Team Herald
PANJIM: Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has issued an order to stop disrobing deceased women’s bodies before cremation as it violates the dignity of women and also their basic human rights.
NGO Bailancho Saad, that had approached the authorities seeking a ban, has welcomed the order stating it is a great step towards social reform as well as upholding the dignity and rights of women.
The order stated, “Disrobing of the deceased woman in the crematorium certainly amounts to violation of basic human rights of the women which is required to be prevented by the concerned authorities by taking appropriate steps.”
NGO Convener Sabina Martins had filed a complaint with GHRC after several complaints to take steps to stop the practice. “The practice caused trauma and distress to family and friends to see their loved ones stripped of clothes before public who were predominantly men. Incidents of ogling, voyeurism and sexist remarks were reported,” she said.
GHRC had sent notices to the Chief Secretary, Director of the Department of Urban Development (Municipal Administration) and Director of Panchayats seeking their view.
“The Ponda Municipality admitted that the practice of removing clothes of deceased women does take place and are even circulated by whatsapp. Many Municipal Councils, in their replies stated that they have instructed council members while some stated they are not aware of the issue taking place in their area. The Director of Panchayats stated that they only give funds for crematoriums and do not have any say over the religious rites,” Martins said on Monday, quoting submissions from the respondents. The Chief Secretary did not send any representative.
GRHC in the order recommended that the municipal administration direct Corporation of the City of Panaji and all Municipal Councils to ensure that the deceased woman is not disrobed in the crematorium before placing the body on the pyre. “Likewise we also recommend the Director of Panchayats to issue appropriate directions to all the Village Panchayats to ensure that the deceased woman is not disrobed in the crematorium before the placing the body on the pyre. The State of Goa, through its Chief Secretary, shall ensure that the above recommendations are strictly complied by the concerned authorities,” the order states.
Bailancho Saad has called upon the Chief Secretary to issue appropriate orders to create public awareness to prevent disrobing of deceased women and uphold the dignity of women which is a basic human right. The NGO has also asked the people to partake in this social reform movement and stop this practice through awareness and positive intervention.
