The anti-trafficking Bill needs review

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May 4, 2020

Some elite section of the society appealed to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the bill criminalizes sex workers and transgender. They are asking for clear mention in the bill that consenting adult workers are not going to be castigated under the new law. Even sex workers are afraid that their mighty rehabilitation as per the legislation will not only displace women but also take away their source of livelihood. The government has already failed to create jobs and empower youth, this section is another big challenge. Objectors have reasoned against the moralistic nature of the ‘raid-rescue-rehabilitate’ model that the bill endorses. Sex work is not legal in India and while those in the government have accused activists of opposing the bill as a backdoor for legalizing sex work. India already has at least ten laws that together are used to prosecute trafficking crimes. This bill does not add much in terms of compensation for the victims and real rehabilitation; readings have shown that most women who are sent to rehabilitation homes from sex work return to the profession once left to their own. This is what is happening for ages.

The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection, and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018, is known as the anti-trafficking bill, is expected to provide for stringent punishment to perpetrators, after the cabinet cleared the bill. It was hopeful to see the cabinet approving the bill, but it has to be brought to both houses of the Parliament in the upcoming monsoon session without further delay. Otherwise, the election declaration would take place in few months’ time and the matter might be kept on hold till the next parliament. The government and the opposition parties should push for it immediately with what’s a so eve possible amendment required. The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, was completely based on instances where women are trafficked for forced sex and prostitution, but now trafficking is being done for other purposes, including slave work, forced labour, begging, and such and children are targeted more nowadays. The new proposed bill, which prohibits all forms of trafficking with stringent punishments and rehabilitation and preventive measures, is hence essential as there is a sense of urgency towards this in our society with the number of cases shooting up than ever before in recent past. More than 63 million women are “missing” statistically across India, and more than 21 million girls are unwanted by their families. The data, available with the Ministry of Home Affairs, shows that the number of untraced children in the country has increased by 84% between 2013 and 2015. The total number of untraced children in 2015 was 62,988 as against 34,244 in the year 2013. The number of untraced children in the country has increased by 84% between 2013 and 2015. The situation is even worst in 2018. 180 children go missing in India every day. Most may never be found. As of 2018, more than 11 thousand children have not been found in Maharashtra and 9001 remain untraced in the national capital. The reality is similarly bleak in Madhya Pradesh and Haryana, which have witnessed around 60% growth in the number of untraced children in the last three years.

The recent baby-selling scandal associated with the Missionaries of Charity in Ranchi, cases of child rape against a self-styled godman in Delhi, a nine-year-old girl raped by a Maulana in a madrasa – all point towards the involvement of religious organizations. ‘Bachpan Bachao Andolan’ had approached the Supreme Court in 2015 to get a strong judgment, which ordered all state governments and central government to compulsorily register all child homes, child care centres and orphanages to ensure that they work in a transparent manner, open to regulations and checks by government agencies. This made an impact by the number of such registered centers reaching 6,000 from a mere 800. Unfortunately, faith organizations are left loose by state governments. With frequent inspection and legitimate licensing brought for them as well, the government needs to ensure strict enforcement of the judgment. Also, faith leaders, irrespective of religion or sect, should come out more strongly to oust their followers/members, who are involved in such cases. As four children are abused or raped every hour, during the same time frame we are now witnessing eight child-missing cases. The fact that child pornography is now a 10-billion-dollar industry is a disturbing development.

According to a petition against the bill which has garnered the support of over 4,000 sex workers from the country, legal constructions of sexual services as exploitation contribute to a climate of stigma and scorn towards persons in sex work and the work itself, thus endorsing state violence and discrimination. Sex workers argued that the community had been making concerted efforts to contribute to India’s health interventions and other campaigns. Yet the bill tried to take away their right to the profession by continuing to stigmatize sex work. The ambiguous terms of the bill do not spell out such exceptions. Another point raised by transgender activists was the provision of the forced relocation of the victim to their hometown. While the relocation does not take into account the victim’s wishes or consent, it further stands to endanger the victim by sending them back to a place that they may willfully have fled.

