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Letter and report submitted to the Government on the Superstition Eradication Bill
A letter and report was submitted to the Principal Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt of Maharashtra, on 31st May 2007, challenging the Superstition Eradication Bill. A presentation was also made on the 21st June 2007 before the Principal Secretary.
The report introduced the research study on traditional healing conducted by the Bapu Trust. The rationale and methodology of the study, the area and kind of healing centers covered was also mentioned in the introduction.
The following points were elaborated upon as some main findings of the study:
- Traditional healing centers constitute a clear healing interface within the community. Sufferers present with a range of ailments, physical and psychological, with an express objective of seeking relief. The fact that a large section of the society regards these practices as an alternative health system is significant from a policy point of view. If we want to create a mental health system that fulfills community needs, then, understanding the role of these healing centers in healing is necessary. It is clear that formal mental institutions are providing poor quality of care and are inadequate considering the mental needs in the community.
- Research all over the world indicates the positive effects that indigenous healing practices have over physical and mental health outcomes. The nature of these rituals is different from biomedical methods. They are based on spirituality and faith, several rituals give space for catharsis for sufferers. The sufferers’ family also participate in a much larger proportion in the healing process and sufferers may derive a lot of emotional support through their participation in these practices.
- We do recognize that exploitation and human rights violations happen in this sector too and we do not have a uni-dimensional view of these practices. Undoubtedly, those involved in exploitative practices should be punished . under law. However, common law may be applied rather than creating a special law. These practices and centers are complex social phenomena and need to be studied closely before taking any legal action. Against the few exploitative healers in this sector, a large number of healers also are doing constructive healing work. Making the ‘Anti-Superstition Law’ might result in throwing the baby out with the bathwater. This should be considered by the State.
The letter also presented the perspectives expressed by healers about the proposed legal interventions in this area by the State and about their perceptions of their role in healing. Though they constitute an important stakeholder in this area, their opinions were not taken into consideration, while making the Draft Bill. This document aims to provide their perspective and proposes that the State take it into consideration.
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