Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has described acid attacks on women as a blot on a civilised society and called for societal action against the perpetrators.
“The State government will take quick and stern action against the perpetrators, but society will have to help in preventing these incidents,” he said at a function here on Sunday to distribute Rs. 3 lakh each to acid attack victims and Rs. 1 lakh each to 40 winners of the Rani Laxmibai Bravery Award, including 20 women gram pradhans. He also opened the web portal of the Rani Laxmibai Mahila Samman Kosh (fund).
Mr. Yadav said additional aid would be given to acid attack victims on receipt of medical reports. “There will be no shortage of money for their treatment.”
He said the Rani Laxmibai Mahila Samman Kosh was constituted, in a short span of time, to empower women and promote their economic self-reliance. Arrangement has been made for providing financial help to the victims of crimes against women and facility for their treatment. Mr. Yadav said members of the public can also contribute to the Mahila Samman Kosh.
Stating that the Samajwadis favoured empowerment of women, Mr. Yadav said security and honour of women were a priority. “The 1090 women powerline service launched by the State Government has provided security to women, the confidence of women in the service has increased”, the Chief Minister added.
The gram pradhans were honoured for the successful implementation of government programmes and helping in the empowerment of women in panchayats. The other women and girls were honoured for acts of bravery and women empowerment.
