Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP from Bathinda, is of the opinion that stricter punishment for stalkers is a step towards providing a safe environment to daughters, but the real challenge lies in getting these provisions implemented strictly.
Commenting on the anti-rape bill passed by Parliament, Harsimrat said, "Stricter laws and their implementation are the need of the hour in our country, where a woman is maltreated every 15 minutes, a rape occurs every 20 minutes and an abduction takes place every half-hour. Is it not a matter of shame for us? The provision of having stricter punishment for offences such as stalking and peeping, which were ignored earlier, aims at making society more secure for woman."
Harsimrat, who was here to launch Nanhi Chaan Edu-Earn Policy at Doaba Women's Institute of Engineering & Technology (DWIET), said the conviction rate of rape cases in India was low, so the judiciary should take initiative for speedy disposal.
She added, "The major reason for female foeticide is the ever-increasing menace of dowry. Time has come for girls to unite against foeticide and dowry. We can check these evils with our collective efforts."
Talking about the Edu-Earn Policy, she said, "This is the country's first scheme in which girl students can earn Rs 2,500 to Rs 25,000 per month while getting regular education. This initiative will motivate them to opt vocational courses as they can meet their education expenses on their own."
{{/usCountry}}Talking about the Edu-Earn Policy, she said, "This is the country's first scheme in which girl students can earn Rs 2,500 to Rs 25,000 per month while getting regular education. This initiative will motivate them to opt vocational courses as they can meet their education expenses on their own."
{{/usCountry}}She added that the Punjab government had made budgetary provision to provide Rs 30,000 annual scholarship to girl students from poor families who opt for professional courses.