Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hailed the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024 as a historic step during her address at the West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday, September 3.
The bill, designed to bolster the safety of women and children, introduces significant revisions and new provisions addressing rape and sexual offences. This legislative move comes in response to the public outcry following the August 9 rape and murder of a female doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
Banerjee clarified that, on the day of the incident, she had personally contacted the victim’s family, providing them with all available audio, video, and CCTV footage related to the case. She reiterated her commitment to championing women’s safety, emphasizing her daily efforts to support this cause. "I congratulate everyone from civil societies to students who are raising their voices for women's safety," Banerjee stated. (Source: Edex Live)
The Chief Minister also highlighted the historical significance of September 3, marking 43 years since the United Nations established a committee for the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. This anniversary underscores the ongoing global commitment to protecting women’s rights, reinforcing the importance of the new bill in addressing safety concerns and advocating for justice.