Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday said that we must reflect on the problem of gender equality since women and girls represent half the population and our society has not been fair to this half.
“We must reflect on this problem, which occurs in all states and regions of the country, and which requires greater attention by both the Centre and the States,” Singh said during the meeting of the National Development Council to consider the draft Twelfth Five Year Plan.
AFP
He said that keeping in mind the recent Delhi gangrape, the government has decided to review present laws and examine the levels of punishments in cases of aggravated sexual assault.
He said that the country cannot achieve inclusive growth without having women participating in it.
“There can be no meaningful development without the active participation of half the population and this participation simply cannot take place if their security and safety is not assured,” Singh said.
Read the full text of his speech here
