Imphal, March 03: After serious deliberations and analysis, the Manipur State Commission For Women Bill 2006 was unanimously passed by the State Assembly today.

Presenting the Bill in the House, Minister of Social Welfare, Wahengbam Leima observed that the Bill will provide a legal avenue to lodge complaints against violation of women rights as and when such cases arise in addition to alleviating the social and economic status of women in Manipur.

The Minister asserted that the State Women Commission, to be instituted under National Commission For Women Act 1990, when implemented fully will be able to address several women related issues.

The Commission will be headed by a chairperson and will include three members, out of whom one would be appointed from SC/ST candidates.

Moreover an expert administrator would be appointed from among Government officers as member secretary of the Commission, added Leima.

The Bill was supposed to be tabled in the previous sitting of the State Assembly but due to some technical hitches it was deferred.

The Bill is being produced by the SPF Government considering its importance in Manipur, observed Leima while appealing to all the members of the House to pass the Bill unanimously.

Taking part in the discussion, Dr Nimaichand opined that no objection is likely for such a Bill expected to benefit women of the State and remarked that it is high time to produce such a Bill.

He also noted that a special cell for women would be necessary when the Bill is passed as an Act.

He added that the Government needs to materialise the various recommendations made by the Commission from time to time so as to make the Act meaningful.

Salam Ibohal expressed reservation against politicisation in the appointment of members but wished appointment of competent members.

Expressing satisfaction on the passing of the Bill, ruling MLA Th Tomba remarked that it is the legitimate right of women.

MLA Bhorot joining the deliberation questioned as to under which Ministry would the Commission be put.

Responding to the queries, Ibobi said that the Bill was delayed because of the delay in seeking approval of the Centre.

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