Members of the Planning Commission on Monday discussed steps to end gender-based inequalities, discrimination and violence against girls and women, including the act of female foeticide, during their meeting with a visiting French delegation, which was led by French Minister for Women's Rights and Government Spokesperson, Najat Vallaud-Belkacem.
During the discussions Planning Commission member, Dr. Syeda Hameed, expressed the Central Government's serious intent to end the errant practice of female foeticide and the resultant skewed sex ratio in the country.
"Planning Commission supports various programmes taken up for this purpose. The 12th Plan recognizes that trafficking of women and children is a gross violation of human rights. The Government will intensify its efforts to prevent trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation," Hameed assured.
Meanwhile, the leader of the visiting delegation, Najat Vallaud-Belkacem threw light on how the French Government tackled problems relating to women in their country, and stressed on the importance of the strict implementation of laws.
Planning Commission Secretary, Sindhushree Khullar and other senior officials of the commission also participated in the discussions.
During the visit, the French delegation has taken keen interest in the Indian planning process, and has attached significant importance to the issue of women and children.