Khandu decries polygamy, promises 'women-friendly' budget

From Our Correspondent

Itagar, Nov 27: Aruchal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has appealed the people to discourage ‘polygamy’ in the state, which is customarily practised here.

Speaking during the Mrs Aruchal-2016 pageant organised by Ngurang Learning Institute (NLI) on Saturday night, which was graced by Rajya Sabha MP MC Mary Kom here at Dree ground, the Chief Minister said he persolly does not favour polygamy and wished to see the end of such practice in the state. The issue of polygamy came in the backdrop of discussion on applicability of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state with respect to women’s right. This was highlighted in her earlier keynote address by noted women activist, Jarjum Ete. Also, the majority contestants of the beauty pageant were women who have suffered due to polygamy and domestic violence.

Khandu observed that women in tribal society of Aruchal normally held respectable position when compared to other societies from rest of India. He, however, said this could depend on communities, where they follow different customs.

The Chief Minister said that in the interest of women and to give them equal status in society, assured to initiate dialogue with various women organisations to discuss on implementation of UCC in the state. He promised that budget for the coming fincial year would be ‘women-friendly’, which would be prepared in consultation with various women organisations. Khandu said he wished to see the budget to promote women’s empowerment and women’s power.

Further, the Chief Minister said the budget would also accommodate the interest of all tribal communities and community based organisations would be made to play important role in its preparation. The Chief Minister thanked the organisers of the event and appreciated it as noble and unique initiative.

In her key-note address, Ete spoke on UCC and the differing opinions in its implementation. She also spoke on women’s inheritance rights in tribal society, where today they are given only movable properties as inheritance. Earlier in his welcome address, patron of Mrs Aruchal-2016, Ngurang Pinch appealed people to encourage women’s inheritance right. A 5-minute video presentation on NLI and its founder, Ngurang Mee on her struggle as women activists were rrated. Mee is known for her role in fighting for women’s right in traditiol patriarchal society. The event also saw pageant judges - Everester Anshu Janshempa, first DSP of state Techi Henyir and Adult Education activist Toko Mi being felicitated. Also present was North East first Everester Tine Me.