The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has called for the publication of a white paper on crimes against women in the state. The Congress has asked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, headed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, to lay bare the true extent of violence, exploitation, and harassment women have faced over the past few years. This call comes at a time when reports of rising cases of gender-based violence are increasingly drawing attention from civil society, activists, and opposition parties.
The Congress’ demand for a white paper is a significant move, pushing the state government to confront a growing issue that, according to the opposition, has been swept under the rug. A white paper, which would outline the scale of the problem, the government’s responses, and future strategies, is seen as an essential step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in dealing with crimes against women.
A Growing Concern
Assam has seen an alarming rise in crimes against women in recent years. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, Assam consistently ranks among the states with the highest rates of crimes against women in India. In 2021, Assam had the highest crime rate against women, with 168.3 crimes per one lakh population—nearly double the national average. The incidents of domestic violence, sexual harassment, rape, dowry deaths, and human trafficking have all been matters of grave concern.
Speaking on the need for a white paper, Assam Congress President Bhupen Bora pointed out that the government has failed to take adequate measures to protect women despite repeated assurances. “The state government has repeatedly boasted about law and order, but when it comes to the safety of women, the statistics tell a different story. We need a transparent assessment of what is going wrong and what the government plans to do to address these issues,” said Bora.
The Congress has also accused the ruling BJP of not just failing to curb violence against women but also downplaying the severity of the problem. “The government must publish a white paper so that the people of Assam can see for themselves where the gaps are,” Bora added.
What Is a White Paper and Why Is It Important?
A white paper is an authoritative report or guide that concisely informs readers about a complex issue and presents the issuing body’s philosophy on the matter. In this context, a white paper on crimes against women would provide detailed information about the current situation, including statistical data, the government’s efforts in terms of legislation, policy changes, and law enforcement actions, as well as the areas where improvements are urgently needed.
For Assam, such a document would serve as both an assessment and a roadmap. The Congress believes that presenting this data in a transparent manner will not only raise awareness but also force the government to take responsibility for its failings. Furthermore, it would help identify the gaps in the legal and judicial systems that allow such crimes to continue at high rates.
State Government’s Response
While the Congress has been vocal in its demands, the Assam government has remained relatively quiet on the call for a white paper. However, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s administration has often pointed to a slew of initiatives aimed at improving women’s safety in the state. These include fast-tracking legal processes in cases of sexual assault and the launch of helplines for women in distress.
State officials have also pointed to the government’s commitment to enforcing stricter punishments for crimes against women, highlighting the formation of specialized units within the police force to handle cases related to gender-based violence. The administration has repeatedly cited the establishment of ‘Women Police Stations’ and the strengthening of forensic capabilities as examples of efforts being made to protect women.
Despite these initiatives, the Congress and civil society organizations argue that the ground reality paints a different picture. Reports of delayed justice, lack of proper investigations, and failure to convict perpetrators continue to haunt Assam’s legal and law enforcement framework.
Impact on Women and Society
The rise in crimes against women has led to widespread fear and insecurity among women in Assam. Many women have reported feeling unsafe in public spaces, and instances of workplace harassment have surged. The fear of social stigma and reprisal also prevents many women from reporting crimes, adding to the underreporting of violence. This vicious cycle of abuse, fear, and silence must be broken, and Congress believes that the publication of a white paper could be a vital step toward that end.
Human rights groups have supported the Congress’ demand, with several activists stating that greater transparency in the government’s handling of crimes against women is long overdue. “We need to know where the state is failing so that corrective action can be taken,” said one activist.
The Assam Congress’ demand for a white paper on crimes against women is a timely and necessary call for transparency and accountability. While the government has made efforts to improve women’s safety, the rising crime rates tell a story of systemic failures that cannot be ignored. By calling for a detailed report on the state of women’s safety, the Congress is pushing for a more comprehensive approach to tackling gender-based violence. Whether the state government will take up this challenge remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the safety and security of women must be prioritized if Assam is to truly progress.
