Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Nov 16: Bhavya Narasimha Murthy, president of Priyadarshini sqaud, a co-wing of All India National Women's Congress, launched Priyadarshini squad at Congress Bhavan, Brahmavar Udupi here on Thursday, November 15.
The programme organized by Udupi District Women's Congress Committee.
Bhavya Narasimha Murthy addressing the gathering said, “In order to strengthen our goal of women empowerment, the Congress party has decided to launch Priyadarshini, which a platform for women aged from 16 to 35 to become politically active. This a wing of All India National Women's Congress. This wing was inspired by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It focusses on four main policies which are education, health, safety and employment.
“As much as 63.5% of girls are dropouts from school because of various reasons. Four rape cases are reported every hour in India and 39 conviction cases against women have been reported in a survey. This is happening in families (domestic) or in public places. A child is sexually abused every 15 minutes, according to the latest government figures.
“Approximately, 70% of cases were reported about reproductive diseases due to menstrual unhygienic conditions. More than 20% of maternal mortality cases have been reported due to anaemia. There is discrimination in wages for women in India though they work as much as men. About 90% women spend their time in unproductive works,” she said.
She informed that the squad is planning to provide scholarship for poor or deprived children.
She further said, “In Udupi, we have kept a target of enrolling 700 girls between the ages of 16 to 35 years. As it is a membership drive, the state unit is expecting more numbers of young ladies to come forward. Under this platform, they will go to register college students, organise campaign for maternal mental health for women, personality development skill, and communication skill and so on.”
Nagesh Udyavar said that uniting women is today’s need. “This would be a good platform for women to be active in political sector and also to strengthen women folks.”
Adithi Shetty has been selected as district president of Priyadarshini squad, Udupi district.
Chandrika Shetty, Women's Block Congress Committee, Udupi, Roshini Olivera, district coordinator of RGPRS, Jyothi Hebbar, Sandhya Shetty, Nagesh Udyavar and others were present.
Geeta Wagle, president of District Women's Congress Committee, extended welcome.