Question : Female Genital Mutilation

(a) whether the Government has conducted any study related to Female Genital Mutilation in India;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the data available for cases of female genital mutilation reported from each State, year-wise;
(c) whether the female genital mutilation practiced by Indian Citizens overseas is legal, if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether these cases occuring in the country are being reported if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(e) whether the Government has launched any campaigns to create awareness among people about the Female Genital Mutilation and its harmful effects and if so, the details thereof; and
(f) whether shelter homes or proper care was provided to the victims of Female Genital Mutilation after the filling of report and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

(a) to (f): No such study has been conducted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Further, in respect of the crimes committed by overseas Indian citizens, the laws of the respective countries apply.

The practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a penal offence under sections 319 to 326 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deal with causing hurt or grievous hurt, including hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means. Further, in relation to girls below 18 years of age, the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, 2012 apply.

The Government implements the scheme of One Stop Centres (OSC) across the country to provide a range of services such as police facilitation, legal aid, psycho-social counseling, medical aid and temporary shelter to violence affected women and girls in an integrated manner, under one roof. These are also available to victims of FGM.
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