New Delhi, Aug 14 (UNI) Budget allocation for women’s welfare and empowerment has more than tripled in the last decade, President Droupadi Murmu said on Wednesday emphasising that women are considered more than equal in the country.
Addressing the nation on the eve of 78th Independence Day, Murmu said, “The term ‘justice’, taken in the broadest possible sense, includes a variety of social factors,” stressing that two of them in particular, namely, gender justice and climate justice.
”In our society, women are considered not only equal, but even more than equal. However, they have also suffered from traditional prejudices. But I am glad to note that the Government has given equal importance to women’s welfare and women’s empowerment,” the President said.
“The budget allocation for this purpose has more than tripled in the last decade. Their (Women) participation in the labour force has increased,” she added, noting that the most heartening development on this front has been the significant improvement in the sex ratio at birth.
“A variety of special government schemes have also been designed keeping the women at the centre. Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is aimed at ensuring real empowerment of women,” the President said.
Murmu further emphasised that climate change has become a reality. It is all the more challenging for developing nations to change their economic paradigm adding, “Yet, we have already made more progress in that direction than expected.”
“India is proud to be at the forefront of humankind’s battle to save the planet from the worst effects of global warming,” she said urging people to make small but effective changes in their lifestyle and contribute to the cause of dealing with the challenge of climate change.
”Speaking of justice, let me also mention here that in adopting the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita from July this year, we have removed one more relic of the colonial era. The new code is oriented towards ensuring justice for the victims of crime instead of focusing on punishment alone. I see this change as a tribute to the freedom fighters,” the President added.
