The AIDWA Central Executive Committee meeting at Kolkata on 20-21 January 2012 has called for a nationwide signature campaign on a Petition to the Prime Minister, with a 11 point charter of demands, to deal with sexual violence and crimes against women on an urgent basis. On February 11th, AIDWA along with members of the SFI and the DYFI will form a human chain and take a pledge to continue the struggle for justice, intervene in cases of violence against women and inculcate values of gender equality.
AIDWA also strongly condemns the worst kind of sexist and regressive comments of conservative sections including BJP and RSS leaders, and so called ‘god men’. Many of these statements justify sexual crimes against women by blaming them for becoming victims of assault rather than focusing on the crimes of the perpetrators. A number of fatwas denying use of mobile phones for women and restricting their mobility after sunset were issued by khap panchayats and Muslim fundamentalists across the country. AIDWA demands that the Supreme Court view that banning mobile phones, and issuing dress codes is illegal, should be acted upon by the Government, and appropriate action taken against those issuing such diktats.
AIDWA strongly condemn the fascist assaults on freedom of expression in Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka and in many other states which are an alarming indicator of intolerance. In all these cases, sec 66A of IT Act has been used. AIDWA demands removal of the sec 66A of the IT Act since it is being used widely to quash the democratic rights and freedom of expression.
The CEC expressed shock that the West Bengal State Government has refused to accept a joint memorandum from women’s groups about the growing incidents of violence against women in the State. With Panchayat elections drawing near in West Bengal, violence perpetrated by the ruling TMC is reaching a new high. The shameful and brutal attack on Devlina Hembram, ST woman MLA from Ranibandh, Bankura, inside the West Bengal Assembly by members of the ruling party in which she was pushed down on the floor of the House and kicked and trampled on, is condemnable. The increase in political violence at a time when atrocities against women in the state also continue unabated, suggest that chaos and administrative inaction are being fostered deliberately from the highest level of the Government in preparation for unleashing a reign of terror during the panchayat elections. This will surely affect the participation of women in the elections at a time when 50% seats are to be reserved for women. AIDWA will continue to resist the culture of political violence being fostered by the ruling party in the state.
In this era of neo-liberalisation, the privatisation of all welfare schemes and earlier governmental obligations in areas such as education and health is sought for private profit maximisation. AIDWA strongly opposes the replacement of subsidized food grains, kerosene, LPG and fertilisers with cash. In a period of high inflation, cash transfers to replace subsidised goods is meant to actually cut subsidies since the cash to be transferred will not cover the increased costs of the same amount of the subsidised food items. Having cash transfers would end up in dismantling the PDS and procurement from farmers. It will lead to increasing malnutrition and hunger in the country, which will impact worst on women and children. AIDWA demands universal PDS with minimum entitlement of 35 kgs at a price not more than Rs.2/-per kg. AIDWA will strengthen the struggle for a comprehensive food security legislation in coming days.
