Question : Awareness Programmes on Women Related Issues

(a) whether the Union Government isworking on micro levels particularly incities and IT parks to conduct AwarenessProgrammes on women related issues andto curb crime against women like sexualharassment, molestations, stalking andcyber abuse etc.;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not,the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government has signedany MoU with International Agencies andNon-Profit Organizations to createawareness on the burning issues affectingwomen and children and to curb the crimeagainst women; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and thetotal funds allocated for the same duringeach of the last three years, State/UT-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR)

(a) to (d) : The Governmentis endeavouring to put in place effective mechanisms to curb crime against women and provide safe environmentfor women. The Criminal Law (Amendment), Act 2013 has been enacted making the punishment more stringent for offences like rape. New offences like acid attack, sexual harassment, voyeurism and stalking, disrobing a woman have been incorporated in the Indian Penal Code. Government has also enacted the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal)Act, 2013 to provide a safe and secure environment to women at the workplace.Apart from the above, Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 has been promulgated. The said Ordinance has increased the punishment from 7 years to rigorous imprisonment of minimum ten years, extending upto life imprisonment, along with fine.

Ministry of Home Affairs also issues advisories from time to time to the Statesto take concrete steps to increase awareness in the administration and among the police in particularfor improving general awareness on legislations, mechanisms in place for safety and protection of women. The States have also been advised to explore the possibility of associating NGOs working in the area of combating crime against women and to encourage Citizens groups and NGOs to increase awareness about gender issues in society.

States have also been advised to undertake extensive training programme especially to law enforcement personnel to raise awareness and sensitivity to the punitive legal provision of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2013. These advisories are available on www.mha.gov.in.

Ministry of Women and Child Development has not signed any MoU with international agencies and Non-Profit Organizations to create awareness in this regard, but continuously works with many such organizations in this regard .

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