The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee laid the foundation stone of ‘Nirbhaya Bhawan’ the permanent headquarters of National Commission for Women today (June 11, 2013) at a function at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that since it was established in 1992, the National Commission for Women has distinguished itself through its sincere initiatives for the rights, dignity and development of women in our country. It has been widely recognized and appreciated for the pivotal role that it has played in the empowerment of women in India. It is therefore, only appropriate that the Commission, after 20 years of service dedicated to the cause of Indian women, should finally have its own permanent headquarters. He added that once installed in its own premises, the Commission would be able to create a better infrastructure for its work, augment its capacity for outreach and also significantly enhance its functional efficiencies.
The President said that the Government of India is committed to equality and justice for all citizens – especially the marginalized – as envisaged in our Constitution. He said that women have played and aspire to play a pivotal role in shaping the socio-political and economic development of our country. He stated that the National Commission for Women has been rendering their support for increased participation of women in the democratic processes and the general up-liftment of women in India.
The President stated that a greater sensitization of society to the need to accord due respect of women is required. Only when our ancient civilizational values of treating women with respect and dignity are formally embraced by us, can we consider ourselves a civilized society. He said that his appeal was to ensure that adequate social awareness is created on women’s rights and against the evil of barbaric acts of violence and atrocities against women and children, such as those witnessed in the recent past.
Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Smt. Krishna Tirath, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Women and Child Development and Ms. Mamta Sharma, Chairperson, National Commission for Women.