Team Herald
MARGAO: On Friday, the Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao accused the BJP government of employing a dilly-dally approach in addressing the issue of widow discrimination through legislative means. He criticized the government’s delays and inaction, suggesting that their lack of urgency undermines the efforts to end the social injustices faced by widows.
He noted that a year has passed since his Private Members’ Resolution aimed at addressing widow discrimination was introduced, yet Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Women and Child Development Minister Vishwajit Rane have failed to fulfill their promises.
LoP recalled that he had introduced a resolution on March 31, 2023, urging the government to address and end the unjust practices of widow discrimination, widow abuse, disrobing dead bodies during funerals, and widow isolation within the State.
He pointed out that despite this resolution; there has been no significant action from the government to tackle these critical issues.
“After receiving assurances from the government that a bill would be introduced, I withdrew the resolution,” Alemao pointed out. “However, it appears that the draft of the bill is now stalled due to red-tapism in the Directorate of Women and Child Development.”
He further stated that Minister Vishwajit Rane should investigate what is happening within his Women and Child Development department. Alemao hit out at Rane for failing to introduce the promised legislation during the monsoon session, as assured in the house when the resolution was moved. “Our sisters and daughters of this state should not suffer or meet any humiliation. Hence, the government should stop obsolete and archaic religious practices,” Alemao said.
He emphasized that widows should be treated on par with married women, receiving the same level of respect and treatment and stressed that ending outdated practices is crucial for ensuring equality and dignity for all women.
“After I moved the resolution, we witnessed unanimity in the house. It was also backed by BJP legislators Delilah Lobo and Deviya Rane, but this insensitive BJP government is not ready to respect even its own women legislature’s voice,” Alemao said.