Women's groups to protest withdrawal of ranks

Condemning Vasundhara Raje government for withdrawing rank and facilities to officials of state panels, women's groups today said they would go on protests and also move court if the order was not revoked.
Taking up the cause of Rajasthan State Commission for Women, whose official's rank and facilities were also withdrawn, the groups said the order weakened the commission and hence, it should be revoked immediately.
The state government on February 4 withdrew the status of Minister/ MoS and facilities given to
Chairperson/Vice-Chairman of 8 Commissions, Boards and Committees appointed by the previous government.
"The move is illegal and politically motivated as the chairperson and members of the commission were appointed by previous government," PUCL General Secretary Kavita Srivastava said.

"Rank and facilities are not for a red beacon but required to make the Commission efficient and effective. The Commission is formed under a law passed by the state assembly in 1999 and works to physically reach out to large numbers of women across the state," she said.

Pawan Surana, former chairperson of the state women's commission said that the order was disrespectful.
"Women Commission should be seen above party lines and politics. It holds a statutory position and works for providing justice to women," she said.
Sumitra Chopra of All India Democratic Women's Association questioned the BJP government's intentions and said that it was now doubtful that the government really wishes to work on women empowerment.

"The message is clearly to weaken and show disrespect to RSWC. By withdrawing rank and facilities, the chairperson loses the authority of getting her orders implemented," she said.
The groups said that they would stage protests till the orders are revoked.