While the prevention of bonded and enforced labour is one of the major pegs on which the amendments were made, experts claimed that the bill was anything but pro-labour. The bills did nothing to improve upon the already existing anti-labour exploitation laws. Unless three keys of labour rights – recruitment, wages, and working conditions — are regulated, forced labour and trafficking cannot stop. The bill is completely silent on these aspects. The new bill also includes child victims of trafficking. Child rights activists have raised concerns about the proposed ‘rehabilitation’ of children by institutionalizing them, a practice that has often faced international censure. Questions have also been raised about who will be responsible for these rehabilitation homes, whether it will be the Child Welfare Committee or will it be a new body. The bill also prevents women who have been rescued by the agency from deciding for themselves. It takes the victim out of incarceration, only to have others continue to dictate her decisions. It also hurts women who migrate to different places in search of work, elope with their lovers, or are fleeing violence or mistreatment at home by criminalizing those in the adult sex industry. It does not address the reasons for increased migration that leads to undocumented work in unorganized sectors such as labour and sex trade. As experts pointed out, the new law does not fill any of the existing lacunae in trafficking laws but only adds to legislative clutter. Activists and experts have called for the bill to be passed on to a standing committee for further consultation, this time including all stakeholders, before being made an Act.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

Congress will pay for Migrant Workers’ journeys back home: Congress prez Sonia Gandhi

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Afternoon Voice

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May 4, 2020

The Congress on Monday said its state units will bear the cost of rail travel for all needy migrant workers and labourers stranded at their workplaces due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown and seeking to return home.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi in a statement announced the party’s decision and said this would be the Congress’s humble contribution in standing shoulder to shoulder with these workers.

She also accused the Central government and the Railways of completely ignoring the demands made by the Congress for ensuring the safe and free travel of migrant workers and labourers to their homes.

“There needs to be provisions for the safe and free rail travel of migrant workers and labourers to their home-towns. However, despite our repeated demands, the central government and the Rail Ministry have chosen to completely ignore the same.

“The Indian National Congress has, therefore, taken a decision that every Pradesh Congress Committee shall bear the cost for the rail travel of every needy worker and migrant labourer and shall take necessary steps in this regard,” she said in a statement.

Statement Of Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi

The Indian National Congress has
taken a decision that every Pradesh
Congress Committee shall bear the cost for the rail travel of every needy worker and migrant labourer and shall take necessary steps in this regard pic.twitter.com/kxruKa0xgI

— Congress (@INCIndia) May 4, 2020

Gandhi noted that lakhs of migrants continue to walk hundreds of kilometres to reach back their homes without food, water, medicines and cash.

She criticised the Central government for not recognising its responsibility and said if it can bring back free of cost citizens stranded abroad by air, why can’t the same responsibility be shown towards the poor migrants who are considered ambassadors of the nation’s growth.

Where is Ramdas Kadam? – Hope all is well within Shiv Sena

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Afternoon Voice

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May 3, 2020

Since Maha Vikas Aghadi has come to power, Shiv Sena’s many senior leaders have maintained silence, the leaders that have given life to party during all ups and downs are asked to keep inside their shell? Ramdas Gangaram Kadam is a Shiv Sena’s very senior politician from Maharashtra. He was Member of the Legislative Assembly from Khed Vidhan Sabha constituency of Ratnagiri District, as a member of Shiv Sena. He has been elected consecutively for 4 terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly for 1990, 1995, 1999 and 2004. He was Cabinet Minister of Environment in Maharashtra State Government and guardian minister of Nanded district during 2014 to 2019. Such a tall leader is nowhere in present scenario.

Diwakar Raote, Shiv Sena leader told AV that “The Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray is taking right decisions, seniority in Shiv Sena is least important at the end we have to remain Shiv Sainik.” He hardly spoke anything about Ramdas Kadam while defending Uddhav.

On the condition of anonymity the a senior leader of Shiv Sena told Afternoon Voice, “There are many leaders who at times went aggressive with their statements are asked to maintain silence and remain at home, their roles are cut sized in the party, just because of Shiv Sena now is in alliance with Congress and NCP. These are the leaders who were not only the backbone but also always strained guns against then the opposition NCP/Congress and now in the alliance.”

We called Ramdas Kadam, to understand about present scenario, he was not available for comment. After trying frequently when our correspondent somehow reached him, he refused to comment stating, we all are happy to see Uddhav Saheb as CM. he further stated saying “Ït is not necessary that every time every leader has to speak or render statements.”

Trupti Sawant, Ex-MLA Shiv Sena told Afternoon Voice, “I also believe that there is internal party politics in Shiv Sena, many senior leaders are not taken into consideration in any of party decisions, this was not the case earlier, this will damage the party and senior leaders’ credibility in the long run. The Sena chief should look into this and resolve these differences as soon as possible. Senior and experienced leaders like Ramdas Kadam are ignored and forced to take backseat will be a bad decision for our party.”

Sunil Shinde, Ex-MLA Shiv Sena, “Ramdas Kadam is an experienced and senior leader of Shiv Sena, the party has given him many big positions and opportunities but as time goes on the party has to give chance to other members too. The Sena chief takes call on giving responsible positions in the party and will not do injustice to any member. Ramdas Kadam has played a big role in taking Shiv Sena into grass root level and we Shiv Sainik cannot deny his contributions within the party.

