Odisha Govt For Sex Education In Schools, Uniformity In Marriages

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government has advocated for sex education in schools and uniformity in marriages and divorce laws across various religious communities in the country.

With the Union Government preparing a National Women’s Policy 2016, the state government has suggested introduction of comprehensive sex education in schools to promote informed decision making and to prevent risk behaviour of girls.

It also batted for uniformity in marriages and divorce laws across various religious communities in the country.

Commenting on the proposed policy, the government advised recognising violence against women as a public health issue and access to comprehensive health care to be ensured along with other services for survivors.

“Enact special measures for punishing perpetrators of the acid attack, and strictly regulate the sale and distribution of acid. Ensure implementation of a comprehensive victim compensation scheme for survivors of sexual abuse, trafficking and acid attack,” said Odisha Women and Child Development Department to Union Ministry of Women and Child Development.

It also asked ensuring women’s effective participation in peace-building processes in conflict-affected regions.

“Khap panchayats and its decision leading to honour killings will be severely punished,” said the Women and Child Development Department.

It asked to develop an integrated law and a related scheme towards safeguarding the rights of women, particularly in the context of violence against women.

The scheme should include provisions for victim compensation, rehabilitation, legal aid and shelter. Shelter homes for women in distress need to be upgraded and strengthened both financially as well as capacity building of personnel, it added.

Besides, the state government urged to ensure fast track court at the district level for speedy disposal of cases related to violence against women.