Ensure freedom for women: CM Kejriwal on Independence Day

New Delhi: Deploring the “tendencies to shield” sons of politicians involved in crimes against women, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday called for a swift and certain judicial apparatus to tackle such cases. Referring to the recent Chandigarh stalking case, Mr Kejriwal advised the political leaders to keep their “errant sons” indoors instead of imposing restrictions on women.

During his 14-minute Independence Day address at the Chhatrasal Stadium, Mr Kejriwal said that the state governments should ensure freedom for women instead of imposing restrictions on them. A politician’s son, guilty of such crimes, should be awarded double the punishment as stipulated in statute books, he said.

“Son of a very influential leader was recently caught for committing crime against women. Another leader commented that women should not enture out at night. I wish to slap that leader,” Mr Kejriwal said, adding that such politicians should instead keep their sons indoors if they can’t keep them under control.

“The most important thing in such cases is deterrence. There should be certainty and swiftness when it comes to punishment. Now when a politician’s son commits any such crime, the entire system comes together to shield him,” he said.

The Delhi CM said many countries, which got Independence after India, have raced ahead in terms of development as they invested more in education. “We have been in government for the last two years. I derive the greatest satisfaction from our work in the education sector. We are in a way bringing revolution in the education sector. Poverty can be eliminated if we sincerely educate a generation,” he said. 

In the backdrop of nine deaths inside the city’s sewers within a month, the CM vowed to abolish the contractual system in certain areas like sanitation. He requested the BJP and the Congress to desist from politicking over the issue. He also urged lieutenant-governor Anil Baijal not to create “hurdles” in abolishing the “exploitative” system.

The CM warned contractors of action if they do not “mend their ways”. “We will abolish contractual system in areas that require regular employment throughout the year. For example, sanitation workers are required to do their job through the year. We will abolish contractual system in regular jobs. However, we will not change this system in areas of temporary employment,” Mr Kejriwal said.

He also said that his government had recently increased minimum wages by up to 37 per cent, which is the highest in the country.