Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Mar 8: International Women’s Day jointly organised by woman and child development department and Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat was inaugurated by district in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai here at zilla panchayat on March 8.

B Ramanath Rai in his inaugural address said, "In our society women are looked with utmost respect. There have been repeated efforts to create atrocity-free society for women. I would not say atrocities have been completely abolished, but they are on the decline. Socially sidelined people should be given social and political power. That is the reason government has bought reservations to women. We all have to strive in making a society which is atrocity-free. More women welfare organizations have to be formed in this direction.

"History shows that whenever women are given any responsibilities they do justice to them with utmost commitment and sincerity. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is the best example who bought maximum social reforms and regulations in the society during her tenure. Education will only empower women. So women welfare organisations have to guide women and create awareness on need of education for women. Use the opportunities given to you effectively and utilise them to the maximum," Rai added.

MLC Ivan D'Souza said, "Previously the society was known to be male dominated but now it is women dominated. Women have proved and made their mark in every field like education, politics, social service or many other fields. Government has framed many laws to stop the atrocities on women. The women welfare organisations have to make efforts in strengthening women by guiding them. They have to be supported to pursue education thereby make them independent and self dependent. Let us all work towards making this society a best place for women."

Best Anganwady workers for the year 2013-14 were honoured at the occasion.

Deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim, Mangaluru north MLA Moideen Bava, advocate Anitha Kini, president of Sahana counselling centre, Shehnaz M and others were present.

Udupi: Government is taking measures to make women self reliant – Vinay Kumar Sorake

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi ( HB/EP)

Udupi, Mar 8: “The Karnataka government is bound for women's empowerment in social, educational and economical spheres”, said Minister Vinay Kumar Sorake.

Speaking in a celebration of Women's Day and inaugurating exhibition of products manufactured by women entrepreneurs held in the town hall he said that the reservation in political administration sector is increased from 33% to 50%. Women are able to face modern challenges on their own through self help groups. The funds to the groups have been increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000. Loans up to Rs one lac were lent earlier at 6% interest. The amount is increased to Rs 2 lac which is free from interest. It is decided to lend loans to women entrepreneurs from Rs 5 lacs to Rs 50 lacs at 4% interest through KSFC . The RTC of the house will be made in the names of women in order to create strength and self confidence among them, he said.

Women's police stations will be opened in all the district centres in order to prevent violence against women. There are one such police station each in Kundapur and Udupi. District Mahila Mandala Okkoota president Sarala Kanchan presided over the programme. Women's and children welfare department Deputy director Gracy Gonsalves welcomed. Veena conducted the programme.