Bill to regulate acid business required to contain women violence: Home Minister

Kathmandu, July 7: A meeting of the National Assembly (NA) today unanimously endorsed a proposal to consider the Bill to regulate the business of acid and other harmful chemical substances.     

In the meeting, Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand presented the proposal seeking consideration over the Bill received from the House of Representatives along with a message. National Assembly Chair Ganesh Prasad Timilsina announced the unanimous approval of the document.     

The Minister apprised the session that the need for the formulation of the Bill was realized in view of increasing incidences of violence against women and children using acid. As he explained, the Bill aimed to find ways for containment and displacement of production, supplies and the use of such substances.     

 He said, "The incidents of acid attacks are so painful and heart-wrenching, so the production and supply of acid and other hazardous chemicals must be regulated and systematized, and the supplies, storage and use must be safe. The Bill was brought with this realisation."     

The Home Minister said easy access to the product is believed to have led to an increase in the cases of acid attacks and it must be controlled.     

 In the meeting, lawmakers demanded an Act soon to control the cases of acid attacks. The Upper House shall meet again at 11:00 am on July 12.  (RSS)