National
Province 2 CM vows to fight social ills
The provincial government in Province 2 has set priorities for its programmes and policies, putting the agenda of combating social evils on top. The provincial executive announced its plan to formulate strong laws to control social ills including the dowry and witchcraft practices.Ajit Tiwari
The provincial government in Province 2 has set priorities for its programmes and policies, putting the agenda of combating social evils on top. The provincial executive announced its plan to formulate strong laws to control social ills including the dowry and witchcraft practices.
Making public his government’s 100-day action plan on Tuesday, Chief Minister Mohammad Lalbabu Raut said the provincial administration would work resolutely against the social evils. Strong laws would be enacted to end dowry, violence against women, witchcraft, child marriage and the so-called untouchability, among other social malpractices.
“The social evils are deeply rooted. The government will present itself strongly to end such ills,” he added.
Province 2, which comprises eight central Tarai districts, confronts challenges such as dowry, violence against women, witchcraft, child marriage and untouchability, with a large number of incidents reported every year.
In its bid to protect women’s rights and dignity, the provincial executive has come up with a slogan—Mahila Surakshit, Samaj Surakshit, which means safe women for a safe society. CM Raut vowed to enact stringent laws and regulations to make the programme effective.
“Women Security Desk is going to be set up at the chief minister’s office to receive complaints from the victims of domestic violence,” he said, adding that a victim could complain at the CM’s office directly through an SMS service that does not cost the complainant.
The provincial government also comes up with an “Educate Girls, Protect Girls” campaign targeting impoverished communities. The government has an ambitious plan to provide insurance for educating girls. “We’ll provide all kinds of help to send children of backward communities like Dom, Chamar Dushadh and Musahar to school,” said Raut.
On growing incidents of rape and murder, the CM said his government was serious about controlling such crimes. “We’ve asked the police to control crimes and violence against women. However, the provincial government has no authority to issue written orders on the matter,” he said.
Raut’s government plans to launch interaction programmes in all the eight districts to identify major social and other problems. Health and education sectors have been prioritised for investment. A provincial investment board would be formed to encourage investment in various sectors.