Government has taken a number of initiatives and steps supporting such initiatives being taken by non-government organizations to ensure the dignity and safety of women. In the backdrop of incidences of violence against women which challenges liberal and progressive credentials of our country, the Finance Minister Sh. P. Chidambaram pledged to do everything possible to empower women and to keep them safe and secure.

Presenting the Budget 2013-14 in the Lok Sabha today, the Finance Minister proposed to set-up Nirbhaya Fund. Citing the multifarious role a woman plays as a child, a young student, sportswoman, homemaker, working woman and the mother who needs their support, the Minister announced that the Government will contribute Rs. 1,000/- crores in this Fund. Shri Chidambaram said that Ministry of Women and Child Development and other ministries concerned will work out the details of the structure, scope and the application of the Fund.

DSM/VK/Ombeer/27

(Release ID :92719)

Nirbhaya Fund to strengthen women's safety and empowerment through targeted government support and inter-ministerial implementation. Creation of the Nirbhaya Fund as a dedicated government contribution to finance initiatives for prevention of violence against women and to support programmes for their protection and empowerment, with the Ministry of Women and Child Development and other ministries to determine the Fund's structure, scope, application and implementation arrangements.