Title: Why Didn’t NCW Go to Other States: Bengal Minister on Rape Case
The National Commission for Women (NCW) recently visited Kolkata’s law college after an alleged gang-rape of a student, triggering a heated debate. The visit has sparked controversy, with West Bengal Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya questioning the selective nature of the visit. In a statement, she asked, “Why did they not go to other places?” She further emphasized that if the NCW must visit any state, it should be Odisha and Manipur, citing the prevalence of atrocities in these regions.
The alleged gang-rape incident has sent shockwaves across the country, with many calling for immediate action to be taken against the perpetrators. The NCW’s visit to the law college was seen as a necessary step to show solidarity with the victim and to ensure that justice is served. However, Minister Bhattacharya’s comments have raised questions about the commission’s priorities and whether they are genuinely committed to addressing the issue of gender-based violence across the country.
The debate surrounding the NCW’s visit is not new. In recent years, the commission has faced criticism for its selective approach to addressing gender-based violence. Critics argue that the NCW focuses primarily on high-profile cases in major cities, neglecting the widespread problem of gender-based violence in rural and tribal areas. The commission’s limited resources and inadequate funding have been cited as major obstacles in addressing the issue.
Minister Bhattacharya’s comments have reignited the debate, with many questioning the NCW’s priorities. “If you have to go, you should go to Manipur, Odisha,” she said, highlighting the prevalence of gender-based violence in these regions. Manipur, in particular, has been plagued by a high incidence of sexual violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear and stigma.
Odisha has also seen a significant number of cases of gender-based violence, including the brutal gang-rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl in 2020. The incident sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice, but the perpetrators remain at large. The state has faced criticism for its inadequate response to the incident, with many arguing that the government has failed to provide adequate support to the victim’s family.
The NCW’s visit to Kolkata’s law college has also been criticized for being too little, too late. The alleged gang-rape incident occurred several weeks ago, and the NCW’s visit has been seen as a token gesture rather than a genuine effort to address the issue. Many have questioned why the commission did not visit the law college earlier, especially since the incident has been widely reported in the media.
The controversy surrounding the NCW’s visit has also highlighted the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing gender-based violence. Rather than focusing solely on high-profile cases, the commission needs to develop a more comprehensive strategy to address the issue. This includes increasing its presence in rural and tribal areas, where gender-based violence is often more prevalent.
The NCW also needs to work closely with state governments to develop effective strategies to address gender-based violence. This includes providing adequate funding and resources to support victims of gender-based violence, as well as increasing awareness about the issue. The commission also needs to work to reduce the stigma surrounding gender-based violence, making it easier for victims to come forward and report incidents.
In conclusion, Minister Bhattacharya’s comments have raised important questions about the NCW’s priorities and approach to addressing gender-based violence. The commission needs to develop a more comprehensive strategy to address the issue, including increasing its presence in rural and tribal areas and working closely with state governments. The NCW’s visit to Kolkata’s law college was a necessary step, but it is only the beginning. The commission needs to continue to work to ensure that justice is served and that victims of gender-based violence receive the support they need.
