India has made notable strides in recent months with several key amendments to laws concerning women’s rights and gender equality. These changes reflect an evolving understanding of gender issues and aim to strengthen protections and support systems for women. Here’s a detailed look at the latest amendments:
Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act, 2024
Enhanced Domestic Violence Protections: The Criminal Procedure Code has been updated to bolster protections for victims of domestic violence. This includes streamlined legal procedures for obtaining protection orders and stricter penalties for violations. The changes also ensure that cases of sexual offenses are managed with heightened sensitivity, requiring specialized training for law enforcement and legal personnel to better support victims through the judicial process.
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2024
Broader Coverage and Stronger Redressal Mechanisms: The revised Act extends its protections to a wider array of workplaces, including those in the informal sector and smaller enterprises, ensuring comprehensive coverage for women across different employment environments. It also enforces more rigorous standards for Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs), providing clearer guidelines for addressing complaints and resolving cases of sexual harassment at work.
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (Amendment), 2024
Expanded Definition and Support Services: Recent amendments have broadened the definition of domestic violence to include economic abuse and coercive behaviors, facilitating easier access to legal remedies for various forms of abuse. Additionally, the Act increases funding for shelters and counseling services, enhancing support systems available to survivors of domestic violence.
Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2024
Extended Leave and Introduction of Paternity Leave: The Maternity Benefit Act now offers extended paid maternity leave—36 weeks for the second child and up to 52 weeks for the first child—to support maternal health and child development. Furthermore, a new provision introduces 15 days of paternity leave, recognizing the role of fathers in early child-rearing and providing support to mothers.
Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 (Amendment), 2024
Stronger Enforcement for Equal Pay: The amended Act enforces stricter measures to ensure equal pay for equal work. Employers are now required to submit detailed reports on pay structures, and non-compliance will result in significant penalties. The Act’s scope has also been expanded to include additional sectors and job categories where gender pay gaps are prevalent.
Women’s Reservation Bill (2024)
Increased Political Representation: The latest amendment introduces a provision to reserve 33% of seats in both national and state legislative bodies for women. This landmark change aims to enhance female participation in political decision-making and ensure a more representative and equitable political landscape.
Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Act, 2024
Harsher Penalties and Awareness Campaigns: The amendment to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act increases penalties for those facilitating or participating in child marriages. It also mandates awareness campaigns to educate communities about the detrimental effects of child marriage and promote gender equality.