India has been witnessing a rising number of rape cases, according to studies done by the government. Ironically, it is doing little to address this plague.
Since 2009, sexual attacks against women are on the rise. The government’s apathy — including all state governments — has been glaring. Matters have now come to a head with outrage being expressed in Delhi and across the country following the gang rape and merciless beating of a para-medic student on a bus in the nation’s capital. Parliament has been stalled, yet again, with a united opposition rounding up on the government. But the need of the hour is to debate the value of putting sufficient mechanisms in place to ensure that the strictest possible punishment is meted out to the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
The law must ensure that if found guilty, the accused must face exemplary punishment. A more cohesive and strategic approach is required from all stakeholders, including the government, civil society and international community in order to close the gap between international standards, policies and practices. The onus is on the country’s home minister. Political commitment coupled with systematic and sustained action is recommended. Mere debates in parliament will not help. The time has come for solid action. This should be the litmus test for Indian society to reassess their perception of women and the innumerable wrongs that they are subjected to. India must come together, at local, regional and national levels, to ensure that they invest in the security of women.
