Laws pertaining to women's welfare passed under my government: President Kovind

New Delhi [India], Jan 31 (ANI): Ahead of the interim budget, President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday informed that it is under the current government that various laws pertaining to the welfare of women were passed.
During his address in Parliament today, the President asserted that the current government has taken various measures to ensure the well being and security of women.
He said it is under the current government that law to give death sentence to rapists of a minor was passed.
“It is under my government’s regime that the decision to hang rapists of minors was taken. After hearing in a fast track court, some of such criminals were hanged till death. This sends a strong message to people of such mindset,” added President Kovind.
Furthermore, the government is trying to pass a law in connection with Triple Talaq for the benefit of Muslim women, he asserted.
“It is my government which is working hard to bring a law on Triple Talaq which was passed in Parliament. This will give my Muslim daughter a better life,” said President Kovind.
In order to ensure that a new mother gets sufficient time with his newborn, my government has increased the duration of maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks, he added.
To ensure that more women are independent, the government has sanctioned over Rs 75000 crore for women in Self-Help Groups.
“Around 6 crore women have got associated with Self Help Groups under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya scheme. My government has sanctioned more than 75,000 crore for such groups,” he said.
Moreover, President Kovind also emphasised on the Centre's efforts to enable women's entry in forces.
He said, "My Government is also making efforts to address the problem of gender-based discrimination faced by women in different spheres. Last year, a decision was taken whereby women officers recruited under the Short Service Commission in the Armed Forces would be considered for permanent commission through a transparent selection process just like their male counterparts. Women, who had been deprived of employment opportunities in the underground mining sector even after so many years of Independence, will now be given equal opportunity to work in this sector."
The government will be presenting an Interim Budget on Friday. The budget session will continue till February 13 and will have 10 sittings. This will be the last session of the Lok Sabha before the General elections. (ANI)