Mangaluru: The state is contemplating to bring in a Woman Welfare Committee, just on the lines of Child Welfare Committee.

Speaking about the same in Mangaluru on Sunday, March 27, Minister for Women and Child Welfare Umashree said that the Committee will be functional in the state from this year itself.
She added that a transgender policy too was in the pipeline in the state and the sole aim of the policy would be to empower this marginalised section.

Speaking of the achievements of the department, she said that loans worth about Rs 11 crore given to women have been waived so far, which is undoubtedly first of its kind in the country.

Speaking about crime against women, she said that a repeated offender committing rape will be booked under Goonda Act.  Special Treatment Cells for rape victims has been installed in 30 districts and necessary changes have been made in POCSO law.

In case, a rape victim dies, compensation of Rs one lac would be given, and the same amount would be given to a victim of acid attack also, in addition to Rs 20 lac if she has to undergo plastic surgery, she said.
In order to encourage people to marry differently abled persons, the Minister said that if a person married a differently-abled woman, then an incentive of Rs 50,000 is provided by the government. People who are 75 percent handicapped have been given customized motorcycles, and more number of beneficiaries will be given motorcycles in the coming days.

Former mayor Ashraf, Congress district interim president Ibrahim Kodijal and others were present.