With departed migrants, Mumbai’s economy may get jerk

By

Vaidehi Taman

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May 3, 2020

Mumbai without migrants is just a city with no development, we cannot really sustain on the pride of soil. As the country moved towards lockdown, millions of migrants are trying to flee to their towns and villages in packed public transport in scenes reminiscent of people fleeing war. Thousands of poor city migrants whose livelihoods have collapsed due to India’s coronavirus measures headed back to their villages. It’s very much sure that these migrants will not return soon to cities. More than 90 percent of India’s workforce is employed in the unorganized sector where social security benefits and paid leave are an exception, not the norm.

Wages are low and there is little in the bank for people to fall back on. The shutdowns that now cover more than 125 million Indians will hit the poorest hard, and state protections are weak. Migrants form a large portion of this vulnerable workforce. In its 2011 Census, India counted more than 45 million economic migrants who had moved for work, the large majority of them, men. Nearly 40 percent of India’s migrants are illiterate, and the jobs they get are low paying. From a plumber to the carpenter and daily workers on construction sites to vegetable markets, these people have contributed everywhere. Without their help and services, Mumbai cannot think of being economically strong because if the work were stalled the economy would take the backseat.

Mumbai’s entire economy is based on a workforce combination of natives and immigrants. Mumbai is home to Gujaratis’, North Indians, South Indians, Parsis’, and Maharashtrians. The Gujaratis’ are essentially the moneymen of the city’s economy. Their dominance is what made Mumbai the financial capital of India. They control the city’s textile, paper, grain, and metal trades. More than 90% of the diamond merchants in Mumbai belong to this community. They are also a big part of the bullion industry and have strong foundations in the stockbroking field too. Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum is also perhaps the world’s most economically profitable slum. It houses small-scale factories that produce goods like leather bags, garments, food, toys, pottery items, and the like. It’s a complete parallel and informal economy that contributes close to USD 1 Billion to Mumbai’s yearly economic output. Let that amount sink in for a while. The poor, semi-skilled, and unskilled laborers from North India and West Bengal live here, jam-packed, 6 people in 200 square foot rooms and work away day and night and make Mumbai what it is. The public transport system is another example of immigrant contribution. Apart from the state-run BEST buses, auto-rickshaws and taxis are dominated by North Indians. Everyone in Mumbai knows the kind of mess that happens when one or both of these groups go on a strike any particular day.

Mumbai is also now home to a booming IT and healthcare industry. No one needs to explain the fact that more than 70% of nurses in most places in India are from Kerala. “Bhoomiyile Maalakhamar” is what they are called in the state and it means “Angels on earth” and it’s a befitting name and it is these immigrant women who serve the sick and wounded in the hospitals of the city and elsewhere.

The government’s handling of the crisis of thousands of migrant laborers who have been desperately trying to return home since the lockdown was imposed over a month ago is not well managed or well thought. Perhaps this is the reason they developed a phobia to return to these big cities. With no work and income to make ends meet, the workers, mostly from villages, turned restless and wanted to go back to the comfort of their own homes. While many have walked kilometres to reach home, some have even lost their lives while trying to do the same. As the government struggled to chalk out ways to make arrangements for those stranded across India, several incidents of migrant workers hiding in trains, trucks or riding bicycles to return home have been reported over the past few days. A few incidents of flash protests were also witnessed in several parts of the country, as poor workers demanded that they are allowed to travel back to their homes. As the government finally announced guidelines for the transport of stranded laborers, there have been several reports about migrants’ workers being charged for train and bus fares, while some food is being arranged by the local administrations. One should really give a thought, why this has happened to them? Who will take care of their conditions, are they just the vote banks in number, why no government thought of giving them confidence and financial support to sustain wherever they are? Can this workforce ever return to cities with so much of agony and insecurity that they left with?

Initially, it was speculated that the workers would be transported home in buses and the state government would bear the cost. Soon after this, some of them rushed to the depot only to be told they have to shell out a large sum as bus fare.

In the beginning, those who wanted to take the bus were charged a two-way fare, which led to some workers paying more than Rs 1,000 per person to travel to the northern districts of the state.

