New Delhi, Jan 31 (FN Agency) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said his government is working on a ‘zero tolerance’ policy on crime against women as he called upon all the Women Commissions across the country to widen its circle and give them a new direction. “Government is working on ‘zero tolerance’ policy on crime against women. In the last seven years, the policies of the country have become more sensitive towards women. We have taken various initiatives for women’s security. Today, there is a strict law on crime against women. There is also a provision of capital punishment in rape case. Fast track courts are being established across the country,” Modi said, while virtually addressing the 30th foundation day of the National Commission for Women, in presence of Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani and other dignitaries. In apparent reference to the Prohibition of Chile Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2021, which was introduced by the government in the Lok Sabha, the PM said, “We are trying to increase the marriageable age of women to 21 years from 18 so that obstacles does not come in their studies and carrier.” India is among the countries which gives maximum maternity leave, he added.
“Today, in changing India, the role of women is continuously increasing. Therefore, the expansion of the role of NCW is the need of the hour. All the Women Commissions should widen its reach and give them a new direction,” Modi said. In the growth cycle of ‘New India’, the participation of women is continuously increasing, he observed. Talking about the ‘Padma’ awards, the PM said, “Since 2015, 185 women were conferred with Padma awards for their unprecedented achievements. In this year, 34 women have been given Padma awards for their contribution in different fields. This is a record itself.” “In the field of sports, India’s daughters are creating new records in the world. In the Olympics, they won medals. Our nurses, doctors and women scientists played an important role in the fight against Coronavirus,” he added. Mentioning about the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign, the PM said, “There is a decline in school dropout of daughters because women are themselves associated with the campaign.”
Modi also claimed that the country’s sex ratio has improved after years. “In this ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’, we have a resolution for ‘New India’. Today, the country is working on the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas. The country will achieve this target, when everyone gets equal access to every opportunity,” he observed.