Setu affidavit had scientific basis: Renuka

Gwalior, Sep 22 (UNI) Union Minister of State for Woman and Child Development Renuka Chaudhary today said the Ram Sethu was linked with the nation's pride but the Centre's related affidavit, submitted in the Supreme Court, had a scientific basis.

''Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's statement on the Sethu was consonant with a citizen's Freedom of Expression as part of the democratic process. Therefore, no related debate is warranted,'' she told mediapersons here.

Regarding the Bharatiya Janata Parties demand of the resignation of Union Culture Minister Ambika Soni over the affidavit, Ms Chaudhry shot back, ''what if the BJP has said so? What difference does that make?'' The Centre is probing a report alleging that children were being smuggled into Gujarat from Madhya Pradesh and forced into child labour. Forty trucks, which were being used for the crime, were seized. Her ministry was also forming a National Commission of Child Rights, she added.

''An Integrated Child Scheme will ensure a secure life, health and education for kids until they attain the age of 18 years,'' the Minister said.

Accusing the Madhya Pradesh regime of making anganwadi workers do more than their scheduled tasks, she said that imposing a fine would be contemplated and added that the government was renaming central schemes.

UNI