Meanwhile, the Railways that have announced the operation of “Shramik Special” trains for migrant workers and other stranded citizens said it will charge the state governments for the services. The fare would include the cost of a sleeper class ticket, a superfast charge of Rs 30, and Rs 20 for meals and water per passenger. This decision as it is an injustice towards the laborers returning home.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

Never ending HATE between Hindu and Muslims

By

Vaidehi Taman

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May 1, 2020

There is very unpleasant news these days, about the dilemma of ‘Hindus’ in Pakistan. If Muslims from Bangladesh, who are impecunious, are fleeing to India, these illegal immigrants are given every facility and privilege here. But Hindu’s in minority are treated like wasted creatures in Pakistan. BJP has been shouting on the top of their voices for Pakistani Hindu’s safety and illegal migrants to be vacated from India! These Hindus from Pakistan coming to India should be welcomed by India. Congress as usual freaking with its double standards, they are happy to protect and shelter illegal migrants for vote bank politics and no concern for Hindus in Pakistan. Anyways, the HATE between India and Pakistan will be breathing forever. Also there has been a serious attempt at increasing the HATE proportion in this country for the last one week, using the terrorist religious organizations, both from the Hindu and Muslim community! Looking at present scenario Pakistan Government should pass the motion seriously to look into the root cause- not the effect – of why Pakistani Hindus are forced to migrate and solve those issues. If Pakistan uses force to stop their migration out of country, it would only result in Pakistan’s pants further slipping downward in front of global community and lead to social and political chaos. Illegal migrants are never supported anywhere in the world other than India or some other country. There is a lot of difference what happens in Assam and what happens in Mumbai.

Why Muslims are not protesting killing of their own religion people by Muslims itself in Syria Yemen Afghanistan Pakistan Iraq, as it is okay for them if their own people kill? When non-believer kills their people, they make noise. Recently in Mumbai for no major reason some Muslim group caused the desecration. These mobs have far crossed the line by damaging Amar Jawan monument. They do not have any sense of right and wrong, it is still beyond my understanding why Indian Muslims put their religion before the nation. They possibly do not have the nation in their list of priorities. What happened after that? Just mere apologies for the Muslim leaders and warning to hooligans is not enough to solace the sentiments of fellow countrymen. Violence by anybody is equally condemnable. However, the difference is that the issues raised by them were genuine and that is why Shivsena and MNS taken together control around 20-25% vote share in Maharashtra. In contrast, what were the Muslims in Mumbai agitating about, Violence in faraway Assam or in Burma, a foreign country? They were not perturbed about lack of infrastructure in Mumbai, crowded trains, price-rise, lack of educational and employment opportunities to Muslims. All these are valid issues. Instead, they went on a rampage on a issue totally unconnected with Mumbai. The Maharashtrian populace bears the burden of guilt for allowing them to be led over the cliff by scandalous governments. It is truly alarming that nothing causes outrage among the common people any more. A mass uprising and a rise in awareness is what is needed among the dormant middle class, to get the state and its politicians to be accountable to the populace.

I am not saying Hindus have never created any violence; look at recent incidences in Delhi but it was always a reaction for action by other communities. But A Hindu protest does not include hoisting the Pakistani flag or desecration of the Army Memorial. Another reason for their protest was ill-treatment of Muslims in Myanmar. So, burn policemen here in protest? It was the ordinary policeman who took a bullet to stop Kasab. It is time the pain of our ordinary heroes is also understood. These events are not happen spontaneous, there is a clear-cut plan, and more often than not you will see the source finally leads to organizations that come from neighbor land. Friction between Hindus and Muslims in India is not new but the changing face of terror is a matter of concern. There are certain preparatory to maintain the HATE between these religions to grow.

During partition, many Sindhi who was angry with Mahatma for giving their birthplace to Pakistan did not want to come to India and all migrated overseas and most of them are wealthy. Many Sindhi who came to India is also well to do. The ones stayed in Pakistan got the whipping. They paid terribly for their grandfather’s misjudgment. Pakistan’s fanatic mentality is not going to change ever. Hindus and Christians should run from Pakistan if they want to see light in their lives. Life is short. The world is too big. Why choose to live in a hell-like Pakistan. All these check post stoppings is a drama. In their hearts, they want minorities to leave the country who do not want to convert. Tears were streaming down people’s faces as they stepped off the Samjhauta Express recently here in India. Whether they were tears of relief on feeling safe on Indian soil or pain on being compelled to leave what was once his homeland, one couldn’t tell. Hindus are in real trouble in Pakistan, especially in upper Sindh and Balochistan. It is suffocating, so many decided to leave Pakistan forever and move to India after selling their house. Enumerating the reasons why many Hindus feel unsafe in Pakistan is Forcible conversions, atrocities, kidnappings, extortions — it is all happening and that is why Hindus their want to migrate. There are many who want to come to India from Pakistan. Bur Muslims in India is treated here with special constitutional rights. I am forced to say Muslims who choose to live here should definitely show their good intentions/deeds as India’s citizens. And not join Pakistan’s college unions and parties the minute they leave India. However, we all know that most of India’s Muslims are good honest folks, as happy or as miserable, as poor or as rich as similar Hindus. The condition of minorities in India is far better than any other country in the world. Compare the situation of minorities in Burma, China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, France, etc and etc with India. India is great; it has been a great example of Humanity for thousands of Years. It saved religion and life of paresis of Iran. It gave shelter to Tibetans. You and We should proud to be a part of this Great Country. If you look at Burma, majority is killing Muslims. In China, fast during the Ramzan period has been ban for Muslim government employees and Students. Pakistan, Persecution of Hindus and Sikhs. Afganistan: same is happening also in Afganistan. In France women cannot wear Hizab. We all know in India everyone is free to practice any religion. Our Country does not pressurize anyone to do or don’t any religious rituals. It is our responsibility to respect all those things that we got from our country.

