Mayawati announces schemes for women

Mayawati announces schemes for women
Special Correspondent
LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati said here on Saturday that the government would ensure the effective implementation of the Domestic Violence Protection Act, 2005 in the State. It was seriously considering the appointment of a full-time protection officer for this purpose.
Addressing a function to mark the International Women’s Day at the CMS auditorium here, Ms. Mayawati said that among the other measures proposed by her government for the betterment of women was the setting up of “mahila thanas” (all-women police stations) in each district. Online disbursement
She said online disbursement of pension to illiterate widows and old women was also being considered.
Ms. Mayawati said a hostel would be built in Lucknow exclusively for women public representatives and the annual budget of State Women’s Commission would be increased.
She said the government would take all possible measures for bettering the condition of women.
The Chief Minister laid emphasis on gender equality and stressed the women needed to be provided more opportunities to make them self-reliant.
She referred to social reformer Jyotiba Phule, who had devoted his life towards making women and girl children literate, notwithstanding protests from several quarters.
Bhimrao Ambedkar too created an awareness about the education of women.
He made efforts to ensure that women were on a par with men in all spheres.
Ms. Mayawati said the cause of under-privileged women was espoused by Bahujan Samaj Party founder Kanshi Ram. “Mahila nidhi”
Stating that her government had constituted “mahila nidhi” (separate fund for women), she said the money would be utilised for giving financial help to girl children and women.

http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/10/stories/2008031054890900.htm