Women, children issues should get top priority: Speaker

New Delhi, Nov 17 (UNI) Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterji today said that the issues concerning Women and Children should get top priority in policy making and implementation of programmes.

Addressing the Self-Help Groups of women across the country and the children at Vaatsalaya Mela here, he said that it was a matter of great concern that still women and children were still struggling for their rightful place in our society. He called upon the children to assert their rights and to grab all opportunities to overcome this situation.

Underlying the importance of promoting the Self-Help Groups and women welfare programmes, Mr Chatterji expressed the hope that the Women Reservation Bill will finally be passed by the Parliament during his tenure as Speaker.

He stressed the need of organizing melas and exhibitions to promote self help groups in all States and if possible, in each district.

Self-Help Groups from 32 States have gathered to display their products at Vaatsalaya Mela being organized by Ministry of Women and Child Development at Taalkatora Cricket Ground, New Delhi from November 14 to November 19.

Products by 120 Self-Help Groups and nearly 500 women range from bamboo baskets, jute bags, hand made saaris, Madhubani paintings, regional pickles and several other unique products made by rural women. All the women participating in the mela are not only producers but also trainer and coordinators of local Self-Help Groups.

Several programmes for children such as magic shows, puppet shows, on the spot competitions, bioscope, clowns and joyrides have also been arranged at Mela. Everyday more than 500 school children from disadvantage groups are coming to the mela and enjoying all the activities. Women can participate in cookery demonstrations, mehandi, rangoli, bangle-making demonstrations and shop for handicrafts and handlooms. There are free health checkups, dental and eye check ups, nutrition tips and counseling for women and children.

Cultural troupes from various states also presenting folk dances every evening with enchanting music and throbbing drumbeats.

Minister for Rural Development Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, and Minster of State for Heavy Industry Kanti Singh have also visited the mela to interact with these women groups. Other eminent persons from various walks of life are also meeting these self help groups of women Renuka Chowdhury, Minister of State for Women and Child Development visits the mela every evening.

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