`Tiger conservation authority planned'

The Hindu , Saturday, February 18, 2006
Correspondent : Special Correspondent
"Effort would be made to see that 33 per cent quota for women became possible"

· National Plan of Action for Children approved

· Commission for Protection of Child Rights to be set up

· Criminal Procedure Code amended for greater protection to women

NEW DELHI: The conservation of tigers figured in President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's address to the joint session of Parliament on Thursday.

He said the Government proposed to create a National Tiger Conservation Authority for more effective management of the tiger reserves. Steps were also being taken to reduce poaching, he added.

For the first time, a draft National Environment Policy had been formulated to harmonise environmental, social and economic imperatives. The Government was deeply committed to the protection and preservation of the environment, including all species of flora and fauna. A strategic programme to increase the forest cover was proposed to be undertaken, he said.

On the Government's commitment to reservation for women, Mr. Kalam said every effort would be made to see that 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and State legislatures was made possible in the near future.

Amendments had been carried out in the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 to give equal inheritance rights to women in property. The Government was also contemplating amendments to the Guardians and Wards Act 1890, the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act 1956 and the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act 1956 to remove discriminatory provisions contained in them. A Bill for the compulsory registration of marriages was also under active consideration.

Ministry created

Mr. Kalam said a new Ministry of Women and Child Development had been created to focus attention on the problems of women and children. A National Plan of Action for Children has been approved and a National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights was being established. "Our goal is to ensure that all children have a secure, healthy and happy childhood with access to education and health care," he said.

The Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme for children of working mothers had been approved. It envisaged establishment of nearly 30,000 crèches. Pointing out that a comprehensive Bill to protect women from domestic violence had been passed in the last session, Mr. Kalam said a Bill on protection against sexual harassment would shortly be finalised. Suitable amendments to the Sati (Prevention) Act would also be made and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act was proposed to be amended.

 
SOURCE : The Hindu, Saturday, February 18, 2006
 


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