An anguished bench of the Supreme Court expressed concern over neglect of widows and lacking of gender justice dispensation by most of the State Governments.
A bench consisting of Justices Madan B. Lokur and Deepak Gupta slapped fines on eight State Governments including Jammu and Kashmir for not “bothering” about the welfare of widows and destitute women. These states have paid no heed towards to the Central Government’s proposal for setting up expert committee to deal with this humanitarian problem stirring in our face.
The bench was of the opinion that if the states did not want to do it, they will not do and if they (the states) are not bothered about the women of their own State, then what could be done. The Apex Court, therefore, imposed cost of Rs. 50000 each on Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnatka, Odishaetc and directed them to deposit the same within four weeks with the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee.
A few states can be so much apathetic towards a humanitarian cause as sensitive as the one concerning the welfare of widows and destitute women in a country known for its reverence for human values, is really unbelievable. What keeps the States from appointing Expert Committees to suitably recommend slew of welfare measures for such cases? Another problem is non compilation of proper data both about the numbers as well as the welfare measures taken in such cases by the States. The Supreme Court, therefore, wants convergence of several schemes for destitute women and widows.
The need to have a uniform single composite scheme is what the Apex Court wants and what is most needed. It directed the concerned Ministry to take initiative in this regard.
It is sad that many shelter houses lack proper wash and toilet facilities. The quality of water too is poor and electricity facilities are just nominal. The pitiable condition of such “Homes” in Vrindavan must stir the conscience of one and all, right from the Government down to social and cultural organizations. Widows’ welfare should be everyone’s concern.
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