Islam is a religion where nonbelievers are called kafir… and any person coming from a religion other than Islam are nonbelievers. All Pakistani political parties are characterized by an intense hatred for non-muslim minorities. Hindus are soft targets in Pakistan. Once Hindu has gone it will be difficult for the follower of the evil cult to give up the habit, they will change the target to another section. It’s better for Hindus to migrate to India in bulk and see peacefully the destruction of an evil cult. It will be destroyed sooner than anyone can think of. Seventy years of Independence but still out fellow Indians facing the heat of partition.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

Government allows Intra-state traveling for stranded people

By

Afternoon Voice

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May 1, 2020

The state government relaxed some lockdown norms and permitted stranded students, migrants, tourists, pilgrims and other citizens for inter-district and inter-state travel. The permissions will, however, come into effect from Saturday. Those traveling back home from Maharashtra will, however, have to go through a health check-up, follow the sanitization guidelines, and undergo a 14-day quarantine if required. Meanwhile, there are also around a few thousand workers from Maharashtra who are stranded in Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, while more than 500 students from the state are stranded in Delhi. Meanwhile, the state has already sent 72 state transport buses to bring around 1,800 students stuck in Kota in Rajasthan

Home minister Anil Deshmukh said, “Stranded migrants, students, pilgrims, and other people will be allowed to travel inter-district by seeking written permission in due format”.

The notification has given powers to district collectors and the director of the disaster management unit to grant permissions to all those stranded in the state to travel outside the respective districts, where they are currently stranded by following the guidelines, related to the Covid-19 pandemic. Several migrants have been left in the lurch since March in cities such as Mumbai, Thane, and Pune, after the nation-wide lockdown came into effect.

Kishoreraje Nimbalkar, secretary, relief and rehabilitation said that permissions would be granted by collectors if any individual or family approaches or writes to him/her, only if he/she finds the reasons stated satisfactorily.

The notification will also pave way for the traveling of more than 5.7 lakh migrant workers who have been staying in the shelters camps across the state. “We will give them the permissions, but the responsibility of arranging the transportation will not be taken,” said an official from the state government.

The cancer has claimed many lives in India

By

Vaidehi Taman

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April 30, 2020

The cancer deaths in film industry started from Nargis Dutt, Bollywood’s successful and dearly loved heroine and Sanjay Dutt’s mother, Nargis lost her life to cancer, and in last two-day cancer took two more lives of Irrfan khan and Rishi Kapoor. Recently, the news regarding actress, Sonali Bendre was over hyped, her getting admitted from hospital to various haircuts, the cancer journey was hitting every day headlines, but somehow, she and Liza Rey survived of it. Others were not very fortunate, there have been many artists who have not only suffered such a threatening disease but have survived as well. There are few unfortunate cases in which the celebrity lost the battle against cancer.

Sonali Bendre informed her fans through social media that she is suffering from a ‘’high grade cancer’’. In this disease different parts of the body don’t work properly and it grows more rapidly than common cancer. Liza Ray, Actor-model, was diagnosed with blood cancer but she fought the cancer quite bravely and today she is mother of beautiful Kid. Famous actor, Manisa koirala was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when she was forty-two years old. Nonetheless, she didn’t give up and went to New York for her treatment and won the battle. Later in 2015, doctors gave news about her complete recovery. She recently played the role of Sanjay Dutt’s mother in movie ‘Sanju’.

Whereas Rajesh Khanna, the first superstar of Hindi cinema, was diagnosed with cancer in 2011. After fighting a yearlong battle with cancer, he lost the battle of life. Another famous filmmaker and actor of Indian film industry; Feroz Khan embraced the lap of death at the age of 69 due to cancer. His last wish was to stay at his Bangalore’s farmhouse during the last days of his life. Vinod Khanna, Bollywood’s legendary actor, lost his life last year while fighting the disease. He was suffering from bladder-cancer. Pictures of his last days at hospital went viral on social media in which he looked feeble and weak.

