Kochi: Public money will be spend on the 'Women's Wall' to be organised by the ruling CPM on January 1, the state government has told the Kerala High Court. The money will be drawn from the Rs 50 crore marked to prevent atrocities against women.
The women's wall is a campaign run by the Department of Women and Child Development, the government explained. “It's just like any other programme parented and funded by the government. The government sponsors film festivals, youth festivals, and Kerala festival. It also allocates funds for the Nehru Trophy boat race and for the Kochi Biennale.
The government note goes on to explain that the women's wall is part of the empowerment of women detailed in the Governor's policy statement and in the budget. “It's not political, but to highlight issues of social renaissance and gender equality. The LDF manifesto had promised the empowerment of women. Small and big campaigns were carried out for that an year ago, but there was no criticism at that stage.”
In an explanatory note, Social Justice department additional secretary M K Leelamani stated the money allocated in the budget has to be spent during the same fiscal year.
'No compulsion'
The government said its order was amended on December 12 to remove the funding condition, and asserted it is not wasting man power for the wall. “Heads of departments were only asked to ensure participation of employees. No penalty is planned. Asking for participation from departments is not forcing.”
Court rap
Commenting on the additional secretary's explanation, the court said the government should rethink its priority on budget allocations when the state faces a calamity.
The High Court asked the government to explain whether its priority is flood relief or demonstrations. “What's more important to you, governance or politics?”
The people should feel that they are getting the priority, the court said, adding: “We do not feel the people are more worried about women's empowerment than flood relief.”
A discussion came up about the government's statement in court earlier that it was short of funds, when the court had proposed publicising government schemes for the flood-affected. “Why then do you assign priority for the women's wall?” the court asked, adding: “A responsible government should have reset budget allocations.”
Children banned
The High Court ordered that all those below the age of 18 should be kept out of the event. No school children should be drafted. After the event, the court should be informed how much money was spent and how much was taken from the budget allocation of other departments. Children should not at all be forced or encouraged to join the Wall. The permission of parents or teachers is not relevant here.
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on December 3 had said in the Assembly that public money won't be spend on the wall. “Those who lead the event and those who support it will find the required money from the people. Therefore there is no need for any government funding,” he added.
