Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) For Compulsory Marriage Registration

Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) on Thursday reiterated its demand to make registration of marriages compulsory under the law in the State.

The commission’s chairperson Radhilu Chai along with the members during a meeting with Chief Minister Pema Khandu pointed out that hundreds of cases came to the commission were only related to marriages.

“Due to lack of any registration, husband-wife disputes remain unresolved or partially resolved,” she said and urged the government to come up with a feasible act under which all marriages are registered, an official communique informed.

The commission also expressed grave concern over the menace of drug-addiction among the youths of the State. It requested the Chief Minister to keep provisions in the budget for establishment of drug rehabilitation centres and juvenile observation homes with proper facilities and manpower in the State. “The upcoming generation needs attention and care from the State Government or else drug addiction would wipe them out,” the members of the commission observed.

The chairperson requested Khandu to consider the long-pending demand of the womenfolk for reservation in jobs and assembly, which if materializes they said would be one of the greatest achievements of his tenure. Pointing that most issues of women would be resolved if they are made financially independent, the members suggested special loan provisions for women willing to take up small businesses.

“Because they are economically dependent on their male counterparts, women are subjected to various injustices,” the members observed.

The commission also urged the government to establish State Child Rights Commission as soon as possible. APSCW being a quasi-judicial body, the members sought empowerment of the Commission for it to work efficiently and deliver justice to needy women. They also drew attention of the Chief Minister towards lack of regular staff, manpower and office space, which they claimed bows down the efficiency of the commission.

Khandu while acknowledging the constraint under which the women’s body is working, assured to resolve all in phased manner.

He assured to take up the commission’s suggestions and requirements with concerned authorities and also include the suggestions in the ensuing 2019-20 Budget.

The Chief Minister appreciated the pro-active role being played by the Commission members and requested them to cooperate with the government with their constructive suggestions and interventions. APSCW vice chairperson Heyomai Towsik (Vice Chairperson) and members Hoksum Ori, Likha Joya and Techi Hunmai accompanied the chairperson during the meeting, the communique added.

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