Amartya Sen expresses concern over increasing insecurity among women

New Delhi, Feb 20 (ANI): Noted economist Amartya Sen on Saturday expressed concern over increasing insecurity among women in the country saying that empowering women was the need of the hour.

Addressing a conference here Nobel laureate Sen said: "Deprivation and violence towards women call for comprehensive re-examination of values that permeates Indian society."

Sen expressed despair about the fact that skepticism about the importance of schooling is still very common.

He reiterated that education equips the individuals with capabilities that are essential for realizing their fullest potential.

In his address Sen expressed concern over the increasing number of illiterate in women community.

According to a recently released report over 25 per cent women have not gone to school at all in India.

"Connection between basic education of women and power of women's agency are quite central to understanding the contribution of school education to human security in general," Sen said.

"The removal of survival disadvantage of women and of young girls, in particular, the reduction of child mortality irrespective of gender, and moderating influence on fertility rates are all among the basic issues involved in removing the 'downside risk' that threaten life and dignity," he added.

Addressing the seminar, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said India has to learn to look after girl children better if it has to pursue its inclusive agenda of social development.

"There is a need to provide dignity and care in the process of growing up," he said. (ANI)