BUDGAM, June 15: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today noted that women have to play a key role in combating social evils like female foeticide and drug addiction.
“While attending other socio-economic problems the society is confronted with, women have to divert special attention for checking female foeticide and drug addiction,” Omar said after launching the ‘UMEED’ programme for women empowerment with Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi.
The women groups to be organised under ‘UMEED’ have a special role to play in eradicating these evils, he added.
Omar observed that these menaces, if not checked in time, will pose some serious concerns before the state in the days to come.
Omar thanked the Centre for the Rs 750 crore grant for the programme, and assured all support on his behalf for its success.
The Chief Minister sought further speedy addressing of various issues related to interests of the state at the Central level.
He lauded women of the state for actively participating in empowerment programmes, and said by contesting on all 33 per cent seats reserved for them in panchayat polls, they have showed how they want to equally contribute to the development of the state. (agencies)