NCW conclave in Delhi, furore in Kerala: ‘Centre forcing Hindi’

A workshop organized by the National Commission for Women in Delhi has sparked controversy in Kerala, with women legislators boycotting the event due to the exclusive use of Hindi. Chief Minister V D Satheesan of Kerala accused the central government of "forcing Hindi at a national conclave and intimidating delegates from non-Hindi speaking states," violating the constitutional principles of unity and diversity.

The two-day workshop, held on September 7 and 8 at Taj Surajkund Resort, saw eight United Democratic Front legislators walk out, citing the lack of provision for English sessions. Kerala's Minister for Labour, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, Milk Co-operatives, and Women & Child Development, Bindhu Krishna, expressed disappointment, stating that the event could have been conducted at the BJP office and that the NCW had failed to address the concerns raised by the legislators. Despite the NCW chairperson's promise to investigate the issue, no action has been taken so far.