Improve security and welfare of women: President Mukherjee to governors

13 February, 2013

Addressing the 44th Conference of Governors at Rashtrapati Bhavan on February 11, President Pranab Mukherjee urged the participants to work towards improving the security and welfare of women by bringing about a change in the mindset of the society.

Referring to the unfortunate incident of the brutal rape and death of a young woman in Delhi that shook the collective conscience of the nation, Mukherjee stressed the need to treat women with respect and dignity. He praised the government’s prompt action on the recommendations made by Justice Verma Committee in this regard.

Mukherjee asked the governors to pay special attention to Nirmal Bharat Abhiyaan which has been launched by Government of India to make all Gram Panchayats “Nirmal” along with the provision of drinking water facilities so that the villagers may reap the full benefit of improved health and better quality of life, mentioned an official press release.

He also urged the participating governors as Chancellors of the State Universities to play an effective role to promote access to higher education with equity and excellence. According to Mukherjee, institutions of higher education needed to create an enabling ecosystem, which encourages research, innovation and entrepreneurship. They need to evolve from their present role as knowledge providers to knowledge creators and promote wealth generation.

Excellence to compete in a highly competitive global society should be developed and joint efforts should be focused to build an enlightened citizenry and promote knowledge by the educational institution, he added.