Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 23:
Admitting that women have an important role to play in the development of the society, Chief Minister 0 Ibobi Singh has stated that his Government strongly feels the need to constitute a State Women's Commission, besides maintaining a separate Department for Women and Child Development.
Speaking as chief guest at the inaugural function of the one-day 'Women's conference cum training programme' organized by the Manipur Pradesh Mahila Congress at the MPCC (I) office complex today, the Chief Minister stressed upon the need to empower the womenfolk of the State.
The role of women in the development of society cannot be denied and every effort should be made to improve their status in the society, he said.
Emphasizing on the various programmes and policies being pursued by the Government for empowerment of women, Ibobi said that his Ministry strongly felt the need to constitute a State Women's Commission and deliberations in this regard are underway.
He also asserted that Congress party has also supported the reservation of seats for women in the Parliament as well as in the Assemblies to enable them full participation in the decision making process.
The Chief Minister further disclosed that his Government is also considering opening up of a separate Department for Women and Child Development.
Noting the slow pace of economic development in the State, the Chief Minister maintained that the five year plan amount sanctioned by the Centre to the North Eastern States including Manipur is negligible.
As long as the plan size is determined on the basis of resources, the States which do not have any resource of its own would never be able to join the race of development.
Expressing serious concern over the danger posed by the fast spreading HIV/AIDS epidemic in the State, Ibobi called for a concerted effort to fight against the disease.