AIDWA, Jyoti Thakuri said women had become more insecure at present than in the past. The AIDWA district secretary Nuresha Ansari said the condition of women in Uttarakhand requires considerable attention but the Government has remained apathetic to this. The health and education facilities for women in the State are in a dilapidated condition with the authorities continuing to maintain an apathetic attitude. The AIDWA has demanded that the State appoints a State Women’s Commission chairperson, a full-time domestic violence protection officer, formation of efficient gender committees in work places and educational institutions, gender budgeting, construction of working women’s hostels and passing of Women’s Reservation Bill.