In last two days Irrfan khan, Bollywood’s versatile heartthrob, also took on to social media earlier this year and informed his fans that he is suffering from a ‘’ neuro-endocrine’’ cancer. It is an intestine related malady, and is considered one of the parlous types and Rishi Kapoor, veteran actor known for legendary work in films succumbed to cancer.

One in every 10 Indians will develop cancer and one in every 15 will die of the disease, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said in a report, highlighting the perils posed by the illness. According to the study, India, with a population of 1.35 billion, witnessed as many as 1.16 million new cancer cases and 784,800 cancer deaths in 2018. Breast cancer, oral cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer and colorectal cancer most common types of cancer in India, which together accounted for 49% of all new cancer cases. the celebrity cases hit the headlines but people with no name fame, die silent death without any mention or hype.

Cancer patterns in India are dominated by a high burden of tobacco-related head and neck cancers, particularly oral cancer, in men and of cervical cancer in women; both of these cancer types are associated with lower socioeconomic status. The burden of cancer types, such as breast cancer and colorectal cancer, associated with overweight and obesity, lower levels of physical activity, and sedentary lifestyles is increasing and these cancer types are associated with higher socioeconomic status. During the past two decades, India has been one of the world’s best performing and most stable economies, and this economic development has given rise to vast socioeconomic changes, with an increasing risk of non-communicable diseases, including cancer. WHO has also warned that the world may witness a 60% increase in cancer cases over the next two decades if the current trend continues. The greatest increase–an estimated 81%–in new cases will occur in low- and middle-income countries where survival rates are currently lowest. This is largely because these countries have had to focus their limited health resources on combating infectious diseases and improving maternal and child health, while health services are not equipped to prevent, diagnose and treat cancers. If people have access to primary care and referral systems then cancer can be detected early, treated effectively and cured.

WHO highlighted a wide range of proven interventions to prevent new cancer cases. These include controlling tobacco use (responsible for 25% of cancer deaths), vaccinating against hepatitis B to prevent liver cancer, eliminating cervical cancer by vaccinating against HPV, screening and treatment, implementing high-impact cancer management interventions that bring value for money and ensuring access to palliative care including pain relief.

At least 7 million lives could be saved over the next decade, by identifying the most appropriate science for each country situation.

With lot of medical evolution, death rates declined for 11 of the 19 most common cancers among males, while the rate remained stable in 4 of these cancers and increased in 4. In particular, the rate remained stable in prostate cancer and increased in oral cavity and pharynx cancers, soft tissue cancers including heart, brain, and other nervous system, and pancreatic cancer. The death rates declined for 14 of the 20 most common cancers among females, including lung and bronchus cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer (CRC). The death rates increased, however, for cancers of the uterus, liver, brain, and other nervous system. Oral cavity and pharynx cancer death rates remained stable in females.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

#RIP Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor – The two icons of Hindi cinema passed away a day apart

By

Afternoon Voice

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April 30, 2020

Just when the nation was yet to come out of the shock of Irrfan Khan’s departure; next day there was another shocker of losing legendary actor Rishi Kapoor. Both were strong souls, they both fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to them.

Irrfan Khan was battling with rare cancer, he took life soon after as it came and he fought the many battles that came with it. Surrounded by his loved ones, his family for whom he most cared about, he left for heaven abode, leaving behind truly a legacy of his own.

Irrfan Khan was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in March 2018 and flew to London for treatment. The actor finally returned to India September last year and soon bid good-bye.

The actor, who died at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, was buried at the Versova graveyard around 3 pm in the presence of his family and friends such as directors Tigmanshu Dhulia and Vishal Bhardwaj. The numbers were restricted in view of the nationwide lockdown.

Rishi Kapoor, evergreen heartthrob, passed away at 67 in Mumbai on Thursday.

‘He remained jovial and determined to live to the fullest right through two years of treatment across two continents.’ said his family.

The actor, who had charmed his way into millions of hearts with his scintillating debut in 1973’s ‘Bobby’, had been ailing for a while. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2018, he underwent treatment in New York for almost a year. In September 2019, he returned to India but was rarely seen in public since.

Rishi was a member of the famed Kapoor acting dynasty and was at the pinnacle of his career in the 1970s and 80s.

Rishi Kapoor was cremated at Chandanwadi Crematorium in Mumbai around 4 pm on Thursday. His son Ranbir Kapoor led the hearse carrying the late actor.

Rishi Kapoor and Irrfan Khan were seen together in Nikhil Advani’s ‘D-Day’. Rishi played Iqbal Seth aka Goldman; an underworld don modelled on Dawood Ibrahim while Irrfan played undercover RAW agent Wali Khan in the film.

