NEW DELHI, Feb 27: Amid charges of tardy implementation of an Act addressing domestic violence and women’s security, Government today said a new scheme is being launched to bring efficiency in its execution.
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 requires appointment of protection officers, registration of service providers and notification of shelter homes and medical facilities.
So far only six states have appointed independent protection officers while shortage of funds have been rued by many other states.
Keeping this in mind, the government has formulated a scheme for assistance to the states, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Krishna Tirath told Rajya Sabha.
“The scheme includes appointment of independent protection officers with basic infrastructure and service providers at the district level and appointment of protection officers in the sub-division and tehsil levels in 100 most vulnerable districts and awareness generation programmes,” she said.
During the 12th plan Period, she said Rs 694 crore has been earmarked for the implementation of provisions under the Act.
Women’s groups had questioned the Centre’s commitment to address the issue of domestic violence and ensuring women’s security in the wake of its failure to allocate sufficient funds for implementation of the Act.
They had demanded a separate Centrally-sponsored scheme with adequate funds that would ensure implementation of the Act in letter and spirit. (PTI)
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