Chandigarh: The Punjab State Commission for Women has summoned senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former cabinet minister Sikander Singh Maluka over his alleged objectionable remarks about women and the state government's Mukh Mantri Maawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, directing him to appear before the commission on October 23 at 11 am.
Source: Punjab Khabarnama
The commission took suo motu cognisance of a video reportedly showing Maluka commenting on the scheme — under which eligible women receive a monthly honour amount of Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500 — during a conversation with a journalist from a private news channel. A notice has been issued under Section 12 of the Punjab State Commission for Women Act, 2001, and an explanation has been sought from Maluka.
Source: Malwa News
The commission, whose chairperson is Raj Lali Gill, has also directed the authorities to conduct an inquiry through an officer of Superintendent of Police rank and submit a report by October 23. Notices have also been issued to the Punjab DGP and the Director, Bureau of Investigation, asking for an action report by October 23.
Appearance: October 23, 11 am, Punjab State Commission for Women. Inquiry: SP-rank officer; reports sought from police by October 23. Issue: alleged remarks on the Mukh Mantri Maawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana (Rs 1,000 / Rs 1,500 monthly honour amount for women).
AAP attacks Maluka, SAD yet to respond
The ruling Aam Aadmi Party moved quickly to target the Akali leader. AAP Punjab spokesperson Baltej Pannu released a video criticising the reported remarks, alleging that Maluka had insulted Punjab's mothers and sisters by suggesting the government wants to 'buy' women with the honour amount. In the clip shared by AAP, Maluka is reported as questioning what the Rs 1,000 payments mean for women's dignity — a characterisation the AAP calls derogatory and the commission is now examining.
Source: Malwa News
The remarks remain alleged: the commission's proceedings will examine the video and hear Maluka's explanation before any finding. No public response from Maluka or the SAD had appeared in the reports available at the time of publishing.
What is solid
- The Punjab State Commission for Women has taken suo motu notice of the video and issued a notice to Sikander Singh Maluka under Section 12 of the Punjab State Commission for Women Act, 2001.
- Maluka has been directed to appear before the commission on October 23 at 11 am, and a police inquiry report has been sought by October 23.
What is only claimed
- AAP alleges Maluka's reported remarks insulted women and the beneficiaries of the state scheme; Maluka's explanation has not yet been heard by the commission.