ITANAGAR, Jul 7: The members of Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) today called on Deputy Chief Minister Chowna  Mein here at his official residence.

The delegation was headed by its Chairperson Radhilu Chai Techi accompanied by Vice Chairperson Heyomai Towsik, Member Secretary Yame Higio and Hoksum Ori, Likha Joya & Techi Hunmai as members. Congratulating Mein on resuming his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister, APSCW members exuded hope that women-sensitive issues and welfare measures would be taken up by the  government and challenges confronting the Commission would be addressed adequately.

Highlighting various issues related to women and children in state, the Commission reiterated the necessity to enact laws for compulsory registrations of marriages. It also suggested for installing CCTV at all prime locations in twin capitals keeping in view of the continuous rise of crime against women and domestic violence. APSCW Chairperson added that as a quasi-judicial body it is witnessing an alarming rise in complaints and cases related to marriage and domestic  violence and as such government should formulate feasible Act(s) to tackle them. Expressing grave concern over the continuous rise of drug-addiction amongst the youth of the state, the members apprised Mein that they had already raised the issue with the Chief Minister recently and requested him to keep provisions in the annual state budget for establishment of drug rehabilitation centres and juvenile observation homes with proper facilities and manpower.

Discussing on 33% reservation in jobs and Assembly for womenfolk of the state, the Commission remarked that if materialized it would be counted as one of the greatest achievements of the current state government. Issues such as immediate  need of setting up of permanent office building, creation of regular posts for the office of the Commission to work efficiently, creation of independent plan head of Commission and special loan provisions with subsidy to women entrepreneurs were also raised. APSCW also thanked the government for extending the maternity leave and child care leave benefits to women contingency and contractual employees of the state government. 

Deputy Chief Minister while acknowledging the proactive role played by APSCW, assured to look into their demands and resolve them in a phased manner after discussion and consultation with  the CM and cabinet colleagues.