Imphal, February 14: The announcement of the State Govt that the Manipur State Women's Commission Bill, 2006 would be introduced and ensured the passing of the Bill during the forth-coming Assembly session has once again generated debate among the experts and women activists on the seriousness of the Govt on one of the long standing demands of the womenfolk.

Advocate Chongtham Narendra observed that institution of the State Women's Commission is within the power of the State Government.

Contrary to the assertion of the State Govt, the approval of the Union Ministry for introduction and discussion of the Bill in the Assembly so that it could be made into an Act is not necessarily essential.

Following the enactment of the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, the National Commission for Women was set up in 1992 to protection of the rights of the women and tackle with various other related issues gender discrimination, crimes against women in society, etc.

Subsequently, the National Commission for Women has given directives for setting up State Commission for Women by respective State Governments.

Unfortunately, the State Govt of Manipur has been shunning away from its responsibility on one pretext or another, he said, while stating emphatically that the approval of the Govt of India is not necessary for setting up the State Commission for Women.

To set up the Commission or not is within the power of the State Government, he said, citing the instance of lifting imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from some parts of Greater Imphal without the approval of the Govt of India.

If at all the State Commission for Women is to be set up, then it would be imperative to appoint the chairperson and the members of the Commission from among men and women who understand the problems and issues of the women thoroughly, the Advocate pointed out.

Noted Manipuri writer MK Binodini contended that the very fact that the Government has been delaying setting up of the State Commission for Women on one pretext or another implicitly shows either the Govt does not understand the problems of the women or does not want to think about it at all.

If those who are at the helm of the powers have real concern for the plight of the women then the Commission would have been set up in Manipur long ago, she said.

She further pointed out that setting up the Commission would be meaningless if the persons who would be appointed as chairperson and members do not work sincerely with clear understanding of the issues confronting the womenfolks.

Kuki Mothers' Assn president Rose Mangshi Haokip said Manipuri womenfolks, both living in the hills and plain should join hands to mobilise the people, take out mass rally and organise Wakat Meepham all over the State, if it is needed and submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister so that the State Govt does not go back on its commitment of setting up the State Commission for Women.

Every possible measures should be taken up to ensure introduction of the bill and its passing by the State Assembly during the session which is beginning from February 22, she suggested.

Prof Ksh Bimola of Manipur University said it is really unfortunate not only for the womenfolks but also for all the people of Manipur that there has been no platform on which the issues of the women could be highlighted, discussion and recommendation sought so that the rights of the women are not denied.

Ignoring of the directive given by the National Commission for Women for setting up State Commission for Women for so long has only shown the irresponsibility of the State Govt, she decried.

The Manipur State Commission for Women Bill, 2005 was scheduled to be tabled on the floor of the Assembly during its session on December 13 last year but is was not materialised.

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