Strong legislation needed to check crime against women: MPs

Decrying the rising atrocities on women, members in the Lok Sabha Thursday advocated strong legislation and a change in the mindset of people on gender issues.

"Police should ensure that there is no under-reporting of cases. By increasing the overall representation of women in police forces we can make a huge difference," Samajwadi Party member Dimple Yadav said participating in a discussion on rising crimes against women.

Other members advocated empowering of women.

"Law is not the solution. The solution is giving the woman equality. Empowerment means equal opportunities," Congress MP Sushmita Deb said.

Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Pappu Yadav said: "This issue is discussed during every budget session but no solution has been found as of now. Rapes are increasing".

He said: "Social exploitation in villages needs to be focussed on".

According to Jyoti Dhurve of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), most of the people who exploit women are their close relatives.

Another BJP MP, Bijoya Chakravarty said there is need for transformation of the male mindset so that they do not look at women as "property for enjoyment".

"There should be proper monitoring so that the law is implemented. Quick trial is necessary. Juveniles should not be spared and they should be treated on par with other accused," she said.

Echoing similar views, Ranjeeta Ranjan of Congress said there was need to change the mindset since as long as the dowry system remains in the society, female foeticide and similar crimes cannot be controlled.

"Women should stop being dependent on males and look up to them as their saviour. Women should be self sufficient," she said.

Ranjan said that juveniles accused of such crimes should not be spared.

She suggested night patrolling and installing CCTV cameras in public transports for checking crimes against women and children.