Welfare of children topmost priority of Govt: PM

New Delhi, Nov 14 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today called for concerted efforts for the welfare of the children and exhorted them to realise their dreams and potential by performing well in the field of education and sports.

''Interests of the children are our topmost priority. An independent status has been given to the women and Child development department so that effective steps are taken to meet needs of the children,'' Dr Singh said while distributing National Child Awards for Exceptional Achievements here today.

Nothing that special arrangements have to be made for the look after the orphan children and the children who need special care, he urged people to give due priority to the education of their daughters.

The Prime Minister exhorted children to realise the dreams of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, whose birth anniversary is commemorated as the Children's Day. He said all children have some kind of talent and they should make efforts to realise their potential fully. He asked Children to work hard and create a name for themselves like Sania Mirza and Sachin Tendulkar.

The Prime Minister gave away awards to 29 children, in the age group of 4 to 14 years for their exceptional achievements in the fields like academics, art, culture, music, sports, etc. Awards included one gold medal for the national level award and 28 silver medals for State level awards. Besides medals, awards carry cash of Rs 20,000 to gold medalists and Rs 10,000 the to silver medalists.

On the occasion, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Renuka Chowdhury said that society and the country cannot progress until child and women welfare is given priority.

''We have to provide all possible opportunities for the development of talent of the children. National Awards are the recognition of such talent only,'' she said.

Congratulating the children on the Bal Divas, the Minister said that her Ministry is organizing, first time, Mahila and Bal Mahotsav in New Delhi which is an effort to bring happiness and joy into the lives of children, particularly the distressed and deprived ones.

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