Government to launch special programmes for dalit women – Smt.Krishna Tirath

Publication date: 15 December 2009

Delhi , December 15,2009 18:13 IST

The Ministry of Women & Child Development will launch special programmes for the empowerment and welfare of dalit women across the country, Self-help groups of such women will also be provided more funding and training for capacity building through Rashtriya Mahila Kosh. More short-stay homes and help line services will also be arranged by Centre Social Welfare Board. This was stated by Smt.Krishna Tirath, Minister of Women & Child Development inaugurating Dalit Women’s Congress “Abhaya Jeevan” for Peace, Equity and Progress, here today.

Highlighting the problems of Dalit Women in the country, Smt. Krishan Tirath said Welfare of such women needs special attention as they have been discriminated against other sections of the society for a long. She said Government has very high priority for education, health and self-employment of such women. Though many programmes have been drafted by various ministries for this purpose. There is need to create mass awareness so that these women could come forward to take the advantage of suchschemes and programmes. She said special cell for Dalit women to investigate injustice is being set up at National Commission for Women. The Ministry also conducting study on status of Dalit women so that programmes and policies can be tuned according to the needs of these women. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has also been asked to develop a road map for welfare of children of Dalit women. The Central Adopting Resource Agency has been requested to study challenges in the adoption of these children. Mrs. Tirath expressed the hope that with the active participation of civil society, status of Dalit women will see massive change very soon.

Addressing the Conference Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Mukul Wasnik stressed on education and better health facilities for Dalit women. He said NGOs should work among the Dalit women to promote education and awareness against social evils like female foeticide and dowry. The Minister announced that by March 2010, all scavengers will be rehabilitated. Mr. Wasnik said that his ministry has successfully started capacity building programme for scavengers for self-employment.

The one-day Dalit Women’s Congress organized by the Ministry of Women & Child Development is being attended by large number of groups of Dalit women, NGOs and civil societies. The Congress will have breakout sessions on different issues related with Dalit women including economic upliftment of Dalit women, crèche, short-stay homes and help line services for Dalit women. It will also have discussion on research, innovation and opportunities for Dalit women.

NCJ/SR

http://pibmumbai.gov.in/scripts/detail.asp?releaseId=E2009PR1453

Countries: India