The safety of women can be a reality only if society accepts the need to have it and works together with the government, Union Human Resource Develoment Minister Smriti Irani said here today.
She said government can bring forward a legislation to end female feticide and harassement against women, but all these would become operational only if society accepts the need for women's safety.
"This will become a reality only if relation between government and society is good," she said.
Irani was speaking at the valedictory function of the 'Sthree Swabhimaan Yatra', organised by Mathrusamithy, the women's wing of Kerala Kshetra Samrakashan Samithi (Temple Protection Committee) here.
Pointing out that the NDA government has initiated many women's welfare schemes with focus on their safety, she said the initiative under 'Mudra' scheme to extend bank loans up to Rs 10 lakh to them without security would benefit women and also empower them.
Similarly, the Jan Dhan yojana for women would also ensure their upliftment, she said.
Irani also said government wanted to expand the Sthree Swabhimaan Yatra to other parts of the country.
The yatra, led by Mathrusanithy State President Prof V T Rama began at Kasargod on January 24 and culminated here today.
Former BJP state president V Muraleedharan was among those present on the occasion.
Sandali's brother Abhishek also made similar remarks
saying his father was lying dead and the injured children were pleading for help. He said the convoy of Smriti irani was on its way from Vrindavan to Delhi.
"My sister, who was present on the spot, told me that they (minister and her entourage) did come out and see but instead of helping, they got back in the car and left. On humanitarian grounds she could have helped us and saved our father," he said.
Reports from Agra said that Abhishek had filed an FIR with the police alleging that Irani ignored the victims and moved away. It was later that police took the children to hospital.
"A speeding car with registration (DL3C BA 5315), which was part of the cavalcade of HRD Minister Smriti Irani, hit a motrobike from behind on which Dr Ramesh Nagar and two children were going for a wedding party," the FIR reportedly said.
Irani's office issued a statement today in which it said that in sections of media a news story was being run regarding an accident that happened on Yamuna Expressway on late night of March 5, in which it has been mentioned that vehicle with registration number (DL 3C BA 5315 - Honda city) has allegedly hit a biker.
"It is clarified hereunder that this vehicle has nothing to do with HRD Minister's cavalcade, while it is to be noted that Union HRD Minister, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, had directed SSP, Mathura, to arrange ambulance immediately so that injured could be given medical treatment at the earliest," it said.
