Defence Minister Criticizes West Bengal's Response to Women's Safety Issues

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government over a recent rape-murder incident in Kolkata. He emphasized the Centre's stringent stance on crimes against women and highlighted various governmental measures aimed at women's empowerment, including the abolition of triple talaq and increased female participation in the armed forces.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government over the rape-murder incident of a doctor in Kolkata, stating that the Centre has adopted a strict stance on crimes against women while many states lag behind. Singh remarked during an event in Thiruvananthapuram that, "Our government has adopted a strict attitude towards crimes against women, but many states are not making sincere efforts in this direction. The recent heart-wrenching incident in Kolkata is very tragic and disgraceful. We have amended the law to provide for capital punishment for heinous crimes like rape. This law should be implemented with strictness".

The alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata's R G Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9 has incited protests and nationwide unrest. Singh also addressed the significance of abolishing the practice of triple talaq, citing it as a "big issue" for Muslim women. "The practice of triple talaq was a big issue for our Muslim sisters and daughters. In our country, ending a sacred institution like marriage by simply saying talaq three times could not be justified in any way. But this was practised unabated and unchallenged. Our government showed the will and determination to end this evil practice. This came as a big relief to Muslim women," stated Singh.

Further speaking on women's empowerment, Singh highlighted advancements in removing barriers that previously hindered women from serving in the armed forces. "After Independence, women were denied the agency and opportunity to be active contributors to the development of this country. But the situation is now rapidly changing. For example, you can see that the share of women is increasing in the armed forces of the country. Many obstacles to the entry of women into the Armed Forces have been removed. In all three wings of the armed forces, we have ensured increased participation of women," he elaborated. The Defence Minister recalled his tenure as Home Affairs Minister when he issued an advisory to all states to fill one-third of vacancies in the security forces with women. "Today, the participation of women has increased in all police forces and paramilitary forces," Singh concluded. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)