The West Bengal Assembly has unanimously passed the “Aparajita” bill that is made to strengthen law against rape and physical harassment against women. West Bengal is first state to amend central laws for such heinous crimes, after the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College and Hospital last month. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called the bill as “historic” and “model” dedicating it to the 31-year old PG trainee doctor. The “Aparajita Woman and Child Bill 2024” comes up with death sentence to those convicted of rape and other sexual crimes.

The bill provides:

Toughest punishment to the criminal in cases of women harassment and rape.

Strengthening provisions of POCSO Act

Death penalty to the rapists if the victim faces death or any severe brain damage.

Aparajita Task Force is implemented that counts punishment with 21 days of preliminary report.

Covered pathways will be provisioned from where nurses and female doctors pass, estimating up to Rs. 1230 crores the management.

Instalment of CCTV cameras throughout every work premises.

Provision of “Ratri Saathi” to enable women to work for 12 hours and female doctors and also extend their duty.

Women working at night will be given total security.

The CM says, “From here, after passing this bill, it will go to the Governor; after passing from him, it will go to the President, and after her approval, it will be historic."