Farhat Tasneem represents the dynamism and aura that can be achieved by only few personas as she is considered to be reputed legal luminary of our part of the world. The first female secretary law, justice & parliamentary affairs of J&K
Farhat Tasneem shares her journey of success with The Kashmir Scenario in an exclusive talk with Shreen Hamdani and Nuzhat Bashir.
Tell us a bit about your early life?
I have done B.A Honors in English literature. I believe in hard working and have been placeholder since childhood. After completing my Honors, I joined law department for three years. I qualified KAS in 1984 but my goal was IAS.
What motivated you to join legal world?
I had craze for studies and was interested in debates and seminars. I always put question and queries to my teachers and search if 2+2=4, and how? I would say at last, that the desire and feeling of getting into administration was inborn.
How has your professional journey been so far?
I have worked as Legal Assistant, Deputy Secretary, Additional Special Secretary, Director Litigation Jammu, Secretary Human Rights Commission, and Research Officer in Law.
It is good until now but one thing I am unable to understand throughout my long working experience. Why is there discrimination in our society? I will tell you honestly. I would have become law secretary four years earlier but could not. All that you have to face is male dominated field.
Any hurdles you have come across through your service?
Apparently, no such hurdles but on promotion time I could feel discrimination. Our society needs to get reformed in a positive direction. Opposite sex should change their mindset and try to understand that women are holding two duties. They ought to be treated with some relaxation in every field.
Who is your role model?
My mother is my role model. You will not believe she is illiterate but she is behind my success and she passionately supported female education. She wanted women to excel in every field. After marriage, success lies in my husband’s cooperation.
How has been your husband’s cooperation in your life?
My husband has been supportive through all evens and odds. It is because of his support that I managed to look after my children and office. He is secretary Labor and Employment and we often discuss relevant problems.
What is your take on recently suggested anti-rape bill and amendments made to it?
Anti-rape bill and its amendments depend on some parameters that include minimum 20 years in jail, which may extend up to the convict’s natural life in jail or death by hanging. No hospital whether private or public can deny treatment to a rape victim. Such a denial could result into jail term of one year.Secondly, doctors have to treat victim and report immediately. Police has to register file. Moreover, question session will be taken only once from victim during investigation.
Is this Bill applicable to AFSPA also?
AFSPA is for security purpose. Look rape is atrocious act and no matter who the convict is, be it a civil or army person. Both are liable to punish under this Anti-Rape Bill.
What is your message to the Women of Kashmir?
I would like to convey my message to females. Work with dignity and keep your honor, nobody can stop you from achieving success. I want more women to come forward in every field and in administration as well.