Zero tolerance to crime against women

President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said the new government will initiate steps to modernise security forces and ensure there was “zero tolerance” to terrorism, extremism, communal riots and crime against women.

Addressing the first joint sitting of Parliament, Mukherjee said it is unfortunate that even after several decades of Independence, sections of minority communities continue to suffer from poverty, as benefits of government schemes do not reach them.

Mukherjee said it is committed to providing 33 per cent reservation to women in the Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies.

Outlining the Modi government's priorities, Mukherjee said under a new campaign“Beti Bachao - Beti Padhao” (save daughters, edcuate daughters), the government would  launch a mass campaign for saving the girl child and enabling her education.

With the country witnessing some gruesome incidents of violence against women, Mukherjee said, “The government will have a policy of zero tolerance for violence against women, and will strengthen the criminal justice system for its effective implementation.”

Mukherjee said keeping in mind welfare of people belonging to the SCs, STs, OBCs and the weaker sections of the society, the government will take steps to create an enabling "eco-system of equal opportunity" in education, health and livelihood.

Railway modernisation 

Mukherjee also promised modernisation of Railways with the help of private investment and announced the diamond quadrilateral project for high speed trains to connect the four metros. 

The project was part of the BJP’s election manifesto. The term diamond quadrilateral project is inspired by the golden quadrilateral project for highway network connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. It was a flagship project of the Vajpayee government.  

The President also assured modernisation of rail safety system. The announcement is part of the government’s agenda of stressing on speedy development of infrastructure.  

“The government will chalk out a infrastructure development programme to be implemented in the next 10 years.”