Pawar calls for empowering rural women

Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Oct 28: Union Agriculture Minister and NCP president Sharad Pawar today stressed the need for empowering rural women in the larger interests of the country. Speaking to reporters at the government circuit house here, Mr Pawar said, ''We cannot leave out half of the country's population to do only house-hold work. The women are capable of handling every situation. So let us give them a chance through the bachat gats' movement''.

The movement, launched in Maharashtra mainly by NCP workers, would help empower the women folk in rural areas. Mr Pawar was in the city in connection with the youth wing meet of the state unit of NCP.

He claimed that though party activists were taking active part in propagation of the 'bachat gats', the movement remained non-political. He said the movement would enhance confidence among the women-folk.

While supporting the Nuclear deal between India and the US, Mr Pawar said, ''The country is facing energy shortage of 25,000 megawatt and we have the option of nuclear power to deal with the situation''. He said decks are likely to clear for the deal by November 16 when the UPA government and left parties meet to discuss the issue.

Mr Pawar reiterated that the Congress-NCP poll alliance would continue in Maharashtra. NCP state leader Vinayak Mete was also present at the briefing.

UNI