Govt committed to zero tolerance for violence against women

New Delhi, June 9: In the backdrop of rising incidents of rapes and gangrapes, the government on Monday affirmed its commitment to a policy of zero tolerance for violence against women and also resolved to provide them 33 per cent reservation in Parliament and state assemblies.

"In the recent past, the country has witnessed some gruesome incidents of violence against women. The government will have a policy of zero tolerance for violence against women and will strengthen the criminal justice system for its effective implementation," President Pranab Mukherjee said in his address to the Joint Sitting of Parliament which outlined the vision of the new government of Narendra Modi.

He said his government recognises the important role women play in the development of society and growth of the nation. The BJP-led NDA government also chose the occasion to affirm its support to women reservation bill, which lapsed following dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha. While the bill seeking to provide 33 percent reservation to women in Parliament and state Assemblies was passed in the Rajya Sabha in March 2010 amid unusual pandemonium and after the use of marshals to evict the protesting MPs, it could not see the light of the day in Lok Sabha.

My govt recognises the important role that women play in society, said Pranab

Mukherjee said the government is committed to providing 33 per cent reservation to them in Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies. The government also promised to launch a mass campaign for saving the girl child and enabling her education.

"With a commitment of 'Beti Bachao - Beti Padhao', my government will launch a mass campaign for saving the girl child and enabling her education. It will structure a comprehensive scheme, incorporating best practices from states in this regard," Mukherjee said.

PTI