Assam to set up Women, Child Development Agency, CM Tarun Gogoi says on Republic Day

GUWAHATI: While hoisting the National Flag on occasion of the 66th Republic Day celebrations here Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said a Women and Child Development Agency will be set up in the state for improving overall condition of the women and children.

Gogoi said, "a Women and Child Development Agency will be created to make focused efforts in order to improve the overall condition of women nd children. The civil society and the government must work together to fulfil this national goal."

He also said the government has framed guidelines for one-stop crisis centre 'Nirbhaya' for rescue and rehabilitation of women in distress.

"A state resource centre for women has been operationalised under the Women Development Council sponsored by National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW). The government has also decided to provide financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to mother of the girl child in addition to the existing provision of Rs 5,000 to the girl child," Gogoi said.

He said the government will also take up a nutrition mission to ensure sufficient nutrition levels for people, especially women and children.

"Our government is keen on the overall development of women, children, persons with disabilities, senior citizens and infirm, who need special care and intervention, and in ensuring gender equality. We can neither evade nor abandon this commitment towards gender equality, for the price of neglect will be high," he added.

The Chief Minister informed the government has already constituted the State Committee of Senior Citizens and the Senior Citizen Welfare Council, besides formulating rules for maintenance of senior citizens.