Speaking about working with Rishi on the film, Irrfan had in an earlier interview with a leading magazine stated: “My cousin is his ultimate fan, though I have watched all his movies. I never thought I had it in me to be a Rishi Kapoor. He is hot liquid. He has worked on cultivating his craft so well and he is one of those stars you never have enough of, even if he is doing the same thing, movie after movie. I think that’s what makes his second innings so spectacular. He doesn’t have to be a star anymore, so he is having a blast being an actor.”

Adultery and Legal Aspects

By

Afternoon Voice

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April 29, 2020

Adultery, Adv. Pratibha Bangera, Pratibha Bangera, Supreme Court, Family Courts, FNQ, F&Q Role of evidence in adultery while spouses continue to suffer humiliation due to staying marriage partners. Adv. Pratibha Bangera, practicing lawyer at family court throws light on this topic.

Q. What is adultery in legal terms

A. Fidelity is not an ingredient for marriage however if either spouse has sexual intercourse outside the marriage, the cheated spouse can apply for divorce on grounds of adultery. It is not a punishable offence anymore where previously only a paramour of the wife was punishable if found guilty. The wife could not have the same relief of seeking punishment for the mistress of her husband. This was reducing the dignity of the wife to be property of her husband, hence the same was repealed. It was also held unconstitutional as it violates right to privacy.

Q. Are there various categories of adultery in marriage

A. Adultery is when sexual intercourse or penetrated sex is established. Although spouses do make allegations of being emotionally hurt, being betrayed due to online exchange of sexual chats and also paid sex however in legal terms adultery is now only a civil court remedy and a ground for divorce if spouse has sex outside marriage.

Q. What about maintenance to an adulterous person in family court?

A. Maintenance is denied to an adulterous spouse and customary laws and the special marriage act gives the respondent a chance to oppose or refuse to pay maintenance if his or her spouse is found guilty of” living in adultery” with another person and has voluntarily chosen to leave the matrimonial house or refuses to live with the spouse for no sufficient cause. However, a mere allegation is not sufficient to oppose the maintenance application.

Q. What about custody of children when the parent is having adulterous relationship

A. The child’s welfare is considered to be of paramount importance even if it is with a parent facing adultery allegations and while deciding such cases other circumstances are also considered whether the child was deserted or neglected and physical safety and health of the child is also taken in consideration. Also, criminal record of the spouse can weaken the custody option in the interest of child welfare.

Q. Can phone recording or sex chat history or tape recordings be given as evidence in court to establish adultery

A. Lot of people waste their money to engage detectives and also pay for hidden camera devices to get proof of adultery but in court, there is a stage of admissibility of evidence and source of such evidence has to be legally acquired. If such evidence is due to unethical hacking of device or obtained through malicious spyware which is violating the information technology Act, the provider of such evidence will be liable for punishment under such act which also includes phishing of text, video, audio or image.

Q. What about photographs taken in public places or in vehicles or scooter

A. To establish adultery it is necessary to establish the sexual act which has to be established beyond doubt not just mere pictures which may or may not lead to adultery. Also, photographs can be denied or morphed unless it is supported with timely RTI commissioners report verifying date and time of such premises where the photograph was taken along with supporting hotel bookings where such adulterous act would have taken place or reservations made in joint names for a single room. Even then to establish sexual intercourse may be a challenging job. As a rule, the court will not infer adultery from evidence of opportunity alone unless it is accompanied with a high degree of probability. Evidence of adultery has to be clear and definite and allegations have to be proved beyond reasonable doubt.

Q. What about trial and evidence based on statements of witnesses

A. Witnesses examination may be upto discretion of trial court where it may take into consideration and allow such deposition provided it is substantiated with satisfactory proof and if these allegations are not proved or the case fails there can be a counter defamation case filed for falsity of such allegations.

Q. In which type of circumstances can court then establish adultery

A. If spouse is found with stranger in sexual act or juxtaposition supported with medical examination in a municipal hospital upon complaint taken up by police or if there are hotel bills confirmed with RTI commissioner report or admission of spouse through letters exchanged or child born out of the marriage consortium or failure by spouse to defend against such allegations.

Q. Are there any reconciliation that happen after adultery is established between spouses

A. While most spouses overlook single instances of adultery these days, it is also seen that several marriages continue inspite of finding proof of adultery but matters start to fail if the spouse repeatedly continues to cheat in the marriage leading to an eventual breakdown of marriage as such adulterous relationship may take a toll on marriage. While the spouse continues to feel hurt after stumbling upon sometimes intended and sometimes unintended disturbing phone calls or emails or chats.

