In his 11th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the urgent need to address crimes against women and called for speedy investigations and strict punishments for perpetrators.
Amid nationwide protests over the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, PM said “I would like to express my pain once again, from the Red Fort today. As a society, we will have to think seriously about the atrocities against women that are happening – there is outrage against this in the country. I can feel this outrage. The country, society, and state governments will have to take this seriously”.
“Speedy investigation of crimes against women, those executing these monstrous deeds be awarded strict punishment at the earliest – this is important to instill confidence in society,” the Prime Minister said in his address to the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on the occasion of Independence Day.
PM Modi emphasised that the punishment given to perpetrators of such atrocities must be extensively discussed to instill fear among the people committing this sin.
“I would also like to say that when rapes and incidents of atrocities on women occur, it is widely discussed. But when a person of such monstrous tendency is punished, it is not seen in news but restricted to a corner. It is the need of the hour, that extensive discussion on those receiving punishment be held so that those committing this sin understand that this leads to hanging. I think it is very important to instil this fear,” he said.
A post-graduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. The family has alleged that the victim was raped and murdered. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and led to protests within and beyond the medical community.
In a strong display of support, doctors across the nation continue to protest over the murder and alleged sexual assault of a post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor, demanding justice for the victim.
PM Modi highlighted the progress made in women’s empowerment, mentioning that around 10 crore women are now part of self-help groups across various sectors. He also said that the extension of maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks for working mothers, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting women’s roles both at work and home.
Turning to the nation’s development goals, the Prime Minister urged Indians to work towards achieving ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. Drawing a parallel with the independence struggle, he said, “If 40 crore Indians could break the shackles of colonial rule, then 140 crore Indians of my family can do wonders if they take one pledge.”
(Inputs from ANI)