Malda, Mar. 16 (ANI): UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said a law to prevent crime against women in the country will be passed soon.
Gandhi, who was speaking after the foundation stone laying ceremony of 'Ghani Khan Choudhury Institute of Engineering and Technology' in Malda, said the UPA Government at the Centre had taken various steps for the cause of women and establishing their rights.
Gandhi said the UPA Government has taken several steps for the betterment of women and to make them self-dependent.
"With a fund of around Rs. 1000 crores in the Union Budget, for the first time ever an all-women bank will be set up, which will be run by women and help women in their business ventures," Gandhi told the gathering.
"A Nirbhaya fund is also being constituted with a fund of Rs. 1000 crore. This fund will be used to protect the honour and dignity of our sisters s and daughters," she added.
Gandhi further said the government is trying to pass the 'Food Security Bill' so that the poor people of the country don't have to starve.
Gandhi, who is also the president of the ruling Congress Party at the Centre, also laid emphasis on education.
"Education is also an important sector in the growth of the nation. Our UPA Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has given special attention to technical education and education. We have also taken measures to provide proper education to kids of rural India," said Gandhi.
The UPA chairperson said the Centre has taken firm steps for the development of minorities.
Asserting that the Congress Party is fully prepared to protect the secular fabric of the country, Gandhi said 'we are a secular nation and this is our main strength and capital'.
Gandhi further said the UPA Government had adopted a slew of measures for minorities and backward classes and to protect the dignity of women.
"The UPA government is also looking at the backwards and minorities and steps are being taken to make them self-reliant. Sachar committee suggestions will be implemented and madrasas will extend special scholarships to women," said Gandhi.
"The Prime Minister's 15-point programme for minorities will be upgraded and this is being overlooked by the Prime Minister himself," she added.
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, and West Bengal Governor M.K. Narayanan were among those present on the occasion. (ANI)
