West Bengal Passes New Law to Protect Women and Children After Tragic Incident
The West Bengal Assembly has unanimously passed the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024’ on Tuesday. This decision follows the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical Centre and Hospital on August 9.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Support
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended her support for the bill, stating that it aims to secure the dignity of women. She expressed her disappointment with the central government’s handling of similar laws and emphasized the need for state consultation in such matters.
Banerjee said, “I had written two letters to the Prime Minister, but I did not get any reply from him. When the Code of Justice Bill was passed in a hurry before the elections, I had said that it should not be passed in a hurry, the states were not consulted in this.”
Call for Stringent Punishment
Banerjee also highlighted the need for stringent punishment for the rapists and expressed her grief for the victim’s family. She mentioned that the police had arrested the key accused within 12 hours and that a cybercrime team was formed to expedite the investigation.
“We want capital punishment since the beginning,” she added.
Support from the Opposition
In the Assembly, West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari demanded the immediate implementation of the new law. He stated, “We want immediate implementation of this (Anti-rape) law, it is your (state government) responsibility. We want results, it is the government’s responsibility.”
The bill has received unanimous support from the Assembly, ensuring a united front in the fight to protect women and children in West Bengal.
Doubts Revealed
West Bengal -: West Bengal is a state in the eastern part of India. It has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its festivals, food, and historical landmarks.
Assembly -: The Assembly is a group of elected representatives who make laws for the state. In West Bengal, it is called the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.
Aparajita Woman and Child Bill -: This is a new law made to protect women and children from crimes. ‘Aparajita’ means ‘undefeated’ in Bengali, showing strength and resilience.
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in a state. Mamata Banerjee is the current Chief Minister of West Bengal.
Mamata Banerjee -: Mamata Banerjee is a politician and the Chief Minister of West Bengal. She is known for her strong leadership and focus on social issues.
Central government -: The central government is the main government of India, which makes laws and decisions for the entire country. It is different from the state government.
Leader of Opposition -: The Leader of Opposition is the head of the largest party not in power in the Assembly. Suvendu Adhikari is the current Leader of Opposition in West Bengal.
Suvendu Adhikari -: Suvendu Adhikari is a politician in West Bengal and the Leader of Opposition. He is part of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