– Adv. Pratibha Bangera

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Overcrowding of prisons, staff shortages, poor training & administrations across states

By

Vaidehi Taman

-

April 29, 2020

Indian prisons have 17% more prisoners than their full capacity. Some prisons have more than double its capacity. When social distancing is key to breaking chain of infections, this kind of overflowing occupancy is a matter of grave concern. Sanitation facilities in prisons are terrible. Maharashtra government has released 601 inmates from 37 prisons in the last few days to reduce crowding in view of the coronavirus outbreak. A total of 104 prisoners were released in the western region, 113 in central, 145 in south and 239 in east. These are from Central as well as district prisons. In the eastern region, 86 prisoners were released from Nagpur Central Jail, while in the western region, the number was 51 from Yerawada Jail. Mumbai Central Jail released 68 prisoners. These overcrowded jails are vulnerable to many factors including coronavirus outbreak.

Indian prisons are known for overcrowded inmates.

The sanitation facilities inside jails are horrible. Prison authorities need to ensure that inmates maintain six feet distance between each other. The authorities need to work out a plan. Having no plan to protect the prisoners from contracting novel coronavirus will be a violation of human rights.

As on December 19, the Tihar Jail had an inmate population of 17,534 while its capacity is 10,026. Maharashtra too faces a similar threat. The state has also proposed to release over 5,000 inmates, besides proposing to make COVID-19 tests mandatory for all new inmates.

Mumbai’s Arthur Road jail, which houses 3,231 inmates against a capacity of less than 1,000, has set up 20 isolation cells for sick prisoners. The high-security Yerwada Jail in Pune has 5,569 inmates and 18 kids (born inside prison). Government may take any security measures but tension remains. Haryana has also asked prison authorities to come up with a block-wise timetable relating to food and other services to prevent overcrowding. Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Maharashtra and Ladakh have identified vulnerable groups of prisoners like aged prisoners with respiratory diseases. They are given special attention. Rajasthan and Jharkhand are decongesting prisons by transferring prisoners to other, less congested prisons.

In Kerala, prison authorities are educating their inmates about the novel coronavirus and are asking them to remain conscious and cautious about their surroundings. On March 16, the Supreme Court directed all states and Union Territories to submit written replies on steps that are being taken to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus among prisoners and juveniles. On March 23, it suggested that prisoners convicted of or charged with offences involving jail terms of seven years or less could be considered for being released on parole or interim bail. Some prisoners who had been released from the Arthur Road Jail had approached private NGO’s that the living conditions at the jail are vulnerable. There is a serious question of violation of human rights at the jail. When more prisoners are accommodated than its capacity, prisoners are treated inhumanely. They suffer from health problems and the food served is pathetic. The prisoners at the jail are suffering from acute mental stress due to bad living conditions.

As per the Right to Information (RTI) data sought by the NGO, 2,844 prisoners were lodged at Arthur Road Jail on May 25. The next day, the number of prisoners increased to 2897. On May 27, the number increased to 2,819. On May 28, the number of inmates at the jail was 2,809, while on May 29th it was 2,797. On May 30, there were 2,779 prisoners, while on May 31 there were 2,766 inmates. Most prisons in India have vacancies greater than 20%. And the bigger, more populated heartland states post figures that are way higher.

India’s prisons are understaffed by at least 33 per cent with the highest vacancies found at the officer and correctional staff levels. This has increased the workload of the staff and is having an impact on the ‘correctional’ aspect of imprisonment. The findings are part of the India Justice Report 2019, an initiative of Tata Trusts.

According to the report, the nationwide prison occupancy rate stood at 114 per cent as of 2016. On any given day, there are over 400,000 prisoners in India. Much of this overcrowding is due to the presence of ‘undertrials’ – people in custody awaiting investigation, inquiry or trial – who constitute nearly 68 per cent of all prison inmates. For every convict, India has two undertrials in its jails.

The report says that overcrowding of prisons, staff shortages at all levels – officers, cadre staff, correctional staff, medical staff and medical officers – low salaries, poor training and long hours characterise prison administrations across states. Nationally, on average, vacancies ranged from 33 per cent to 38.5 per cent. These vacancies rose by 10 per cent between December 2012 and December 2016. With the exception of three states and Union Territories, all others registered high levels of vacancies in 2016.

The Model Prison Manual, 2016, has suggested one correctional officer for every 200 prisoners and one psychologist for every 500. Nationally, as of 2016, this ratio stands at one welfare officer per 2,033 prisoners and 21,650 prisoners for one psychologist. At the cadre level, as of 2016, only 15 states met the benchmark of six inmates per cadre set by the manual.

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