The government today said, it hopes stringent provisions in the Criminal law amendment ordinance on sexual violence against women will have deterrent effect on potential criminals until a new law is enacted by Parliament.

Speaking to newsmen in New Delhi, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said, the bill will reflect the broadest possible consensus on imperatives and urgent need to have an effective law to protect women and to punish the guilty.

Mr.Chidambaram also said, no recommendation of the Justice Verma Committee has been rejected. Saying sexual violence against women is a grave issue, the Finance Minister appealed to everyone to deal with it with utmost seriousness and sensitivity.

He said, further consultation will take place on the proposed Bill which will replace the ordinance.

In reply to a question, Mr. Chidambaram said, procedural changes effected through ordinance will help quicker completion of the Delhi gang rape case.

Asked about demands for amending the Juvenile Justice Act to bring down the age limit of an offender, the minister said a consensus would have to be arrived at on it and that would require a separate bill.

He said, the government has initiated time-bound action plan to strengthen the police and administration to combat sexual crimes against women.

More women will be recruited to police force and gender sensitization of the Police force is on the anvil.

He said, strict disciplinary action will be taken against any official indulging in gender bias.

The Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari asked political parties to rise above politcal considerations and support the government's move to provide stringent punishments for crime against women.