Rehan Ansari for BeyondHeadlines
Misrepresentation greeted Dr. Mahmoodur Rahman Committee Report just after its submission to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Prithviraj Chauhan. The controversy was that it has recommended, “arbitrary talaq should be prohibited and the alimony to the divorced women be made compulsory.” Even a news channel ran a debate on the issue and created unnecessary confusion.
On the other hand the report has taken greater care for the empowerment of Muslim women.
It recommends that, “The economic and social empowerment of women will go a long way to cure many illsthat the Muslim community is presently facing.” Special provision for Muslim women within the gender budgeting of the state is recommended.
On the general condition of women the Committee noted, “The Muslim community is specially faltering on women’s rights and freedom. The triple talaq issue, property rights of women, right of women to choose the occupation needs to be taken up by the community leaders to overcome the conservative elements within the community.”
Further on the issue the report noted that Muslim women are faced with great challenges within the community. Many of them receive only nominal Mehr and once deserted they also do not receive any maintenance.
Committee recommended, “A Scheme for maintenance of deserted women to be urgently drawn.”
Committee recommends the representation of Muslim women in all decision making bodies and committees of relevance. Also, urged the representation of Muslim women in 33% quota for women in local self governing bodies.
It noted the state’s failure to provide minimum support services like shelter home and women cell in Muslim areas and concluded, “ Lack of such facilities are deterrent to women protesting against domestic violence.” It recommends free legal Aid to Muslim women against domestic violence.
Committee recommends the provision of good secure transport facilities would go a long way to help women in being mobile. Also recommends the relaxation in rules governing the acquisition of ration card and BPL card to the divorcee women, widows and women headed families as such women finds it difficult to procure the same from their families.
Residential schools specially for Girls, is also recommended
