NEW DELHI, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- The local government in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh approved death sentence for child rapists on Sunday, officials said.
"Madhya Pradesh cabinet today approved death sentence for rape convicts in the cases involving minors of 12-year-old and below," a local government official said. "The cabinet was chaired by the state's Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Bhopal."
The government believes that the move will help curb rising crimes against women and children in the state.
Local Finance Minister Jayant Malaiya said a resolution that advocates death sentence to gang rape convicts has also been passed.
"The amendment in penal code to increase the fine and punishment for rape convicts was also approved by the state cabinet," Malaiya said.
Sexual attacks on women and girls in India puts a question mark on their safety and efficiency of police force in the country.
In December 2012, a fatal gang rape of a medical student in New Delhi brought spotlight on crimes against women in India.
The incident saw huge protests and resulted in new anti-rape laws in the country. However, brutal sexual attacks against women continue to be reported across India.
