Irani stresses on society's role in women safety

Thiruvananthapuram: The safety of women can be a reality only if society accepts the need to have it and works together with the government, Union Human Resource Develoment Minister Smriti Irani said here Sunday.

She said government can bring forward a legislation to end female feticide and harassement against women, but all these would become operational only if society accepts the need for women's safety.

"This will become a reality only if relation between government and society is good," she said.

Irani was speaking at the valedictory function of the 'Sthree Swabhimaan Yatra', organised by Mathrusamithy, the women's wing of Kerala Kshetra Samrakashan Samithi (Temple Protection Committee) here.

Pointing out that the NDA government has initiated many women's welfare schemes with focus on their safety, she said the initiative under 'Mudra' scheme to extend bank loans up to Rs 10 lakh to them without security would benefit women and also empower them.

Similarly, the Jan Dhan yojana for women would also ensure their upliftment, she said.

Irani also said government wanted to expand the Sthree Swabhimaan Yatra to other parts of the country.

The yatra, led by Mathrusanithy State President Prof V T Rama began at Kasargod on January 24 and culminated here today.

Former BJP state president V Muraleedharan was among those present on the occasion.