Budget: Govt announces Nirbhaya Fund
New Delhi, Feb 28 : Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday said the government has taken a number of initiatives and steps supporting such initiatives being taken by non-government organizations to ensure the dignity and safety of women.
In the backdrop of incidences of violence against women which challenges liberal and progressive credentials of our country, Chidambaram pledged to do everything possible to empower women and to keep them safe and secure.
Presenting the Budget 2013-14 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, the Finance Minister proposed to set-up Nirbhaya Fund.
Citing the multifarious role a woman plays as a child, a young student, sportswoman, homemaker, working woman and the mother who needs their support, the Minister announced that the government will contribute Rs. 1,000 crores in this Fund.
Chidambaram said that Ministry of Women and Child Development and other ministries concerned will work out the details of the structure, scope and the application of the Fund.
The Nirbhaya Fund for women empowerment was announced in commemoration of the Delhi braveheart who died after a fatal sexual assault in a bus and triggered a nationwide outrage against sex crimes against women.