Need a movement against foeticide, dowry: Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday called for a movement against female foeticide, dowry and unnecessary expenses during marriages, saying his government will back such a campaign.

Speaking on the occasion of International Women’s Day at an event organised by the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), Kejriwal also stressed on the need for more convictions in cases of crimes against women and hoped everyone would work with the new Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma.

“There is a need to launch a movement against female foeticide, dowry and unnecessary expenses during marriages as these three issues force poor parents to take loans, even commit suicide, and are a barrier to ensuring gender equality in society.

“This campaign has to be taken to every house, school and college. A dialogue has to be started with people on these issues and it has to be made successful like Odd-Even policy. You have to formulate a programme and Delhi government will back such a movement,” he said.

Kejriwal said the upcoming Delhi Budget will have allocations for installation of CCTV cameras and setting up of Mahila Suraksha Dals (MSDs) in the Capital to make it safer for women and girls.

“But I would say that just doing these won’t solve the problem. Every section of the society has to come together to ensure that women are safe and secure in the capital city. Women should be able to move freely at any time in the day or night,” he said.

Referring to Delhi Police data of 2014 according to which 11,209 FIRs for crimes against women were 

lodged, and only nine accused were convicted, Kejriwal said: “There is no fear among rapists. Rapists feel immune because of low convictions. Increase in conviction rate will send a clear message. We can all work with the new Police Commissioner.” 

DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal reiterated the demand for setting up a high-level committee on women safety comprising Lieutenant Governor, Union Home Minister, Delhi CM and others to fix accountability of police.