Exemption of court fees for women

A state level committee for celebration of women empowerment year 2001 chaired by chief minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday decided to give exemption of court fees to women in cases of maintenance, property related cases and harassment or divorce. The meeting also decided on provision to appoint one woman member in state government cooperatives out of the total three members allowed under the Gujarat Cooperative Society Act 1961.

A decision was also taken to strengthen the scope and influence of women empowerment by amending the Gujarat Civil Service Tribunal Act 1971 giving representation to a woman member in case there are more than two members in the tribunal.

The meeting also recommended a nominal fee for registration of marriage under the Mumbai marriage Act 1954 and it was suggested that a committee should be formed for the development of women and children in each district panchayat under the Gujarat Court fees for women

Panchayat Act 1993. In another significant decision the responsibility of a minor child which is at present with a man will be now given to either a man or a woman by making the necessary amendment.

Giving details about the decisions taken in the meeting, education minister Anandi Patel said necessary ordinance will be promulgated for constitution of Gujarat Womens’ Commission in compliance of the guidelines of the Centre and a comprehensive women’s policy will also be formulated. Ms. Patel said a separate department will also be setup for children and women development. Ms. Patel said a women empowerment group will be formed in each village to give them opportunities to show their abilities.

Besides, a drive to increase the rate of women’s literacy will be launched which is 30 per cent at present. A decision was also taken in principle to make a coordinated effort for setting up an administration under one umbrella to attend social, economic and administrative problems related to women. The meeting was attended by health minister Ashok Bhatt, social justice and empowerment minister Fakir Vaghela rural development minister Mohan Kundaria and chief secretary G. Subbarao.

Republished from The Asian Age