Uplifting women is govt's priority: Modi

Dehgam (Gandhinagar dist), Apr 11 (UNI) The condition of women in Gujarat is a cause to worry for the state government and several initiatives are being taken for uplifting them, Chief Minister Narendra Modi said here today.

Addressing a Mahila Sammelan of 30,000 women, who had come here from four talukas of the district, Mr Modi enumerated several schemes for women welfare, notable being ''sakhi mandals'' being formed in each village and in the state capital.

He also talked about ''beti bachau'' scheme and distributed cheques to NGOs, which have been in the forefront for women welfare activities.

Saying that condition of women in the state has left a lot to be desired, Mr Modi said the government is committed to an all-round development of women both in terms of finanacial and social status.

Those present at the function included senior BJP leader L K Advani, state Education Minister Anandiben Patel and Minister of State for Industries Anil Patel. Union Textiles Minister Shankarsinh Vaghela could not make it to the function.

UNI