Monetary Incentive Policy for Remarriage of single women (widows) ceased
2010-01-20
On 13th July, 2009 (29th Ashad 2066 B.S.), the Minister of Finance announced the budget 2066/2067 B.S. (2009/2010) where there was a policy for single women (widows) which said that to encourage widow-marriage, the government will provide a grant of NRs. 50,000 to the couple within 30 days of marriage registration with the District Administration Office. From the 14 years of experience of WHR with and for single women (widows), we can say that this policy will encourage violence, torture and exploitation of single women (widows). The policy of equating remarriage of single women (widows) with money has demeaned dignity of single women (widows) and has violated the right of single women to live independent and dignified lives. This policy cannot be justifiable at all.
The delegation from WHR along with women CA members and women activists went to meet Minister of Finance, Surendra Pandey on 24th July, 2009 to submit the Memorandum but he was not positive towards changing the policy and said that remarriage will empower single women (widows). Despite repeated efforts to withdraw the policy, the government turned a deaf ear to our earnest request.
Hence, WHR organized a protest rally with at least 1500 single women on 10th August, 2009, Monday to pressurize the government on withdrawing this policy.
WHR suggested the government to come up with the policies that are necessary for single women which will help them to live lives with dignity. The government should instead remove the age bar in getting widow allowance of Rs. 500. The allowance should be given to all widows from the day they are widowed. There should be job replacement scheme for a member of his immediate family in his workplace; free education to children of single women till they complete their higher education; special health facility to single women and their children; special identity cards to receive a discount on transportation, legal services and a scheme of tax exemption if the property is passed in the name of the single women.
Single women said that this incentive of Rs. 50,000 is like putting a price tag on their head and any man could marry the single women for the sake of money. They carried placards with the slogans such as "You cannot sell mothers", "All women should be united", "We don't want government's dowry", "Withdraw this government's policy", "Remove the age bar in widow allowance".
The rally started from Maitighar Mandala to Singhadurbar. As the protest was going on, Surendra Pandey, the Finance Minister called and met with the representatives from WHR and assured to change the policy in consultation with the Home Minister by 14th August, 2009, Friday.
Women for Human Rights, single women group (WHR) filed a writ against the government at the Supreme Court for ‘Stay Order’ on January 08, 2010.
On 19th January, 2010, under the joint bench of Honorable Justice Balaram K.C. and Honorable Justice Girish Lal Karna, there was a hearing where the Honorable Judges mentioned that the government, instead of increasing access of single women (widows) to health, education and job opportunities, has encouraged dowry, hence, the judges made a decision for the ‘Stay Order’.
Now, the policy of giving NRs. 50,000 to a couple marrying single women (widows) will not be implemented.
WHR family is extremely thankful to each one of you for showing solidarity and supporting our endeavor.
